So, your thinking about going on a cruise. Good. Now's a great time to go. Looking for a great deal?...who isn't.
Starting to search the Internet, visit some 3rd party sites, read the blogs for advice, do some social networking, or just reading the latest ads.
You've seen those ads. Lots of them. All over the internet. Cruise lines that entice you to book directly with them online. You get flyers and brochures via snail mail ( postal service ) and your inbox is cluttered with message after message, about this deal or that.
So, your hooked. You visit the cruise line's web site. Perhaps give them a call.
The call center agent tells you that it is easy to book your cruise online. You can do it yourself. It's really easy.
But wait just a minute. Your about to make an Alaska cruise and tour purchase of $1000.00 or more per person. This is no under twenty-five dollar book purchase. You will be giving out your credit card number and personal information to someone likely part of a very large call center. Call centers have hundred's of telephone order takers. Turnover is huge. If you call again, you're not likely to speak the the same person. And some call centers aren't even based here in the good old USA. Your phone call may be outsourced overseas. Now, your personal information and credit card number is in India or some other foreign country.
So, now that you've spoken to the cruise line, you still think your cruise vacation plans are in excellent hands. Think again.
Cruise lines offer direct bookings because they save the commission that a travel agent gets if he or she handles the reservation. Do you think because their operating costs are less, they will reduce the price, because you booked direct. Not really. The travel agent's commission is built into the price you pay, no matter if you book direct or go through a travel agent. You don't save a penny more if you book direct.
With direct bookings, cruise lines lower they operating costs by having a staff of order-takers in their reservations center. Most are commissioned salespeople with little knowledge of the destinations, cruise ships and services you seek. Their goal is simple: Try to get you to book the cruise as quickly as possible, so they can go on to the next call. After all, the more sales they close, the more money they make.
Do you think a commissioned salesperson has your best interest in mind?
Imagine what happens when you make a direct booking. You pass on your most personal information and you receive an e-mail delivered confirmation. That's it. The computer is now your "agent" and will notify you when your final payment is due, and tell you that you have to go line, fill out a lengthy profile information form, and print out your own boarding pass and final documents. Efficient yes. Personable, available and as helpful as a real person. We don't think so.
Of course, you do have an alternative. Your Travel Agent.
Travel agents represent all the cruise lines - they don't promote one particular cruise line over the other. Choosing the right cruise experience for you is their number one priority.
Don't have a Travel Agent? Ask your neighbor, or friend to recommend one. Or, visit the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) website to find one.
Your travel agent is there to provide service. Period. He or she will take the time to help you plan your cruise vacation. They will compare what each cruise line offers. They will advise you about the cruise line and ship that best meets your needs. They are the only ones who will objectively review the advantages and disadvantages of cruising with this line or that. Booking directly just gets you a singular biased point-of-view. That's all.
Travel agents are involved in positively outrageous guest service. They provide expert advice, not just a flood of information. They are a wealth of knowledge. Offering sound advice about ports, sightseeing options and even dining options. In addition to vast product and destination knowledge, travel agents have pricing incentives and advantages not necessarily offered directly by the cruise line to consumers.
To insure your every want and need is met, travel agents continually attend seminars at sea, taking classes and learning everything there is to know about the cruise industry. Travel agents travel "round the world", visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go on cruises, sample and critique shore excursions... They are constantly communicating, learning and passing on that knowledge and information to you.
They understand your needs. They give you good solid advice you can count on. They are knowledgeable of what's on offer. They are able to get you exceptional value for your cruise.
Your travel agent once engaged:- May be able to offer you group rates ( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts.
- They receive daily faxes from the cruise lines offering special promotions, not offered by call centers, so be sure to ask if there are any special offers available.
- Will offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc.
- Will review the proper immigration/passport/birth certificate documentation necessary for your cruise.
- Arrange any special needs -- such as a handicap-designed stateroom, or a special diet.
- Inform you of your dining choices and ask if you prefer early or late seating , or "freestyle" dining where you can dine with whom you want, when you want... and arrange for any special occasions you might be celebrating like a birthday or anniversary.
- Explain the importance of travel insurance to cover the unexpected such as trip delays, missed cruise connections and lost or delayed baggage.
- Give you General Information materials that cover over 18 "Things to Know Before You Go".
- Point out your stateroom on the deck plan ( select deck plans available online ).
- Inform you when final payment is due and the deadline to request air deviations and arrange pre-or-post cruise land packages.
- Advise you about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, etc.
- They want you to feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first cruise or simply seeking a new adventure.
- They'll help you choose the cruise that's right for you--whether you're traveling alone, with children, or with a group of relatives or friends.
Travel agents are your advocate, offering a variety of options and sound advice, and that saves you time and money. Who is your advocate if you are dealing directly with the cruise line?
If you have read this far, we know you are seriously thinking about going on a cruise. Good. as we said, now's a great time to go. And we know your looking for a great deal.
When it comes to advice, there's a ton of it out there. Some good, Some bad, some, not very accurate. Cruise line call centers don't offer much advice at all. Everywhere on the internet, people these days have to put their two-cents of an opinion, out there for view. Some call that social networking. But how can you separate fact from fiction? What if, you could read detailed and comprehensive cruise reviews from professional travel writers and your fellow cruise travelers. Now that's a place to start.
But some sites have tens of thousands or more articles or reviews to read. You'll be there all night. As a matter a fact several nights just to find what you want, then who knows how long to filter out all the information and mis-information. That's a daunting task you know you don't have time for. You should visit places like, cruise report or cruise reviews online. All good resources, but not your ultimate destination.
If you want an honest and complete, unbiased view of the cruising experience, see you travel agent.
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