Buying a cruise: Online vs TA

[Bo1331]

We've cruised ~6 timeas and have always got it online. However I've read many use TA and often get upgraded or help when needed. I can't see the online folks doing that. Any thoughts and should we switch.

[drwong]

We've cruised ~6 timeas and have always got it online. However I've read many use TA and often get upgraded or help when needed. I can't see the online folks doing that. Any thoughts and should we switch.

 

I think your question has answered itself! :)

[Brahmama]

Will take our 20th cruise in January. We've booked cruises lots of different ways. No TA in our little town, but have used one about 50 miles away who didn't know as much as I did about cruising! It all depends on who you get.

 

BUT, we've had better service, and more help from a couple of the on-line TA's. It is very important to use one that you can TALK to on the phone and not just email.

 

Especially for Oceania. You need to book a specialist for Oceania that can answer all your questions and help you with any problems. Ours has already helped us out with a couple of problems, saved us some money and given us great advice - far over and above the norm. I will use her again with no hesitation!

 

I'll be glad to share the name if you email me.

[drwong]

Yes - I would second Brahmama's point. Find yourself a GOOD travel agent who knows a lot about Oceania and who sells a lot of Oceania cabins. There ARE individual TAs out there who will sell you Oceania tickets while knowing little or nothing about the cruise line.

 

We've sailed with passengers who felt they were poorly advised or poorly prepared by their travel agent when selecting an Oceania cruise - some were surprised to find a lack of young people who could hang out with their teens, while another cruiser was particularly miffed that his agent "failed" to tell him he wouldn't be allowed to smoke in his cabin or in the dining rooms (but that's a well-beaten dead horse on this forum already).

 

Those uninformed agents are probably on-par with the impersonal online travel wholesalers who will sell you a cabin via their website, with nary more than an email or two and an exchange of credit card numbers. They may have little incentive to go to bat for you in a conflict or if an opportunity (e.g., an upgrade) were to present itself. Forewarned is forearmed.