I recently retired and am considering taking cruises in the fall, winter, and spring—the off-season when there are less people. Longer, more expensive cruises are probably in store for the next few years. Do I need to book myself or should I utilize a TA instead?
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After getting burned, I always book myself; it annoys me greatly to not be able to modify my own trip plans. I don’t think it’s worth it to entrust someone else with my vacation, especially for something as basic as a cruise (I live 10 minutes from a cruise port, so I don’t need to arrange for airfare, etc.).
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TAs aren’t that helpful in my opinion, and I can accomplish much of what they do. However, on sometimes, they provide OBC that isn’t accessible to me. I just use them for that.
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@Banice or are they sharing part of their commission?
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I cruise many times a year and have all my life. I always use a good travel agent. Why? Not because sometimes you might save some money or get something extra - that’s nice when it happens. I use a good agent because they’re aware of the quirks with promotions, other things that may be available that I’ve not noticed but would enjoy, etc. Most importantly, they can advocate for me in case something gets messed up. Whether some part of your trip goes sideways, or like me this week, your Nov Sun Princess sailing isn’t showing under your profile, they’ll be the ones on the phone, finding someone who can fix things and fighting for you.
The key is finding a good agent. Someone who knows the business, is responsive, and wants to understand what you’re looking for - rather than blindly doing what they’re told or recommending things based on what THEY like, rather than you.
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@Camilla I wholeheartedly concur with this. Even keep an eye out for agencies or agents who have greater cruise experience.
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This question is posted in some format at least once per week. I’m sure you could locate some of those posts with little effort, and you’ll see a ton of comments from people who have already shared their thoughts on the matter.
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@Dacosta so don’t read it.
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@Adele Individuals grow weary of responding to the same inquiries repeatedly. Just letting you know that if someone doesn’t want to answer this question again, you might find the solutions in other threads.
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Whether or not the TA specializes in the line will determine this.
Because we receive more OBC when we utilize one for Royalty or Celebrity. even a January excursion that is included.
Otherwise, handle it yourself if you have the time and experience. We pay for everything before and during and purchase Carnival GCs from AARP at 90% of face value. We’re not gamblers, thus no such offers
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Yes, even though I arrange my own airfare.
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Given that they are free, why not use them? Even only to relieve yourself of the burden so you may unwind more.
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How come you wouldn’t use them?
The benefits, which are not entirely evident to me, do not, in my opinion, justify the work necessary to feel comfortable making a reservation with one (i.e., screening, speaking with them, etc.).
Even only to relieve yourself of the burden so you may unwind more.
Refer to above. I can book a cruise on a cruise website in a matter of minutes if I so choose.
I’m being truthful, but I’m also playing devil’s advocate here. Though I’m not sure what I would benefit from hiring a travel agent for a cruise, I am relatively young and have used them in the past for vacations were I didn’t know the region or the language.
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When I see a cruise while surfing, I want it. Why not just make a reservation and call it a day? Are they merely an additional booking obstacle? What’s in it for me, even if it doesn’t cost me, compared to just clicking once and done?
@Adele Cruise lines provide their TAs deals, which they can then pass along to you. Some even gave you a commission share. By using Costco Travel over the cruise company website, we were able to save over $700. We received $200 in onboard credit, $200 in excursion credit, and upon our return, we will receive over $350 in Costco in-store credit.
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@Jemmy Whoa, I should check out Costco.