Should I transfer my booking to TA?

[cruz chic]

I believe most rational people, myself included, believe in your philosophy. There is a line that's crossed, however, when you "milk" a salesperson for information and assistance and have no intention of making the purchase from that person. This is not the case here but it does happen.

 

Yes, exactly. Thank you for summing it up. I'm surprised that a few posters have struggled with this.

[summersigh]

Since our extended land tour in Europe 10 years ago we always use a TA for all major travel arrangements. (boats, trains, planes)

I do have to say that on cruises we always choose the specific cabin we want based of requirements we've set for cabins that work for us. We don't do guarantees nor do we choose to be offered upsells because of the specific cabin choices we make. She matches OBC the cruise line offers.

 

From the time of booking we're in total control of our cruise - once we have our booking number (TA gives us that at the time we book) we book excursions and indulgences and specialty restaurants if desired.

 

She knows to request the wheelchair boarding assistance DH needs. Within 30 minutes of an email from me she'd taken care of a price drop for us. She makes final payment for us after an email letting us know it's time. When we had to cancel a cruise after final payment because of a health incident for DH she took care of filing all of the insurance paper work for us.

 

For us it's more the idea of somebody having our back is comfortable. Perhaps when we were younger (we're both retired) we'd have done things more on our own but for now it's comforting to know help is a phone call away.

[cruz chic]

Since our extended land tour in Europe 10 years ago we always use a TA for all major travel arrangements. (boats, trains, planes)

I do have to say that on cruises we always choose the specific cabin we want based of requirements we've set for cabins that work for us. We don't do guarantees nor do we choose to be offered upsells because of the specific cabin choices we make. She matches OBC the cruise line offers.

 

From the time of booking we're in total control of our cruise - once we have our booking number (TA gives us that at the time we book) we book excursions and indulgences and specialty restaurants if desired.

 

She knows to request the wheelchair boarding assistance DH needs. Within 30 minutes of an email from me she'd taken care of a price drop for us. She makes final payment for us after an email letting us know it's time. When we had to cancel a cruise after final payment because of a health incident for DH she took care of filing all of the insurance paper work for us.

 

For us it's more the idea of somebody having our back is comfortable. Perhaps when we were younger (we're both retired) we'd have done things more on our own but for now it's comforting to know help is a phone call away.

Just for the sake of clarity, you can't choose to not get upsells. You can choose to not be upgraded. I'm assuming that's what you mean. On every UPSELL I've taken I've chosen my cabin.

 

To me, everything that you have listed here I can easily do myself with little effort (except the wheelchair as I have no experience). That said, if it's comfortable for you to do things that way, it's none of my concern.

Edited December 29, 2014 by cruz chic

[mainelycruising]

Its a personal decision. If the HAL rep spent time making your reservations, provided worthwhile advice and gave good service, then, essentially, giving his/her commission to a TA would present ethical problems for me.

 

HAL reps are not on the same commission as TAs. They are salaried/paid hourly. They represent the cruise line, and not the passenger. They are not independent of the cruise line.

 

HAL saves paying any commission (minus the cost of the rep) when you book direct. That 12-15% is not deducted from your cruise fare.

 

A TA gets paid that commission to serve you. You also have the added benefit of their errors and omissions insurance. A sort of protective buffer between you and HAL that actually benefits you - and your TA.

 

TAs are there to serve your interests in a way that the cruise line can - will - not.

 

TAs can access the same fares/rates as reps. They are not 'out of the loop'.

 

It is up to you to choose.

[cruz chic]

HAL reps are not on the same commission as TAs. They are salaried/paid hourly. They represent the cruise line, and not the passenger. They are not independent of the cruise line.

 

HAL saves paying any commission (minus the cost of the rep) when you book direct. That 12-15% is not deducted from your cruise fare.

 

A TA gets paid that commission to serve you. You also have the added benefit of their errors and omissions insurance. A sort of protective buffer between you and HAL that actually benefits you - and your TA.

 

TAs are there to serve your interests in a way that the cruise line can - will - not.

 

TAs can access the same fares/rates as reps. They are not 'out of the loop'.

