Double Check your Prices when booking with a TA

[Joeychgo]

I just had this happen to me.

 

I had checked the carnival website and figured out which cruise and cabin we wanted. I went onto our TA's website to actually book. I cant name it here but its known for cheap cruises. (hint)

 

As I'm booking through the TA on the phone, I notice at the end, their price is $160 higher then what Carnival's website showed for the same cabin.

 

I called the TA back and got the price fixed. Apparently, Carnival gave me a special rate that the TA didn't pick up on for some reason. Luckily, I got it all fixed and saved the $160

 

So, always double check the price with the Carnival website and make sure your getting all the specials you should. Make sure your logged into the carnival website with your VIFP # as well.

[facepirte]

If you went all the trouble of going through Carnival for prices why not just book there instead of going to a second website to book?

[Joeychgo]

I don't know -- I've just always booked with this TA. But I've been wondering the same thing lately.

[facepirte]

Hahaha fair enough

[CarnivalPlatCruiser]

That's actually not possible... Carnival has what is called "Level Pricing" which means the price has to be the same through a TA as it is directly through Carnival.

[Joeychgo]

That's actually not possible... Carnival has what is called "Level Pricing" which means the price has to be the same through a TA as it is directly through Carnival.

 

I thought so too. I was eligible for some special Casino Rate pricing or something that the TA for some reason didn't know about / have initial access to.

 

Either way, I know its possible because I just had it happen.

[CarnivalPlatCruiser]

Perhaps they didn't give Carnival all the info (military, state of residence, VIFP status, etc). Cause your TA has the same access to any special discounts that you can get directly.

 

 

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[Joeychgo]

Perhaps they didn't give Carnival all the info (military, state of residence, VIFP status, etc). Cause your TA has the same access to any special discounts that you can get directly.

 

 

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Quite Possible - who knows. The point it -- double check!

[irishnyc]

Quite Possible - who knows. The point it -- double check!

 

I think the bigger point (or lesson learned) is that there's really no reason to book with a TA, especially if it's just an online one that you don't personally know or get something special out of using. ;)

Edited November 22, 2014 by irishnyc

[Joeychgo]

I think the bigger point (or lesson learned) is that there's really no reason to book with a TA, especially if it's just an online one that you don't personally know or get something special out of using. ;)

 

Well, I'm not necessarily a loyal Carnival customer. So prices for other lines can be cheaper.

 

Oh, and there's already been a price drop. Another $40 off

Edited November 22, 2014 by Joeychgo

[mrneil001]

Yea, I agree with the others. There is no advantage of going through a TA nowadays. I purchased my Freedom cruise directly through Carnival and when I decided to upgrade, it was a very easy process. I have an upcoming cruise next week that I purchased through Discover Card's TA (to get 5% back), and its been a bit cumbersome having someone act as a middleman for me.

[UpstateCruizer]

I don't know -- I've just always booked with this TA. But I've been wondering the same thing lately.

 

 

I used to use an online agency to book my cruises back when Carnival allowed ta's to compete and offer lower prices or OBC. When ES came along the site that used to compete became a hassle since they could no longer offer a better deal. If I'm giving control of my booking to a TA I want something more than what Carnival can give me. Sure there are people that love their TA and may get some strawberries or a few cookies as a gift but it's not worth it to me to have to go through someone else for price drops.

 

Are you gaining anything extra from your TA?

[Casco Bay Kid]

We always book direct. Less channels to go through.

 

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[sunlite]

I got $100 OBC for booking with TA. (so 10 free drinks or free 1 person gratuity) everything else was the same as far as price.