Book thru TA or RC?

[RavensFan2011]

Booked our Oct Oasis cruise through Royal Caribbean, but now wondering if better deals available through travel agents?

Don't have a TA & haven't yet tried the on-line travel sites.

Thoughts?

Experiences?

[sojodave]

I'm not sure how this happened, but we started to book on RCI.com and got a price. Decided to call a TA and we saved $450 off the RCI.com price. We only got $100 OBCredit, but it was practically for the same state room. Your mileage may vary.

[Clarea]

You would need to shop around, but some travel agents give perks such as OBC, free insurance, fre specialty restaurant, etc.

 

You have 60 days to transfer your booking to a TA. When you talk to a TA, ask about any cancel or change fees, and if they will lower your price if Royal's price goes down.

[beachluver9]

We have done cruises both ways. The TA that has the best pricing (that I am aware of) also adds their own $100/pp non-refundable cancellation fee, so unless I am 100% committed to the cruise then I just book direct.

[m*u*g*]

Travel Agent. Even if same price since they have direct access to RCI and can handle any requests or issues directly. Plus they can set-up our insurance and usually have a better plan for a little less than we can get on our own with the same company.

[dani negreanu]

My online TA offers group discounts (I'm not aware of the "group"), free grats for booking an OV and above, agency discounts, etc. Since my Anthem booking in November, there were 3 price drops - got them all. Also the WOW 200$ OBC was applied when I called, so I've saved almost 1000$ since I've booked:D

[huckster]

The best prices are with a TA that books a group well in advance. You can a lot over the going rates if you are slightly flexible in your sailing dates.

[sailor05]

Here's a good starting point if you're still looking for an online TA

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/shipshop/

Edited April 15, 2015 by sailor05