 

It is up to you to choose.

 

That is your interpretation of a ta. For some it is not reality. I've had several TAs over the year and they have varied between lying and being totally lazy. I do much better on my own. So for me they are out of the loop.

[Cruising.Lovers]

In all fairness to the good travel agents, there are some good ones out there that will go the extra mile for you, they are keepers, it's not always about cheapness and by no means am I rich, some travel agents will give you additional perks that you won't get from the cruise lines

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[cruz chic]

In all fairness to the good travel agents, there are some good ones out there that will go the extra mile for you, they are keepers, it's not always about cheapness and by no means am I rich, some travel agents will give you additional perks that you won't get from the cruise lines

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

 

Yes, I totally agree with you. The impression that I get from posters on this board is that EVERY ta is like this. It's simply not true.

[summersigh]

Just for the sake of clarity, you can't choose to not get upsells. You can choose to not be upgraded. I'm assuming that's what you mean. On every UPSELL I've taken I've chosen my cabin.

 

To me, everything that you have listed here I can easily do myself with little effort (except the wheelchair as I have no experience). That said, if it's comfortable for you to do things that way, it's none of my concern.

 

You seem quick to correct and demean. No ... it's probably not your concern that I choose to do something comfortable for me. I am the sole caretaker for my DH who's has health problems that 70% of folks that have it don't even last long enough to get treatment. :( I shoulder large amounts of responsibility for his care and all of the chores for the daily running of the household. I do all the bills/banking and all the driving.

Should it be a sign I'm slack when I might want to actually arrange a cruise with a minimum effort on my part for a change? I certainly could do the cruise stuff but, for once, it's nice to have someone do something for ME. :confused:

 

So sorry too about the word choice on the upgrading/upsells. It appears that when booking we choose no upgrades it also puts us off the upsell offer list.

[iancal]

We have dealt with some great TA's.

 

We often search out and find a good in country TA where we plan to travel. We connected with a first rate TA in South Africa who not only understood exactly what we wanted but also provided product/services at a much lower cost that we could get from any local agents where we live. The beauty of Skype and email!

 

Over time we have found that there are some TA's, some tour operators, some cruise lines etc. that take financial advantage of people who book to distant places with different languages, customs, etc. It was true of our Africa trip and even more so with an aborted trip to South America.

Edited December 30, 2014 by iancal

[cruz chic]

You seem quick to correct and demean. No ... it's probably not your concern that I choose to do something comfortable for me. I am the sole caretaker for my DH who's has health problems that 70% of folks that have it don't even last long enough to get treatment. :( I shoulder large amounts of responsibility for his care and all of the chores for the daily running of the household. I do all the bills/banking and all the driving.

Should it be a sign I'm slack when I might want to actually arrange a cruise with a minimum effort on my part for a change? I certainly could do the cruise stuff but, for once, it's nice to have someone do something for ME. :confused:

 

So sorry too about the word choice on the upgrading/upsells. It appears that when booking we choose no upgrades it also puts us off the upsell offer list.

 

I think you are confusing yourself with me. None of my posts have been demeaning although I've found many, many of yours to be that way. Quick to correct? Is there a time that is proper to wait after someone posts something incorrect? Should it be left incorrect? When I post something in error I'm happy if people correct it. I don't want to be giving out the wrong info. There is no need to explain why you use a ta. That is up to you. We all have issues to deal with. I'm quite sure no one here has an easy life. The insinuation I don't appreciate is that using a ta is the ONLY way to go. If you don't use one you're and idiot that likes to throw money away.

Edited December 30, 2014 by cruz chic

[CowPrincess]

You seem quick to correct and demean. No ... it's probably not your concern that I choose to do something comfortable for me. I am the sole caretaker for my DH who's has health problems that 70% of folks that have it don't even last long enough to get treatment. :( I shoulder large amounts of responsibility for his care and all of the chores for the daily running of the household. I do all the bills/banking and all the driving.

