Is it True

[veal1]

That Celeb. and Royal Carib are the same prices both online and with TA? The research I'm doing at different online agencies/sites is all for naught. Gasp:eek:

Tell me it isn't so.

[MiataKath]

Hello,

 

Yes, same prices, generally speaking.

 

Regards,

 

Don and Kathie

[lvtotrvl1]

Celebrity and RCCL will have the same prices shown on every website including theirs. Carnivals will also be the smae, unless there are group rates on a specific sailing. Puts everyone in a level playing field.

[newmexicoNita]

All lines will follow in the near future I am sure. It does put everyone on a even level. NMnita

[veal1]

I have found different rates on various sites for Carnival.

If all sites soon have the same rates, what will encourage a person to use a particular one?

[Pisces11]

I have found different rates on various sites for Carnival.

If all sites soon have the same rates, what will encourage a person to use a particular one?

 

One of the things I have learned from the knowledgeable Cruise Critic contributors is that the different prices quoted on web sites might not include taxes and port fees. That would make them look hundreds of dollars cheaper than prices quoted on another site.

[StknCPA]

I have found different rates on various sites for Carnival.

If all sites soon have the same rates, what will encourage a person to use a particular one?

 

Service!

 

(I was also surprised to find the same price everywhere...)

[Maraprince]

veal1,

 

This has been effect for some time with both of these cruise lines. At least you know no one else (unless they are getting a group rate) is paying a lot less to be on the same sailing as you because they booked through a different agency!

 

Also, unless I am mistaken, it opens up the amount of available cabins since there is no purpose in certain TA's buying blocks of cabins from the cruise lines and then reselling them at greatly reduced prices only through their agencies. If you want to go direct to the cruise lines, the same cabins would not be under their control since they no longer "own" them to sell them.

 

With these 2 cruise lines at least you know the price is the price is the price. You may not like the price, but that's not the point! Everyone will pay the same price for the same category cabin.

 

That was one of the main reasons why my friend and I booked the Constellation in October from our long time TA. Why should we have to shop around for another agency just to get a better price and deal with someone who doesn't know what we like or dislike in a cruise or who doesn't care about repeat business -- only how much they can sell and how much commission they will get out of it?

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[Drew B]

At least you know no one else (unless they are getting a group rate) is paying a lot less to be on the same sailing as you because they booked through a different agency!

 

...

 

With these 2 cruise lines at least you know the price is the price is the price. You may not like the price, but that's not the point! Everyone will pay the same price for the same category cabin.

 

 

That's not really true. Another big factor you're not including is timing. Prices fluctuate. Yes, at any given time, the price will be the same from X direct as from a TA, but that doesn't mean that you won't encounter people who paid a lot less! Chances are, they bought their cruise earlier and the prices have since gone up or they bought it later and you missed out on the discount by failing to ask for it (either directly or through your TA).

[Tatka]

One internet only agency, that many here know, uses system, where they give you points for cruise you are booking, and with these points you can choose items form the list that you like, often they give you money equivalent of the gift. :)

[veal1]

Are you allowed to tell me(who doesn't know) the name of the agency? Perhaps you could give me a hint or I'll give you my email address.

I love to do things to get points.

I have a no fee credit card that gives me 5 points for every dollar I spend in the supermarket. And I work in a supermarket and leave my pay check there every week.

So anything that gives points, I'm interested in.:)

Thx.

[YYC F/A]

To the OP:

 

Have you thought about going through a local cruise specialist? Pricing is pretty much level whether you go through a local specialist, or an internet only agency... but with the local cruise specialist you'll get:

 

• personalised service - and build a rapport with your consultant
  
• peace of mind - if something goes wrong - you just call your local agent/consultant who knows you personally - rather than a generic call centre that could be located anywhere in the world!
  
• long term relationship - your agent/consultant will get to know your likes/dislikes - and go the extra mile to 'customise' it and make it just right
  
• you may even get a bottle of wine / casino credits / flowers or other small gifts onboard as a token of your agents appreciation!
  

 

It's a matter of personal choice. When it comes to flights - I always try to book direct with the airline, avoiding cruise air or even consolidators where possible...

 

But for the cruise - many people appreciate the peace of mind for service follow-up, and local personal relationships, rather than dealing with the large internet agencies.

 

Just some thoughts...

[AnDeNo.UK]

Our TA's prices have been cheaper than any of the cruise lines. ;) (I guess they take a cut in their commission). Also, they got us great prices for flights into Miami for April next month.:D