Jan

Recently, stop in a local travel agency inquiring about cruises to the carribean. The TA said not to pay too close attention to the prices in the brochure because they belong to a consortium. Does anyone know what this means. I'm looking to travel in February of 2003.

Nancy

It means that TA is trying to screw you. They will tell you to not believe other prices. Just like a car salesman. <BR><BR>Follow the advice that has been posted in another thread about getting deals and saving money (call 5-10 different agents and have them all give you price quotes).<BR><BR>They work for you.

winner

The TA was telling you the truth!! Brochure prices can always be beat. The TA is part of a consortium (group of agencies with common goals) that may have special arrangements with the cruiseline you are researching. At least ask that TA what the pricing is for the time period in which you are interested in cruising. The consortium may have even lower prices for certain sailings and/or dates. If you can be flexible you may find attractive prices and it surely does not hurt to ask. Please don't assume that all TAs are "crooks".

Babs

Very true. We are a part of a consortium that negotiates group prices with cruise lines, even if you are only booking one cabin, plus amenities like shipboard credits. And by the way, no matter where you buy your cruise, if you are paying brochure prices you are being ripped off. Even online.

TA

A lot of large agency chains can get better deals with thier suppliers because of their size. A consortium is when a lot of single independant agencies get together so they too can get the deals. Most agencies belong to either a chain or a consortium now a days.

Theresa

The TA was telling you the truth.<BR><BR>Cruise rates change daily sometimes and often are very off from what the brochure rate is.<BR><BR>The TA is basically saying that the price in the brochure is high and that she can get a better price. I would pick out 1 or 2 ships you are interested in and dates and give that info to her. She then can get you "the real price" of what the cruise costs.<BR><BR>Consortiums are groups of agencies that join together to get group pricing and specials. This is a good thing.<BR><BR>I sort of wish they wouldn't put rates in brochures because they are always so far off.