Is it cheaper to book a cruise with a travel agent than on your own?

Question

I know you can book yourself online, just wondering if there are any extra benefits to having a travel agent or not.

Answer 1

I've found you can book online just as cheap as you do with a travel agent.  I've found this site, iBtraveling.com to have all the cruise deals so you can compare the ones you want, instead of a travel agent saying this one or that one...usually whatever one they'll make the most commission on.  When you get closer to the date you leave port, 2 weeks before, call the cruise ship directly and ask if there any free upgrades.  You can always do your own excursions by going by taxi when you get to an island and bringing your own snorkel gear.  Have fun! Wish you luck there!

Answer 2

It's better to book with a travel agent.

1. Many times travel agencies belong to consortiums to help get better prices or get overrides to get better prices because of how many cruises they book with a particular company. We can also get you perks (free stuff, extra money to spend on board) and upgrades more often.

2. We can answer all of your questions for you about cruising and give you a bunch of tips to make your trip more enjoyable. Maybe they've been on the ship, experienced the shore excursions you're looking to go to, or know of a better time to travel to help save you some money.

3. Because cruise lines still pay commissions to travel agencies - you will most likely not pay any service fee like you would with buying an airline ticket.

4. You have the same person to talk to. Booking a cruise is an experience and having a person who knows what you're needs/wants are of your trip is important to make sure you're really getting the cruise you want/need. Calling a cruise line company your self you'll be waiting on hold and every time you call you're going to get someone different. You don't have that rapore with that person. And you sure can't go back to that person if you have any problems/questions. You'll be stuck going from one dept or supervisor to another. See the question posted by a guy who booked thru a cruise line and then the bill came and it was a different price. Now he's looking for the Bob Dickerson's (President of Carnival) because he hasn't gotten anywhere with customer service. Now had you booked with a travel agency you could go see them and it's their responsibility to straighten that out.

These are things that just pop into my head. But I know that I can give my clients a ton more tips and tricks to save money on the cruise than any agent in some call center can give. And 90% of my clients book another cruise when they get back!

Answer 3

Its the same price.

Answer 4

It depends.  

Sometimes you can find extra perks with one method or another. (i.e. cabin upgrades, in-house credits, cheaper fares, etc.).

I have booked by both methods, and find that the best deals vary back and forth.  My suggestion is to see if a travel agent can beat the deal you find after doing your homework.

Answer 5

If you book through a travel agent you may get a perk like on board credit or perhaps a bottle of wine in your room, stuff like that. The price will be the same as if you book directly through the cruise ship company. I have done it both ways. One thing Princess cruises does is while you are on the ship, you can give them a deposit of $100 each person for your next cruise. You don't even have to book a particular cruise, just do a open booking. You have 5 years to book the cruise. That way your $100 is all you need for a deposit. When you book through a travel agent or with a cruise company, they require you to give them a substantial deposit within about 10 days. I've been on 8 Princess cruises.

Answer 6

I have been on several cruises and let me tell you from experience that its easier and safer to use a travel agent.

Answer 7

I agree that booking with a travel agent has it's perks.  They can offer more detailed information on most any topic.  

Plus, they are good at getting their customers free upgrades or any bonuses if available to get you to book with them again in the future.  The cost is pretty much if not exactly the same, but you get the perks.

A good idea is to do your own research online and then call an agency with what you have in mind.  I can recommend www.CruisesOnly.com

I've taken several cruises and I definitely prefer booking with an agent.

Answer 8

Not really, the prices are the same and the travel agent can further aid you in other aspects of your trip that the Internet page might not have programmed, such as real life tips about the destinations you'll visit and updates on visa requirements.

Answer 9

I always found it cheaper to use a Travel Agent.

I always use these guys:

http://www.vacationsnbeyond.com

Just be sure to request a quote.

Answer 10

No. If you book it with an agent, she/he may charge a service fee. Go online and do the search yourself. Thats' what he/she will be doing anyway.

Answer 11

Great question.

Most .Coms are travel agents.

Booking direct on a cruise web site will not offer you the best value.  T/A's can offer ship credit and other amenities that direct won't offer. We compete for your cruise business!

Answer 12

You may want to consider interviewing several travel agencies.  Just like any other business, there are good ones and there are bad ones.  Ask a couple questions:  Has the agent sailed on this ship, or to this destination, what sort of training or specialist program have they been thru, how many cabins per year does this agency book with the particular cruise line you are considering.  Make sure you find the BEST and most knowledgeable agent.  Sometimes bigger is not always better.  The biggest on-line agencies are more like order takers versus true travel counselors or travel professionals.  That is why, just like a doctor or lawyer, I recommend interviewing them and don't judge everything by the price.  20.00 is not a make or break deal when you are considering spending thousands of dollars and a week or more of your hard earned time off.