To TA or not to TA..that is the question

[Toofarfromthesea]

Many ways have been discussed on these forums. Just because your source is not the cruise line does not in and of itself make them a TA.

 

And yet, no answer.

[ECCruise]

Many ways have been discussed on these forums. Just because your source is not the cruise line does not in and of itself make them a TA.

Yes. The public wants to know.

 

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[Cuizer2]

Why do you use a TA vs booking direct? I was warned by NCL that you won’t be eligible for an upgrade if you use a TA. They also told me if the cruise is canceled by NCL they give incentives and the TA sometimes keeps them.

 

Anyone with experience?

 

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I have been on over thirty cruises and I still use a TA. That way I don't have to deal with the cruise line (and NCL can be difficult to deal with at times). If something goes wrong the TA can apply more pressure on the cruise line than I can. For example, I booked a cruise two years in advance. After final payment the cabins were being mark way down. I was given a $200 OBC. I told my TA that I did not think that was enough. My TA agreed and got me an additional $200 OBC. Because of a cancellation NCL owed me $15. It took my TA many phone calls and a few months to get the refund. I would have given up.

[ray98]

True when someone assumes they know what i pay for cruises. A few measly bucks is not worth having to chase down a TA wait for them to contact the cruise line, then wait for the TA to get back to me, in an almost endless loop if I have any questions, and then maybe getting the exact same outcome that I would have gotten without all that headache. For some people who maybe 1) do not know how to use a computer, 2) do not like spending a few minutes searching around for the best prices, or 3) are afraid of making purchases on-line, yeah a TA can relieve those issues. But I guarantee no TA can get a price lower than I can get on my own or match the amenities that I receive.

 

Sent from my computer using my fingers!

 

Saving 7 - 10% on trips that cost over $2k is more than a 'few measly bucks' to most. Second, if you an an 'experienced cruiser' why in the world would you need to contact the cruise line so much after booking? In our past dozen I maybe had to make contact once.

[don't-use-real-name]

To put things into place:

 

A TA could be a Mom & Pop operation just down the block - around the corner - in a kiosk at the Mall.

It could also be a major automobile/travel club with unlimited resources in the travel industry.

And then there are those power house cruise brokers that cater to any and all comers.

NCL has its PCC (Personal Cruise Consultant).

 

As with any organization there are people that are outstanding in their field and worth developing a

loyalty for return business and then there are those that leave much to be desired in flow of information

and ability to transact business to a successful satisfactory conclusion.

So please feel free to leave your cruise critic about your TA PCC or whatever you use but don't get

too specific - with enough clues readers can figure it out.

 

 

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CRUISE CRITIC is one heck-of-an organization - some current vital statistics.

 

Cruise Critic Message Board Forums Statistics

Threads: 2,467,352, Posts: 54,205,426, Members: 1,741,902

[Maniacal Cruiser]

Saving 7 - 10% on trips that cost over $2k is more than a 'few measly bucks' to most. Second, if you an an 'experienced cruiser' why in the world would you need to contact the cruise line so much after booking? In our past dozen I maybe had to make contact once.

 

Well let's see. My next cruise (10-day to the Caribbean) for four in two balcony cabins came to a grand total of $2300.00 which included:

 

Cruise Fare

Taxes

FAS Promo Cost

DSF

1 Unlimited Soda Card

Round Trip Flights

Specialty Dining All 10 Nights

Hotel 2 Nights Before The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Hotel 1 Night After The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Shuttle To/From Cruise Terminal

$100 OBC

600 Minutes Internet

$150 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit

 

Please find any TA that can save me 7% - 10% off of that.

 

As far as contacting NCL I have only had to do that one time. The point I was making though is still valid.

[vince_g]

Well let's see. My next cruise (10-day to the Caribbean) for four in two balcony cabins came to a grand total of $2300.00 which included:

 

Cruise Fare

Taxes

FAS Promo Cost

DSF

1 Unlimited Soda Card

Round Trip Flights

Specialty Dining All 10 Nights

Hotel 2 Nights Before The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Hotel 1 Night After The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Shuttle To/From Cruise Terminal

$100 OBC

600 Minutes Internet

$150 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit

 

Please find any TA that can save me 7% - 10% off of that.

 

As far as contacting NCL I have only had to do that one time. The point I was making though is still valid.

 

I also am on the March 18th Gem sailing, and when I saw that you claimed ownership of the meet and mingle, I decided not to bother with it. I know what this cruise costs. We all know what hotels in NYC cost. Your claim appears to be a bunch of crap.

[Cuizer2]

Well let's see. My next cruise (10-day to the Caribbean) for four in two balcony cabins came to a grand total of $2300.00 which included:

 

Cruise Fare

Taxes

FAS Promo Cost

DSF

1 Unlimited Soda Card

Round Trip Flights

Specialty Dining All 10 Nights

Hotel 2 Nights Before The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Hotel 1 Night After The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Shuttle To/From Cruise Terminal

$100 OBC

600 Minutes Internet

$150 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit

 

Please find any TA that can save me 7% - 10% off of that.

