Promo 6027

[TedC]

Lovebirds,

 

If your TA can't do better than the "published rate" or the "lowest brochure rate," you need a new TA.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have a question about this Promo, does anyone know if it applies to the Westerdam on March 13th 2005? Yesterday I decided to call my TA and switch from a VA aft cabin to a SS we took cabin 6077. I did my home work as usual and found prices on 6 web sites. All were pretty close within $50 per person of each other. When my TA called me back the price she quoted me was $150.00 more person than the highest one I found. I had her do it but I was really dissappointed. She is chargin me $300+ more than 6 well know web sites. She has always been real competitive. Now I do not know what to do. My DH is going to her office today to pay the final payment for our November cruise which was a good price and within $20 of all other web sites. We do not have to pay final payment for this Westerdam cruise till December 15th. I had her change to the SS cabin but I am thinking I should transfer the booking. What does anyone else think?????

[Lovebirds]

Lovebirds,

 

If your TA can't do better than the "published rate" or the "lowest brochure rate," you need a new TA.

My TA DID do better than the published rate. He got us a discount that we would not have gotten through the internet booking agencies. But when I asked about the 7032 promo that was being discussed recently, he said that it didn't apply to that sailing, but even if it did we would not get because of the other discounts. That is the part that Iam questioning.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

My TA DID do better than the published rate. He got us a discount that we would not have gotten through the internet booking agencies. But when I asked about the 7032 promo that was being discussed recently, he said that it didn't apply to that sailing, but even if it did we would not get because of the other discounts. That is the part that Iam questioning.

This is basically what my TA is saying. She says that HAL charges them against thier commission any shipboard credit as well as a Gift check that the large travel agency often gives as a promotion which I am getting for $50.00 once you pay for the cruise in full. My TA claims the deal they gave us is actually less than the promo discount is off the List price. I am just confused why so many on line agencys have the cruise for a lot less. She state with what I am getting in credit and the discount that it is actually cheaper than the promo. But based on different web site the math just does not add up:confused:

[cruisinjudy]

March 13 Westerdam is included in the promo, but it just gives price for Verandah at

from$1029

No prices are given for anything above a verandah.

 

As to combining promos, HAL says they don't do that.

[Tvisitor]

I did my home work as usual and found prices on 6 web sites. All were pretty close within $50 per person of each other. When my TA called me back the price she quoted me was $150.00 more person than the highest one I found. I had her do it but I was really dissappointed. She is chargin me $300+ more than 6 well know web sites. She has always been real competitive. Now I do not know what to do. . . .What does anyone else think?????

If you look at the HAL website’s price for your cruise, you will see a line item for "NDA" (their so-called "non-discounted amount"). I surmise (call it a guess) that what they pay your bricks and mortar TA as a commission is, or is related to, this amount. And if you book through the Cruise-line on a direct basis, this amount covers the cruise-line’s internal overhead (i.e. the cost of their retail service reps). If you use a TA and then try to use the cruise-line’s customer service reps, they’ll send you back to your TA — they are paying your TA to be your service rep, and they are paying their internal retail reps to help the folks who book direct. That brings me to the major on-line discounters. As far as I can tell, they basically give you a price that is about what you would get from the cruise-line if you booked at the cruise-line’s biggest discount (a price I am sure is assured to the discounters and locked in for them even after it is no longer available to you from the cruise-line), minus all or a portion of the NDA, which is to say that the NDA is basically given back to you. How they cover their costs, I have not figured out, but they do charge for changes that your TA can get done for free, and they generally give less personal service than your bricks and mortar TA gives (or should be giving). Yes, your bricks and mortar TA will charge you more than an on-line agent, but your TA has to eat, and sometimes, when it comes to service, you get what you pay for, or what your TA gets to keep. The on-line folks give less service. Just my opinion.

[dakrewser]

when it comes to service, you get what you pay for, or what your TA gets to keep. The on-line folks give less service. Just my opinion.

That's true but so is the reverse - with the on-line you pay for what you get while with a full service agency you often pay for things you don't use. It really comes down to how much service you think you will need. Determine that, then choose the agency accordingly.

[Tvisitor]

That's true but so is the reverse - with the on-line you pay for what you get while with a full service agency you often pay for things you don't use. It really comes down to how much service you think you will need. Determine that, then choose the agency accordingly.

