Princess are you listening?

[2irisheyes]

Just throwing in my bit from the UK. When booking a flight it is generally cheaper from an agent than from the airline direct. I assume it is the same principle with the cruiselines. It is easier for them if they don't have to deal with customers directly, particularly when problems arise.

[kuldalai]

Airlines particularly these days are encouraging pax to book on line but offer same fares in most cases as you can purchase via TA . Airlines love pax who book on line as they do not have to pay commission to the TA's and given they give the traveller no reduced fare the commission they would have paid the TA then goes straight to the Airlines bottom line.

 

Cruise Companies usually will be same cost or dearer than via TA. Also some Tour Wholesalers package up a cruise with accommodation and airfares and as such they are big bulk customers of the cruise lines. so these Wholesalers get preferential rates as the Cruise Operator has the sales job done by the Wholesaler .

 

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) . Shop around for the best deal before you book your cruise.

[dcrow72]

for the particular cruise I was looking to book, I tried the compete website someone posted here a while back. The prices varied but not substantially as some included fees/some didn't. All were about $100 less than princess website give or take. Some had onboard credit some didn't. Some listed in their quote that Future cruise credits could not be applied to the bookings. I emailed 3 others that did not respond to my question regarding using future cruise credits; that was 1 week ago and I never heard back from any of them. The last 2 cruises I used a web based TA; 1st cruise great service, this past one, couldn't reach the guy. Multiple emails and phone messages with no response (I wanted to price changing 2 cabins to a family suite when I saw it was available after final payment-Princess wont talk to you at all if you booked through a TA-he never called back and I lost the opportunity). 1st cruise, bottle of wine, free photo, recent cruise, nothing. We all know how tough it is to get answers from the CSR at Princess, so I looked up authorized TA's in my area and found one down the street with "Commodore" rating by Princess (it is apparantly reserved for those TA's with exceptional knowledge and service for Princess). Nice guy. He couldn't beat Princess's own prices, but I booked with him anyway just to have a body to talk to. For the $75-100 extra, it's worth it to me if I have a problem to know someone is going to bat for me that has a good relationship with the cruise line. So the moral of the story is, Princess doesn't even discount to their "commodore" rated TA's. Carnival's system is much better; we have a real person who we always contact and she is able to get us the best rate available; never found it cheaper anywhere. Guess all things are not created equal.

[feebs2]

What I think you mean is

why not Princess just offer the lowest fare without going through the middle man.

Am I correct? :confused:

Which would make it a whole lot easier.

Except TA's provide customized service and planning for complex itineraries to multiple destinations.

Cruise lines don't handle that.

 

TA's will do everything to meet your travel needs. They will arrange all types of domestic and international travel and they can provide assistance with travel insurance protection, passport or visa applications and other travel requirements.

Cruise lines don't.

 

You have to think of a TA as a planner, a shopper who looks for the lowest fare, a counselor who offers advice , and a problem solver in case one comes about.

 

Personally, I would rather do all that ..... heard too many stories of TA's who messed up, didn't go to bat for you, etc. Maybe I have control issues, or do not trust anyone above my wife and I to care about our travel. We have done our own travel arrangements for years, domestic and international.

 

Just curious, what do you need to do to become a TA? Seems like I could be my own ... and pass the saving on to me :)

[newmexicoNita]

Personally, I would rather do all that ..... heard too many stories of TA's who messed up, didn't go to bat for you, etc. Maybe I have control issues, or do not trust anyone above my wife and I to care about our travel. We have done our own travel arrangements for years, domestic and international.

 

Just curious, what do you need to do to become a TA? Seems like I could be my own ... and pass the saving on to me :)

Let me fill you in on a few things: a good TA has traveled extensively or, if they are a cruise specialist have cruised on several lines and taken several cruises.

 

To qualify, isn't all that hard if you want to just be an order taker, but if you do a good job and many do, the money isn't great and you work hard for every penny. You share your commission and commissions are based on the base rate before any taxes, charges, etc. Example: you as the consumer pay $800 per person, the base fair is probably around $490.00. that is what a commission is based on, now give part of that to your company, and try to add a little "thank you gift" There isn't much left.

 

There are errors and ommissions insurance yearly, plus fees paid to the company you work for, not to mention classes to keep up with the latest marketing policies and changes in the cruise industry..Not all agents take these classes of course, but those are the agents that give the industry a bad name...

