Can I transfer a booking by a travel agent back into my own hands?

Question

I posted earlier about the issue with my TA asking for me to pay him some commission that he thinks the cruiseline gave me as a discount to my fare.

I am worried that a confrontation will get my cruise cancelled since they are in control of it.

Can I transfer the booking back to myself any way? Do I have to talk to the Travel Agency or my Agent in order to do this?

Answer 1

Talk to the Travel Agency, you don't have to pay anything back. If the cruiseline gave you a discount, that's a good thing.

I'm the daughter of a Travel Agent, and I know that no one in my mom's agency would ever do that. TA have a bad rap these days, but don't cancell your cruise or decide to do this over the net. You're much better having a professional handle things.

When considering an agent, look at how long they've been in business. Keep dialog open. Be aware of your rights. Also, be aware that for a simple cruise, they put in hours of work. THere is more research to your vacation then you know.

Your cruise won't be cancelled be cause you want to know more about your rights.

Answer 2

This is a very good question.  You CAN transfer a booking back into your own hands ONLY if you have not paid it in full.  I would call the cruise line that you are booked with and ask for a supervisor.  Do not tell the res agent what you are calling about or they will try and help and they can not.  The supervisor will send you something that you must sign to transfer the booking back to the cruise line.  Also you will want to talk to the supervisor of the Travel Agency that you book through.  It is the responsibility of the agent to find out what happened to the money instead of assuming that the cruise line paid you.  First off the cruise line do not send money to a passenger.  Second refunds to passengers are paid in the same way that the passenger paid the cruise line.  It is hard for a cruise line to make a mistake of sending a commission to a direct passenger.