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Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks, such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin. Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call.
Questions to ask a cruise travel agent
Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you. 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.
Final Thoughts: Is It Better to Book a Cruise with a Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?
Travel Agent Dumond Invited to Sail on World's Largest Cruise Ship - Goldsboro Daily News
Travel Agent Dumond Invited to Sail on World's Largest Cruise Ship.
Posted: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In the travel business, there are organizations called "consortiums" that are considered status symbols for professionals. Travel agents can belong to one of these groups -- such as Virtuoso, Ensemble Travel Group or Signature Travel Network -- as a way of showing clients that they are sought after in the field. Belonging to a consortium opens up a bevy of perks to these agents' clients. There are a number of travel agent consortiums that you should research before selecting a travel adviser. For example, when booking a voyage through a Virtuoso agency, you might have access to a special onboard host (depending on the sailing you choose). You'll also be invited to a welcome cocktail party and will get your choice of a cultural shore excursion, private car and driver (on select sailings), or shipboard credit.
Extra Perks
Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. 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. Your cruise specialist will take care of everything you need, and manage all the reservations.
Industry-wide, 56 ships are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2028, representing an investment of $38 billion and the addition of more than 121,000 lower berths. More than 1,250 travel advisors attended the sold-out conference, eager to learn more about the growing industry which has now fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. CruiseDirect and One Tree Planted have partnered to plant a tree for every cruise booking that sails with us. 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.
The Future Is Bright for Private Islands
Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family. Our directory offers listings for Celebrity Cruises' offices and representative worldwide. 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. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer. You can also ask to receive the booking confirmation from the cruise line, showing payments, for your records.
Many luxury cruise travel agents will specialize in a few lines, and all can explain how the cruise lines and their ships and itineraries differ. Their industry knowledge is especially useful if you're relatively new to luxury cruising or are indecisive about which lines, ship, suite or itinerary you should choose. A good travel agent will also get to know your travel style and guide you to the cruise line, ship and even room type that are best for you.
How can I find a good travel agent for booking cruises?
Generally, the transfer must be made before final payment is due and before the cruise is paid in full. Keep in mind you can also transfer a booking made onboard a cruise ship to a travel agent, as well. Agents often have access to group pricing (buying cabins in bulk at lower per-room rates), which the agency consortium or franchise group they belong to has been able to negotiate with the cruise lines.
Travel agents can save you time.
When you do book online with a large website like Expedia Cruises or Vacations to Go, these are large travel agencies. In some cases, depending on the company, you can work with a specific cruise specialist for every cruise. It all starts with the boldest cruise ships at sea — and ours have won awards for everything from world class dining and spectacular entertainment, to record-setting onboard thrills and groundbreaking innovation. 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. In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.
However, there are some instances when some people will prefer to book directly with the cruise line. I’ll also go through some of the most important and frequently asked questions about booking a cruise. Showing your clients that you’re actively touring ships is a great way of reinforcing your cruise expertise. To make sorting through them easier take a picture of the cabin number before you walk in. “This will help you remember which cabin your pictures are from,” Rhonda Day, owner of a Kentucky-based Dream Vacations travel agency, told Travel Market Report. Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers, pan for gold in prospecting towns, and trek across the rugged tundra on an Alaska vacation.
There can be exceptions to this, as some travel agents may charge booking or administrative fees. In cabins, Day said she pays particular attention to the size and style of the bathroom and whether showers have curtains or doors. Focusing on luxury small-ship cruises can also be a good way to convert customers who usually want to book land-based vacations. 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.
Look at what restaurants are onboard, write down the room types, and browse the activities. This way, you’ll have an idea of what you’ll be seeing, giving you a chance to formulate any questions you might want to ask. “My advice is to take notice of the ship’s features that can help you sell the ship to your clients,” Bruno said.
Many also worked toward achieving CLIA certifications and helped celebrate the 2024 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners. Below is a list of travel agencies in your area who are knowledgeable and experienced in cruising. When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you.
When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea. In the luxury market, look for a travel adviser that belongs to Virtuoso, Ensemble Travel Group or Signature Travel Network. 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. However, these cabins can be limited, and may not be available closer to sailing. Book 6 months to a year, or more, before your cruise for access to these special rates.
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