I love having my travel agent book my cruises. She got us a great deal on a Disney cruise, and while we were on that cruise, Disney reduced the prices on an upcoming cruise, and even though we were still gone, my travel agent booked us on that cruise at that reduced price knowing we wouldn't want to pass it up. She was right!! If it had not been for my travel agent looking ahead and looking out for us, we would have missed that great once-in-a-lifetime Disney deal (less than $100 per person per night for a 7-day)!
We have used the same travel agent for 20 years. In that time, she saved us thousands of dollars. She gives us great information on every cruise. She also keeps the cruise line honest. We would never book a cruise without her.
Sheri - too funny! You mentioned in the middle of a snow storm in upstate New York. That is where we are from! Syracuse, New York. Can’t get much more upstate than that! We LOVE our travel agent. We got hooked up with her 10 years ago. She booked our cruise (my husband’s first cruise) on RCCL Explorer of the Seas. And we’ve been with her ever since.
My most wonderful travel agent Marie “Cookie” Phillips undid all the mistakes I made - then made my new reservations, then added on my next door neighbor Barbara (she’s gonna be my cruise buddy - a cruise newbie) & Cookie got me the good travel insurance, and I’m going to sign up for her group cruise in 2019! Imagine that - I’m planning way ahead!! I have to thank Sheri for being there for me, and helping me - and Cookie - for being so happy for me - she didn’t care that I called her on the weekend & she took care of everything for me!!
Been on 5 cruises, only one with a group of 12 through an agent that did not even schedule all of us with dinner at the same time, much less in the same area of dining room, 2 different floors. I was only person that did not know 10 of the people, just knew my son. We were unable to change from our table on a different floor than other 10. So I had a rather unhappy beginning of my cruise, not knowing anyone. I am never gonna use that or any travel agent to book again. Am heading on a cruise in Jan 2018, that started as just 2 of us, then 3 more added, and now up to 6 people. I was able to link all of us, and easily make changes, for all shows and dinner. Better than the so called agent we had last year.
I usually self book my cruises for myself and a few others who travel with me, but use a travel agent when booking trips with extended family and friends.
For my first cruise, I used a travel agent mainly because I was unfamiliar with everything that went along with a cruise. After that, I have always booked it myself. One of the reasons is that I like being in control of every detail. The other reason is that I am constantly online researching things and comparing. So I feel that I would be able to get what I want better by doing it myself.
I called and asked an agency what was the advantage of booking thru them, and when they finished, I decided it wasn't for us! We don't care about the parties, bingo games, and extra "goodies". We really don't want the distractions.
When our travel agent booked our cruise (AFTER I did all the research because I'm that way!), I noticed we both had an OBC meal waiting for us in our credits. Our TA said it came with a bundle package we got in on with the agency (AAA) and so even though we had nothing to do with another group, we received the same perk. Plus our TA mails us our boarding passes, itinerary, luggage tags with holders and has EVERYTHING all organized for us prior to our cruise. :-)
I have not used a travel agent before and have booked about 6 cruises in a the past few years. Last year I was able to find a price drop on my cruise and save $100 with an upgrade. This year I found a hotel with parking for the week and shuttle to the port..which I didn't know about the previous year. I like doing my own planning. I've been interested in becoming a travel agent. =)
As it is already the 31st of October here in Germany: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HERZLICHE GLÜCKWÜNSCHE ZUM GEBURTSTAG! Enjoy your day! Thank you for all the great work!
The only thing I see is that the travel agent will keep an eye on your reservation and if it goes down will save you money by getting you that same price. I am starting to look into our 25th Anniversary cruise. I know we are going on the Symphony of the Seas sometime March/April of 2022. Would love to just put a deposit down and then make payments and paying it off just before we go.
I always booked direct through the cruise line with the same agent. No more! Last year we traveled for my husbands 50th Birthday. 5 cabins. 9 people. $8000. Not even a thank you note. A cake. Some strawberries. NOTHING!!! I have found a wonderful travel agent that has booked 3 cruises for me. Gave me a great price and so many perks!!!