 

Now, tell me what savings you plan to pass on to yourself? Oh, if you think we cruise for free or almost?: hardly. Yes, we do earn free cruises, maybe once every year or so and we do get discounts, these do not become available until about 30 days prior to sailing, so if you have total flexibility and don't care if you spend a week or longer in an inside cabin, maybe you should give up your day job and become a wonderful order taking agent?

 

If you wonder why many of us are agents: we love our job cause with the exception of the few cronic complainers it is a happy job..

 

NIta

 

one more thing, of course you can open up your own company and work 80 hours a week to make a living, plus investing several thousands of dollars in your start up venture..

[nbsjcruiser]

I frequently read threads asking if it is best to book a cruise through the cruise company or use a travel agent. The general consensus is use a TA because you can always save money.

 

I generally book our next cruise while on ship and after arriving home "dial for dollars". Meaning, we call a few TA's and provide all the information: date, cruise ship, catagory etc. and ask for a price quote. Each gives a different price and always cheaper than the cruise line.

 

MY POINT IS: If I do all the research, pick my cruise, date, ship etc. and give all the info when I call, why do the cruise lines not give me the same low price as they give the TA's? If we do all the work for our next cruise we should be financially rewarded. Cruise lines should be embarassed they do not give their loyal customers the best possible deal from the onset. At the risk of sounding redundant, all the cruise line has to do in either case is look up the price and send out the documents. The only difference is the address the docs are mailed to, all other info can be done on line.

 

Princess, if you read this please give it some consideration. In my opinion, Princess or any other cruise line has an opportunity to revolutionize the industry. If inacted travel agents would probably lose the business of some seasoned cruisers but then progress or change usually affects someone.

 

Hey, it could be worse. Look at what RCI did. I call it price fixing. You can go to just about any TA you like and the price is the same across the board. Its the same price on the internet on their web site too. What they've done is remove the TA when it comes to experienced cruisers. Why bother with a 3rd party (i.e. the TA) if there's nothing in it for you? I book direct now especially with RCI.

 

Now if you really want to start something, how's about Princess doing away with its Fuel Rip Off, er I mean Surcharge.

[Pam in CA]

Don't expect much support on this topic here though....MANY members here are TA's and in fact some that have replied here with such distain for your idea are TA's! Theirs is a dying profession and sooner rather than later only the very best in their business will survive...:eek:

And you know this... how? So far as I can tell, only one poster to this thread is a TA. I'm not; Toto isn't; and I don't think any others are either.

 

All I can say is, "Thank God for TAs!" And I don't believe they are a dying breed; at least, I hope not. I do my research and book through one of a couple of TAs I use, depending on the cruise/trip I'm taking. They're the ones doing the real grunt work, answering my questions, getting my flight information, being patient while I decide if I might want to change cabin category after final payment (happened last week), being more than patient when I say, "Gee, I saw this pricing on XYZ website," asking to be cross-linked with someone else, checking on my dining preference, etc. I always have questions even when I know exactly what I want, which ship, itinerary and category.

 

Bless you, all of the TAs out there!

[newmexicoNita]

Still doesn't answer the question of why they do not pass it to me if I did not need the services of a TA?

 

Also, is that off the Princess website price, or the Princess website when you are logged in price?

Because they are running a call center which cost big bucks...

 

They prefer you to use a TA....

 

NIta

[feebs2]

Let me fill you in on a few things: a good TA has traveled extensively or, if they are a cruise specialist have cruised on several lines and taken several cruises.

 

To qualify, isn't all that hard if you want to just be an order taker, but if you do a good job and many do, the money isn't great and you work hard for every penny. You share your commission and commissions are based on the base rate before any taxes, charges, etc. Example: you as the consumer pay $800 per person, the base fair is probably around $490.00. that is what a commission is based on, now give part of that to your company, and try to add a little "thank you gift" There isn't much left.

 

There are errors and ommissions insurance yearly, plus fees paid to the company you work for, not to mention classes to keep up with the latest marketing policies and changes in the cruise industry..Not all agents take these classes of course, but those are the agents that give the industry a bad name...