Should it be a sign I'm slack when I might want to actually arrange a cruise with a minimum effort on my part for a change? I certainly could do the cruise stuff but, for once, it's nice to have someone do something for ME. :confused:

 

So sorry too about the word choice on the upgrading/upsells. It appears that when booking we choose no upgrades it also puts us off the upsell offer list.

 

I'm sorry you felt the need to defend your choice. If I was caring for a disabled relative, I'd be getting the best TA that I could find, and relying on that person to look after the "stuff", too. As long as you are comfortable with your decision, it really doesn't matter what anyone else does, does it?

 

I'm one who doesn't use a TA. I dislike having a middle-man too. But if it works for you, great. I'm glad you can offload something (travel arrangements) to someone (your TA). Being sole or primary caregiver is exhausting work.

[Cruising.Lovers]

Yes, I totally agree with you. The impression that I get from posters on this board is that EVERY ta is like this. It's simply not true.

 

 

Cruz chic, I'll let you in on a little secret that I've learned about cruising and to date I have 15 sailed and 7 booked. Most of the time I will call the cruise line and book with them and use one of my future cruise certificates I then proceed to call my (ex) travel agent and let him take over the booking, most of the time he will throw in an additional 250.00 OBC and a bottle of wine, and that's it, he would never call me with price drops or chances to upgrade and this is the reason he is my EX-travel agent. I just booked through a new travel agent I met on facebook and she is wonderful, she monitors all my bookings and notifies me with changes, there you have it, one bad TA and one good TA

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[cruz chic]

Cruz chic, I'll let you in on a little secret that I've learned about cruising and to date I have 15 sailed and 7 booked. Most of the time I will call the cruise line and book with them and use one of my future cruise certificates I then proceed to call my (ex) travel agent and let him take over the booking, most of the time he will throw in an additional 250.00 OBC and a bottle of wine, and that's it, he would never call me with price drops or chances to upgrade and this is the reason he is my EX-travel agent. I just booked through a new travel agent I met on facebook and she is wonderful, she monitors all my bookings and notifies me with changes, there you have it, one bad TA and one good TA

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

 

The thing is that you have a lot more TAs that will discount etc in the USA. I totally believe that the TAs are more "hungry" in the USA then in Calgary. The economy has been relatively good here so I think it breeds laziness in people that have that tendency to be that way. I've worked with the rank and file in agencies and I've dealt with managers. The manager is the one that told me the lie. I'm sufficiently damaged that I'm no longer willing to trust any ta. When I've been burnt several times I've learned I don't want to burn myself again. I've got about 35 cruises under my belt so this wasn't a quick decision for me. I've stayed with TAs far longer than I should have. I think it's great whichever a way a person goes. I just get tired of hearing over and over from a couple of posters how people that book direct are wasting money. It's tiresome.

[Cruising.Lovers]

Example of my new experience with a TA, PCC and TA with CAS, same cruise same balcony cabin

PCC (with cruise line) 950.00 Pp plus tax, 25.00 obc

TA, 950.00 pp plus tax, 75.00 obc

CAS, 450.00 pp including tax, free casino drink card,12.50 pp obc

How can this be so????

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[cruz chic]

Example of my new experience with a TA, PCC and TA with CAS, same cruise same balcony cabin

PCC (with cruise line) 950.00 Pp plus tax, 25.00 obc

TA, 950.00 pp plus tax, 75.00 obc

CAS, 450.00 pp including tax, free casino drink card,12.50 pp obc

How can this be so????

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

 

That's crazy pricing. I don't know how they can do that. That said, I booked a cruise with princess. I thought it to be a reasonable price at just over $1300 single supp for a lower level balcony. Last week the price went down to $950 single supp. That is stupid cheap pretty much like you are describing. My choice was cancel after final and be about $200 richer. What I ended up doing is getting the top level balcony because it was a hassle that I don't want to deal with to cancel and rebook. For me money isn't always the biggest driver. The ta can't be making money off that price. They must be trying to build clients.

[summersigh]

I think you are confusing yourself with me. None of my posts have been demeaning although I've found many, many of yours to be that way. .

