TA Question
 

Is it true that a TA must book a cabin for you (even though I was told I'm not obligated to pay for it) in order to get a price?

No that is not true I have an agent check rates all the time and never give her name or phone.

You're right Sharon but how rude!

Here's the poop .....<BR><BR>There are a few variables: <BR><BR>A travel agent will give you a price but that price is not guaranteed until a hold is put on the reservation (no charge, no obligation). This price may go up within three minutes of the call if no hold is put on the cabin. Also that cabin may sell out within three minutes. <BR><BR>To put a hold on a cabin the TA must have a name. So if there is no name there is no hold. Price is not guaranteed. Cabin or category is not guaranteed<BR><BR>When a hold is put on a cabin the TA will request a fax. This will tell the TA what he/she gets for a commission. If the TA wishes to reduce his/her commission the passenger will get a better price.<BR><BR>The price that is quoted the TA is the same price that would be quoted the person if that person calls the cruiseline. But the TA does or may get promotional fares to lower that price.<BR><BR>Putting a hold on a reservation is good for a couple of days for Carnival up to about a week for other cruise lines.<BR><BR>That's all folks!<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

I've been shopping around for prices and they always ask for my name and phone number. In most cases I've almost gotten the exact same price from everyone. Where are the bargains? But thanks anyways Paul for giving me the scoop.

Hi Chris,<BR><BR>When we book the lowest category cabin at the lowest price imaginable ........ we make diddelysquat. Therefore we can not discount the price. If you buy in bulk, say 8 cabins, which would constitute a group, then we can reduce the price and split it among the group.<BR><BR>FYI: Our commission on airfare is 5% on the base price (no commission on the government and facility tax).<BR>We have a cap of $20. At times if the tickets are incorrect, or if there is an airline change, we have<BR>to Fed-Ex them back for about $16. <BR><BR>Quite often a travel agent will take a loss on airline tickets. This is why you see some agencies charging a fee and others that say call the airlines yourself. We are not being mean we must make a profit to survive.<BR><BR>Don't let the airlines fool you when theycry poor. It is a bunch of hooey. They are still charging a fuel supplement even though their fuel expense is 1/2 of what it was last year. They are getting government subsidies even though their principals are earning multi-millions of dollars. <BR><BR>They do not care about passengers, cruise lines and travel agents. They are cancelling flights, changing flight times, misplacing luggage and generally making it difficult for businessmen and the traveling public.<BR><BR>This Christmas season is a nightmare. Cruiselines can not get their passengers to Florida. Most are requiring a customer to fly out the day before and must put them up at a hotel and they must bear the costs. It is not a lot of fun and it is putting man travel agents out of business.<BR><BR>Now I'll get off my soapbox.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

While there is a lot to be considered when cruising at least on this one I don't have to worry about airfare. I'm driving to the dock.

You can bypass an agent by going to the internet. Many of the mega internet agencies that specialize in cruises will show you all ships and what cabins are available. Travelocity, Expedia and Orbits also allow you to determine availability.<BR><BR>The mega internet agencies on the web are often cheaper than a store front agent. Often they can sell you a cruise cheaper than a store front agency can buy them. Because of their volume they get larger commissions and other discounts that they share with their clients.

Chris,<BR><BR>My experience with cruise quotes (and travel in general) is to use a t/a. I live on the east coast; our t/a lives in Houston. After getting his quote for any cruise (and I always put a hold as there is no immediate obligation for a deposit), I phone 3 to 5 cruise only agents nationally (including internet agents) to double check the original quote. Our t/a's quotes are always at least $600+ less (sometimes more, depending on cruiseline). He provides roundtrip limo service to near and far airports. I do know that cruise rates can fluctuate (same as airfare fluctuates). Booking a cabin and holding a cabin are not the same. When a pax books a cruise, they must give a deposit. <BR>As for bargains, I think it depends on the month of saling and the cabin category. For our sailing, I have seen very low rates; however, for pricier categories there are fewer cabins. The least expensive/most expensive usually get booked first.

Thanks everybody for the helpful advice. As a first time cruiser I'm a bit overhelmed by all the decisions and information so hopefully all your great tips will help me find a wonderful TA and a good price for my cruise. I really appreciate the help!

When one talks to a travel agent make sure he/she answers all your questions and make sure they are experienced cruisers. Best to talk to the owner. Many are employees just out of high school.<BR><BR>Granted at times, and only at times, you may get a better price on Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, but who is going to answer your questions and help you if you have a problem. Find out from people who traveled in the week following Sept. 11th and see how much they were helped by their travel agent and find out from those who booked with the "unknown" large web-based companies how much money they lost.<BR><BR>Most often people think with their pocketbook and not with their brains.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, if you bought the insurance package why would it matter who you booked through? I've talked to some small and single agents recently and I haven't been comfortable with the honesty of their answers. One person, who was recommended by some on this site, works out of her house. Is a small agency or individual really qualifed to book a cruise since they may not be doing that exclusively?

