Should I transfer to a Travel Agent

[christieSF]

I just booked our cruise for next summer (yay!).   It's the first cruise I've ever booked and I have tons of questions!  I have received a lot of help from Cruise Critic already and do really enjoy researching and planning.  I'm wondering if there is a big benefit to transferring to an agent or if it's better not to?  I reached out to several and the one who has been quickest to reply is offering a small on board credit (certainly not a deal maker/breaker).  Some of the others who have not given any good information and take a long time to reply are offering a huge on board credit, but I would not feel comfortable transferring my reservation to them.  The other factor is we are hoping to go on many more cruises, so maybe it would be good to build the relationship with the TA who is responsive and helpful.  I feel like I'm talking in circles, so I'd love any outside views!!

 

Thanks again!!

[teknoge3k]

It's whatever you feel comfortable with. Personally, I run far away from TAs. I want full control over my booking and doing the planning/research is half of the fun. Unless a TA would give me substantial OBC, it's just not worth it to me. 

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

In the beginning I booked with the cruise line. I changed to a TA to get the best price and perks that most will offer. Especially if you are with them for a length of time. I get perks from them and they keep an eye out if the price drops or a better offering comes along for that cruise. Before I get a price quote I do my own checking on availability for a certain cabin and the price the cruise line shows. I use two TAs and check both to see who offers the best. Problem with booking with the cruise line. They do nothing for you. The price is the price, period. Finding a good TA is not an easy task. I finally found one that works with a major company but she does it to keep herself busy, office is in her home and retired and an avid cruiser. She does not have a lot of clients and can keep an eye on everyone's bookings.

[PhillyFan33579]

2 hours ago, teknoge3k said:

It's whatever you feel comfortable with. Personally, I run far away from TAs. I want full control over my booking and doing the planning/research is half of the fun. Unless a TA would give me substantial OBC, it's just not worth it to me. 

 

I feel the same way. I always book our cruises myself and would never use a TA for something I feel I can do better than they can do...i.e. take care of me first.  I almost always book ES on Carnival, which always includes a limited OBC. I wouldn’t want to lose full control of my bookings just to possibly get more OBC from a TA.  However, if I was new to the world of cruising, or if I didn’t always have double digit cruises booked so I am constantly checking websites for any fare changes, I could see the appeal of using a TA. 

[christieSF]

1 minute ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

However, if I was new to the world of cruising, or if I didn’t always have double digit cruises booked so I am constantly checking websites for any fare changes, I could see the appeal of using a TA. 

 

Thank you all for the opinions.  I really appreciate to hear the pros and cons and to see that my thoughts aren't too far off!

 

I did book ES.  If I find a reduced price (which I doubt I will for the cruise we chose, but maybe others in the future...) what do I do?  Do you just call Carnival or is there an official way to go about it?

 

Thanks!

[Chervil]

We have booked with the cruise line a few times, and with an online site a few times.
Always it was to get the best value.
This last time we caught a special on an online site that was the same price for the room, with about $300 in various credits and paid gratuities.
As PhillyFan said, I would always do a bit of research on my own to see what is available and then make some calls.
Definitely worth it!

[teknoge3k]

49 minutes ago, christieSF said:

 

Thank you all for the opinions.  I really appreciate to hear the pros and cons and to see that my thoughts aren't too far off!

 

I did book ES.  If I find a reduced price (which I doubt I will for the cruise we chose, but maybe others in the future...) what do I do?  Do you just call Carnival or is there an official way to go about it?

 

Thanks!

 

At the bottom of Carnivals homepage is the form you can fill out. 🙂

[PhillyFan33579]

48 minutes ago, christieSF said:

 

Thank you all for the opinions.  I really appreciate to hear the pros and cons and to see that my thoughts aren't too far off!

 

I did book ES.  If I find a reduced price (which I doubt I will for the cruise we chose, but maybe others in the future...) what do I do?  Do you just call Carnival or is there an official way to go about it?

 

Thanks!

 

There is a form you can submit but I always call Carnival directly when I notice a price drop, which happens occasionally. The person you talk to will update the cruise fare while you are on the phone and send you an e-mail with the updated fare before you get off the phone. 