 

As far as contacting NCL I have only had to do that one time. The point I was making though is still valid.

 

You failed to mention that two of you are going for free. So it is actually $2,300 for two, not for four. $2,300 for two sounds like a fair price, not a great price. I can claim I flew cross-country for $11 if I forget to mention that I used points.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I also am on the March 18th Gem sailing, and when I saw that you claimed ownership of the meet and mingle, I decided not to bother with it. I know what this cruise costs. We all know what hotels in NYC cost. Your claim appears to be a bunch of crap.

 

 

You are right, it was ony $2100.00! You are welcome to come on over to the house at any time and look at my billing statements and receipts. Let me know when you will be here.

 

Cruise Fare $200 per person (4)

Taxes $0 per person (2)

Taxes $165.89 per person (2)

FAS Promo $16.80 per person (4)

Sub Total 1: 1198.98

 

Soda Card $95.40 (1)

DSC $0 per person (2)

DSC $139.90 per person (2)

Subtotal 2: 375.20

 

Flights R/T $11.20 per person

Hotel Pre-Cuise Total 232.35

Hotel Post-Cruise Total 112.50

Car Pre-CruiseTotal 74.71

Car Post-Cruise Total 40.38

Shuttle $0

Subtotal 3: 504.74

 

From NCL (FAS, DV, Tax Free, etc)

SDP 10 nights

OBC $100

Internet 600 Minutes

Excursion Credit $150 per port

Phone calls 240 minutes

Subtotal 4: $0

 

Grand Total: $2078.92 wish I could do better but that's what I got for this one anyway!

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I also am on the March 18th Gem sailing, and when I saw that you claimed ownership of the meet and mingle, I decided not to bother with it. I know what this cruise costs. We all know what hotels in NYC cost. Your claim appears to be a bunch of crap.

 

 

Sorry you will not be on the cruise. It is going to be great!

[Maniacal Cruiser]

You failed to mention that two of you are going for free. So it is actually $2,300 for two, not for four. $2,300 for two sounds like a fair price, not a great price. I can claim I flew cross-country for $11 if I forget to mention that I used points.

 

Actually I did not forget anything! :) Miles are very easy to come by if you know where to look for them. For my March cruise we are getting flights and the hotel for free with points that were also 100% free. I did not have to buy a thing or spend a cent to get any of them. It really is not too difficult. If someone as simple as i ma can figure it out I am sure smart folks can do the same thing. Anyway, have a great cruise when you next sail.

[pmoniz]

 

 

 

 

 

Just Google "Cruise Comparisons" - this site I used is in the top 10 sites after the ads at the top.

 

 

 

Thank you!!

 

 

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[Shoppie124]

 

 

 

Thank you!!

 

 

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I hope you find what you need! [emoji6]

 

 

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[Maniacal Cruiser]

As I said many posts ago, the decision to use or not use a TA (or any given booking method) is a personal choice and there is no firm right or wrong, better or worse, good or bad. It is what works out best for each individual. The best advice is to do some leg work and shop around. The more leg work you are willing to do (or have the time to do) the better the price you will end up finding in most cases.

[CruisingNole]

CRUISE CRITIC is one heck-of-an organization - some current vital statistics.

 

Cruise Critic Message Board Forums Statistics

Threads: 2' date='467,352, Posts: 54,205,426, Members: 1,741,902[/b']

 

I can't help but wonder how many of those members are actually active on this website...and how many are still alive, given the demographic.

[don't-use-real-name]

I can't help but wonder how many of those members are actually active on this website...and how many are still alive, given the demographic.

 

One would have to take into account that those numbers are for all the sub-forums for cruise lines other than NCL.

 

Yes there would be a percentage of folks that have gone to that cruise critic forum over the rainbow and then

some that have moved on to living without the cruise forums informative discussions.

Others maybe be only passively involved with cruise activity directly related to their booked cruise i.e. Roll - Call.

 

Still yet those numbers are really impressive and there are new members that join looking for information

that has been posted again and again and we have the patience to point out where to look for the answers

sometimes learning that things have changed since we last read or posted about them.

 

My signature line says it all about Cruise Critic:

 

*** Thanks for your visit contribution and participation here at Cruise Critic ! ***

[newmexicoNita]

Well let's see. My next cruise (10-day to the Caribbean) for four in two balcony cabins came to a grand total of $2300.00 which included:

 

Cruise Fare

Taxes

FAS Promo Cost

DSF

1 Unlimited Soda Card

Round Trip Flights

Specialty Dining All 10 Nights

Hotel 2 Nights Before The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Hotel 1 Night After The Cruise (W/ Rental Car)

Shuttle To/From Cruise Terminal

$100 OBC

600 Minutes Internet

$150 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit

 

Please find any TA that can save me 7% - 10% off of that.

 

As far as contacting NCL I have only had to do that one time. The point I was making though is still valid.

$2300 for 4 of you including everything: you must be using some type of discount coupons, frequent flyer miles, casino at sea or something? Let's be honest, there is no way you can do all that for $600 a person.