Thanks for all your tips! Just returned from our Cruise and found many of your tips to be useful. Never had a rash from sheets in all our travels but did this time. Thought of you and quickly had it rectified. Thanks! Most helpful... did not over plan. We were extra tired from all the walking... maybe cabin midship on the Escape was not the best choice for seniors! It also gave use flexibility that turned out great. We did not have a travel agent as booked through our timeshare. First time with Norwegian and felt like a newbie ... so different but liked it! Thanks again! Lawna
Rash?? from the sheets? OH no! I have sensitive skin and will be going on my first cruise. What about the sheets caused the rash and what did you do about it?? Thank in advance!!
I book with my timeshare as well. But I do all the research. They are not great at that. And if I did not pay attention to the price drops we would have missed out on if 500 each in refund.
Pamela Hunt I am allergic to the soap princess uses. They use a special soap and double rinse. Have not had an issue since. I just notify them at the special medical number.
I can almost assure you if you’re booking directly through the cruise line, you’re probably over paying. The company that i work for, Vacations To Go, is the largest selling cruise agency in the world, and because of it, we have discounted rates. In the event that our prices are the same as the cruise line, you’ll get benefits like on board credit or other amenities... plus... why stress about booking a vacation when you can have an agent do it for you, give you tips, send out reminders, and book additional needs?
The price for my cruise and my insurance thru my travel agent was less than when I accidentally booked it thru a website (not the ship’s website) & she told me she doesn’t understand why these other site charge more! I never pay her extra (but usually do buy her something from the cruise as a gift) and she gets her commission from the cruise lines!! She already informed Princess about my mobility issues & then was able to add my friend on too - without it being a problem!! Both Cookie and I miss the good old days - before people had their own computers - and the excitement of meeting with Cookie to plan the cruise & then picking up the whole packet (in the leatherette envelope) with all the boarding passes, transfers, itinerary, printed travel insurance, info about shore excursions & our airplane tickets too - if needed!! It was special - getting all the paperwork & luggage tags!! Now Cookie will always be booking my cruises - then I go to the cruise personalizer on Princess & full in the details!!
I have been sticking with one Cruise line that is NCL. So I book directly with NCL I check prices online and than call my person cruises agent. However I have learned that booking with the Cruise line maybe alright if it just you and your family but when you start adding more than 2 rooms and family members that never cruise or traveled. I can now see how an agent would helped. Especially when the person doesn't know how to do stuff for them self you have to call the cruise line like you are the agent. Cruise line will not give you the information wanted that person to call. When you ask her to call she said can you or your mother not do it for me. Grrr! So stressful. I love doing the research on ports and places. Which is fine when you only have a few people but when you have 8 people it gets complicated. I hope to fine a agent but have not yet.
I like to book my cruises on my own. I do a massive spreadsheet with all the cruises I’m looking at with ports, prices, dates, and years the ship was built. Then make my final decision. I love to do research, that’s how I found your channel. So I take lots of notes during your videos. We Love to cruise so much and can’t wait for our next one. I would love to book with a travel agent but love to plan all the details too. Haha! Chocolate covered strawberries delivered from your travel agent sounds like a wonderful perk!!!!
I’m sooooo behind on my Viewing - but I wanted to weigh in. I work nights - all night, every night. 0900-1700 is when I’m asleep. I cannot cope with “normal business hours”. Therefore, I do all my Cruise Booking online, alone, at work, usually about 0300. If I HAVE to talk to someone, I do it via email. I’m a steadfast Carnival Cruiser (eat, sleep, go to The Punchliner!) so it’s worked out beautifully so far!!!!
We used a travel agent because we are first time cruiser and need help making choices and loved her guidance. i believe i would stay with our travel agent to make planning our cruises less stressful...it is suppose to be fun and exciting to holiday!!
Your blouse looks great on you. We use a travel agent and they escort some of our cruises so we get a bus to SF and nice gifts everyday and special things on board. They work with Princess. Makes for a less stressful trip. Have a great birthday tomorrow!
should you use and agent? answer yes why well I need the work :) but seriously an agent will do as much or as little of your cruise details as you want. It's up to you. also agents do get told of sales before the public so they may tell you to wait a week because they know a sale is coming that you don't know yet. and also when you get a quote from a agent you can check the price yourself online and it should be the same as the agents or more. if the agent is more say by $50 then maybe that agent is trying to add a service charge. ask them, and if they say yes it's a service charge move on to another agent or book yourself.