[Robinsoncruiseso]

OP, you have a little time. Meet with three of the top storefront TA’s.  An in person TA can provide benefits which far outweigh any on board credit.  

[christieSF]

7 minutes ago, Robinsoncruiseso said:

OP, you have a little time. Meet with three of the top storefront TA’s.  An in person TA can provide benefits which far outweigh any on board credit.  

Ha.  I am so used to doing everything online that I didn't think to meet in person!  I can definitely see how that would be a big benefit and living in San Francisco, I bet we have some really good ones.  Do you know if there is a time limit before I have to switch the reservation to the TA?

[RWolver672]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned getting a PVP (Personal Vacation Planner).  When we first started cruising, we used a TA.  If I wanted to book a cabin, I called her and she then had to call Carnival to see what was available.  If I had any questions about our booking, I had to call her and she had to call Carnival.  She always sent a bottle of rot gut champagne that we usually left in the cabin.  Not complaining about the free gift, just that we never drank it. 

 

I decided to try a PVP.  Now I call him and while I'm on the phone, he can tell me what is available instantly.  If I have a question I know I'll get an answer almost immediately.  I know he has been on many cruises so I trust his answers.

 

He knows we  only cruise every other year so he doesn't bother us with calls trying to get us to book another one.  He has all of our info in his computer and my brother and SILs.  For our next cruise, I called him, found two cabins side by side on the deck we wanted, booked both cabins using ours and brother's credit cards and within minutes, both of us got e-mails confirming the separate bookings.

[ishap]

3 hours ago, RWolver672 said:

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned getting a PVP (Personal Vacation Planner).  When we first started cruising, we used a TA.  If I wanted to book a cabin, I called her and she then had to call Carnival to see what was available.  If I had any questions about our booking, I had to call her and she had to call Carnival.  She always sent a bottle of rot gut champagne that we usually left in the cabin.  Not complaining about the free gift, just that we never drank it. 

 

I decided to try a PVP.  Now I call him and while I'm on the phone, he can tell me what is available instantly.  If I have a question I know I'll get an answer almost immediately.  I know he has been on many cruises so I trust his answers.

 

He knows we  only cruise every other year so he doesn't bother us with calls trying to get us to book another one.  He has all of our info in his computer and my brother and SILs.  For our next cruise, I called him, found two cabins side by side on the deck we wanted, booked both cabins using ours and brother's credit cards and within minutes, both of us got e-mails confirming the separate bookings.

 

We booked our first few cruises with a TA, but frankly didn't see the benefit with it except that she was a cruiser herself so she helped out us first timers.  Then I booked directly through the Carnival site, which was fine as I NEVER saw a better price from the TA than I could see directly on the Carnival site.  Ultimately, I got a call from the PVP that Carnival assigned to me and now I use him for every booking...mainly because he is super helpful, is able to view the cabins in real time to get us what we need, and keeps me up-to-date on any specials and also watches for price drops.  He also runs a Facebook gropu where he posts any specials he knows about and let's us know of any new upcoming cruises.  I was able to book the Mardi Gras in Europe and get my choice of cabin because he let me know ahead of time.  The PVP can also help with booking minors in seperate rooms, which you can't do online.  

 

Maybe some TAs out there are able to give more OBC or some other perk, but I haven't found one.  Our original TA gave us a nice in-room gift our first cruise, but other than that there was no other perk.

[eas2225]

I only use a PVP also.  She's awesome, and we've used her for the past 5 or 6 years.  Sometimes I don't get to read my email.  She knows I like the casino, so she'll call if there is a great offer.  She also knows the location we like and she always get us a great cabin!  I can call her whenever I have a question and she answers right away.  Great customer service!

[xitappers2bx]

Here's the main difference between a travel agent and a PVP:

 

The travel agent works for YOU.  They want to get YOUR business again, because they make a commission.

 

The PVP works FOR Carnival.  Their paychecks from FROM CARNIVAL.  They still have an incentive to help you, BUT at the end of the day, they work for CCL not for you.  The ONE experience i had with a PVP was a total cluster, and I have never strayed from my amazing TA since.

