Local Travel Agent, Cruise Line or Internet Agency?

[holidaybound]

How do most people book their cruises?

 

A local travel agent that I used in the past and is very helpful has quoted me a price 10-15% higher than what the cruise line has on their website and from the online agents.

 

I realize it is probably a tough time for travel agents and I would like to give him business if possible. On the other hand I would prefer to have the savings to spend on other aspects of the holiday such as tours.

 

Your advice appreciated.

[cb at sea]

We go directly to the cruiseline. That way, any problems or questions we may have can be dealt with immediately without going through a 3rd party. If you book with a TA, most cruiselines will NOT talk to you--you'll have to relay messages through the TA! And if you happen to get a TA that is non-responsive..... You get the picture!

[jeanlyon]

Well there is no way I would pay more than I need. I used Savensail and got a good discount.

[paul929207]

I check several online TA's for prices, and then call my local TA. She always meets or beats the best price I found.

 

I would not pay 10-15% extra to a local TA. Tell him/her the best price you found and ask if they can do it.

[jeanlyon]

I have not had any problem talking to my cruiseline, even though I have booked through a TA. Have spoken to them quite a few times.

[blindrid]

The first time, being a total novice, I used a PVP. After that, I've used nothing but online TA's (only selecting one attached to a brick and mortar TA though). If you are a high maintenance customer, you might use a local TA. If all you want to do is book and go, stay online.

 

I personally don't mess with price matches as if someone cannot give me their best deal up front I don't use them. I do shop a cruise pretty hard so it is a tad time consuming but that is something I'm willing to do. Anyway, do what you feel is best and have a good deal of comfort doing. Good luck.

[Jimsgirl]

If you wish to use the local TA perhaps you should ask why the price is higher with him/her.

 

A local TA here in my town ,a well known agency, employs "part time staff" so getting your questions answered often has to wait until that person is working - no one else is allowed to deal with you. I tried using them, the staffer I got claimed "all inside cabins are sold out " -this was a lie to get me to buy a higher priced cabin to increase the commision. Another remark was "why would you want to cruise on that stuffy line" .

 

I did not use the agency.

 

I do use a TA but not on line , just one in a town in another part of the state.

 

Using the cruise line for booking, does mean doing awy with the third person, but you are still taking a chance on the service you get, Staffer "A" could be great, but then you get staffer"B" who is hopeless.