Is it cheaper to book a cruise through a travel agent. Unlike when booking online, you cant book a cruise with an agent in the middle of night. Should you use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise line. Bottom line you should book your cruise with a travel agent if youre a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals.
Using a travel agent can still make sense in todays online world. Aug 11, 2016 the best way to find a really great cruise oriented travel agent is a referral from friends or family. Ill tell you right out the gate that whether youre looking into your first cruise or well on your way to the highest levels of a cruise line. If youre willing to do the planning, it can be cheaper to plan your own trip. Mar 12, 2018 like costco travel, aaa lets you book travel online without the help of an agent. The biggest benefit to booking with a travel agent over using a site like expedia or even booking it yourself is that they are there for you. What success have they had in getting adjustments when prices have dropped. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them. Like costco travel, aaa lets you book travel online without the help of an agent. Additional drivers are free when you book with costco travel and their discount rates tend to be cheaper than most travel portals. A good travel agent can provide a lot of value in many ways. When you factor in all of the pros and cons, should you book a trip through a travel agent or online.
What is aaa travel and can it save you money on travel. Should you use a travel agent to help you book your cruise. Should i use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise. The biggest advantage of booking a cruise through a travel agent is personalized advice from a knowledgeable source. Booking directly with cruise line or through an agency. Travel agents charge a fee, but if they book multiple cruises and then sell them, they get a group rate, which can save everyone money. You can look on the website for the cruise line international association clia to find a cruise certified travel agent in your area. Book through a specialty site, such as vacations to go, cruise cheap or through a travel agent who specializes in cruises.
A big question always is should you book your cruise direct with the cruise line or should you use a travel agent in this video i will give the benefits to both methods to help you decide what. Can a travel agent get you a better deal than booking online. Travel agents can get deals that might not be available online. Travel agents might not always save you money on a trip but they can save you valuable time, offer insider info on seats and fares you wouldnt have found on your own, and back you up if your. Head over to the american society of travel agents and find a certified travel agent. Cruises booking directly with cruise line or through an agency. To let you know that i am wellversed in both sides of the businessfrom how to book your cruise direct through the cruise line, first as a consumer and then as a cruise seller. One of the most common questions i find myself passionately answering both in person and on online communities im looking at you reddit, is about how to actually book a cruise.
Mar 15, 2018 booking vacations through an agent vs. What happens if i book a cruise and then the price goes down. My tips for saving money on a disney cruise disney cruise. Oct 21, 2014 why you should use a travel agent to book a cruise the occasional cheaper cabin. May 08, 2019 breaking down the pros and cons of using a travel agent youre convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. Benefits of booking with a travel agent vs booking online. In many cases, a travel agent can set up a monthly vacation layaway program that could save you hundreds on credit card interest. A piper jaffray study reported by skift notes that % of hotel bookings not including loyalty member rates were offered at a lower price to those who booked directly, while 21% were cheaper when booked through an online travel agent, and 66% were the same price when booked by either. Some travel agents keep prices low by using their commission to fund discounts. The sites like expedia book the trip and then after that it can be really hard to get a hold of them if there is a problem, change etc. Jan 08, 2020 can i save money by booking a cruise with a travel agent.
Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you. Finally, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, youll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent, which can sometimes slow the process down if. Dec 08, 2008 would it be cheaper to go through a travel agent or. Oct 20, 2016 even better, an agent will put in the legwork of sifting through travel insurance policies and point you to the plan that best suits your individual needs and itinerary, he adds. Sep 04, 20 first, we have never ever been on a river cruise but are anxious to go. Breaking down the pros and cons of using a travel agent youre convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. Unlike costco, nonaaa members can at least book flights, hotel rooms, cruises. Heres a guide to the many booking options, from going directly to a cruise line by phone or online to using a cruise focused travel agent.
This is the only reason you should use a travel agent to book. Mar 12, 2019 a big question always is should you book your cruise direct with the cruise line or should you use a travel agent in this video i will give the benefits to both methods to help you decide what. In europe, especially in the uk usually cheaper through a travel agent. Booking directly with cruise lines doesnt necessarily mean that you get the cheapest price or the best deal. Why is it cheaper to book airline tickets through a travel. Breaking down the pros and cons of using a travel agent. Reasons you should never book a cruise through a travel agent. The short answer is, not always, but you should always book with a travel agent. The travel agent responded to our online enquiry with two flight options and detailed information on three resorts, along with pricing for each package. Is it best to book through viking or will a travel agent get the same deals. We now find costco travel to be the cheapest site and service is great. Apr 30, 2012 why it pays to book with a travel agent. Occasionally, you can find a travel agent, that through a special promotion, has a lower per person cabin fare than what is currently advertised by the cruise company.
Get a quote from them and youll be helping the site and potentially beginning a great relationship with a new travel partner. Some package holidays booked in 1 country to go to another. Unlike costco, nonaaa members can at least book flights, hotel rooms, cruises, and rental cars online without. Book your cruise with a travel agent 6 reasons why you should.
Weve booked through the travel agents, both virgin and thomas cook where cheaper than booking direct with disney, and we still got the free dining plan, if it was the same price id quite happily book through disney, i dont see any reason not to. Heres why you should use a travel agent instead of booking. So, should you book through a travel agent or online. Youre going to get more value from your money booking with a travel agent.
How far in advance should i book a cruise to get the best. A good travel agent will discuss your vacation preferences, budget and other. The pros and cons of using a travel agent travel us news. Aug 08, 20 do you use a travel agent or book directly through rcl. Or maybe, why should i use a travel agent to book a cruise when i can simply do it myself. For over a decade weve trusted the same agency without cruise planning. Do you use a travel agent or book directly through rcl. Also, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, youll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent, which can slow the process down and become frustrating. A bit late here but just be sure if you book thru an agent that its of good repute and bonded. I saw a cheaper price and told her about it and she called and took care of. How do i book shore excursions on holland america panama canal cruise. Many australians have heard the rumour that cheaper cruises can be booked through american cruise booking sites such as vacations to go.
Why you should use a travel agent to book a cruise. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book. Online booking makes sense for shorter vacations and for travelers who value flexibility. When you book with a travel agent, they are with you every step of the way. Travel agents work as your troubleshooter no matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected stuff happens while your on vacation. Why it pays to book with a travel agent personal finance. In the 21st century, it is not difficult to reserve a cruise for your family, but travel agents provide a great deal of service and expertise that goes beyond simply placing a reservation. There are several reasons why the might not are, just sometimes be cheaper.
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