I question the content on small TA sites. You can easily be mislead. I only trust direct contact information from the supplier and not a commission driven middleman who could say anything to close a sale.

Most Small agencies actually work to make less commission to give our clients the best value.<BR>I have seen the hotels I sell, I know the quality.<BR>My feeling is the lower I can get the rate, they more money they have to book another trip.<BR>Many internet site are misleading. Wired Flyer takes the pictures themselves and updates them constantly.<BR>Of course, Wired Flyers the top producers for their supplier in the Country.<BR>We get upgrades and perks other agents do not.<BR>

Wired flyer?<BR><BR>It doesn't even display cruises, let alone book them. It books nothing. It's a billboard.

Why complain about commissions travel agents make? What about commissions real estate agents make? 6% of $100,000 home is $6000. How about sport agents. They must make six figure.

I booked thru a travel agent last year for a holland america cruise. After two days I read in the weekend travel section that I could have booked it for 200pp less. I called my TA and she said that was a misprint. Somehow I feel that I got ripped off. Next time I will book direct with the cruise line.

I believe that if cruise prices were dropped by 10% that more peoplewould cruise. I have taken 4 cruises and I don't need an agent to hold my hand.

I'm shocked at most of you. Do you work for free...I certainly don't. If I did I couldn't take approx 8 trips a year, at least one or two are cruises. THey are CHEAP! At least cheaper than my European trips. I venture to say most of you earn more than the TAs here so why are you complaining. I rarely use TAs now that we have the net however, for those who are not comfortable with the Internet<BR>than TAs are most useful. Since I've been taking cruises for 20 years I know they have come down alot more than the 10% some of you ask for. Get Real!

I guess what you're saying is that agents aren't necessary, but we should use them to be charitable?

I would advise to go to a cruise specialist or cruise website. Most TAs at all purpose travel agencies do not have an indepth knowledge of a particular itinerary or ship.Many cruisers know more than their TA and yet the TAs are making the commission.

<BR>Definitely go to an agent that is knowledgeable. One must ask quite a few questions to find out if that agent is knowlegable. Find out if that agent has been to the area or on that particular cruise line.<BR><BR>My point is, I do not believe a large web-based site is the place to find knowledgeable agents. <BR><BR>Also it is very important that if you ever have a problem with your vacation a travel agent has the resources to help you.<BR><BR>Paul

We cruise at least once a year. My experience is that the web sellers tend to be cheaper and it's a myth that they don't provide service. We have used cruise.com and the service has been excellent.<BR><BR>I'll call an agent for a competitive quote and they tend to do as little as possible since they know I'm shopping. But it's the chicken and the egg problem. I won't waste my money by giving them an up front fee, but without it, the agents won't do much.<BR><BR>

Why not use an internet agent if the price is cheaper. I don't need a TA to tell me the difference between one cruise line and the next because I can read all the different message boards and get all that information from people who will make NO commission on their thoughts. TA's would naturally prefer one cruise line over another due to the amount of commissions or perks they have received in the past. Some TA's are no doubt great, but some internet sites are great also, and CHEAPER in price. I just booked a wonderful cruise on Siverseas using an interent company. I did my own research and needed no TA to guide me. I did my own homework and enjoyed doing it. I know my tastes betten than any TA ever would or could.

What is the big deal here? If you <BR>have a good TA and value the service then use it. If you do not value your TA or any TA for that matter, then book on the web. Is this a terribly difficult concept? What is all the hub bub about?