 

Now, tell me what savings you plan to pass on to yourself? Oh, if you think we cruise for free or almost?: hardly. Yes, we do earn free cruises, maybe once every year or so and we do get discounts, these do not become available until about 30 days prior to sailing, so if you have total flexibility and don't care if you spend a week or longer in an inside cabin, maybe you should give up your day job and become a wonderful order taking agent?

 

If you wonder why many of us are agents: we love our job cause with the exception of the few cronic complainers it is a happy job..

 

NIta

 

one more thing, of course you can open up your own company and work 80 hours a week to make a living, plus investing several thousands of dollars in your start up venture..

 

 

I can feel some empathy for a TA's job, but I think you are arguing the wrong point here. My wife and I do not, and have not used a TA (except for our first trip together, in which we had to do the research, and get the good fares / itinerary - that is the pont where we decided that TA's were not worth the extra body in the way of our trip). For some, it is probably worth while. My comments, and the OP comment was that it is a little unfair that a TA might have access to significantly better prices than I do when I do not use the service. It seems like we would be forced to use a third party in order to realize the savings, and I have no illusions of "free cruises".

I have no desire to change my career; I made the comment about becoming my own TA as the only way to get the savings for the work I do. You might be different, but I can not believe that anyone cares more, or is focused more, on my vaction than my wife and I.

[Ernie G]

I frequently read threads asking if it is best to book a cruise through the cruise company or use a travel agent. The general consensus is use a TA because you can always save money.

 

I generally book our next cruise while on ship and after arriving home "dial for dollars". Meaning, we call a few TA's and provide all the information: date, cruise ship, catagory etc. and ask for a price quote. Each gives a different price and always cheaper than the cruise line.

 

MY POINT IS: If I do all the research, pick my cruise, date, ship etc. and give all the info when I call, why do the cruise lines not give me the same low price as they give the TA's? If we do all the work for our next cruise we should be financially rewarded. Cruise lines should be embarassed they do not give their loyal customers the best possible deal from the onset. At the risk of sounding redundant, all the cruise line has to do in either case is look up the price and send out the documents. The only difference is the address the docs are mailed to, all other info can be done on line.

 

Princess, if you read this please give it some consideration. In my opinion, Princess or any other cruise line has an opportunity to revolutionize the industry. If inacted travel agents would probably lose the business of some seasoned cruisers but then progress or change usually affects someone.

 

 

We are scheduled on the Sapphire Princess this Saturday, Nov. 15th doing the Mexican Riveria. I booked our cruise directly through Princess and received $113 "repeat customer" discount per person on a inside cabin. I had already checked all of the online travel agencies and no one else was offering that price. I frequently find the prices cheaper at Princess and Royal Carribean website instead of at an online agency.

 

I also find it easier to make changes on your arrangements if you've booked directly with the crusie line. IMO

[Sandytoes]

Just curious, what do you need to do to become a TA? Seems like I could be my own ... and pass the saving on to me :)

I like to know myself.

When you find out let me know.

Maybe we could be partners. ;)..:D

[avcruz]

Let me fill you in on a few things: a good TA has traveled extensively or, if they are a cruise specialist have cruised on several lines and taken several cruises.

 

To qualify, isn't all that hard if you want to just be an order taker, but if you do a good job and many do, the money isn't great and you work hard for every penny. You share your commission and commissions are based on the base rate before any taxes, charges, etc. Example: you as the consumer pay $800 per person, the base fair is probably around $490.00. that is what a commission is based on, now give part of that to your company, and try to add a little "thank you gift" There isn't much left.

 

There are errors and ommissions insurance yearly, plus fees paid to the company you work for, not to mention classes to keep up with the latest marketing policies and changes in the cruise industry..Not all agents take these classes of course, but those are the agents that give the industry a bad name...

 

Now, tell me what savings you plan to pass on to yourself? Oh, if you think we cruise for free or almost?: hardly. Yes, we do earn free cruises, maybe once every year or so and we do get discounts, these do not become available until about 30 days prior to sailing, so if you have total flexibility and don't care if you spend a week or longer in an inside cabin, maybe you should give up your day job and become a wonderful order taking agent?

 

If you wonder why many of us are agents: we love our job cause with the exception of the few cronic complainers it is a happy job..

 

NIta

 

one more thing, of course you can open up your own company and work 80 hours a week to make a living, plus investing several thousands of dollars in your start up venture..

