better to book thru TA or SS?

[hsheffield]

I've never booked a cruise before and am hoping to book my first soon!

 

I've seen some chatter on FB about how a TA can save money and offer on board credits compared to the SS agents. I see we're not allowed to talk about specific travel agencies, but I was hoping some of you could give me some general guidance about pros/cons.

 

 

[JohnGinPBG]

31 minutes ago, hsheffield said:

I've never booked a cruise before and am hoping to book my first soon!

 

I've seen some chatter on FB about how a TA can save money and offer on board credits compared to the SS agents. I see we're not allowed to talk about specific travel agencies, but I was hoping some of you could give me some general guidance about pros/cons.

 

 

 

I can only speak from personal experience, but we have booked four cruises directly with SS and have been very pleased with our rep. Others insist that using a TA is the way to go, but I prefer to deal directly with the provider, whether it's a hotel, airline or cruise - just for peace of mind. 

 

Our SS rep has gotten us unpublished discounts, what I consider to be generous OBC, prompt answers to my questions and good suite assignments. He also arranged for us to visit a ship in port which included a tour and lunch with an officer. So we're happy.

[Observer]

I know that TAs (like SS reps) are human and vary in quality.  I used several TAs to book many cruises over many years.  I got some welcome discounts and OBCs, but there were so many errors on this or that and delays in getting answers that I began booking directly with SS.  I get OBCs from my SS rep and s/he is aggressive in getting me every reasonable discount.  It's very nice to speak with someone who has inventory at their desk and can immediately quote prices and talk about specific suite availability.  Because of connections within the company, my SS rep has made exceptional arrangements for me that I doubt even the best TA would make.

[hsheffield]

wow! can't believe how quickly you guys responded.

 

as for OBC, do you directly ask the SS rep for them?  any hints on how to get them?

 

[Observer]

4 minutes ago, hsheffield said:

as for OBC, do you directly ask the SS rep for them?  

 

 

Yes.  I can get more generous OBCs from some TAs, but I am happy to sacrifice some OBC savings in exchange for speedy professional service.

[hsheffield]

JohnGinPBG:  great to know. we're thinking of the Athens/Istanbul/Venice trip next summer. already supposedly getting a 10% discount and round trip business tickets for around $1400, so I'll be interested in the response to an OBC request.

 

the business class tickets are very important for us. we're both very tall and not as bendy as we used to be!

[markham]

While I have never booked directly with a cruise line I am convinced the way to go is with a specialist cruise TA, preferably a large volume one dealing with Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal. The idea is that such TAs do know what they are talking about, are accurate in what they do for you, and can help you compare and contrast cruise line and cruise choices. But mainly because if something goes wrong the specialist TA will be on your side. You think you’re going to get that type of assistance from a cruise line sales person employee? No way!

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

[hsheffield]

I'm in North Carolina! 

 

 

but I wish I lived in the UK...does that count?

Edited August 16, 2019 by hsheffield

[RachelG]

You need to use a TA that specializes in luxury cruise travel.  I can’t name names here but google that.  In addition to getting the best price for the trip and board credits, you will get a check in the amount of about 5% of the cruise cost sent to you a week of so prior to the cruise.  If you book directly with the cruise company, this will never happen

[Randyk47]

Our Internet based TA was recommended to us seven years ago by a fellow Cruise Critic contributor who is also a Silversea cruiser.  She consistently gives us a 10-12% cash discount and very good service.  Just booked our seventh SS cruise with her.     

[carefreecruise]

1 hour ago, RachelG said:

You need to use a TA that specializes in luxury cruise travel.  I can’t name names here but google that.  In addition to getting the best price for the trip and board credits, you will get a check in the amount of about 5% of the cruise cost sent to you a week of so prior to the cruise.  If you book directly with the cruise company, this will never happen

I will say if you don't have a relationship with a known Travel agent that specializes in Silversea and is booking many each day. You will be better off calling them directly. Ours does such a great job fixing all the problems and getting special favors , I let them keep the five percent commission for all their trouble.