What's the point of the PCC?

[SeaShark]

I still haven't seen a cruise where my TA wouldn't give me better price than booking direct. Proving this either way reliably is impossible, so nobody can say for a fact that it can or can't be done.

 

I'm only saying that I claim that I'll get always better deal from my TA because there has not been a cruise (with either of the two cruise lines we've been using) that would prove otherwise. Biker@sea is claiming that this is not true only based on just their beliefs and assumptions about how my TA works.

 

Where do I start? :rolleyes:

 

First, just because you haven't seen it, doesn't make it so.

 

Second, if you can't prove it reliably, then don't use words like "always"...try "often" instead. Again...his problem is your insistence on the word "always"...not with what your TA allegedly can or can't do.

 

His beliefs and assumptions have nothing to do with your TA...he doesn't even know who your TA is...it is simply about your insistence on saying "always".

 

 

 

Now that being said, lets prove it one way or another...right here, right now.

 

I just found a cruise on the NCL Website as follows:

 

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Date: September 27, 2015

Room Category: 1C

 

The price for this cruise is $29.00 per person. I have attached a screenshot for verification, or you can look it up yourself.

 

Go get a better deal from your TA. We'll wait.

Pearl Price.pdf

[Flatbush Flyer]

As I have said, there has yet to be a cruise of which my current TA of several years wouldn't give me about 10% of cruise fare in price reduction and/or OBC.

 

 

I think what some on this thread (who don't use TAs) fail to realize is that, when folks say their TA is getting them a "better deal" they are not talking about an actual cheaper cabin price. Rather they are talking about sharing commission (either as a rebate or as OBC) or passing on incentives (perks or credits) provided to the TA because of they're "preferred partner" status (I.e., being a top producer for that line).

 

A PCC isn't giving anyone a special deal. S/he merely provides current pricing that is available to anyone wanting to book a cruise at that specific time and, as has been pointed out, works for the cruise line -not for you. Remember that a top producing TA may do more than $1 million in annual business with your chosen line. When s/he talks, that cruise line listens and problems get fixed.

 

Do note, however, that the best cruise specialist TAs may not be able to give you more that a few bucks in OBC if you're traveling on "el cheapo" cruise lines. In fact, some of the best "cruise only" TAs may not even deal with some lines- just not worth it to them financially.

[DeBlonde1]

The list is a part of a document called the weekly SalesPAL that is sent to all PCCs and TAs. Not available to the general public.

 

Another item a person who books them self will not have access to...

 

Wish someone who has access to these sales would post them in the Solos "deals" thread on cruise critic forum. Even if it is just to say which cruises have better deals available without single supplements. Would love to hear about these without having to jump through 18 hoops. I need another solo trip! :)

Edited September 18, 2015 by DeBlonde1

[SuiteCruiser]

Where do I start? :rolleyes:

 

First, just because you haven't seen it, doesn't make it so.

 

Second, if you can't prove it reliably, then don't use words like "always"...try "often" instead. Again...his problem is your insistence on the word "always"...not with what your TA allegedly can or can't do.

 

His beliefs and assumptions have nothing to do with your TA...he doesn't even know who your TA is...it is simply about your insistence on saying "always".

 

 

 

Now that being said, lets prove it one way or another...right here, right now.

 

I just found a cruise on the NCL Website as follows:

 

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Date: September 27, 2015

Room Category: 1C

 

The price for this cruise is $29.00 per person. I have attached a screenshot for verification, or you can look it up yourself.

 

Go get a better deal from your TA. We'll wait.

 

I just checked on my first online TA that I look at and the price was the same plus you could pay it off over 6 months, a least a few cents in interest saved :) I'm no good at photos, but it's the "intelligent" company

Edited September 18, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[SeaShark]

I just checked on my first online TA that I look at and the price was the same plus you could pay it off over 6 months, a least a few cents in interest saved :) I'm no good at photos, but it's the "intelligent" company

Reread the answer...You've missed the point.