I want to go on a cruise but would like to know which way may be cheaper, a travel agent or directly online?

Question

NCL is who I'd like to use and I'm planning for mid February in 2008. I checked some places online and the price seems somewhat the same..but I'm wondering if it's just cheaper and or easier to go through a travel agent.

I'd like those who have used NCL and liked it to tell me how they've done it and how things turned out.

Suggestions on other cruise lines welcome. I'm just looking for some simple fun, but not willing to pay more than its worth.

thanks to those that answer!!

Answer 1

Alot of cruise lines will give you pricing and then direct you to an agent.  The advantage of using a travel agency is that they have access to upgrades and policies and procedures that may not be readily available on the internet.

Another advantage is having a live person to talk to to assist you in planning, especially if you have never cruised before.  A reputable agent is well educated in all major cruise lines and has most likely sailed on one or more ships.

For a good cost comparison and availability, go to www.allaboardtravel.com

Answer 2

My wife & I are starting a home-based travel agency and the one thing that we have found is that with most of the cruise lines everyone has to advertise the same rate as the cruise line.  So if the cruise line says a specific trip is $239 then it can only be advertised at $239.  What a travel agent can do is look for discounts that can not be advertised to the general public.  This includes, resident, senior citizen, military rates, teachers, firefighters, unions, etc.  A lot of the online services do not look into those for you (vacationstogo does) and they may save you some money.

Another thing a travel agent can do is book you into group space they may have.  If they have a group taking one of the cruises that you are interested in and that group got a discounted rate, then they can put you into a room with that group and get you that rate.  Some agencies book group space specifically for this with no specific group assigned to it.

So, Look at the online sites for an idea of what is out there then check with a travel agent to see what they can do, then buy from the one that gave you the best service and support.

You are welcome to contact us if you'd like.

Answer 3

i always find the best price i can on line and then go see my agent...some times they can beat it but at least they match it.. and there services are free...plus my agent always gives me comps.onboard..if your new to cruising then a agent will help you with the answers to all your questions..

Answer 4

You can find a good price online.  However, an online travel agent knows about several deals offered by the different cruise lines suck as NCL, Princess, Carnival, etc.  I'm an online travel agent... If you go to my website at www.eliteviptravel.com there is a tab names cruises.  You can find many deals there.

If you would like to contact me I also have a myspace you can find me at: http://www.myspace.com/eliteviptravel

Answer 5

It depends. We took a Yangtze River cruise in China just few weeks ago. It was about $1400 plus excursion if we booked on Internet. We paid $700 through a travel agency, all land excursions included.

However we receive email from those cruise lines all the time, they offer big discount when the time is close to the set off date. So either book through agency, or wait till the last minute.

Answer 6

The prices seem to be the same most places. My experience is that you have to search and search for a "deal".  I have found good deals on line also

but sometimes a good travel agent can match those.

Answer 7

I know my dad went on a cruise and found it online alot cheaper than the travel agent, but maybe he just got lucky.  Good luck.

Answer 8

Usually the rates are the same, but the secret is travelling with a group. Find a site or travel agent that can show you a list of groups taking a cruise and hop aboard. I went on a cruise back in March with a church group (I think I met one or two of the members) but I paid 329.00wtax  3d/2n and had a fantastic time. I booked my cruise on

www.whywaitgetgoing.com

under group cruises. Hope this helps.

Good luck and happy travels!

Answer 9

I would compare both, but travel agents can sometimes get a discount from the cruise companys where an individual wouldn't be able to..

Answer 10

We went on a land/sea cruise to Alaska and I priced out the trip online before checking with a travel agent. The travel agent arranged the entire vacation as we had planned for several hundred dollars less than my online rates.

Answer 11

It's generally cheaper to book the cruise online at the cruise ship website. They will generally be cheaper than Travelocity, Expedia, etc and almost always cheaper than a travel agent. At best the other sites and travel agents will be the same but it is rare that they will be less. What a travel agent can do for you is clue you in to specific cruises and upgrades (as well as freebies) that may be of interest to you. When you do it online you are on your own. If you are going to use a travel agent be sure to get one who has a cruise expert (ie they have been on a lot of cruises) otherwise you will be paying for nothing. Another thing to note is that the lower prices are available when you book well in advance as the cruise lines try to jump start sales. You can also find deals if you purchase within two months of the cruise. But in this case you can only book what is available and the pickings are usually slim.  Hope this helps.

Answer 12

Well vacationstogo.com has excellent deals, and i think that it will help you!! = ]