Who books directly with the cruise line and why?

[suzyed]

With all the talk about sales and such, it got me wondering who books directly with Princess?   Since, it has never been advantageous for us to do so, I wonder why people book directly?  I know you have the advantage of being able to talk with Princess directly reguarding your sailing but what are the other advantages?

Edited May 19, 2019 by suzyed

[mdpseattle]

I'm not exactly sure what the benefits are to using a travel agent?  Please list them.  I like to find the best price I can and I will book with whomever has the cheapest price.  A free bottle of cheap wine or unnecessary advice or some room fruit isn't isn't something I want anyway. In every case, I've found it's simply easier and cheaper to just use the cruise line website to book.

 

Sadly, aren't travel agents just a unnecessary middle man?  Don't get me wrong, I truly feel for the plight of the travel agent.  I'm old enough to have seen entire industries go away because of the Internet.  But, I don't make a lot of money, I don't have a lot of money, so if I want to cruise I have to find the absolute cheapest way to cruise and I would cut my own mother out of the reservation process if it would save me a few bucks (no, not seriously, I wouldn't, but I'm trying to make a point.)

[fishywood]

I don't wish to be as sweepingly condemning and/or a devil's advocate like the first response above.

Travel agents have not gone the way of the dodo, simply have gone online rather than brick-and-mortar.

Thanks to my housemate who travels independently for work I know how to find on the web rental cars for $4/day (before the myriad of bogus "taxes") and four star hotel rooms at two star prices. All non refundable--but there are plenty of bargain travel insurers out there as well (their efficacy I have yet to put to the test though).

 

But I want none of that for my cruise. If I am going to forfeit the right to do any maintenance on my booking, rely solely on a third party to pass on any e-mails from Princess, or have an earlier final payment deadline even in exchange for higher OBC--I want to look the person I am giving that booking to in the eye. And once you scratch the online resellers/Big Box stores off the list, who is left? I probably haven't been cruising as long as most of the others on here but asking my family and friends, or even my parent's associates who I still know, if they have a live human travel agent they can recommend generates only blank stares. 

 

Honestly I am pretty much a last minute booker as well, meaning TAs have little to no incentives to dangle me. Last year (early 2018) I bucked that trend by booking two Alaska cruises at the beginning of the year. I called my PVP during the brief window the Anniversary Sale and Valentine's Day Sale overlap--and yes with a little help from a technical supervisor was able to get all the perks on the best possible price. And since for one of the cruises the cabin category I wanted was technically "sold out" of promo fares that actually worked that to my advantage, giving me the choice of the "naked fare" that was going to hit when the sale ended or they could still manually add the perks and see what price popped up. The latter was still the better buy. 

 

<rhetorical question>So does anyone out there really have a brick and mortar TA willing to work that hard for the booking</rhetorical question>

[jasbo49]

I started booking direct at first just because it seemed easier. If I'm on their site and find the right cruise, why not just take care of it where I can make all the decisions on the spot?

 

Then we had a horrific experience with a TA screwing up several things on one trip. Never again.

 

Jim

[richsea]

50 minutes ago, suzyed said:

With all the talk about sales and such, it got me wondering who books directly with Princess?   Since, it has never been advantageous for us to do so, I wonder why people book directly?  I know you have the advantage of being able to talk with Princess directly reguarding your sailing but what are the other advantages?

It has never been advantageous for us to book directly with the cruise line either. If anyone feels they should not use a TA just to get a bottle of wine, I would say they are using the wrong TA. We regularly get $200-400 on board credit from our on line agency. The big box store is good also, but gives store gift cards for some cruise lines, although tgey do gove OBC for Princess.

[karatemom2]

We used to book through a specific travel agency where we often found prices better than booking direct. My guess is they were using their clout to get slightly better rates or were rebating part of their commission. It worked well for us for the most part. 