Hi Chris,<BR><BR>Insurance did not help too many on that fateful day since the policies that are offered by third party insurers (not cruise line insurance - that is a waste) only covered terrorist activities in foreign countries (who would have known).<BR><BR>There is only one insurer that covers terrorist activities all over the world and will give you back cash and that is Travel Guard. Access America will pay for your next cruise or vacation if it is the same price or less and you travel again within 30 days. Insurance is a complicated matter. <BR><BR>Most passengers in September were helped by either the cruise line (if they purchased cruise line air) or by their travel agent.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR>

Chris,<BR>Yes Small Independant Agents working out of their Homes are qualified to book in some cases. You should ask about CLIA, Cruise Counselor affiliations, number of years in business, cruise and travel experience and etc.<BR>I personally work out of my home. I had a Store-Front Carlson Wagonlit Franchise Location from 1989-1999 when due to reduced Airline Commissions, I was forced to close and move home.<BR>I have over 30 Years Experience in the Travel Industry. I specialize in Caribbean All-Inclusives and Cruises as well as Ski, Las Vegas, and Disney World.<BR>I am a Member of CLIA, have E/O Insurance. <BR>Some of these agents are however, not trained or qualified, so you need to ask questions and evaluate the knowledge of the agent.<BR>Many Agencys are closing their store-fronts and moving home.<BR>Many of us also actually sell more cruises or all-inclusive vacations than our store-front competitors, because we are focused on our Specialty and are not wasting time selling airlines ticket.

There's one aspect that no one has mentioned. Agents work on commissions. If you're new to an agent, that agent will hesitate to spent any real time with you. There are just too many customers who use agents as public resources.<BR><BR>Here's a stark example. An agent makes practically nothing in commissions from the airlines, they add a service fee so their total profit on a ticket might be $40. Thanks to the internet, there are a lot of shoppers out there. If they get 40 cold calls and only make one sale, how much time can an agent spend looking for an optimual ticket?<BR><BR>Realistically, if you're new to cruising, you'll have a lot of questions, no agent in his right mind will spend the time necessary to answer your questions.<BR><BR>Some agents charge an upfront fee which may or may not be applied to a purchase. This may be a solution if the agent comes highly recommended from a reliable source. But, of cousre, giving money to a stranger is risky.<BR><BR>While you may ultimately use an agent, researching on the internet can be fun.

Not necessarily true Henry. I spend a lot of time with each customer, new or old. Maybe that is the reason I have a high repeat rate.<BR>Plus if the agents knows their product well they will anticipate the questions and include them in their sales qualifying.<BR>Many of us specialize in One or Two Cruises lines and know that product and who fits their profile.<BR>If you are not a candidate for that line they will tell you and suggest an agency that is more of a generalist.<BR>Good agents take time with their clients, qualify their needs and make appropriate suggetions, many though are the decide what you will want and I will book it.<BR>Believe me there of those of us who are not like that, although reading these boards we must be few and far between.

Boy Joyce, you sure have your halo on straight. A travel agent that would sell only two cruise lines and turn away people who are interested in others. What a laugh.

Sorry Kathy,<BR>I just feel knowing the Product you sell WELL, having a Relationship with the Company you are selling which result in upgrades, free champagne and etc. are Important.<BR>I would not want my foot Doctor to do Knee Surgery. Get my drift. An Agent cannot be an EXPERT on the Entire World, nor can they know Every Cruise Ship. I do sell some cruises on many lines, I just concentrate of the 2 top ones unless qualifying tells me they belong on another line.<BR>Oviously, I do not turn down bookings on other lines unless I feel the line is financially unstable, or the quality bad.<BR><BR>

My agent works out of her house and is excellent! Most of her business is done over the internet (email), mail (sending out brochures, invoices, etc. ) and phone - there is no reason why she needs a store front. I think she had one at one time but it wasn't cost efficient.<BR><BR>She is a member of CLIA, is a MCC (highest rank within CLIA), is a top producer with several cruise lines and is associated with one of the largest cruise agencies (Cruise Planners).<BR><BR>All of the monetary transactions (credit cards) are ran through the cruiseline so there are no problems with the agency taking the money.<BR><BR>So far, she is the best cruise travel agent I have encountered.<BR><BR>All of the "store front" travel agencies I have gone through do not discount their cruises (lower their comission). <BR><BR>Just my input!

I also use a Cruise Only travel agent who works out of her house. With the majority of her business done over the phone and via email - there is no reason to have a store front.<BR><BR>She probably does more business than many of the store fronts that I have seen and her operating expenses are less, so she can pass the savings on to me. WIN WIN situation.