 

really??? :rolleyes:

[Cruising.Lovers]

I like NCL and most of my 2015 were comped cruises for an inside cabin midship, I pay the upgrade difference and I still save between 600-800 dollars, I use that money in the casino to keep my rating and book another free cruise when I return home, here's an example, I paid a total of 1800.00 for 2 people Ina balcony with CAS, called my TA CAS for an upgrade, got a Haven Spa Suite for $660.00 total cost, go figure, plus the cruise was over booked, it was during the thanksgiving break!

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[cruz chic]

I like NCL and most of my 2015 were comped cruises for an inside cabin midship, I pay the upgrade difference and I still save between 600-800 dollars, I use that money in the casino to keep my rating and book another free cruise when I return home, here's an example, I paid a total of 1800.00 for 2 people Ina balcony with CAS, called my TA CAS for an upgrade, got a Haven Spa Suite for $660.00 total cost, go figure, plus the cruise was over booked, it was during the thanksgiving break!

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

 

Nice, sounds great. I think I would like to try Ncl at some point. I appreciate your input on this subject. Thx.

Edited December 30, 2014 by cruz chic

[Cruising.Lovers]

Nice, sounds great. I think I would like to try Ncl at some point. I appreciate your input on this subject. Thx.

 

 

I think you should, great food, great people, beautiful ships

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[Hlitner]

The thing is that you have a lot more TAs that will discount etc in the USA. I totally believe that the TAs are more "hungry" in the USA then in Calgary. The economy has been relatively good here so I think it breeds laziness in people that have that tendency to be that way. I've worked with the rank and file in agencies and I've dealt with managers. The manager is the one that told me the lie. I'm sufficiently damaged that I'm no longer willing to trust any ta. When I've been burnt several times I've learned I don't want to burn myself again. I've got about 35 cruises under my belt so this wasn't a quick decision for me. I've stayed with TAs far longer than I should have. I think it's great whichever a way a person goes. I just get tired of hearing over and over from a couple of posters how people that book direct are wasting money. It's tiresome.

 

Tiresome...but simply quite true. Those of us that continue to post this type of info are simply informing the many CC readers (I think its over a million folks) who might be interested in saving money. Those who have no interest in saving money (sometimes thousands of dollars on longer cruises) can simply ignore the posts and move on to the next post or thread.

 

Hank

[cruz chic]

It's not the message, it's the way it's delivered. Cruising lovers delivered the message perfectly without being condescending.

[Cruising.Lovers]

Let's go back to the original post, " Should I transfer my booking to a TA"

 

I just booked a cruise by calling HAL directly. I have the transfers and hotels set as well. In the past, I have booked with and without a TA. Is there a reason to transfer my booking to my TA? I really like her, but she wasn't avaialble when I made the decision...two days ago. I didn't want to wait.

 

Apparently the poster needed to make a quick decision and wasn't able to get in touch with his TA so he took it upon himself to make the booking now the question is should he turn it over to a Travel Agent,

My answer is NO, you did the work with HAL personnel and the credit should remain there!

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

[Hlitner]

Funny but we see the OP in a different light. If transferring the booking to a TA (or cruise agency) would result in the cruiser getting additional perks (such as OBCs) then it seems like a no-brainer. But if there is no financial/perk advantage to the transfer then why bother.

 

Hank

[doublebzz]

Example of my new experience with a TA, PCC and TA with CAS, same cruise same balcony cabin

PCC (with cruise line) 950.00 Pp plus tax, 25.00 obc

TA, 950.00 pp plus tax, 75.00 obc

CAS, 450.00 pp including tax, free casino drink card,12.50 pp obc

How can this be so????

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers

 

Please tell me what "CAS" is.

[Cruising.Lovers]

Please tell me what "CAS" is.

 

 

My pleasure to tell you that CAS means Casinos At Sea aboard NCL ships. If you cruise and gamble on any of Norwegian cruise ships you should register at the casino and have them track your plays (rate your plays). My wife and I enjoy some time in the casino, she's a penny slot player and I like the crap table, depending on your play you can be comped cruises and only pay taxes and port fees, sometimes if your play isn't so great they still offer you 20% off your cruise but you can only do this through CAS

 

 

Mike & Beth, Cruising.Lovers