 

However, my husband makes very good use of the casino onboard and as the Player’s Club has grown along with the benefits, we get such advantages in price by booking directly through the Casino program we never use a TA anymore. 

[neverbeenhere]

Money- cruiseline offers zero, travel agents offer some. 

 

 

[Coral]

16 minutes ago, fishywood said:

 

<rhetorical question>So does anyone out there really have a brick and mortar TA willing to work that hard for the booking</rhetorical question>

I think the concept of "brick and mortar" is no longer the same.

 

I use a real travel agent who lives across the country. She works from her house which allows her to work 7 days a week and even evenings. I call her or email her to book cruises. I have a personal relationship with her. She knows who I am when I call. I consider this the new brick and mortar. I don't use a website when I book.

 

Don't be afraid of those who work from home. My agent would run laps around our local agencies in volume (run laps over a lot of the large agencies also). The amount of cruises she alone books amazes me.

 

Even when I first started booking cruises many moons ago - I booked locally but never went there. I called and emailed her. Now I just use a specialist who works in another state.

 

I would never book direct because I like her prices better, I like that she has actually been on all the ships out there and has traveled extensively. You can't say that about booking direct. Many of those people have never cruised or traveled extensively. I also like that if I say "I am interested in this" - she can even offer another line that may have much better savings. She also offers an amazing insurance policy that I can book at final payment and cover pre-existing conditions. That is difficult to come by with out paying an arm and a leg.

[richsea]

Everyone should book however they feel most comfortable. Personally, we like the additional OBC + any other perks from our on line TA, and even though they’re 1200miles away, we still have the same agent servicing us for years. I’ve never had the need to contact the cruise line directly

[Coral]

2 minutes ago, steelers36 said:

 

HOWEVER, I am willing to give up control of my Princess bookings as I have a great TA who gives a terrific cash discount.  Unlike those big box fans who get a bunch of OBC, I prefer to receive a cash discount off the fare and have less OBC to worry about (we are not big drinkers and rarely book ship tours).

 

I do also. I want the discount up front and not extra OBC. I know some lines don't allow that. In those cases, I get a check later.

Edited May 19, 2019 by Coral

[Coral]

It is interesting - when I speak with "very well traveled individuals", they all use travel agents. My guess is these individuals realize having a travel agent on their side is worth it and in almost all cases, they save you money and don't cost you more.

 

When I mean "very well traveled individuals" - I mean it. These people impress me on their trips (not just cruises but amazing adventures).

[neverbeenhere]

Coral is correct. The box will get you the same price as the cruiseline and additional moola.

[AF-1]

It is nice having your best friend who is also your travel agent.  It is nice for obc or other perks; but one thing that has been the best part of a travel agent/friend; when I had things go wrong on cruise; like an emergency;  I made one call to his cell phone and he would fix the issue promptly.  This is worth it's weight.  You never plan for things to go wrong during or before your cruise; but if and when it happens I make one phone call; I am not on hold, and can get things taken care of.  So that is my personal reason for using a travel agent verses online.  

[Coral]

3 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

It is nice having your best friend who is also your travel agent.  It is nice for obc or other perks; but one thing that has been the best part of a travel agent/friend; when I had things go wrong on cruise; like an emergency;  I made one call to his cell phone and he would fix the issue promptly.  This is worth it's weight.  You never plan for things to go wrong during or before your cruise; but if and when it happens I make one phone call; I am not on hold, and can get things taken care of.  So that is my personal reason for using a travel agent verses online.  

I don't think it has to be a "best friend". I think once you use someone for a long time, you build a relationship. This is true in any profession. 

 

I do agree - one may not know how beneficial travel agents are until you do have an emergency or something go wrong. This is when they shine (and worth their weight in gold) vs dealing with things on your own.

[Musky Ike]

I Started booking direct as I like the control. But hundreds of dollars off the Princess fare plus OBC is why I book now with a TA. I still follow things closely on the Princess website and in the rare event the a Princess "Sale" does offer a better value I can still re-fare and keep the Agents extra OBC.  

