lyadams Posted September 2, 2008 #1 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I have not cruised for about 2 years and we've always used the same TA for 4 cruises. They are currently working on a cruise for a group of mine in '09. Question - is it common for the TA's price to be the same as RCCL site and Travelocity? We've always received a quote lower than what you can get on line - but again, that was two years ago. We are also not getting any additional "perks" that they've told me (re: no paying of fuel, taxes, gratuity) Will continue to book through them as has been great service and I don't want to walk away. Was just curious as to what the common practice is these days. Thanks for the input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willysgrandma Posted September 2, 2008 #2 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Travel agencies cannot discount Royal Caribbean. That is why you'll see all the prices the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserbryce Posted September 2, 2008 #3 Share Posted September 2, 2008 unlike some other cruise lines RC doesn't allow TA's to discount fares...TA's give their customers value by including other things...obc's or bottles of champagne seem to be the most common Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cage keeper Posted September 2, 2008 #4 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I just booked for March 09 and the price was the same on line as RCCL. But the online agency gave us free gratuity's.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39august Posted September 2, 2008 #5 Share Posted September 2, 2008 TA's can sometimes book a group with lower rates than RCI. Last fall my TA reserved 100 cabins which she marketed as a group on FOS, and we got a rate about $100 less than direct from RCI at that time. At any rate, your TA should give you something, at least a bottle of wine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyadams Posted September 2, 2008 Author #6 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Thanks everyone for your insight. It is very interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgan1312 Posted September 2, 2008 #7 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Travel agencies cannot discount Royal Caribbean. That is why you'll see all the prices the same. Is this a recent development? It seems to me in years past we got lower quotes from the TA but the last 2-3 years the prices are the same as RCCL. We also don't get any perks from our TA, I'm thinking maybe it's time to shop around for a TA who does give some perks, we've dealt with this one for at least 17 years, but the TA company is changing their policies and customer service. I'm a little upset with them because when I asked for a price quote on an upcoming cruise recently, they pulled the port charges out as a separate line item because their new slogan is they are ' "unbeatable" so we will match any or even beat any competitor out there' I have never had them split the port charges out of the base cruise price before so I think this is just a way for their base price to look lower than the others who include them. It makes me feel like they are trying to pull a fast one over on me, when I questioned why it was a separate line item they just said you always have to pay that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Cruz Chic Posted September 2, 2008 #8 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Thanks everyone for your insight. It is very interesting. RC stopped giving discounts a few years ago :( Best any one can do is find a resident or senior discount or a TA that gives perks. BTW....we are not allowed to discuss any TA's or mention any big on-line TA's that too stopped a few years ago! :eek: Welcome to CC.....I agree that is is very interesting!!! :) *** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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