Beware of icruise

Old Aug 23rd, 2001, 04:53 AM
  #1  
Tilly
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Beware of icruise

Just a note to those of you (like me) who like to scan the net for cruse bargains. icruise.com makes it look like their prices are better than everyone else by far. The reason, they are one of the few that dont include port charges in their advertising. When you add the port charges to their prices you'll find they are about like all the others.
 
Old Sep 5th, 2001, 02:18 PM
  #2  
Robynljt
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I booked with icruise and got a great price on my cruise (other agents could not beat the price) They do breakdown the costs so you know what the cruise cost is and what the port charges and taxes are. I also think we have received excellent service. Our agent is always responds to any inquiry promptly.
 
Old Sep 6th, 2001, 05:20 AM
  #3  
Samantha
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Cruise the net are you people real????
Find a real professional.
 
Old Sep 7th, 2001, 03:04 AM
  #4  
Carol
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Thanks, Samantha! Being a travel counselor, I very much appreciate your reply.

I am constantly amazed that people will spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars booking a cruise on the internet to save a few dollars. Perhaps they've been lucky, but luck runs out, and if you have a good travel agent, she will be there for you in the event of any problems....plus hopefully she will get you the best rates.

Sometimes choosing to book on the internet is a case of being penny wise and pound foolish. I can't tell you the number of times I've had clients book cruise and air over the internet, and then come to me and ask me to take care of their problems.

My best client scrutinizes every travel page on the internet, calls me with what she finds, and always books with me anyway. I must be doing something right!
 
Old Sep 7th, 2001, 06:03 AM
  #5  
Carol
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It's me again.

There is another very important thing I neglected to mention in this argument about travel agents vs. internet bookings. Obviously, I don't use the internet for bookings, but I often compare my rates vs. those online so I
am definitely aware of what's out there.

My question to you internet devotees is how often has anyone who booked on line been called when the rates dropped? That would be very interesting to know.

I just got back from Alaska, and 3 weeks prior to departure, I was able to
not only lower the cruise rate, but also cancel the cruise line's air because I found better rates directly with the airlines for some of my group members. As a result, my clients not only got to go to Alaska one day early (my requirement for anyone not using cruise line air), but also two couples got a refund check from our company for over $1800 and one couple got a check for over $2200!

When did an internet agency ever do that for you? If they do, that's wonderful for you.....I just haven't heard of that ever happening.
 
Old Sep 7th, 2001, 07:57 AM
  #6  
in the biz
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I would like to quip in here in regard to protecting the consumer out there. I have owned and operated my agency for 25 years. Quite a few changes in this industry and I have rolled with the punches. However, I too have a website and find that most lookers are not bookers - however, with my toll free number posted and serious credentials of my agency (still retail office) most of the numnuts calling are........

1.nickel and dime shoppers (mind you I usually beat the price!)
2.never traveled before and listen to their friends, family who THINK they know it all because they have been on 1 or 2 cruises and that makes them experts.
3. just born "surfers" who never never have the intention of going.

Well, let me say this, just last week most all the cruise lines shortened the hold time to 3 days - then the cruise line needs their deposit. This should eliminate the churning and more inventory to those who are serious about traveling. In spite of the internet age,
there will always be the type of consumer that spends hours trying to save $20.00. Figure it out, is it worth your precious times these days to be worth $4.00 an hour, I don't think so.
And, furthermore, anyone who think they could slap up a website and book travel and collect a salary, ahhhh how many of these dingdong websites will be around when it's time to collect your documents. These places fold up left and right. And, do they offer a very valuable trip insurance plan. They should, they could be liable, you get sick and cancel - no $$$ back to you. Think twice - years of hands on experience and the up and down of prices, you must be very savvy. You better be careful not to spell a name incorrectly on tickets or docs, you eat it. This business is highly detailed and customer service oriented --------
Know what and who you are dealing with,
otherwise that $20 or more you saved, I can assure will cost you above and beyond. I am not soliciting my business or anything else here, just the true consensus and numbers that are out there. An established professional travel agent and/or agency will take the utmost care of your vacation well being.
And if you cannot find one, ask a friend or family member or work colleague to refer you to whomever he/she uses.

90% of my clientele have been referrals and continue to do so.

There are too many scams out there, find someone who cares about YOU without the crafty salemanship and pitches and hidden costs. Remember if something is way TOOOO good to be true, IT IS.

 

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