[deliver42]

You will be remembered fondly for not being on the cruise.

[Shoppie124]

$2300 for 4 of you including everything: you must be using some type of discount coupons, frequent flyer miles, casino at sea or something? Let's be honest, there is no way you can do all that for $600 a person.

 

 

 

This person has “pre-paid” by gambling. Note, the amount spent over the years to get the free room is not listed.

 

This is not a knock on gamblers/gambling but merely a comment on omission of facts

 

 

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[newmexicoNita]

This person has “pre-paid” by gambling. Note, the amount spent over the years to get the free room is not listed.

 

This is not a knock on gamblers/gambling but merely a comment on omission of facts

 

 

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thanks,glad someone caught that.

[100th Meridian]

Myself I didn’t use a TA, but use Marriott’s “CruisesOnly” site to book. There’s is a fee ($24.95), however I recently booked a cruise where the promo was 9 Marriott points per dollar spent. On a $5,000 cruise that’s 45,000 points, more then enough to book a hotel room the night before the cruise when we fly down.

 

Got same promos being offered on NCL website, price was same too (not including $24.95 charge). In a Two Bedroom Family Suite, so I’m not getting an upgrade, so not concerned about that (plus more importantly get me to 2M lifetime points).

 

Doesn’t hurt to shop around though. One thing to watch for TA bookings is they may have their own cancellation fees in addition to NCL

 

 

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[ray98]

This person has “pre-paid” by gambling. Note, the amount spent over the years to get the free room is not listed.

 

This is not a knock on gamblers/gambling but merely a comment on omission of facts

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

 

Pretty much. You can't debate something with someone who is willing to be fundamentally dishonest to be 'right'. This is a prime example of that.

Edited August 5, 2018 by ray98

[April7901]

I booked five directly with NCL and was always pleased with both the rate I paid and the 'perks' I had, if any. My best example? My 2015 Pearl trip to Alaska... I originally booked a 7-day in September in an inside, and was perfectly OK with the price. Then I opted to switch to a 10-day May trip, also in an inside, which was almost $1000 less - and since I had already made a sizeable payment (spare me the lectures), they ended up refunding me about $800 of that. Then, they offered a promo for the drinks package and free gratuities... I spent about 30 minutes on hold, but ended up with an upgrade to a balcony AND both the drinks package and gratuities - and apparently gratuities on the drink package, because I didn't ever send any more $$. Just after final payment due date, the price dropped again, and I was bumped up to a mini suite - all I had to do was call. Not bad, eh?

 

For my upcoming sixth trip, I used a TA. The rate was a little better, but more importantly, the TA offer was to cover the drinks package gratuities on top of the NCL offer of the "two free" things. We haven't seen a price drop - just increases. Though with a ship change by NCL, I was a little disappointed that somehow our rate went up a bit - which, really, should not have happened. We were not offered the option to stay on our original ship and change itineraries - just unceremoniously dumped onto the Breakaway. My TA is super nice and great when I can get her on the phone, but hard to catch or get a response by email. Considering that email is my primary and preferred means of communication, this has been very frustrating for me.

 

All that to say - having done it both ways, unless it's a truly spectacular deal, I'm not sure I'd use a TA again. And if I do, I'd probably look for a recommendation from someone to use a different one. I was pretty content to book and handle my reservation on my own.

[zitsky]

True when someone assumes they know what i pay for cruises. A few measly bucks is not worth having to chase down a TA wait for them to contact the cruise line, then wait for the TA to get back to me, in an almost endless loop if I have any questions, and then maybe getting the exact same outcome that I would have gotten without all that headache. For some people who maybe 1) do not know how to use a computer, 2) do not like spending a few minutes searching around for the best prices, or 3) are afraid of making purchases on-line, yeah a TA can relieve those issues. But I guarantee no TA can get a price lower than I can get on my own or match the amenities that I receive.

 

Sent from my computer using my fingers!

 

Hey I'm happy for you, but some of us choose to use a TA. I'm quite satisfied and I'm someone who likes control. I tell my TA what to do and she does it. Yes I have contacted cruise lines directly so I know when I'm getting a better deal. I have booked two cruises with the same TA, and this year booked two more.

 

Please don't be insulting and suggest we only use TA's because "we don't know how to use a computer" and the rest of that nonsense. Really??!!

[Shoppie124]

Hey I'm happy for you, but some of us choose to use a TA. I'm quite satisfied and I'm someone who likes control. I tell my TA what to do and she does it. Yes I have contacted cruise lines directly so I know when I'm getting a better deal. I have booked two cruises with the same TA, and this year booked two more.

 

Please don't be insulting and suggest we only use TA's because "we don't know how to use a computer" and the rest of that nonsense. Really??!!

 

 

 

Good for you!!! Saying what the rest of us are thinking. I am new to CC but I’ve noticed this poster is always condescending in their responses and should really curb their nastiness as it makes their posts unbearable.

 

We come here for advice not condescending messages! If you can’t be positive- keep your fingers away from the keyboard!

 

 

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