Online vs Travel Agent

[Netosha]

Which do you prefer when booking? pros and cons?

[Boyshockeymommy]

We have always booked through a TA as I don't use credit cards and could pay cash with a TA. This time we booked directly, online since Carnival now uses Paypal and I could pay cash directly out of my bank account. Super convenient and I booked and paid for everything else as well online. Now, we haven't gone on the cruise yet, (March 4) so don't know if everything will be hunky dorey when we get there, but I hope so.

[joepeka]

We have either done a TA or with a cruise line specialist (PVP with Carnival). Both of those professionals will be able handle any situations that come up which booking online might be problematic. No matter, you will always get the same price unless a TA is willing to give you some perks (OBC, etc) that come from their commission.

[GradUT]

I've done it both ways--with an TA and myself online.

 

I have access to USAA's travel agency and sometimes I can save money by booking through it--but not always. If there's no difference in price, then I book online directly with the cruise line. The advantage of doing it directly through the cruise line is that you have "ownership" of the booking. Anytime you want to make a change or add something to your booking, you can do so yourself. If you book through a travel agent, they "own" the booking and any changes/additions you want to make have to go through the agency. That can be a time-consuming process.

[bury me at sea]

There are pros and cons for every booking method.

 

I use a local brick and mortar agent.

 

Con: He doesn't offer any incentives such as I read about here from large on-line agencies. No OBC, bottles of wine, etc.

 

Pros: No fees ever. A TA cannot charge a fee to book. However they can charge for changing and canceling your reservation. He loses commission when he successfully applies for price reductions but does so cheerfully.

 

I have changed cabins, added cabin mates, and changed sailing dates. Never a charge.

 

He has years of experience and has sailed many different lines. He fully explains the different rates and terms and conditions.

 

He accepts cash, check, debit card, credit card and Carnival gift cards.

 

I don't have a home computer or printer. He does our on-line check in, prints all documents and luggage tags, and even books excursions for us.

 

When my granddaughter honeymooned in Europe he made all flight arrangements even though he gets no commission from airlines.

 

He furnished his home phone number in case I need him when the office is closed.

 

I dread the day he retires. I will try to find a good Carnival PVP at that point.

 

I find no real fault with any method of booking but I know what works best for me.

 

Happy sailing to you!

[slawrence]

We use a TA for the OBC they offer, usually shop several to see who offers the best. Never had issues. We usually book fairly late (less than 6 months) so we don't make a lot changes afterwards.

 

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[Lhound92]

My first few cruises back in 05-07 my family used a travel agent, then my mom would book it herself

 

Now that I cruise without my family I just do it on my own. It’s never crossed my mind to use a TA, although the OBC does sound nice

 

 

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[teknoge3k]

Never used a TA and never will. Much easier to do everything myself. I don't want some middleman involved in my vacation. I do have a PVP with Carnival but that's it. Some people need a TA to book hotels for them, etc. Just not for me.

[ddtimmo]

I use a TA exclusively. I am booked on the Vista in April for 6 days and got a $225 OBC from the TA. The Carnival website was not offering any OBC, and the cabin price was the same. I don't know why you would leave that OBC on the table.

[riclop]

An on line ta will give you OBC.