Agency?
 

I want to give a gift certificate at a Cruise Agency for a birthday present to my DIL. I would like her to be able to go on a cruise of her choice. I have never been on a cruise so have never used a Cruise Agency. Looking on line, I find lots and lots. Can anyone recommend an on-line agency of give me any advise as to how to choose one?

I think that the best way would be to allow her to choose and then pay the bill. There are too many variables - cruise line, itinerary, time of year etc, etc. It is all very subjective.

It's really difficult to choose one agency over the other, so in this case a pre-paid credit card (or is it debit card?) may work.

Is there a cruise agency where she lives, so she can go and talk to an agent? Do they have gift cards?

Was your DIL on a cruise, does she want to take one? Does she have a favorite cruise line, maybe a gift cert. from a cruise line will work out better?

Thanks for your suggestions....My DIL was on a cruise only once many years ago. She has shown an interest in maybe doing a New England/Canada Cruise this summer. I have never been on a cruise (except the Galapagos) So, we don't have much of a frame of reference.
I see a thread here for Vacations To Go which has positive feedback so maybe I'll go with them.

Vacations to go does not discount prices. If you want low price and good service, e-mail my agent Alex at [email protected].

I usually use a local agent who knows me and I can reach. They do as well as the internet agencies and try harder to please.

I second the opinion that you give her a gift card, or an IOU, because there are agents that specialize in particular lines, and due to volume they do with that cruise line can offer you extra ammenities, etc. She will enjoy doing some research on this and other web sites to find what ship fits her tastes and price.
In the past I put the cruise I wanted out to bid to several cruise discounters I found on the web. The price and extras will vary quite a bit. It pays to research, prices vary considerably and there's room to negotiate.

Get a gift VISA card or something like that and let her find a good agent. One problem with prepaying an agency for a future cruise is now they have the money and just may be reluctant to discount much, if at all.

Thanks for all your advice. I think the Visa gift card is a great idea or an IOU. That way she will have control over where and when, etc.

What a relief to reach a decision on gift-giving :) I'm glad you found what you were looking for!