I was referred to a travel agent from a friend. I booked 5 cruises from this person over a 3 year period before I realized that she worked out of her home. All of my correspondence was via phone and email.<BR><BR>For her, it wasn't a part-time job or something to do between running errands and cleaning. She literally worked 12 hours a day.<BR><BR>Have referred her to several people and they have also been pleased with her.<BR><BR>Lesson of the story - do not rule out a travel agent who works out of her home. I think this is the new trend in the industry.

I didn't mean there was anything wrong with working from home. I was just wondering how to find a good reputable TA as opposed to someone who has maybe booked a couple of cruises for themselves or friends and now thinks they are a TA. If it's someone who has experience and knows what they are doing then I think working from home on their own is great and I would definitely use them. That's why this thread has been so helpful because there have been a lot of good recommendations.

Chris<BR><BR>I think it is not important if they work out of their home or if they work out of an agency.<BR><BR>What is important is that they are bonded, associated with CLIA - being a MCC is even better, make sure the monetary transaction is ran through the cruiseline and not the agency (in case the agency goes under) and to book with someone who knows the ships, has visited them, etc. . verses someone who has never cruised or cruised once.<BR><BR>I agree - one can learn a lot about cruising from cruise boards.

I'd be afraid to use a agent that worked out of their garage. What does it say about someone who has been so unsuccessful that they can't paid rent in a normal office. I don't want to give my credit card number to someone who isn't established, especially when things are so shaky in the business.

Hi Henry,<BR><BR>There are quite a few variables. choose one .....<BR><BR>If you go with a dot-com agency what insurance do you have when you give them your card number? And with those types, how many are going to be in business at the end of 2002?<BR><BR>Now there are the "outside agents." These people work out of their home and are getting paid by the "storefront" agency. Do you know who they are? You do not know. You, of course, are perfectly safe with these agents.<BR><BR>Now I'll tell you something that you should think about. A storefront will cost an owner say $1,600 a month plus taxes, liability insurance and utilities. If you book an airline ticket that costs $300. $40 of that is tax, therefore the commissionable amount is 5% of $260. This comes to $13 minus postage and telephone calls. How many airline tickets do you think the owner has to sell to break even?<BR>Would you work for this? Is this owner a rich person? <BR><BR>So now this owner decides to work out of his "garage." The owner absorbs most of the overhead and can survive.<BR><BR>Now which one would you choose. Your decision.<BR><BR>Now if you are a cautious shopper. Find out, before you pay any money to anyone, if that agent is insured and bonded, belongs to ASTA and or CLIA and if you are going to get a receipt from the airline, tour company or cruise line along with the agency receipt. You also should purchase an insurance policy to cover the cost of your trip.<BR><BR>Paul

I don't have the time to determine the financial pedigree of someone who works out of their house. I feel a lot better working with say Expedia that is owned by Mircosoft or an online cruise agency that's been in business for a number of years.<BR><BR>I don't think there is anything inherently superior to an agent that works out of their garage to justify all the work necessary to determine that they are not just winging it.

Henry,<BR><BR>What you do not realize is that the majority of these people who work out of their homes are "outside agents" for big online/storefront companies such as MyTravelCo, Cruise Holidays, CruisePlanners, Cruises Inc, etc. . So they are as financially secure as the company they represent or an agent at a store. Plus, they do not have the overhead of paying for a store front, thus, they can save you hundreds if not thousands.<BR><BR>So go ahead and continue to do as you are, in the mean time we are getting that same cruise for considerably less and we have the same security you do in booking the cruise. <BR><BR>BTW - Expedia does not discount their cruises - you have the same rate as going through the cruise lien.

What about the minority who are just winging it or even worse just crooks. How can I determine who I'm working with, if I just have a voice on a telephone line. It's too scary

Henry -Do as you may.<BR><BR>In the meantime, my at home travel agent runs all transactions (credit cards) through the cruiseline and I save hundreds, if not thousands off of my cruise compared to people who book through Expedia or other sites.<BR><BR>It is easy to tell if they are trusted and you should do the same if you are using any .com business. Are they bonded, are they a member of CLIA, are they MCC with CLIA, etc ...<BR><BR>In the long run - we both get the same product, you just pay more for it.<BR><BR>End of story.

I don't think that is quite the end of the story. Mega internet cruise specialists tend to be the cheapest because they buy in volume and receive larger commissions and they tend to buy large blocks of cabins that provide them with further savings. They pass part of these savings on to the customer. I many cases they sell cruises cheaper than smaller agencies can buy them.

What I am saying is that many travel agents that work from home are part of these large companies that buy blocks. Thus, they can take advantage of having access to these group spaces but not pay for having a store front.

I believe you better check your prices again Vic. The dot-coms are not doing very well and are raising their prices.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

My TA works for a local agency. I tend to book far in advance. This gives my TA opportunity to book blocks of cabins, and he shows me the paperwork indicating the "free" cabins he gets by doing so. Rather than cashing those in for flat profit, he lowers rates for each cabin in his block. This is the same principle used by the "mega-agencies" on line -- except I can go look my agent in the eye any time I want, and get personalized service.