Booking Question

[jamiddl]

Does it matter who I book with? This is my first cruise. I can go through Expedia or Icruise or really anyone. They are all the same price, give or take $15, except for actually booking through Carnival which would be another $100. I was planning on doing some research about travel insurance over the weekend and then purchasing that separately. Thanks for any advice!

[kitty9]

You need to find out if any place provides little perks, like on board credit or paid gratuities. Also, you need to ask each place what they charge for changing/canceling your cruise. Some places charge huge fees for changing your reservation or canceling, even when you're before the penalty phase for cancellation.

[Keith1010]

Since this is your first cruise you really might want to consider a Travel Agency rather than just using Expedia. They can be helpful in a variety of ways with questions that you might have both now and after you book the cruise.

 

Most times you can obtain the same price as the internet travel engines and on top of that many TA's offer other amenities. Could be an on board credit, a shore excursion or other perks either before, after, or on board your cruise.

 

And, yes, as mentioned, know the rules as sometimes some TA's or others such as the web sites charge for changes or cancellations.

 

But I think because this is your first cruise that the knowledge that someone who is a very good TA can be very helpful to you.

 

Good luck,

 

Keith

[cb at sea]

If you're going to use an agency, go to one in your town--travel agents are REAL people!!! Walk into the agency, sit down, and talk to them!

Or, just book directly through Carnival!

[98Charlie]

Just a note to keep the thread from disappearing: Discussions of specific agencies is against community guidlines.

On to the original question -

 

The reality is that is does and doesn't matter who you book with. There are local travel agencies that have real, live people that do a great job. There are some that are mediocre, others that are worthless and still others that are plain toxic.

 

The same can be said of online agencies. IMHO the majority of both types are at least OK so the odds are somewhat in your favor of not having a problem no matter what. Our worst experience was with a local agency, best has been one of the major onlines.

 

If you are dealing with one of the onlines I would suggest that you call their number and speak directly to an agent. Get their name and extension number and use them as your contact for all of your needs for this reservation. If that person turns out to be a good/great TA call them direct for any future reservations.

 

I would avoid any onlines that communicate only by email.

 

Do make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Same cruise, cabin category, fees, taxes, discounts, rebates, perks.

 

That's my 2¢

 

Charlie

[silentbob007]

Did your price quote come from Carnival's website or a phone operator? I have found Carnival's website tedious for finding discount rates that you are eligible for, yet seem to be showing up on other sites. If you call them, they can probably get you the same rate once they know how old you are, what state you live in, etc.

 

This is my preference, but I would never use a multi-purpose booking site because a) they usually have more strict cancellation policies (a charge even if the cruiseline doesn't charge) b) they usually have a booking fee (which is rediculous because they are getting a commission too) and c) when you call for customer service, you have to work to talk to the same person and that person may/may not be a cruise specialist.

[jamiddl]

Thanks for the help. Sorry, I didn't realize I couldn't name specific agencies. Thanks again!

[firefly333]

Since no one is allowed to advertise a lower rate than Carnival's, if you are seeing lower rates, then you are seeing a discount, maybe for past guest or something on another site. Sometimes the site can offer OBC, but the advertised rates should be the same.

 

One thing to consider, many online sites are bad about lowering the price if the price drops. Some will charge a change fee. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples, as if you are seeing a lot of different prices, that seems odd to me.

[jamiddl]

I think I was seeing some places charging booking fees, etc. I figured it out, and I booked directly through Carnival. Yay!!!! I'm so excited...now I need make one of those countdown things!

[Plant]

I think I was seeing some places charging booking fees, etc. I figured it out, and I booked directly through Carnival. Yay!!!! I'm so excited...now I need make one of those countdown things!

 

Congratulations! Come join us on the Arkansas Cruisers thread :) .

[silentbob007]

Congrats and have a blast! :)