Should I Use A Travel Agency To Arrange My Cruise?

Travel agents are essential for booking cruises, as they can provide personalized advice and help you make the best decisions for your vacation. They specialize in the cruise industry and are often fans of cruise vacations themselves.

There are five solid reasons to book a cruise with a travel agent:

1. Expert Advice: A good travel agent can help you find a cruise line, ship, and other details that may not be available on your own. They often have significant buying power, which can result in better prices, especially when booking multiple cabins. Travel agents also enjoy early access to special offers and may secure deals like low deposits.

2. Benefits: Booking a trip through a travel agent saves you from many hassles and micromanaging. They can help you avoid mistakes, whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you haven’t tried before. Consulting an agent “takes the stress out of planning” and can offer suggestions and things that you wouldn’t necessarily think about.

3. Exclusive, non-advertised rates: Preferred travel agents may have access to exclusive, non-advertised rates by cruise ships, which allow them to offer discounted cabin rates to their clients.

4. Price Protection: Cruise companies can be quite expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost before booking. The biggest benefit of going through a travel agency is that if something happens to your booking, the agent can advocate for you to get the best deal.

In conclusion, booking a cruise with a travel agent is a wise decision for those looking to make the most of their vacation.

How to get lower price on cruise?

Christopher Festerman, a senior travel professional for CruisesOnly, offers seven tips for finding the best cruise deals. He suggests booking early for special needs or large parties, waiting for last-minute deals, not assuming an interior stateroom is the best deal, and booking shore excursions from outside vendors. He also advises not to assume that onboard drinks and Wi-Fi packages are worth the price, as prices may drop after paying for the trip. Festerman suggests that these tips can help you make the most of your cruise experience and find the best deals.

Do travel agents make money on cruises?

Travel agents can earn commissions on average from 10 to 18% of the total cruise fare for every package booked. High-end cruises and luxury liners like AmaWaterways may offer higher commissions, while budget or discounted cruises may provide lower rates. Disney, Holland America, and Princess typically fall in the mid-level commission range, while specialized transportation suppliers like Yachtico rentals may offer 3 to 5 commissions.

Why not to book with a travel agent?

Travel agents and agencies often charge more for bookings than necessary, as they don’t take a commission on the booking. Hotel chains often offer price guarantees, which can lead to hotels matching rates or offering additional discounts. Before booking, check the hotel’s policy to avoid restrictions.

Cancellations and changes can be more difficult and costly when booking through a third-party agency. The OTA may recommend direct contact with the hotel or airline, offering less flexible options. Additionally, the OTA may charge its own fees for changed bookings, potentially resulting in an OTA fee in addition to the airline or hotel’s fees. Therefore, it’s crucial to research the hotel’s specific policies before booking.

Is it cheaper to use a travel agent or do it yourself?

The question of whether using a travel agent is more cost-effective than booking vacations online is controversial due to the industry’s ‘price parity’. While agents claim to offer cheaper prices than online searches, this is not always the case. The answer depends on the type of vacation being booked, as sometimes the answer is a resounding yes. In the case of more luxurious vacations, cruises, and worldwide tours, using an agent may cost the same or even less than booking it yourself. However, the answer depends on the specific type of vacation being booked.

Is there an advantage to booking a cruise through a travel agent?

Cruise travel agents can help you get better deals on cruises by negotiating group space at lower rates with the cruise line. They receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines and their service is usually free, though some may charge a minimal fee for first-time clients. They may also have first access to sale prices, as cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members before public announcements.

Some agents even offer booking perks, such as complimentary Champagne upon arrival. Cruise lines prefer using a travel agent over booking directly online, as they have small in-house reservation teams and can provide expert assistance when needed.

Can travel agents get better cruise prices?

Preferred travel agents may receive exclusive, non-advertised rates from cruise ships, allowing them to offer discounted cabin rates to their customers, ensuring they are not scams.

Why use a travel agent instead of booking online?

A travel agent connects travelers with trusted tour operators, helps find the best airfares, rental cars, and cruise lines, and offers exclusive upgrades, discounts, and perks not available to the general public. In the past, travelers would visit a local travel agent’s office to book a trip, but today, travelers research destinations online and use online travel aggregators to make bookings. A recent survey shows that 41 percent of travelers prefer using online travel agencies or aggregators for their trip planning.

Is there a downside to using a travel agent?

Travel agents may not be the best fit for those with credit card points or airline miles, as they typically cannot help redeem them for trips they plan. Niche advisors can best advise on booking using points and miles or using your stash to book for you. However, they may not have the flexibility to make updates once reservations are locked in, as you may have put down a deposit.

An additional layer of communication is required for travel agents to plan a vacation, which can be time-consuming and may not fit into your budget. Travel agents can sometimes save you money, but some charge high fees or percentages of the total vacation cost.

Finding the right travel agent can be time-consuming, and DIY travel may be more convenient. Rewards may not be available for travel booked by an agent, but the merchant code for travel agents is often “travel”, meaning the travel agent fees paid through a qualifying rewards credit card could be eligible for bonus points if your card offers boosted rewards on the travel category.

Certain travel benefits still work for you even if a travel agent books your trip, such as lounge access if your credit card offers it regardless of who booked your airfare, airline, or class.

Is it cheaper to book with a travel agent or on your own?

A travel agent can offer discounts for combined packages, but it’s generally not applicable for short distances. However, a travel agent can help with flight deals and international travel, especially to unfamiliar countries. They can manage all booking needs, making it easier to manage a long itinerary. Group travel can also benefit from an agent’s assistance, as they can coordinate bookings across multiple parties and negotiate with services. They can handle any complications and work out any issues personally. Instead of trying to reserve rooms and seats with multiple credit cards and names, let a travel agent handle the booking process.

Is it better to go through a travel agency?

Travel agents can save travelers time and hassle by assisting in researching and evaluating top destinations. With years of experience and knowledge about destinations, transportation options, and vendors, agents can eliminate hours of online research time. They can create a short list of reputable, quality options that are appropriate to their trip destination objectives. Travel agents also listen to clients’ needs and recommend vendors that are a good fit for them, avoiding wasting time and money on trial and error experiences.

They can also handle changes and other issues that may pop up before or during a trip, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience. Overall, travel agents are essential for ensuring a successful and enjoyable vacation experience.

Is a travel agency high risk?

Travel agents often fall into the high-risk category due to the potential for chargebacks and cancellations, as well as specific customer behaviors within the industry. High-risk merchant accounts are specialized payment processing solutions designed for businesses operating in higher-risk industries, such as travel agents. These accounts offer customised solutions to manage credit card transactions, minimize chargebacks, and mitigate risk.

Key advantages of high-risk merchant accounts for travel agents include expanded payment options, including credit and debit cards, online payments, and international transactions. This flexibility allows travel agents to cater to a broader customer base and maximize revenue potential. Overall, these accounts are essential for the smooth operation of travel agents’ businesses.