My first two experiences with an independent travel agent, weren't great. The first helmed the bookings for a special event, and I could not convince her my intentions, for wanting the standard cruise rate. "I'm going to tell you this one more time. If you pay the cheaper price, I'll make sure you're not let in." Sorry, 7 days of bluegrass is not my thing, nor am I going to pay hundreds extra to do so. I booked direct, figuring that meeting an associate for lunch or a drink, makes it a business trip. The funny thing is, that the label owner did invite me in one night, and the TA had a total fit! TA #2 promised the world, but had no perks when I was seriously considering something. A great deal popped up for our Bermuda trip, all the free perks through Celebrity. I'm trying to get in touch before the sale ended, but he was out of town, so I went through Costco last minute. His response was, "Fine, go with Costco then. You might as well stick with them. Some people don't see the value of expertise in having a TA."
Apologies to travel agents but I like to do the research and book through cruise line myself. Taking care of the details is part of the fun for me and I do like to have control. Timing is important to me as well and being able to do things quickly when I see something I want to book. Four cruises so far and have so far have always got the best price/perks myself directly with Princess. I do check the other lines for comparison but we only book Princess. Happy cruising!
I’ve never used a travel agent. For my first cruise, I did everything myself. No one guided me. Personally, I like doing a lot of the leg work when booking vacations. In regards to cruising, I’ve never felt the desire to use a travel agent because I live less than 20 minutes from the port and very few cruise lines depart from it. So, I never had to worry about booking flights, hotels or renting a car. If I decide to cruise with a different line or fly to my port, then I might use a travel agent.
i love the details of planning a cruise myself. I've worked with helpful agents before but when you do, Princess doesn't allow you to see or change any details online. Once you're working with an agent, you must call them for any questions - not the cruise line. i don't like that detail :)
We have been on 14 cruises and have always used a travel agent. They can get deals if they buy a block of rooms at a discounted price. We also get on ship perks like extra room credit, a free bottle of wine etc.. I would not go any other way when we book a cruise. They also see when it might be a good thing to rebook when there is a sale that was not on when we put down the deposit or the price dropped.
I started out using an agent but now I do it on my own. I spend a lot of time researching and watching the prices and I didn't feel that the agents I've used do that. They just want to go ahead and book. Watch the cruise prices and look at the emails they send, lots of good deals that way. We just got a good price on a 10 day southern Caribbean with Princess and we don't have to pay the gratuities as a perk for us....plus the price was really good for balcony room and it's over New Years. So...that is what works for us.
We have a three family cruise booked on Royal Caribbean for January 2018. Two of us booked through the RCCL website and one booked through a travel agent. We found that when we tried to book specialty restaurants or shore excursions together ahead of time, it was almost impossible to include the family members who booked through the travel agent. Evidently, they were booked as part of a group and we couldn't include them in our reservations. I would recommend that groups book either all on the website or all through a travel agent.
I received an email from hotel rewards program I belong to on Cruises. So I look at an Alaskan Cruise. They offer points with the booking. The offer was for a certain date. I Went to Princess Cruise site and the same sailing is $200 less for a balcony and $400 less For a suite. Princess offered some of the same perks.
BTW - I need to thank cruise line . Com for finding the great price for me, but I didn’t realize they would be redirecting me to another cruise site for the booking!!
Watching you guys through Vlogtober must be bringing me good cruise kharma as i just found out we got upgraded to 2br haven suite on our upcoming ncl cruise!! 1st cruise with teens.. grateful for the extra room, looking forward to all the extras!!! Have never been able to afford haven but put in bid and it was accepted less than a month before sailing! Am beyond excited!!!!!! 💖
Used a travel agent for first cruise but did not find any benefit. We still ended up DOING MOST THINGS ourselves. SINCE THEN WE HAVE booked directly with the Cruise line or I also booked thru BJs wholesale vacation club and found them very helpful. Maybe we just had a bad agent the first time
How does a travel agent get paid? Do I pay extra for my cruise so that the agent can get paid, does the cruise line pay them for bringing a customer, or another way?
I never saw the point of a travel agent. I have not used one since the early 90's. I recently however transferred 2 cruises to one. The reason? because 1 is 12 months away and the other 18 months and in that time frame, RC will have lots of sales and price changes. Whilst I monitor the prices every weekend, getting hold of someone at the cruise line who will re-book the reservation with the new price can be difficult and time consuming. Now I have someone monitoring the prices and only an email away.
Considering taking my first cruise and thinking a travel agent would be very helpful. Anymody have a recommendation for one in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?
