TA's Not Offering Every Cruise Line

[cyberfilly]

Why do some on-line TA's not offer bookings with every cruise line? Some offer all cruise lines, some only offer specific cruise lines. Just curious about why the on-line TA industry works that way. Looking for quotes on a Princess cruise, but not all on-line TA's offer Princess.

[G'ma]

Why do some on-line TA's not offer bookings with every cruise line? Some offer all cruise lines, some only offer specific cruise lines. Just curious about why the on-line TA industry works that way. Looking for quotes on a Princess cruise, but not all on-line TA's offer Princess.

 

Sometimes the agency has a contractual agreement with different cruise lines that give more commission to them for a greater part of their cruise revenue. Of course, they are going to want to sell the cruise lines where they make the most money.

 

They aren't required to sell every company. It's a private business and they can sell who they wish.

[Pam in CA]

They aren't required to sell every company. It's a private business and they can sell who they wish.

Exactly. There are many TAs, online or not, that specialize with one or just a few cruiselines. There are actually so many cruiselines and ships available, many of which I'm sure you've never even heard of, that to get a TA knowledgeable about all of them would be extraordinary. Heck, go to any retail or online store and you'll see that they don't carry every single line of clothing, brand and/or model TV, etc. I often go to one supermarket because they carry a bigger variety of cat food than another but that same market doesn't carry as big a variety of salad dressing.

 

The bottom line is that there isn't any sinister about a TA that doesn't sell or give a discount on all cruiselines. Every single store in the country does the same thing.

[Toto2Kansas]

The TA I used to use, may she rest in peace, specialized in Princess. She actually didn't really like selling any other cruise line and some she wouldn't even consider booking for you.

By specializing in Princess, she was able to get some great price breaks on all Princess cruises and pass along the savings to her customers.

 

With so many different TA's online and brick and morter agencys, if one doesn't sell the cruise line you are wanting to book, it is very simple to find another.

 

Good luck on your hunt. ;)