[beachbum6264]

I have used a TA in the past. I found that my TA never noticed a price drop, so I would have to call her to get it. Sometimes she could not see the price I was seeing, I would have to send her a screen shot. Once I could not get ahold of her and lost a pretty good drop because Carnival would only deal with her. 

I like being able to manage my own booking. If I have an issue I can just call myself. A few $$ of OBC would not make me change back.

[TEXSUN46]

I don't understand people doing all the research themselves and then using a T/A to get some OBC. No wonder the T/A's are willing to give up some of their commission as OBC, they are not doing anything. 

[ChinaShrek]

5 minutes ago, TEXSUN46 said:

I don't understand people doing all the research themselves and then using a T/A to get some OBC. No wonder the T/A's are willing to give up some of their commission as OBC, they are not doing anything. 

 

If I am booking a $3000 cruise and a TA offers me $350 in OBC, I don't understand why I would refuse.  I am leaving free money on the table.

[FiredogCruiser]

There is a bigger benefit to using a TA if you are not necessarily dedicated to a single line, or company. Booking direct with Princess doesn't include any Carnival history for example, even though both lines are owned by the same company. Same would be true if you went with a RCL line. A good TA will value your total cruise history as a customer, not just within a certain product. It can make a difference in the TA allowed perks offered.

[FiredogCruiser]

2 hours ago, ishap said:

 

We booked our first few cruises with a TA, but frankly didn't see the benefit with it except that she was a cruiser herself so she helped out us first timers.  Then I booked directly through the Carnival site, which was fine as I NEVER saw a better price from the TA than I could see directly on the Carnival site.  Ultimately, I got a call from the PVP that Carnival assigned to me and now I use him for every booking...mainly because he is super helpful, is able to view the cabins in real time to get us what we need, and keeps me up-to-date on any specials and also watches for price drops.  He also runs a Facebook gropu where he posts any specials he knows about and let's us know of any new upcoming cruises.  I was able to book the Mardi Gras in Europe and get my choice of cabin because he let me know ahead of time.  The PVP can also help with booking minors in seperate rooms, which you can't do online.  

 

Maybe some TAs out there are able to give more OBC or some other perk, but I haven't found one.  Our original TA gave us a nice in-room gift our first cruise, but other than that there was no other perk.

I would suggest that finding a good TA is just like finding any other professional service you would need, like an accountant, lawyer, etc. If you are a cruise addict, think of the value of your business in total, especially if not dedicated to a single line. Finding a TA that meets your specific requirements will take a little effort, just like finding any other professional will.

[TEXSUN46]

22 minutes ago, ChinaShrek said:

 

If I am booking a $3000 cruise and a TA offers me $350 in OBC, I don't understand why I would refuse.  I am leaving free money on the table.

That's a good deal if they are doing all the research and follow up price checking and handle all the details. My time is too valuable to me to have to deal with TA and do all the research and follow up just to get the OBC. I typically get equal percentage to that in OBC when I handle everything myself. 

[Bookworm1985]

I love my Carnival PVP. I would never give up control of my booking to another outside person. If I have any issues or price drops, I simply call or email and my PVP helps immediately. 

[RWolver672]

2 hours ago, xitappers2bx said:

Here's the main difference between a travel agent and a PVP:

 

The travel agent works for YOU.  They want to get YOUR business again, because they make a commission.

 

The PVP works FOR Carnival.  Their paychecks from FROM CARNIVAL.  They still have an incentive to help you, BUT at the end of the day, they work for CCL not for you.  The ONE experience i had with a PVP was a total cluster, and I have never strayed from my amazing TA since.

 

Who do you think pays that commission to your TA.  Carnival does in a round about way.  You may pay for the cruise through the TA but it's still through Carnival that they get paid.  A PVP does get their checks from Carnival but if they don't meet their quota, they won't be with Carnival for long.  To meet that quota, they have to work for you just as much as a TA does.  