 

Right on, Nita - you tell it like it is!!! And for the poster who asked what it takes to become a TA; where I come from it takes a lot of time (about 2 years) money (about $9000 tuition plus certification, licensing etc.) and patience (to deal with the folks who try to book it themselves them come to a TA wanting their help). Then of course there's the fact that everytime you blink the travel industry changes. :eek:

 

No, I'm not a TA, however I was a TA for 15 years. I now work as a corporate trainer for a company that employs TAs, and as for the "dying breed" comment - we employ more TAs now than we did before 9/11. Many have said it, and as an industry professional, I will echo it, just as in any service industry there are good TAs and bad TAs. When you find a good TA - one who treats it as a profession and a calling rather than a job - hold onto him/her, because over the span of your travelling life, they can save you thousands of dollars and lots of hassles. :)

[caribill]

I booked our cruise directly through Princess and received $113 "repeat customer" discount per person on a inside cabin. I had already checked all of the online travel agencies and no one else was offering that price. I frequently find the prices cheaper at Princess and Royal Carribean website instead of at an online agency.

 

 

Did you give your online travel agency your Princess Captain's Circle number?

 

If you did, they should have been able to at least offer the same price that Princess did.

[terrierjohn]

I don't agree at all. It's called "free enterprise" and if a TA wants to rebate some of their profit to their customers, i.e., work on volume, that's their right. Other cruiselines don't allow TAs to do that but from my perspective, the customer is the winner. Why should the cruiseline refund some of their profit just because a TA does? And, if by chance they were to refund some of their profit, how much should they refund, i.e., which TA should they match? It's your choice to do the research and if you are doing your research, you'll find TAs that will give you a better price than the cruiseline.

 

Pam, I think you miss the OP's point, the question was why don't Princess give the same commission deal to direct customers as they do to TAs. TAs will argue that they provide a service and Cruiselines obviously don't want to antagonise them by giving customers the same sort of deal. But in todays internet age one has to wonder how much longer TAs can exist, cruiselines could give customers the same deal as the best TAs offer and keep the TAs commission to add to their profits.

[feebs2]

Right on, Nita - you tell it like it is!!! And for the poster who asked what it takes to become a TA; where I come from it takes a lot of time (about 2 years) money (about $9000 tuition plus certification, licensing etc.) and patience (to deal with the folks who try to book it themselves them come to a TA wanting their help). Then of course there's the fact that every time you blink the travel industry changes. :eek:

 

No, I'm not a TA, however I was a TA for 15 years. I now work as a corporate trainer for a company that employs TAs, and as for the "dying breed" comment - we employ more TAs now than we did before 9/11. Many have said it, and as an industry professional, I will echo it, just as in any service industry there are good TAs and bad TAs. When you find a good TA - one who treats it as a profession and a calling rather than a job - hold onto him/her, because over the span of your traveling life, they can save you thousands of dollars and lots of hassles. :)

 

I am going to have to disagree with you here. We are not helpless souls that can not find the ship if we were leaning on it. We have managed for quite a few years to exist without a TA despite "and patience (to deal with the folks who try to book it themselves them come to a TA wanting their help.)". I am not slamming the profession, but I am saying that it is not a need for everyone.

If you read my postings, I am questioning the TA's access to better pricing than I have. My wife and I have been quite capable of doing the research necessary, handling bookings, and keeping updated with any changes or situations we encounter. For us, we seem to have handled it better than the TA we used many years ago where we basically had to do all of that ourselves. Maybe we had a TA that "treated it like a job, rather than a profession", but at this point it does not matter. My wife and I prefer to (and actual enjoy) and feel a lot more secure in doing it ourselves. The end result is that there is no "value added" to using a TA for us, except that they apparently have access to "special pricing". The comment in my post was about calling myself a TA so that I can give myself that discount. What irks me, (and several others as I gather from reading this thread and others like it), is that we would be forced to use a third party that we have no need or desire for, in order to achieve a better price. The question still remains .... why, if I am doing all the work, do I not have access to that "special price"?

[Cruising Photographer]

If you can buy from a local merchant and save money over the Princess price, why not book through your local agent.
Remember, it's the local businesses who donate their time and money back into your community to make it a better place to live. I've never seen an internet site do anything to improve my community.
Shop for your information on line, spend your money locally.
P.S. I am not a travel agent, but do own an independent retail store.