I am looking for an agent to help with a Tokyo - Shanghai cruise in April. The expertise I really need is with flight planning and lodging on both ends as well as advice on local transportation. As an aside, I have done some future cruise promotions on NCL and they seem to automatically assign the booking to whomever arranged your present cruise.
I will miss Vlogtober! :-( But on a side note...I LOVE your pumpkin behind you! Do you remember where you found it? :-) Also, is that the top you got in your stitch fix box? ;-)
Kendra Baughman - teal pumpkins are a sign that the house has Halloween treats that are for kids with bad allergies (like stickers or pencils or small toys - not candy)!! Sheri’s pumpkin is very pretty (looks like a giant Christmas tree ornament)!!
I am trying to get a Royal Caribbean cruise i have looked online on their website but I don’t want to book online because have never been on a cruise before plus am very young am looking for cruise deals for my parent to book but I don’t know what travel agent company to use I swear to only go a Royal Caribbean but what travel agent company’s allow you to book Royal Caribbean is Thomson one of them etc plz reply???????!
cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/ Please contact Wendy's team and tell them you were referred by CruiseTipsTV. They should be able to book you on Royal Caribbean.
booked my last 2 trips via bjs travel and its worked out beautifully. i had everything picked out ahead of time and my agent was able to plug in all the info as well as get me extra perks, more on board credits, and bjs gift cards too! When the 2nd trip qualified for double latitudes points she was able to change my reservation with ncl so we got the points, same extras, same cabin and a refund for $138!
I love having my travel agent book my cruises. She got us a great deal on a Disney cruise, and while we were on that cruise, Disney reduced the prices on an upcoming cruise, and even though we were still gone, my travel agent booked us on that cruise at that reduced price knowing we wouldn't want to pass it up. She was right!! If it had not been for my travel agent looking ahead and looking out for us, we would have missed that great once-in-a-lifetime Disney deal (less than $100 per person per night for a 7-day)!
Excellent example!
Very nice job, on point!
We have used the same travel agent for 20 years. In that time, she saved us thousands of dollars. She gives us great information on every cruise. She also keeps the cruise line honest. We would never book a cruise without her.
Sheri - too funny! You mentioned in the middle of a snow storm in upstate New York. That is where we are from! Syracuse, New York. Can’t get much more upstate than that! We LOVE our travel agent. We got hooked up with her 10 years ago. She booked our cruise (my husband’s first cruise) on RCCL Explorer of the Seas. And we’ve been with her ever since.
My most wonderful travel agent Marie “Cookie” Phillips undid all the mistakes I made - then made my new reservations, then added on my next door neighbor Barbara (she’s gonna be my cruise buddy - a cruise newbie) & Cookie got me the good travel insurance, and I’m going to sign up for her group cruise in 2019! Imagine that - I’m planning way ahead!! I have to thank Sheri for being there for me, and helping me - and Cookie - for being so happy for me - she didn’t care that I called her on the weekend & she took care of everything for me!!
Been on 5 cruises, only one with a group of 12 through an agent that did not even schedule all of us with dinner at the same time, much less in the same area of dining room, 2 different floors. I was only person that did not know 10 of the people, just knew my son. We were unable to change from our table on a different floor than other 10. So I had a rather unhappy beginning of my cruise, not knowing anyone. I am never gonna use that or any travel agent to book again. Am heading on a cruise in Jan 2018, that started as just 2 of us, then 3 more added, and now up to 6 people. I was able to link all of us, and easily make changes, for all shows and dinner. Better than the so called agent we had last year.
I usually self book my cruises for myself and a few others who travel with me, but use a travel agent when booking trips with extended family and friends.
For my first cruise, I used a travel agent mainly because I was unfamiliar with everything that went along with a cruise. After that, I have always booked it myself. One of the reasons is that I like being in control of every detail. The other reason is that I am constantly online researching things and comparing. So I feel that I would be able to get what I want better by doing it myself.
I called and asked an agency what was the advantage of booking thru them, and when they finished, I decided it wasn't for us! We don't care about the parties, bingo games, and extra "goodies". We really don't want the distractions.
When our travel agent booked our cruise (AFTER I did all the research because I'm that way!), I noticed we both had an OBC meal waiting for us in our credits. Our TA said it came with a bundle package we got in on with the agency (AAA) and so even though we had nothing to do with another group, we received the same perk. Plus our TA mails us our boarding passes, itinerary, luggage tags with holders and has EVERYTHING all organized for us prior to our cruise. :-)
Love the video. I am a Travel agent and I take pride in making sure my clients are well taken care of.
