Travel agencies for cruises?

Question

I'm trying to find a cruise for sept. i have a few in mind, but i was just looking for a good agency to go thru that can get me the best price. I am trying to plan this cruise for a few friends that are actually gettintg married while we are gone, either on the boat or on one of the islands. if anyone wants suggest a travel agent to go thru please let me know.. THANKS GUYS!

Answer 1

All the travel agents receive a commission from the cruise line, including Expedia.  However, Expedia also charges a booking fee.  So using Expedia is actually more expensive.  

I have a wonderful travel agent that I have been using for two years now.  I have booked five cruises with him.  Here is his contact info ...

Bob DeAgazio

Regional Manager, San Diego

7777 Girard Ave, Suite 106

LaJolla, CA 92037

Direct: 858-459-0681  ext. 1421

Toll Free:  800-869-0674

Fax:  [phone]

www.worldviewtravel.com

Virtuoso Member-- "Specialists in the Art of Travel"

Answer 2

I'd say check out Zef H's travel agent.  Virtuoso agents really are better. (To be a travel agent there's no test other than your ability to write a $400 check to CLIA, the trade association.  The Virtuoso agents, though, are held to a much higher standard.)

You might get something slightly cheaper at an online discounter (they sometimes "rebate" part of their commissions -- a semi-sketchy practice), but since you have specific dates, a group of people and an important event, I don't think it'd be worth it.

Answer 3

No travel agent.  Book the trip yourself on-line with expedia or travelocity or one of the others.  Also book your air the same way.  I believe you will save more money this way and with these on line websites you can do everything a travel agent can do.

Answer 4

Actually I have worked for both Vacations To go which is great and currently work for cruise.com. Yes we do get paid a commission but not by you- we get paid from the cruise line, based on the cruise. Booking through a travel agent is better because we can work a deal for you such as on board credit, free gratuities, discounts, preferred dining times and so forth. I wouldn't book a cruise on line unless I really knew what I was doing, its better to call someone and get their opinion and let a professional help you.

Answer 5

Travel agencies are the way to go.  Experienced travel agents have real knjowledge about the cruise lines, and the on going and up coming promotions!  A good travel agent will be able to get you exactly what you want for a price you can afford.  If you need to change something or add something or if something goes array, the travel agent will be able to fix it for you..  Websites do none of that.  On an internet website they take your reservation and your money and then they are done.  A travel agent will be your guide and assistant until your final disembarkment.  If you want to book a few cabins for different friends a travel agent can group those cabins together and make sure that you are all at dinner together at the same table.  Web sites cannot do that.

If you want something special say a bottle of wine delivered to your friends stateroom a travel agent can get that done for you.  Travel agents do not mark up the price they find you the best rate possible and you can be assured that everything will go just fine.  A travel agent wants to make you happy so that you will go back to them for more cruises and vacations.  The travel agent is definitly an advantage and you save time and money.

I use this travel agent, the web site is www.SailingTheSea.com.  the number is on the web site.  

Otherwise you can surf the web and compare, and compare and compare.  One phone call and I have them do all the comparing and they get back to me with the best possible options.

"Good Luck"

Answer 6

Today there are so many cruise choices and types available at your finger tips.  I use this web site and have found I can do all kinds of free research to find that "just right" cruise and destination. www.AlmondTreeTravel.net  Just click on "cruises".  Enjoy!

Answer 7

Honestly, DON'T go through a travel agency if you're just going to do the cruise.  I've just dealt with one for a cruise that my family and I are going on...and I got the information much faster than the travel agent could...also, she gave me the EXACT price that I came up with earlier...It's a lot of pain to use a travel agent.

Answer 8

Well I do have one tip for ya.  I know that carnival cruise lines sets the price for all travel agencies.  The only way you can beat a carnival cruise line agent with a travel agency is if that paticular agency pre-booked a block of rooms and got a small discount.  most of the time the travel agencies will quote you a price with out taxes and port charges.  Also going through the cruise agent you can get all kinds of upgrades and discounts and such.  Carnival has great discounts for military (past and present ) and anyone in the travel industry.  My personal vacation planner with carnival is Janice Boyd.  1800-819-3902 ext 82333. she is fantastic!  she actually saved us from missing 2 cruises due to delays! (thats another long story) if you want to know anymore feel free to email me.

Answer 9

We went through our AAA (Triple A) travel agency. They were friendly and got us a great deal on our trip. We are longtime AAA members, so it got us a pretty decent discount.