Table Of Content
Use the search tool to locate agents in your area with a variety of levels of CLIA training. Most cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have some version of a "Find a Travel Agency" search tool on their homepage. In most cases, its located in one of the menus located near the bottom of the page. If you're used to booking travel independently, consider these reasons why you might want to make use of a travel agent to book your next holiday at sea. Searching through the boatload of amenities and onboard activities on every ship could take you weeks. Skip the headache and talk to a Cruise Planners Travel Professional about your vacation wishes, likes, and interests.
Travel agents can get better deals on cruises
Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea. Use ASTA's consumer website to locate a travel agent who has agreed to conduct their business activities in accordance with the organization's code of ethics. Select "cruises" or "cruise lines" under Specialties to find agents that focus on selling cruise travel.
I'm a Travel Agent: 4 Vacations Worth the Extra Costs in Retirement - Yahoo Finance
I'm a Travel Agent: 4 Vacations Worth the Extra Costs in Retirement.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:00:12 GMT [source]
Dedicated Cruise Travel Agents
Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here. If you book a cruise online, you take on all the responsibility for doing the research, making decisions and figuring out who to contact in case of a problem. No one is going to alert you to a factor you forgot to consider or remind you to book excursions (or, in some cases, alert you when your final payment is due). Also, if you book online through a cruise line's website, you might miss out on agency-specific promotions that could get you extra perks and savings.
Personal Service
Travel professionals are there to help you plan your next vacation aboard a Carnival fun ship. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.
If the agent has rarely cruised, you might want to take your business elsewhere. In addition, you might want to look for an agent who is a cruise specialist -- either at a cruise-dedicated agency or within a larger general agency -- to get the best service. 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.
Unlike when booking online, you can't book a cruise with an agent in the middle of night; you'll have to arrange times to talk during the agent's business hours. Finally, if you book your cruise with a travel agent, you'll have to carry out all communications with the cruise line through the agent, which can sometimes slow the process down if your agent is unavailable. Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner. Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.
On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details. If you're a do-it-yourself type, and you have the time and inclination to thoroughly research your own trip using resources like Cruise Critic, then go right ahead. If you are having any trouble viewing or booking your cruise due to accessibility issues, please email so we can help you book your next cruise. Our directory offers listings for Celebrity Cruises' offices and representative worldwide.
Imagine Cruising
Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Travel agents might also thank you for your business with a small gift, such as a free bottle of wine in your cruise room or prepaid gratuities onboard. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason.
On Site at Cruise 360: Generation Shift, Fleet Growth and More - Travel Agent Central
On Site at Cruise 360: Generation Shift, Fleet Growth and More.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:30:39 GMT [source]
Questions to ask a cruise travel agent
If you don't see a sign or advertisement, always ask -- the agent may have fabulous offers the cruise lines won't let him or her publicize. In addition, ask if the agent can meet or beat the best price you've seen elsewhere. So, you've decided to go on a cruise -- perhaps your first venture on a vacation at sea -- and you're a little overwhelmed. You have to consider how much you're willing to pay, whether to book an inexpensive inside cabin or splurge on a suite, and which cruise line and ship are right for you.
The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line, ship and cabin that is right for you.
No matter where in the world you want to go, we can help get you there. Our experienced agents will take the time to answer your questions and listen to your ideas, before making expert recommendations that fit your budget. We believe extraordinary vacations begin with careful planning, that's why we are devoted to ensuring our clients always have the best possible experience—both before they leave and while they're away. 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.
You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip. Many agents become accredited cruise counselors through CLIA's Cruise Academy or take courses through the different cruise lines to become more expert at selling their products. Inquire whether the agent has attended any of these training programs. In addition, you can look for affiliations with the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA), Better Business Bureau (BBB), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or even AAA. Dedicated to helping our clients travel better, our experienced agents are passionate about sharing their industry knowledge and first-hand insights. If you'd like to plan your vacation with the advice of a travel advisor professional, we can help you locate a travel advisor near you.Simply enter your five-digit ZIP code (USA) or your postal code (Canada) below.
No comments:
Post a Comment