TRUE TRUE TRUE

[Lovebirds]

If you look at the HAL website’s price for your cruise, you will see a line item for "NDA" (their so-called "non-discounted amount"). I surmise (call it a guess) that what they pay your bricks and mortar TA as a commission is, or is related to, this amount. And if you book through the Cruise-line on a direct basis, this amount covers the cruise-line’s internal overhead (i.e. the cost of their retail service reps). If you use a TA and then try to use the cruise-line’s customer service reps, they’ll send you back to your TA — they are paying your TA to be your service rep, and they are paying their internal retail reps to help the folks who book direct. That brings me to the major on-line discounters. As far as I can tell, they basically give you a price that is about what you would get from the cruise-line if you booked at the cruise-line’s biggest discount (a price I am sure is assured to the discounters and locked in for them even after it is no longer available to you from the cruise-line), minus all or a portion of the NDA, which is to say that the NDA is basically given back to you. How they cover their costs, I have not figured out, but they do charge for changes that your TA can get done for free, and they generally give less personal service than your bricks and mortar TA gives (or should be giving). Yes, your bricks and mortar TA will charge you more than an on-line agent, but your TA has to eat, and sometimes, when it comes to service, you get what you pay for, or what your TA gets to keep. The on-line folks give less service. Just my opinion.

When I have run the numbers, it seems that the non-discounted amount is the port fees and charges that are bundled into the quoted prices. Since those charges are a constant, they can't be discounted. My brick and mortar TA got me a price that is equal to or lower than anything that was quoted online, so I'm pleased. I haven't asked him for any special favors. It will be interesting to see how much he values my business after I make the final payment next month. We'll see whether he gives us any perks out of that big commission.:D

[Tvisitor]

My brick and mortar TA got me a price that is equal to or lower than anything that was quoted online, so I'm pleased. I haven't asked him for any special favors. It will be interesting to see how much he values my business after I make the final payment next month. We'll see whether he gives us any perks out of that big commission.:D

He sounds like a keeper!

[jazzsea]

Non discountable amounts are: Port charges and Government Taxes and fees.

 

As an example: Rotterdam, January 5, 2005 Panama Canal Ft. Lauderdale - Ft. Lauderdale. Port Charges are: $179; Government taxes and fees: $200.47

 

These amounts are not commissionable to travel agents and not discountable on HAL promotions.

 

If you look at a HAL brochure, you will find the port charges listed even though they are included in the brochure price.

 

If we (TAs) are given a special discount ( 42% - 50% - 60%) we must first subtract the port charges from the brochure price. Once we have the discounted price we must add the port charges back in to the price. Some agencies add the Gov't Taxes & Fees in to the price as well.

 

We list everything on our client invoices: We list the cabin cost, the port charge and the gov't taxes and fees. Then we show any additional discounts, onboard credits or amenties.

 

Our commission is taken off of the cruise cost only not taxes and fees.

 

Does this help?

[Tvisitor]

Non discountable amounts are: Port charges and Government Taxes and fees.

 

As an example: Rotterdam, January 5, 2005 Panama Canal Ft. Lauderdale - Ft. Lauderdale. Port Charges are: $179; Government taxes and fees: $200.47

 

These amounts are not commissionable to travel agents and not discountable on HAL promotions.

 

If you look at a HAL brochure, you will find the port charges listed even though they are included in the brochure price.

 

If we (TAs) are given a special discount ( 42% - 50% - 60%) we must first subtract the port charges from the brochure price. Once we have the discounted price we must add the port charges back in to the price. Some agencies add the Gov't Taxes & Fees in to the price as well.

 

We list everything on our client invoices: We list the cabin cost, the port charge and the gov't taxes and fees. Then we show any additional discounts, onboard credits or amenties.

 

Our commission is taken off of the cruise cost only not taxes and fees.

 

Does this help?

I stand corrected. Thanks for the explanation.

[jazzsea]

I just called the regular number for Holland America and asked about pricing for an "SS" for March 13, Westerdam.

 

The published rate is: $1175; Port Charges are $129 and Taxes and fees are $68.80.

 

Compare this rate to what is out on the websites. Subtract their discounted rate from the published rate and you will know how much of their commission they are giving to you.

 

Don't be afraid to compare prices. It's your money!

[sail7seas]

But bear in mind that your TA must also earn a living. They are not doing this as a hobby and they are entitled to be paid.

 

 

So tell me, Jazzsea......when is the last time a customer of yours spoke such words as I just wrote?

 

(In case there is any confusion....I am not, never have been and most likely never will be a TA.)

[Lovebirds]

Am I correct that the taxes and fees cannot be included in the displayed price?

It seems that all of the prices I see on the web are the discounted cabin price, plus port charges. The taxes and fees suddenly show up in the booking process.

 

I was told that those taxes and fees are subject to change since they are imposed by government agencies and, if increased prior to sailing, the increased amount will be passed on to the customer. If so, do they also rebate any decreases? Oh, wait, those are government fees.... those never decrease..... never, mind, silly question:D

[jazzsea]

S7S. I have been told often from my clients that they wouldn't have my job for the world. Which is great because I really wouldn't want their jobs either.

 

Being a full time cruise consultant is entertaining and enjoyable and nerve wracking and crazy and scary and fun. I get to talk to people from all walks of life, from all around the world, every day.

