Confused about TWE Exclusivity

[javagirl]

They claim they are the only planners that can book Princess cruises...if this is not the case, please tell me who else can! I called the Princess# directly and had a girl with PURE ATTITUDE in her voice basically not answer any of my questions. I got through to TWE, even though I heard mixed reviews, because I was under the understanding they are the EXCLUSIVE wedding contractor to Princess.

 

Based on the reviews I have heard, if I can use someone OTHER than TWE, i would feel much more comfortable. Also this is based on my experiences with them so far. I felt my calls and emails have been ignored until I become a STALkEr...:confused:

 

They seem unwilling to talk or console (isnt' that all we bride to be's really want? Is some ASSURANCE, not so much the GUARANTEE) that everything will be okay. Even though we all know HecK could break loose.

[flyerso6]

The cruise lines contract out weddings to TWE/RR meaning no you cannot go through anyone else.

[NurseBeth]

The only way around TWE is if you have your wedding in one of the ports-of-call and arrange it through a private coordinator on that island. Lots of the ladies on this board have taken that route.

[flhokie]

Like NurseBeth said the only way to not use TWE is to book through a local coordinator in a port. If you want to get married onboard the ship (either before leaving port or at sea) TWE is the only option. We wanted to get married at sea so that we don't have to worry about the possibility of missing a port (weather, mechanical problems, passenger illness, etc.)where we might have scheduled a wedding so we are using TWE.

 

If you choose to stay with TWE, I've been working with Tia and she's been very responsive. After the initial calls and some others when Princess decided to cancel the sailing we were booked to be married on, I've communicated with Tia via email and have received responses within a couple of hours. Good luck with whichever option you choose.

[javagirl]

Thanks flhokie and Nurse...

 

I will see what happens, I am still SO far out in the booking process. But I will certainly keep Tia's name on my lips

[Nauti-Lady]

Yes TWE is the only one who may book the wedding, but they are not the only one who can book the cruise! The cruise portion can be booked through any travel agent you choose. We used one that specialized in wedding groups and they were a big help in helping us deal with TWE. Our daughter had a Princess "at sea" wedding onboard and it was wonderful despite the attitude of TWE!

[flhokie]

Very good point Nauti-Lady! We are using a totally separate travel agent for the cruise bookings---only using TWE for the wedding.

 

That's an important point to make because TWE (from their website) appears to be run by a travel agency (or they have a contract with one). On their website there are links to book travel. I agree with Nauti-Lady--use your own agent to book the cruise.