How do we find a travel advisor?

[onthegone1]

Hi there,

 

We are recently retired and are interested in river cruises. Is it beneficial to utilize a travel advisor or is it fine to book cruises on our own via the cruise line website? We have traveled abroad multiple times and always book things on our own. If we should use an advisor, how do we find a good one?

 

Any and all feedback about this subject and more is welcome! Thank you very much.

 

 

 

[Host Kat]

25 minutes ago, onthegone1 said:

Hi there,

 

We are recently retired and are interested in river cruises. Is it beneficial to utilize a travel advisor or is it fine to book cruises on our own via the cruise line website? We have traveled abroad multiple times and always book things on our own. If we should use an advisor, how do we find a good one?

 

Any and all feedback about this subject and more is welcome! Thank you very much.

 

Howdy @onthegone1!  

 

Welcome to the Cruise Critic message boards! To help you out, I have moved your first new thread to our River Cruising forum where it will be more on topic.

 

Please check out the pinned thread River Cruise TRAVEL AGENTS – Why You Need One and How to Find a Good One on this forum.

 

Hope this will be helpful and glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic! 

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat  

 

[Daisi]

@onthegone1.  We aren't allowed to mention names for TA's here, but your best bet would be ask people you know to see if they have recommendations.  At least then you can find out who you don't want to deal with.  I know some of the cruise lines have TA's (local ones) that have been on their cruises, so they will be listed under the planning section (at least Avalon does that).  

 

River cruises are specialised.  If you are going to use a TA, get one that has been on a cruise, as they are not like ocean cruises.  Some people deal with local TA's, some with big box store ones, other with nationwide web only ones.  It's all a personal choice.

 

May I suggest you look at the stickies on the top of the board that our host Jazzbeau has posted...they have lots of info for you and could be helpful.

 

Come back and ask any questions you have, it's better to be prepared than to cruise not knowing what to expect.  Do you have any specific river you wish to cruise on?  You can always search these boards and probably find a fair number of reviews to read from people who have been on them...but keep in mind that Covid has changed a lot, so there will be differences.

 

 

[CILCIANRQTS]

Shop local.

We prefer an independent local travel agent we can sit with to plan and trouble shoot any issues that arise ( and they will!).

Found one that is well- connected to Viking staff, which has meant excellent handling on things that could go either way.

She’s very responsive and we’re very appreciative.

[Daisi]

49 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

Shop local.

We prefer an independent local travel agent we can sit with to plan and trouble shoot any issues that arise ( and they will!).

Found one that is well- connected to Viking staff, which has meant excellent handling on things that could go either way.

She’s very responsive and we’re very appreciative.

 

Much to the dismay of our TA, that's what we did. 🙂  I knew the agency, but hadn't used a TA for over 30 years.  I'm someone who has to plan everything..and for every little problem.  I think I may have driven her up the wall, but she was great for us, and has been good for us for our cruise we are working on.  She was laid off in Dec, but continues to keep contact so any changes we had to make - transferring our cancelled cruise to 2022, she was there.  That's why I like the personal service.

 

[mj_holiday]

I use a TA recommended by a friend.  Our TA is not even in our state but we have no issues with phone and internet.  I do alot of research on my own about what trips I want to take.  One of the most complicated we took was to take a ship to Antarctica.  This involved stop overs in Rio, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires and then Tierra del Fuego to catch our ship.  It was a great trip.  The most important thing about this is that I knew if by chance anything happen, missing a flight, hotel doesn't have a room etc, I can contact our TA and she will work the problem no matter the time etc.  I make our own arrangement for land trips but I would not do a cruise without her handling it.

[sharkster77]

A good TA is worth their weight in gold.  Ours is OK, but inattentive to details.  When she was out on vacation we dealt with another TA in the same office, and wow, we would switch in a second but the awkwardness it would cause would be substantial.

[Lois R]

On 5/4/2021 at 1:35 PM, sharkster77 said:

A good TA is worth their weight in gold.  Ours is OK, but inattentive to details.  When she was out on vacation we dealt with another TA in the same office, and wow, we would switch in a second but the awkwardness it would cause would be substantial.

If you are really happier with the 2nd person who helped you then I would make a suggestion and speak with the supervisor/owner whoever is in charge of that agency and give them your feedback.  That might remove any awkwardness and they can be the one to switch TA's from the first one to the better one for you.

[Canal archive]

As has been said read the bits above some call them sticky’s. Put together a list of river cruise companies and get some brochures Wade through them with a glass of wine so you get an idea of what’s on offer. Make a list of what you want included then ask friends for any advice on travel agents, maybe even talk to a couple of companies if you feel like it. Enjoy and then enjoy your cruise. Preparation is at least a quarter of the fun. CA

Edited May 8, 2021 by Canal archive