Travel Agent Perks with O Life Benefits?

[paylady]

We booked our first cruise directly with O. As I think about booking 2016, I'm wondering if it would be advantageous to book with a travel agent.

 

My question: The cruise I'm interested in offers O Life benefits. What perks should I expect from a travel agent?

[ronrick1943]

We booked our first cruise directly with O. As I think about booking 2016, I'm wondering if it would be advantageous to book with a travel agent.

 

My question: The cruise I'm interested in offers O Life benefits. What perks should I expect from a travel agent?

 

You'd except the same, but other perks and OBC that a good TA will give you. The higher your cabin or suite the more you should get and don't settle for anything less. For a PH you should get no less than $400 OBC and more should you book a lager suite.

Rick

[DaisyUK]

I notice a lot of talk on these boards about TA OBC. Our TA gives us no OBC, but does give us an 11% discount on O's prices. Does the OBC that so many of you talk about replace the discount, or is it in addition to this level of discount?

[cbb]

Your travel agent can be your advocate if a problem develops between you and O.

 

Mine talks to O people and can get answers and results that I often can't.

 

Why wouldn't you want someone in your corner if you're having trouble getting someone's attention?

[paylady]

Thanks for the advice.

[wripro]

Especially since it's not costing you a penny more to use a TA. A good TA is like travel insurance, invaluable when you need him/her.

[canuck.qc]

My experience with a cruise booked back in march with a large online TA.:

I received equivalent to 10% in OBC's by the TA. Recently I asked the TA to book the OLife pkg. at $300.p.p more. He emailed to say I would no longer get my OBC's, that it was a 'group' booking and it could not be combined with OLife.....I did not understand how there could no longer be $$$ for OBC's. Same cabin same details etc....now you have it now you don't?

I let TA know how this was very disappointing, and finally after 2 weeks they let stand the initial OBC's along with the OLife pkg.

I think a TA can get more perks than booking direct. When O offers various discounts, before final payment, a good TA should help you obtain them. In my case I had to complain. I might have to shop around for a new TA, I did not like the hassle. Being CDN every $ counts!

[Hawaiidan]

Booking direct is the equal of going to a car dealer and paying full list price, Purchasing a home for the ask for price, or going to a casino and letting them place your bets as they see fit. Or waiting till things are not onsale to buy.

 

A good agent will get you advantage and opportunity far more than the company will. credits, rebates, up-grades extras..... none of which the line will offer you

 

Why? Well agents are the lifeblood of the company, they are a commission only sales force . managers know that labor costs can be 60 to80% and a salary free sales force is money in their pocket.

It is counter productive for the line to undersell or over offer customers than the agent..... They want you to deal with an agent as it is in their selfish best intrest to make the agent the best deal going.

[ronrick1943]

Canuck.qc and Hawaiidan,

Right on, you need a good TA. I thought I had one a few years ago, but they after I saw what everyone else was getting----I had a Bad one, and let her go for another company that's does a great job in getting you what you should get.

 

A friend of ours is cruising nest month, saw them today and asked what they got--told them about what they could have got from my TA. They didn't believe it, so we called my TA, then said that will be the last booking with the one they used.

 

You need to look after yourself, after all it's your money.

 

Rick

[Tarpeian Rock]

Booking direct is the equal of going to a car dealer and paying full list price, Purchasing a home for the ask for price, or going to a casino and letting them place your bets as they see fit. Or waiting till things are not onsale to buy.

 

A good agent will get you advantage and opportunity far more than the company will. credits, rebates, up-grades extras..... none of which the line will offer you

 

Why? Well agents are the lifeblood of the company, they are a commission only sales force . managers know that labor costs can be 60 to80% and a salary free sales force is money in their pocket.

It is counter productive for the line to undersell or over offer customers than the agent..... They want you to deal with an agent as it is in their selfish best intrest to make the agent the best deal going.

 

 

I know that's how it's supposed to work. Our one experience with a TA for an O cruise was like hiring someone to go to a car dealer who then agreed to pay full list price on our behalf. That won't happen again. Still looking for the kind of TA that produces the good stories I see here.

[ronrick1943]

I know that's how it's supposed to work. Our one experience with a TA for an O cruise was like hiring someone to go to a car dealer who then agreed to pay full list price on our behalf. That won't happen again. Still looking for the kind of TA that produces the good stories I see here.

 

Don't give up, you'll find them-just keep looking.

and they aren't the old standbys that push "O" - and think they can't do wrong.

Rick

[Hawaiidan]

Don't give up, you'll find them-just keep looking.

and they aren't the old standbys that push "O" - and think they can't do wrong.

Rick

 

Don't confine your search to the local area or even the state

I just booked an O life...with about $ 2500 in OBC and and 9% rebate as well aa14daycruise in a PH... There are agents who know the importance of securing a relation for the long run

 

As an aside....as to why I sail O is VALUE for the$$$$$ Princess and Holland for their small ships, mass market ships, fixed seating, pay extra dining, tips extra, no air, Average about $130 to $160 per day per person MORE THAN OCEAINA !!! Your paying on the others. top dollar for second class experience.... "the presidential suite at motel 6"...is still in a motel 6.......

[pinotlover]

I don't know exact numbers, and don't need to actually, but it is my understanding that O pays a higher percentage TA commission for Suites than for regular rooms. Then, there is also the difference in price. So when comparing what people throw out for rebates they are receiving, that into consideration what type of room they have as compared to what you have.

[Carol From California]

We booked our first cruise directly with O. As I think about booking 2016, I'm wondering if it would be advantageous to book with a travel agent.

 

My question: The cruise I'm interested in offers O Life benefits. What perks should I expect from a travel agent?

 

O Life Benefits are given by Oceania. You get those regardless of who you book through. Our TA gives generous rebates off Oceania - around 12%.

[Flatbush Flyer]

O Life Benefits are given by Oceania. You get those regardless of who you book through. Our TA gives generous rebates off Oceania - around 12%.

 

 

Interesting. Have O's TA rebate policies changed?

http://travelagentuniversity.com/oceania-cruises-expert/course/oceania/lesson/pricing-and-commissions

[rallydave]

Interesting. Have O's TA rebate policies changed? Not that I know of. If your question is regarding the 12% rebate mentioned by another poster vs. the O policy of 5% in the link you provided, you have to read the entire 5% limitation which states that the 5% limitation is based on not being able to advertise or promote the items being limited by O. There are quite a few TA's who provide a 10% or more rebate and they are careful not to advertise of promote this rebate but, it is avalable to people who contact the agencies person to person or are referred by other customers. Of course we are unable to provide the names of these TA's based on CC rules. My TA for instance is on the board of Regent and Oceania TA's and Oceania/Regent are fully aware of the rebates provided and approve of them.