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To recap, in this article we’ve gone through the benefits of booking with a travel agent for a cruise, as well the disadvantages. In addition, we’ve also gone through what to look for in a travel agent and what questions to ask. However, things that have to do with your own vacation planning are left up to you. As an example, reserving your shore excursions, making specialty dining reservations, and even booking your cruise line air flights are able to be done online, within your cruise reservation. If you’re happy with the service and value of a specific travel agent, keep in touch and let them know what cruises you’re considering even a year or two down the line. This way, when she sees a new promotion or great deal on a cruise, she can let you know.
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Consortiums -- and there are several travel agency consortiums out there -- are groups of agencies that pay a yearly fee to participate in a large selection of shared programs and resources. For most people, the benefits of using a travel agent experienced in selling cruises are well worth it. Travel agents will help you to choose a cruise, offer travel advice and answer questions, and can often find great cruise deals. Some may also provide an extra amenity, like an onboard cash credit or bottle of wine. They are an invaluable resource, helping yousave time, money, and avoid the stress of vacation-planning.
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CruiseDirect does, however, offer bonuses for travelers booking through its site. Some travel agents also will monitor your cruise fare and, if the price drops, alert you to the difference and try to get you a refund, onboard credit or an upgrade. Travel agents also can help with any special arrangements, whether it's organizing a wedding ceremony in a port of call, ordering gluten-free meals, or dealing with accessibility or medical issues.
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Carnival Announces New Promotion for Travel Agents.
Posted: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Luxury Cruise Company
Select "cruises" or "cruise lines" under Specialties to find agents that focus on selling cruise travel. You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat.
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In addition, they’ll coordinate dining reservations and cabin locations. If you’re new to cruising, using a travel agent to book a cruise is a good idea. First time cruisers need to know about travel documents, online check in, cruise line gratuities, new health protocols and more. Having a travel agent to hold your hand and answer questions, right up to embarkation day, is very helpful.
With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card. Plus, Marriott cardholders can earn an extra 2x points when they use that card for their purchase.
We have a pulse on the land travel and cruise industry and have up-to-date information on what's hot and happening in travel, as well as access to the best travel rates. We are here to help if something should go wrong before or during your trip such as canceled flights or revised itineraries. We know your well-earned vacation time is precious, so at all times we are working in your best interest when handling your travel needs.
One of the most important things to know is that agents -- in particular, cruise specialists -- have been onboard the ships and can really give you firsthand advice about different cruise options. They have done a great deal of research through familiarization trips and cruise line seminars, so you don't have to do the work yourself. Even better, agents often have access to special discounts or perks -- or know best where to find them -- and as the cruise lines pay their commissions, you don't pay more for their services and expertise. Generally speaking, the prices that travel agents can provide are the same as what the cruise lines offer. Travel agents are prohibited from rebating their commissions -- in order to lower pricing or give significant onboard credit rewards -- by almost every single cruise line. Some agents still practice rebating, but if they're caught by the cruise lines, they could lose their selling privileges.
How can I find a good travel agent for booking cruises?
Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.). You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.
When you book a cruise several months or even a year or more in advance, cruise lines will ask for a deposit (which may or may not be refundable). Cruise line final payment dates range from 120 days before your cruise, to 60 days before your cruise. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 25,000 miles when booking a cruise through United at Cruises.United.com. If you find a better deal within 24 hours of booking, CheapCaribbean will price match and beat it by $25. The company's customer service is available seven days a week, from 9 a.m.
A travel agent is afulfiller of dreams, offering all the tips you need about our ships, activities, and destinations! Carnival does not verify that the contact information below is accurate or complete. Cruise lines will not talk to you if you have booked through a travel agent. This can be frustrating if your travel agent is out sick or on vacation, or if the travel agent has made a mistake and is not fixing it.
Travel agents, on the other hand, have much more of an incentive to keep you coming back, as their customer list is significantly smaller than the cruise line's. If something goes wrong with your booking or on the ship itself, a good travel agent will be on the phone with his or her contact at the cruise line immediately to try to get everything fixed. The biggest advantage of booking a cruise through a travel agent is personalized advice from a knowledgeable source. A good travel agent will discuss your vacation preferences, budget and other travel needs and suggest which cruises will be the best fit. You can book a cruise through a huge travel retailer with branches around the country, a local cruise agency or even a home-based agent who will talk cruising with you at your local coffee shop.
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