1965

We booked a CC through a TA. Got excellent price-$650 each for 16 day transatlantic. Our port charge is an additional $498. Out of curiosity I went to CC website to see cost had I booked it directly thru them. At the bottom line where all costs are totaled, no port charges are mentioned. I have asked our TA and CC about why it does appear on our cost summary but no where is mentioned on the CC website cost summary. I figure they are legitimate charges, but at what point would Carnival have let me know that we had an extra $498 to pay, had we booked thru them? Neither entity has given me an answer that makes sense. Will appreciate any input, experience, thoughts. Thanks

Golfergal

The price on the Carnival website includes the port charges. I don't see where they tell you what just the port charge is, but they are not adding on top of the price quote when you get to the booking page (where you add your info). It is not uncommon for TA to advertise the price without port charges to make the price look like a bigger deal. Hopefully when you compare the total on the Carnival site (cruise fare plus gov't taxes/fees) to your total it is the same or your TA price is better.

It's a good idea to check with the cruise line pricing first, so you know what you are getting with a TA quote.

1965

I have learned my lesson. Should have done comparisons. At any rate, we get to take a wonderful cruise in 269 days. A friend told me exactly what Golfergal said. The bottom line should hopefully be the same with the TA and CC.

Eschew

Ideally, they should be the same as the cruise lines really discourage discounting. Where the difference may come into play is the TA may offer "goodies" ... bottle of wine, on board credit, coupon books, travel tips, luggage sets or whatever promos taht they are running. All those goodies comes out from teh TA's earned commission, and they use those extras to entice you to book with them rather than another TA. Typically, I get better service from a TA than the cruise line direct.

When you book with the cruise line direct, you bypass the TA and the ship keeps the commission (your booking person at the cruise line may earn part of that commission).

You can still sign over your booking with the cruise line direct to a TA by signing a piece of paper saying that you are transferring the reservation. Before you do that, make sure the price is the same (or cheaper) and the TA is offering you goodies that the direct booking is not offering.
If you are cruising for the first time (or have not cruised in years), your TA may be able to offer you helpful hints and put a package together for you.

My TA typically sent me a few packages for my bookings and the last package is usually the Travel advisory.

Good luck!

1965

Thank you, Eschew, for some very good information and advice. We love cruising, and I've used this TA several times, and have been very pleased with the service he has provided. I'm glad I posted and got some good info.