Questions about online travel agencies...

[OnlineMom]

It is my understanding that posting specific names of such companies is not allowed on CC so I will refrain...

 

While onboard the CB last month, we visited the Future Cruise Sales desk and put down $200 towards another cruise (Spring Break next year). I was satisfied with the price we were quoted until I found the same cruise on an online cruise booking website for $1,000 less! I'm interested in taking advantage of that price difference but am leery of transferring the reservation. How does that work, exactly? Princess allows it, I assume? Would I contact them or the travel agent? Once transferred, will I still have access to my cruise information (excursions, cruise preferences, balance/payment etc.) on the Princess website? Would my booking number stay the same?

 

Our 1st cruise was handled directly with Princess so that is the only thing I have experience with. I appreciate any information you all can share with me. Thanks in advance!

[BILLP1]

Contact the travel agent and give them the Princess Booking number. They should be able to do the rest. We have done this a few times with no problems. Better in your pocket then Princess.

[chrysalis]

We always transfer our Future Sales Booking to an online agency...as a matter of fact, I just did it today for a booking I made on the Sea while we were on her up until last Saturday. We have never had a problem.

 

You keep the same booking number and can use your cruise personalizer and book excursions on the Princess site.

 

Do it, and save money.

[meemeec]

Yes, you can transfer your booking to your own travel agent by notifying Princess by fax that you want the booking released and to whom.

You will still be able to access your information on the cruise personalizer and the booking number will be the same.

Only if you cancel and re-book will you get a new number. I'm not sure how the reduced deposit will be affected if you re-book.

[OnlineMom]

I appreciate the quick replies... I think I'm going to switch the reservation without delay. For some reason, I was under the impression that once (if) you transfer a reservation to a travel agent, you lose control of the booking through the Princess website.

 

I won't cancel and re-book - just transfer the existing (as long as that's possible). I should be able to keep the specific cabin we booked, correct? Who will I make my final payment to? The agent or Princess?

 

Thanks again!

[Coral]

If you use a TA - you will no longer see the payment information in the Personalizer and your questions about the cruise should be directed to the TA and not Princess. Princess generally can not help you if you book through a TA. They will change bed arrangements but they won't discuss how much you paid, any payment info or if you want to switch categories, etc ... - This all has to go through the TA.

 

Booking through Princess is always the most expensive way to book.

[LeeW]

Easiest way to do a future booking is just make it open. Then call up the TA when you decide to take another cruise and give them the number. With the number they get you the onboard credit and the reduced deposit regardless of the fare details.

 

Other advantage of an open booking is you don't need to sit down with the specialist onboard. Too many other things going on!

[magnumcoog]

You will be able to keep the reduced deposit as well as the onboard credits.