Mike FriedmanTravel agents may seem like anachronisms. If we have the internet, why should we need to call somebody to issue a ticket for us or book a hotel? And for many trips, DIY may be the most efficient option. But when it comes to cruising, it makes complete sense to use a travel agent to book a cruise. Here’s why.
They’ll Find You The Deals
When it comes to booking airfare or a hotel room, you can almost always find the cheapest deals online. Sure, you may have a corporate rate, but pricing is transparent enough that the companies want to show you the best price up front to snag your business.
Cruise line pricing, though, is opaque, and you may not find the best deals at their websites. Travel agents often have access to unadvertised fares, as well as potential group booking discounts or other perks, such as free internet access or prepaid gratuities.
Another attraction of booking a cruise over the phone through a traditional travel agency or walking into a travel agency office, rather than booking online through an OTA, is that travel agents can often provide the cruiser with perks.
Via Skift Why Travel Agents and Telephones Still Rule Cruise Booking
They’ll Help You Navigate The Ship (Literally)
Cruises tend to be more complicated than the average vacation, so it’s nice to have someone who knows what they’re doing walk you through the paperwork and tell you what kind of travel documents you’ll need. They’ll also be able to get you the best deals on insurance.
If you’ve decided to take a cruise but don’t know which line is appropriate for you, a travel agent is a good place to start. They’ll be able to keep you off the family ships if you want peace and quiet, or tell you which one has the kids program if you don’t. They’ll help you decide whether you need to take the expensive shore excursions or can just grab a cab when you get off the ship. Most importantly, they’ll be able to recommend specific cruises with the best ports.
But it goes beyond just choosing a ship. A good travel agent should be able to give you advice about the type of cabin that you want, as well as find you a decent location on the ship. Since every cruise line defines its cabin types differently, a suite or balcony cabin on one might not be the same as it is on another. The travel agent can help you figure out whether you really need the mini-suite, or if a balcony will get the job done, and they’ll find you the best cabin on the ship for your particular situation, whether you’re looking for the calmest waters or the one farthest away from an elevator.
They May Throw In Some Extras
Cruises are one of the few products left where travel agents still make a decent commission, so the agents like to sell them. For that reason, many of them are willing to give you something extra, such as a shipboard credit or gift card. While some lines technically prohibit agents from giving you a rebate on a portion of their commission, it’s impossible to police, so you shouldn’t be afraid to ask.
How Do I Find A Good Agent?
You probably don’t want to call the first one that you find on the internet. Rather, I’d do it the same way that you find any other provider: Ask friends and family who they use. And if you don’t know of one, be sure to drop a comment in the LVA Travel Forum (message board) and LVA Travel Facebook Group for personal advice from me and the community. I’m sure my travel agent would be happy to hear from you.
Travel Agent Relationships Are Key
Note that a travel agent is like a realtor: Just because they are the cheapest, or offer you the biggest rebate, doesn’t mean that they are the best. You need to find one with whom you are comfortable and who will look out for your interests. For example, I’ve used the same agent for ten years. Early in our relationship, she called me when the price of my cruise dropped significantly. I hadn’t been keeping track, but she had, and she let me know about the change, even though it affected her commissions. That’s a good way to earn loyalty.