 

It all boils down to personal preference.  There have been many out there that have had bad experiences with a TA just as you had with a PVP.  

[christieSF]

7 hours ago, RWolver672 said:

I decided to try a PVP.  Now I call him and while I'm on the phone, he can tell me what is available instantly.  If I have a question I know I'll get an answer almost immediately.  I know he has been on many cruises so I trust his answers.

 

Unfortunately the PVP that was assigned to me doesn't seem to be the best.  She will only do conversations via phone (and as I work from home at all times of day, email works best) and the deal she offered was the exact same as the website.

 

2 hours ago, beachbum6264 said:

I have used a TA in the past. I found that my TA never noticed a price drop, so I would have to call her to get it. Sometimes she could not see the price I was seeing, I would have to send her a screen shot. Once I could not get ahold of her and lost a pretty good drop because Carnival would only deal with her. 

 

Wow!  That's a big PRO in keeping the reservation myself.  

 

1 hour ago, ChinaShrek said:

 

If I am booking a $3000 cruise and a TA offers me $350 in OBC, I don't understand why I would refuse.  I am leaving free money on the table.

 

This was my initial thought!

 

1 hour ago, FiredogCruiser said:

There is a bigger benefit to using a TA if you are not necessarily dedicated to a single line, or company. Booking direct with Princess doesn't include any Carnival history for example, even though both lines are owned by the same company. Same would be true if you went with a RCL line. A good TA will value your total cruise history as a customer, not just within a certain product. It can make a difference in the TA allowed perks offered.

 

As we are just getting hooked into cruising right now with our kids at 10 and 13, I see the next few years looking like:  Small cruises off the West Coast of CA and then one big cruise per summer.  Once the kids are in college/on their own, we would plan differently, but for now, it's going to be about itinerary, dates, and cost.  I do not see us being committed to a single line in the near future.

 

1 hour ago, TEXSUN46 said:

I typically get equal percentage to that in OBC when I handle everything myself. 

 

I wish I was able to find a discount/OBC that matched what is being offered!

 

Okay, everyone, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of the feedback.  I can't believe the thoughtful responses and it's given me a lot to consider.

 

Most of the TAs I talked to offered about 8% OBC.  The one who I really liked only offered $50, so I think you have all convinced me that's not worth it.  I got an email this AM from one offering  almost 10% in OBC.  The problem is that I emailed him Friday and got the response this morning, so if there is a price drop, that's not a great turnaround time.  On the other hand, doing research, I don't think this cruise is going to drop price, so I don't think that's going to be an issue for this cruise.

 

As I mentioned above, I think the next few years will see us taking smaller cruises from CA and then a big cruise that fits what we want to do each summer so it would be great if a TA could be someone who could help us with those needs.  I love doing research, but I won't be on the sites all the time knowing the latest deals.

 

I did do some research last night on local cruise travel agents and at first pass, they seem very high end focused (thanks San Francisco!) but I will keep looking.  It would be nice to have someone that could alert me to the deals on various lines out of SF.

[sirvegetables]

Dumb question of the day:  Is it ever possible a TA (or PVP) could offer you a really really good perk like a free drink package for booking with them?  Or is it almost always just the OBC type of perk?  

[Robinsoncruiseso]

23 hours ago, christieSF said:

Ha.  I am so used to doing everything online that I didn't think to meet in person!  I can definitely see how that would be a big benefit and living in San Francisco, I bet we have some really good ones.  Do you know if there is a time limit before I have to switch the reservation to the TA?

You have 90 days from the time of booking provided you are still outside the penalty phase. Do make sure you find a caring TA. Make sure they have access to Carnival’s booking engine, that they regularly check for price drops and participate in all the perks Carnival provides to travel agents/advisors, such as upgrade programs for their clients.  Don’t be afraid to ask them about their own travel experience. Find an agent with a passion for travel and who will share that passion in each and every booking. Before I became a TA, I booked 30+ cruises direct or used an online agency. I know how much work I did on my own with those bookings and I throw myself into my clients bookings with an equal amount of enthusiasm.  I am sure there are many many other TA’s with the same desire to assist. I know you will find one.😎