Are there better prices depending on who you book with like AAA, directly with cruise line, private travel agency or do it myself on line( that one is probably not an option since I'm a first time cruise.) Thanks for the help.
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First, I will admit to not being an expert but will tell you my experience. I WAS a member of AAA and checked with them for a cruise rate a couple of years ago and it turned out the rates they quoted were higher than either Carnival or a regular travel agent. (I knew the cruise I was interested in..Carnival out of NO). Carnival itself was a little higher than 2 travel agents I called. I went with the cheaper of the two travel agents and I have used her another time since. She only books cruises, I like her, and I feel she is giving me the best rate she can get. Plus, if she has a really good deal come through, she'll call me and see if we might be interested.
As I said, this is just my experience and I hope you get some other replies, too. I would definately check around though.
Found a better rate on Expedia.com than on the "specials" the cruise line offered. I was surprised.
I have found AAA and our local travel agents to be high in price - none of these discounts cruises in our area. Other areas may be different. We do not have a competitive cruise market where I live.
I have found a great TA online who gives me excellent service and great prices (she discounts cruises). Her customer service is better than any other TA that I have dealt with. Her prices are also!
AS far as booking with the cruiseline yourself - I would never do that because there are TA's who will always give you a price under what the cruiseline quotes you - plus you will have someone in your court when something goes wrong.
When looking for a TA - I would look for a Cruise Only Travel Agent who has her MCC with CLIA. This person will know their cruises very well and can advise you better than a TA who has only cruised once or twice.
BTW - just because a TA is considered "online" doesn't mean you will not receive any personal touches or interaction. I receive more from the "online TA" than I do from my local agency.
I have an 800 number for my TA and her email address.
A couple of important notes. One, AAA's prices should not be higher than Carnival's. I'd inquire why they are quoting higher than a travel agency in the first place. Second, TA's do not discount the cruise; smaller agencies will give up some of their commission in order to get your business and that is something that we won't do. If an agency has reserved many cabins on a particular cruise like we do, than yes, it would be discounted because we're buying in bulk. But the best question you have to ask yourself is, "Do I want to spend at least $2500 on a cruise without knowing what I'm doing?" If your answer is no, find a reputable TA.
Laura,
You are right, my TA reduces her commission - thus her cruise prices she quotes me are discounted compared to prices from other agencies such as AAA. She is also associated with a large agency (Cruise Planners), so she has access to many group rates.
As far as trusting my TA - she is one of the top producers for Holland America and Carnival and has received several awards from other cruiselines. I definitely trust her.
I would check the internet for all rates and then ask AAA if they can meet or beat the price. I have also reserved my own cruise directly with the cruiseline, if they were offering a better price and then I have gone to AAA
and had them transfer the booking to them. Good Luck!
Hi, Ann. Being that you are a first time cruiser, I would definitely go with a travel agent. You can get a reduced rate through an agent. For example, the agency where I am employeed, we reserve a lot of group space, and groups offers better rates than individual bookings, also better upgrades. When you choose an agent, ask if they are offering any group sailings. Something that we do too. . . many sailings offer one free cruise for every 8 or 16 passengers, depending on the cruise. If you had a group of friends going, you could go free, or you could divide the amount of the free among all of the passengers sailing, a pretty sweet deal! Have fun.