 

I have been know to discount cruises but not very often. I offer net rate cruises to my family (you don't want to hear those stories) and once a year donate a cruise for a charity auction.

 

Government taxes and fees... This amount has to do more with the itinerary than anything else. Part of the amount is the cost of Customs and Immigration officers coming aboard the ship. Another cost is government security. The Panama Canal has its own set of fees. (We don't own it anymore, remember.)

 

These fees have gone up in the last three years because of increased security. Have you ever seen the Navy Seals checking the hull of your ship before you sail away? You're not supposed to see them but sometimes you do.

 

If in doubt, always ask for an exact breakdown of pricing.

 

Cabin Cost?

Port Charges?

Taxes & Fees?

Penalties?

Onboard Credit?

Upgrades?

Mariner Discounts?

[jazzsea]

S7S... I don't expect or really want cruise bookings from this board. Since I don't rebate I would not be competitive with pricing from online agencies. My clients like to work with me and they know that I will be there for them whatever happens. Most have my home phone number and some have my cell phone number.

 

My message for those that are looking for "the lowest fare" is that if they look hard enough, they will find it.

 

On the other hand, if I was looking for a professional and was planning on spending several thousand dollars, I don't think I would look for one that charged the smallest fee.

 

Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I just called the regular number for Holland America and asked about pricing for an "SS" for March 13, Westerdam.

 

The published rate is: $1175; Port Charges are $129 and Taxes and fees are $68.80.

 

Compare this rate to what is out on the websites. Subtract their discounted rate from the published rate and you will know how much of their commission they are giving to you.

 

Don't be afraid to compare prices. It's your money!

Carol, that is to the penny what my TA is charging me. Now, are there any promos against that price? If not why are so many on line agencys so much cheaper. The prices I am checking do include the port charges and taxes.

Thanks for all this info.

[Lovebirds]

Carol, that is to the penny what my TA is charging me. Now, are there any promos against that price? If not why are so many on line agencys so much cheaper. The prices I am checking do include the port charges and taxes.

Thanks for all this info.

I was told by my TA that the price shown on the website cannot include the taxes. Even though the fine print almost always says port charges fees and taxes included, if you actually enter your booking information, there is an addon for taxes and fees. I did this on several online sites since our world cruise involves Big Dollars. Every time the final price wound up being more than their advertised internet special price, but still cheaper than the final price on the HAL website.

[Linda-E]

Well said, Carol! I agree that if people don't think that I provide additional service/value as a cruise specialist, then they are free to book the cheapest price. I often cannot meet some of the lowest prices out there. However, I do track promotions, and I can sometimes do better for my clients than the online sites. For example, I found a promotion for a great balcony price, combinable with an onboard credit promo, for some clients cruising in January. Checked a few of the online sites and my price was better! They don't have the time or resources to track the dozens of promos out there.

 

What we sell is our service. I work hard for my clients, checking on price decreases, new promos, itinerary changes, etc. To some people, it is worth a few extra dollars (and sometimes it saves them a few dollars).

[dakrewser]

What we sell is our service. I work hard for my clients, checking on price decreases, new promos, itinerary changes, etc. To some people, it is worth a few extra dollars (and sometimes it saves them a few dollars).

And that's the way it should be. The difference with even a few years ago, though, is that people with the inclination and some web-jockey savvy can now do their own research. For the client its a trade off, money vs. time.

 

Still there's nothing that precludes a good TA from also offering a dybamite web site!:)

[sail7seas]

We pay a bit more for most of our cruises than the absolute lowest price I am able to find on line.

 

Our TA is brick and mortar and down the street/round the corner. I can stroll into the office whenever suits my fancy. I know where to find them and they know what I want, how I want it and do not waste my time. They know I will not chisle to bare bones the very last penny. I appreicate their efforts on my behalf; they appreciate my business.

 

We have used this this Agency for at least 5 years now; we cruise about 6-8 cruises a year; we always book an "S" and they know when I call, I am not sightseeing. We have referred in ALOT of business from our friends and acquaintances. They know if I call, I have found a cruise I want them to look into for availability/price etc and I don't waste their time. By the same token, because of my pattern, I expect a phone call back from one of them within 2 hours. Very few excuses would be acceptible. Almost always, I speak with my Agent on the first call I make. I will hold for a reasonable amount of time if she is working with someone else when I call.

 

We have a good understanding of each other and each's expectations/requirements.

 

They have asked me a number of times to come to work for them!!!

They think I have alot of cruise knowledge that would be valuable to them/their clients. They know I know more about HAL than any of them.

[mayesd]

Mayesd,

 

Are you booked on this cruise. We are. Looking for some other CC members to join us.:)

We have not booked yet but are pretty sure we will. I see you are not far from us. We live just south of Richmond VA. I will let you know if we book.