can someone recommend a really good travel agent who will take the time to talk to a first time cruise person and who is knowledgeable about Alaska? thank you

Susan...Can't answer your question exactly.My own Travel Agent would have my head on a platter if I gave his number out! But our own kfusto is a Travel Agent and our very own BudgetQueen ([email protected]) can answer any question you have, without a doubt.Good Luck!!

Call Ann Stilson at her private toll free number, 888-800-1177. She has booked at least 40 of our cruises over almost 20 years and her prices can't be beat. Before becoming an only cruises agent, she was with NCL. She knows the ships and destinations. She only does past passengers and referrals along with groups. You must tell her Bonnie from NC said to call as she will ask. You can also email her at cruisevacations@aol. That is her address DON"T put Ann@ or she won't get it. I've referred people to her on this board and they have been very pleased with her. Give her a call and, happy cruising.

It will pay to do your own homework, since most agent's bottom line is commissions. Not a slam but they aren't going to know anything about independent options that could be superior.

Sorry- but Ann Stilson CAN be beat- I just canceled a booking with her for a $150 savings- which she would NOT match. So it pays to compare and shop around.

I booked with Alex whose contact [email protected] I found on this board and got a great deal. Agree with previous poster: any agent can be beaten at certain times, always shop around. Disagree with previous poster: a good travel agent is well aware of any other independent booking options, since this is the competition they have to fight.

definietly call Faye at Anchors Aweigh. She is great and very knowlegaeable. She got me a great deal.

[email protected]

EMAIL ADDRESS CORRETCION;

[email protected]

" Disagree with previous poster: a good travel agent is well aware of any other independent booking options, since this is the competition they have to fight."

Sorry- in Alaska completely NOT TRUE. I am referring to independent touring options, most agents barely know what they read in cruisetour brochures.

I am not talking about independent booking of a cruise.

Trust what Budget Queen says. She is an expert on Alaska. She helped us with the land portion of our trip. We spent several days before the cruise in the Denali area and serveral days after the cruise in the Vancouver area.

Regarding cruise agents, it really can depend on what cruise line you choose. We cruised Alaska on Regent, which was spectacular, and if that line interests you, feel free to contact me for the name of our agent: [email protected]. She's terrific, will take time to talk to you about Alaska, and the agency gives particularly good rates on Regent (and knows all the ins-and-outs of the line).

So Dreps, your agent name is Dreps too? What a coincidence! Or is it just illegal self advertising?

Roswalt - I think you are mistaken unless I misread. Dreps said to contact he/she personally for the name of their agent.