[rwilk1129]

Often I see a good deal on a cruise after hours of travel agent so I book with Princess or others myself. I may end up transferring to agent later if not within final payment. I haven't found a really good agent sadly. I usually feel I know much more than the agent.

[Kenswing]

1 hour ago, mdpseattle said:

I'm not exactly sure what the benefits are to using a travel agent?  Please list them.  I like to find the best price I can and I will book with whomever has the cheapest price.  A free bottle of cheap wine or unnecessary advice or some room fruit isn't isn't something I want anyway. In every case, I've found it's simply easier and cheaper to just use the cruise line website to book.

 

Sadly, aren't travel agents just a unnecessary middle man?  Don't get me wrong, I truly feel for the plight of the travel agent.  I'm old enough to have seen entire industries go away because of the Internet.  But, I don't make a lot of money, I don't have a lot of money, so if I want to cruise I have to find the absolute cheapest way to cruise and I would cut my own mother out of the reservation process if it would save me a few bucks (no, not seriously, I wouldn't, but I'm trying to make a point.)

Simple..  My TA gives me money.  For our New Zealand cruise we received $960 OBC.  For our upcoming Japan cruise we're receiving $1115 in OBC.  That's on top of the promotion that Princess is running.

[XBGuy]

Trying to bring this thread back on topic.

 

OP, I book directly because it's easy.

[Casey12]

I find that a lot of less experienced travelers book direct. They think they are saving money and that travel agents cost money. When dealing with a vacation that costs thousands of dollars --- I want a travel professional on my side. The cruise line looks out for their best interests --- travel agents look out for your interests. I don't do my own taxes or cut my own hair either.

[MCC retired]

Princess is one of the cruise lines that permit TA's to Discount Princess's best rates and promotions .

TA's are not permitted to advertise that Discount , so you must contact them for "their rates and promo's.

You should always do better with any TA , than booking Direct.

 

[Hlitner]

I often post this kind of response and can easily give examples for those that need convincing.  We recommend shopping around among several reputable high volume cruise agencies and going with the best deal.  So here is the part that will shock at least one poster in this thread.  Having booked well over 100 cruises (all over the world) we will generally save 7-10% (and sometimes a lot more) then booking direct with the cruise line.  Those that have not discovered these savings are just not very good shoppers :).  Keep in mind that the savings will likely be in the form of On Board Credits, per paid gratuities and sometimes a lower price.

 

A few years ago we had some fun with Princess.  We shopped around for a Princess cruise and then actually called Princess to ask for their best price on the same cruise/category.  We then explained to the reservations clerk that we had found that same cruise for a much lower price and gave them the info.  I then suggested that if Princess would match the price we would give them a direct booking and they could save paying the commission.  This got me transferred to a supervisor who explained that "Princess does not match" the deals offered by their authorized "travel partners."  She did offer to take my booking and then transfer it to the cruise agency..but we had no interest in doing this.

 

I will also say that we have an upcoming 25 day Princess cruise where our deal with an agency is more then 10% less (after factoring in OBCs) then the price on the Princess web site.   Understand that since we are talking longer bookings our actual savings in terms of dollars can easily exceed $1000+.  We cruise many different lines and it is the same with all the mass market lines.  The ultra-luxury lines can be somewhat different and there are sometimes other strategies for these smaller ship lines.