I have not used a travel agent before and have booked about 6 cruises in a the past few years. Last year I was able to find a price drop on my cruise and save $100 with an upgrade. This year I found a hotel with parking for the week and shuttle to the port..which I didn't know about the previous year. I like doing my own planning. I've been interested in becoming a travel agent. =)
As it is already the 31st of October here in Germany:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HERZLICHE GLÜCKWÜNSCHE ZUM GEBURTSTAG!
Enjoy your day! Thank you for all the great work!
The only thing I see is that the travel agent will keep an eye on your reservation and if it goes down will save you money by getting you that same price. I am starting to look into our 25th Anniversary cruise. I know we are going on the Symphony of the Seas sometime March/April of 2022. Would love to just put a deposit down and then make payments and paying it off just before we go.
I always booked direct through the cruise line with the same agent. No more! Last year we traveled for my husbands 50th Birthday. 5 cabins. 9 people. $8000. Not even a thank you note. A cake. Some strawberries. NOTHING!!!
I have found a wonderful travel agent that has booked 3 cruises for me. Gave me a great price and so many perks!!!
I knew Don was gonna say that.
this should’ve been a live vlog its a great topic
Agreed
I am a travel Agent and you were exactly on point. Great job Cruise Tips TV
Thanks for all your tips! Just returned from our Cruise and found many of your tips to be useful. Never had a rash from sheets in all our travels but did this time. Thought of you and quickly had it rectified. Thanks! Most helpful... did not over plan. We were extra tired from all the walking... maybe cabin midship on the Escape was not the best choice for seniors! It also gave use flexibility that turned out great. We did not have a travel agent as booked through our timeshare. First time with Norwegian and felt like a newbie ... so different but
liked it! Thanks again! Lawna
Rash?? from the sheets? OH no! I have sensitive skin and will be going on my first cruise. What about the sheets caused the rash and what did you do about it?? Thank in advance!!
I book with my timeshare as well. But I do all the research. They are not great at that. And if I did not pay attention to the price drops we would have missed out on if 500 each in refund.
Pamela Hunt I am allergic to the soap princess uses. They use a special soap and double rinse. Have not had an issue since. I just notify them at the special medical number.
I can almost assure you if you’re booking directly through the cruise line, you’re probably over paying. The company that i work for, Vacations To Go, is the largest selling cruise agency in the world, and because of it, we have discounted rates. In the event that our prices are the same as the cruise line, you’ll get benefits like on board credit or other amenities... plus... why stress about booking a vacation when you can have an agent do it for you, give you tips, send out reminders, and book additional needs?
The price for my cruise and my insurance thru my travel agent was less than when I accidentally booked it thru a website (not the ship’s website) & she told me she doesn’t understand why these other site charge more! I never pay her extra (but usually do buy her something from the cruise as a gift) and she gets her commission from the cruise lines!! She already informed Princess about my mobility issues & then was able to add my friend on too - without it being a problem!! Both Cookie and I miss the good old days - before people had their own computers - and the excitement of meeting with Cookie to plan the cruise & then picking up the whole packet (in the leatherette envelope) with all the boarding passes, transfers, itinerary, printed travel insurance, info about shore excursions & our airplane tickets too - if needed!! It was special - getting all the paperwork & luggage tags!! Now Cookie will always be booking my cruises - then I go to the cruise personalizer on Princess & full in the details!!
Have done it both ways with an agent and on my own.
I have been sticking with one Cruise line that is NCL. So I book directly with NCL I check prices online and than call my person cruises agent. However I have learned that booking with the Cruise line maybe alright if it just you and your family but when you start adding more than 2 rooms and family members that never cruise or traveled. I can now see how an agent would helped. Especially when the person doesn't know how to do stuff for them self you have to call the cruise line like you are the agent. Cruise line will not give you the information wanted that person to call. When you ask her to call she said can you or your mother not do it for me. Grrr! So stressful. I love doing the research on ports and places. Which is fine when you only have a few people but when you have 8 people it gets complicated. I hope to fine a agent but have not yet.
