b boden

I have noticed many inquiries about prices and commissions. After many cruises I have discovered that buying a cruise is like buying a car. YOU NEVER PAY BROCHURE PRICE. There is so much mark-up put into the brochure price that many agencies will discount the cruise by up to 12% off brochure prices and last minute specials. Car dealers and travel agents are similiar in that most of them try to maximize their own profit. Don't be afraid to ask if they will sell the product for less.

winner

Travel agents are NOT car dealers! The cruise companies set the prices, print the brochures, etc. A Travel agent can only pass on savings from the cruise line. If you think 10% commission (built into the prices by the cruise lines, NOT added on by travel agents) is a fortune, you need a new calculator.

b boden

I'm sorry winner you are dead wrong, there are many cruise discounters out there that will take off 12% off brochures and specials prices. Agents will often feature cruises that offer higher commissions or free upgrades.Car dealers are offered incentives to sell slower moving vehicles by the manufacturer. The main point that I was trying to convey is that smart consumers should never pay brochure rates when it comes to cruises or cars.

Patrick

Actually, I think you are both right. The problem is the car dealer anaolgy, which really doesn't work. Car dealers actually own the cars they are selling, and can sell them for whatever price they want to (or can). Travel agents can only represent the prices they are offered by the cruise line. To be sure, that price may vary based on incenives, as was pointed out, and may differ from one agent to another based on volume, but the agent is not in control of the price.<BR><BR>The bottom line point, however, is correct: you can almost always do better than the brochure rate.<BR><BR>Pat.

Patty

Price is one thing that I don't even bother to look at anymore when I review a cruise line's brochure. It usually has very little relevance to the actual price of the cruise (except that the actual price will be much, much lower).

Toto

12% under brochure price, where are you all buying your cruises from? I have never heard of such a thing.<BR>If your travel agent can't beat the brochure price by 33-50%, then you need a new travel agent.<BR>I haven't heard anything like this in years.<BR>Keep shopping cruisers, there are really good deals out there on alomost all of the ships and itinerarys if you can find a good TA.<BR>Toto