 

There is another reason to use a high volume agency.  When you book directly with a cruise line you are a lone customer dealing with a large company.  The folks you talk to on the phone are simply reservations clerks working in their little cubicles.  But when you use a decent agency you often have the change to form a bond (of sorts)with specific agents who can handle bookings with any cruise line.  These agents and their agencies work for you (the customer) and not the cruise line.  If there is an issue they can serve as your advocate (with the cruise line) and use both their clout and contacts.  While a cruise line many not do much for a single customer they are very cognizant of their relationships with higher volume agencies.  Mass market cruise lines have as much as 80% of their bookings handled by agencies/agents and they are a very important factor in filling their berths.  And finally, as has been mentioned in another post, some of the best deals are not advertised (per agreements with the cruise lines) but are only made available to customers on a private basis.  Most of the better agencies maintain private e-mail lists who will be made aware of special pricing/deals.  There is no cost to get on these lists and it is just a matter of registering with multiple agencies.  The only negative is you get too many darn e-mails.

 

Hank

[cdngrl]

i book direct because i like the control. i want to get the email about a move-over offer or upsell right away. or if i see a price drop i want to jump on it. 

 

i sometimes use a travel agent who gives me money off my cruise but because i am in canada and she is in the US (she can book in $CAD), she is unable to give me any OBC or as much of a reduction as US folks (about 4%) . i have yet to find a canadian TA who discounts so i may as well do it on my own.

 

i also usually book screaming last minute deals and my TA even says there's not much she can do for me on those.

 

 

Edited May 19, 2019 by cdngrl

[Colo Cruiser]

1 hour ago, Coral said:

I do also. I want the discount up front and not extra OBC. 

I agree. I don't need all the games played with the OBC and paid gratuities etc offered by some BB stores.

Give me the cash off my cruise price.

If there is a Princess promo that gives OBC/paid gratuities etc then I would still get that as well as the cash of the cruise fare price. Not something manufactured by a BB TA to try lure me to book.

[Steelers36]

44 minutes ago, cdngrl said:

i book direct because i like the control. i want to get the email about a move-over offer or upsell right away. or if i see a price drop i want to jump on it. 

 

i sometimes use a travel agent who gives me money off my cruise but because i am in canada and she is in the US (she can book in $CAD), she is unable to give me any OBC or as much of a reduction as US folks (about 4%) . i have yet to find a canadian TA who discounts so i may as well do it on my own.

 

i also usually book screaming last minute deals and my TA even says there's not much she can do for me on those.

 

 

I agree - GL finding a Canadian TA, who doesn't work for a US agency, that discounts.  Waste of time to deal with vast majority of them. 

 

I also think it is rare to find a US agency willing/able to book in CAD.  One I came across once was just converting the USD fare at a horrible rate.  (Yes, just a 1-off example).  My understanding is that a US agency would need to have two separate accounts with Princess in order to book in two currencies and the admin costs, etc, are not worth it to them for the business volume. 

 

Besides, it is so easy for Canadians to have a USD credit card and manage the payment ourselves.  And there are cards that do not have a currency exchange surcharge as well.  I figure I am always well ahead of any bit of currency fluctuation between booking and paying with the discount we get.

 

As for the discount you mention, IDK why the TA you mention cannot give you the same discount as a US resident.  Makes no sense to me as the work and all is the same.  I think what is happening is you are getting dinged for trying to book in CAD.  What is wrong with USD?  We get the same discount as a US customer.  In the past when I have obtained quotes from agents bidding for business, they don't even know at that stage we are Canadian residents.

 

[4cats4me]

We use a travel agent 99% of the time.  However, I’ve booked directly with Princess at least 20% of the time and transfer the booking to my favorite TA immediately thereafter.

Only once did I book directly with Princess and not transfer the booking. I had done all my homework previously and jumped on a last minute deal at an excellent price. It was a weekend and we needed to lock in airfare then and there, so the deal worked to our advantage since the airfare was extremely low comsidering the cruise was only a month out, so that is why we booked directly with Princess.   

 

Sometimes Princess’s deals have actually been a little better than the TA by a few dollars, not much, during certain promos.  Most times my TA beats Princess pricing and gives better incentives though   On our last booking, last week,  she reduced our fare by 10-11% off Princess’s asking price for Tahiti

Edited May 19, 2019 by 4cats4me