I like to book my cruises on my own. I do a massive spreadsheet with all the cruises I’m looking at with ports, prices, dates, and years the ship was built. Then make my final decision. I love to do research, that’s how I found your channel. So I take lots of notes during your videos. We Love to cruise so much and can’t wait for our next one. I would love to book with a travel agent but love to plan all the details too. Haha! Chocolate covered strawberries delivered from your travel agent sounds like a wonderful perk!!!!
I’m sooooo behind on my Viewing - but I wanted to weigh in. I work nights - all night, every night. 0900-1700 is when I’m asleep. I cannot cope with “normal business hours”. Therefore, I do all my
Cruise Booking online, alone, at work, usually about 0300. If I HAVE to talk to someone, I do it via email. I’m a steadfast Carnival Cruiser (eat, sleep, go to The Punchliner!) so it’s worked out beautifully so far!!!!
We used a travel agent because we are first time cruiser and need help making choices and loved her guidance. i believe i would stay with our travel agent to make planning our cruises less stressful...it is suppose to be fun and exciting to holiday!!
Your blouse looks great on you. We use a travel agent and they escort some of our cruises so we get a bus to SF and nice gifts everyday and special things on board. They work with Princess. Makes for a less stressful trip. Have a great birthday tomorrow!
One day left in Vlogtoberfest. Thanks Sheri.
should you use and agent? answer yes why well I need the work :) but seriously an agent will do as much or as little of your cruise details as you want. It's up to you. also agents do get told of sales before the public so they may tell you to wait a week because they know a sale is coming that you don't know yet. and also when you get a quote from a agent you can check the price yourself online and it should be the same as the agents or more. if the agent is more say by $50 then maybe that agent is trying to add a service charge. ask them, and if they say yes it's a service charge move on to another agent or book yourself.
+Don's Family Vacations great points!!!
My first two experiences with an independent travel agent, weren't great. The first helmed the bookings for a special event, and I could not convince her my intentions, for wanting the standard cruise rate. "I'm going to tell you this one more time. If you pay the cheaper price, I'll make sure you're not let in." Sorry, 7 days of bluegrass is not my thing, nor am I going to pay hundreds extra to do so. I booked direct, figuring that meeting an associate for lunch or a drink, makes it a business trip. The funny thing is, that the label owner did invite me in one night, and the TA had a total fit! TA #2 promised the world, but had no perks when I was seriously considering something. A great deal popped up for our Bermuda trip, all the free perks through Celebrity. I'm trying to get in touch before the sale ended, but he was out of town, so I went through Costco last minute. His response was, "Fine, go with Costco then. You might as well stick with them. Some people don't see the value of expertise in having a TA."
Apologies to travel agents but I like to do the research and book through cruise line myself. Taking care of the details is part of the fun for me and I do like to have control. Timing is important to me as well and being able to do things quickly when I see something I want to book. Four cruises so far and have so far have always got the best price/perks myself directly with Princess. I do check the other lines for comparison but we only book Princess. Happy cruising!
Cathy Barber i can tell you 100% of the time if you booked directly through Princess then you did not get the best price.
I’ve never used a travel agent. For my first cruise, I did everything myself. No one guided me.
Personally, I like doing a lot of the leg work when booking vacations. In regards to cruising, I’ve never felt the desire to use a travel agent because I live less than 20 minutes from the port and very few cruise lines depart from it. So, I never had to worry about booking flights, hotels or renting a car. If I decide to cruise with a different line or fly to my port, then I might use a travel agent.
i love the details of planning a cruise myself. I've worked with helpful agents before but when you do, Princess doesn't allow you to see or change any details online. Once you're working with an agent, you must call them for any questions - not the cruise line. i don't like that detail :)
Another great video 😊! Sometimes I would hear booking with a travel agent your rates would be a little more expensive. I haven't noticed that.
Hi Mari as an agent you should never get charged anything extra and if you are.....change agents
Thanks Sheri. Great ideas there. Love your new blouse that you got in the package. :)
We have been on 14 cruises and have always used a travel agent. They can get deals if they buy a block of rooms at a discounted price. We also get on ship perks like extra room credit, a free bottle of wine etc.. I would not go any other way when we book a cruise. They also see when it might be a good thing to rebook when there is a sale that was not on when we put down the deposit or the price dropped.
What about booking the Cruise thru Costco Travel?
I started out using an agent but now I do it on my own. I spend a lot of time researching and watching the prices and I didn't feel that the agents I've used do that. They just want to go ahead and book. Watch the cruise prices and look at the emails they send, lots of good deals that way. We just got a good price on a 10 day southern Caribbean with Princess and we don't have to pay the gratuities as a perk for us....plus the price was really good for balcony room and it's over New Years. So...that is what works for us.
Is that your Stitch Fix shirt? Love it Sheri!
We have a three family cruise booked on Royal Caribbean for January 2018. Two of us booked through the RCCL website and one booked through a travel agent. We found that when we tried to book specialty restaurants or shore excursions together ahead of time, it was almost impossible to include the family members who booked through the travel agent. Evidently, they were booked as part of a group and we couldn't include them in our reservations. I would recommend that groups book either all on the website or all through a travel agent.
I need a good travel agent. Any suggestions? Thanks
What about the agents who work through the cruise?
I received an email from hotel rewards program I belong to on Cruises. So I look at an Alaskan Cruise. They offer points with the booking. The offer was for a certain date. I Went to Princess Cruise site and the same sailing is $200 less for a balcony and $400 less For a suite. Princess offered some of the same perks.
BTW - I need to thank cruise line . Com for finding the great price for me, but I didn’t realize they would be redirecting me to another cruise site for the booking!!
I actually have 2 travel agents one for land vacations like my trip to Hawaii and I have a different one for cruising. They specialize in cruises.
@cruisetipsTV who is your travel agent? I’m having a hard time finding a good one with Perks!
I always use my travel agent she handles everything for me. She even prints my luggage tags for me. It the only way to go for us.
Watching you guys through Vlogtober must be bringing me good cruise kharma as i just found out we got upgraded to 2br haven suite on our upcoming ncl cruise!! 1st cruise with teens.. grateful for the extra room, looking forward to all the extras!!! Have never been able to afford haven but put in bid and it was accepted less than a month before sailing! Am beyond excited!!!!!! 💖
Used a travel agent for first cruise but did not find any benefit. We still ended up DOING MOST THINGS ourselves. SINCE THEN WE HAVE booked directly with the Cruise line or I also booked thru BJs wholesale vacation club and found them very helpful. Maybe we just had a bad agent the first time
#notificationsquad ⚓
Eve! How are you? We miss you!
How does a travel agent get paid? Do I pay extra for my cruise so that the agent can get paid, does the cruise line pay them for bringing a customer, or another way?
The cruise line pays them- exactly 😎
I never saw the point of a travel agent. I have not used one since the early 90's. I recently however transferred 2 cruises to one. The reason? because 1 is 12 months away and the other 18 months and in that time frame, RC will have lots of sales and price changes. Whilst I monitor the prices every weekend, getting hold of someone at the cruise line who will re-book the reservation with the new price can be difficult and time consuming. Now I have someone monitoring the prices and only an email away.
Considering taking my first cruise and thinking a travel agent would be very helpful. Anymody have a recommendation for one in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?
Any travel agents here in southern California?
I am looking for an agent to help with a Tokyo - Shanghai cruise in April. The expertise I really need is with flight planning and lodging on both ends as well as advice on local transportation. As an aside, I have done some future cruise promotions on NCL and they seem to automatically assign the booking to whomever arranged your present cruise.
I will miss Vlogtober! :-( But on a side note...I LOVE your pumpkin behind you! Do you remember where you found it? :-) Also, is that the top you got in your stitch fix box? ;-)
Kendra Baughman - teal pumpkins are a sign that the house has Halloween treats that are for kids with bad allergies (like stickers or pencils or small toys - not candy)!! Sheri’s pumpkin is very pretty (looks like a giant Christmas tree ornament)!!
I am trying to get a Royal Caribbean cruise i have looked online on their website but I don’t want to book online because have never been on a cruise before plus am very young am looking for cruise deals for my parent to book but I don’t know what travel agent company to use I swear to only go a Royal Caribbean but what travel agent company’s allow you to book Royal Caribbean is Thomson one of them etc plz reply???????!
cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/ Please contact Wendy's team and tell them you were referred by CruiseTipsTV. They should be able to book you on Royal Caribbean.
booked my last 2 trips via bjs travel and its worked out beautifully. i had everything picked out ahead of time and my agent was able to plug in all the info as well as get me extra perks, more on board credits, and bjs gift cards too! When the 2nd trip qualified for double latitudes points she was able to change my reservation with ncl so we got the points, same extras, same cabin and a refund for $138!