Do you trust online travel agencies enough to book your next cruise online? Or will you only book through a travel agent that you meet in person?

On-line is fine. I use it for everything else. Have booked 3 cruises this way. After making a reservation on-line and a deposit I then go to cruiseline website to make sure it has been credited and that they have record of deposit reaching them. If either did not happen and I got no satisfaction from on-line travel agent, I would immediately put amount in dispute with credit card.

I've used several on-line TAs--liked some better than others, but I'd do it again.

We switched to someone we have never met and whose website shows offices in a different state from where we live. My only contact has been through e-mail and a couple of telephone calls. So not sure that qualifies as "on-line" but I tell you the service we've had with her has been excellent and above and beyond the TA's was that we met and officed a mile away from where I live. I've recommended her to other couples who think highly of her too. I do deal with the same person every time. I like using her versus the cruise line because she has given us prepaid gratuities that weren't offered by the cruise line.

I did not have luck with agents so far, so I always book on-line, haven't booked through agencies yet, only directly with the cruise line. Maybe some day I'll be brave enough to book through Expedia

I used to use a local "bricks and mortar" travel agent for cruises, but when I realized her prices were 10 - 15% higher than what I could get on-line, I switched. Be aware that on-line TAs vary considerably in terms of what discounts they offer and their service level. I think the only way to figure that out is to check with a few for quotes and then, unfortunately, pick one to book your cruise and then see how responsiveness/courteous they are. I had a great on-line agency that I used for about 12 cruises, but they closed so I started looking for a replacement. The one who gave me the best quote ended up being awful to deal with - didn't return calls timely, rude when asked to do basic tasks (such as arrange a transfer from ship to airport, request a different seating, etc.) So, that was my last booking with him and I tried another agency which has been much better.

As an aside, I noticed that someone referred to booking directly with the cruise line. I have a friend who does that and I just don't understand it - agencies almost always offer better pricing than the cruise line! They can give discounts, on-board credits, gifts, etc. based on their volume of business with that cruise line. Everyone has their own style and preferred approach, but just wanted to be sure everyone is aware that booking with the cruise line probably won't get the best price.

Vickie, once I booked with a cruise line while relatives booked with an agent. Our cabin was cheaper, and we got a gift from the cruise line - a 24" Samsonite suitcase.

As I said, I cannot find a good TA.

You're right about that--getting a group rate, onboard credit and other goodies from agencies online. We booked an Alaska cruise with crucon.com five years ago and got a low price but little else. Then last spring we found a transAtlantic cruise they offered with airfare. Such a good price, we took it. Now we continue to applaud them for all the things they did--before, in person during, and after the cruise. Onboard credit, airport shuttles to and from the ship, hotel meeting room with lunch and internet service when the ship was not yet in port because of weather at sea. Wine was served at our table one night, and a guest service desk was onboard. Crucon had grown big in the intervening years,and they have a personal touch now. They had over 500 people on that ship--Galveston to Southampton--great cruise!! They have good relationships with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, others. If a RC cruise price goes down after you book, you get it if you booked with crucon. We booked another transatlantic while on the ship and got $300 onboard credit from RC, $25 ea from Crucon. It's a low repositioning spring cruise price out of Miami.

Wow, great information everyone, it sure looks like booking a cruise online is the way to go. Do offline TAs offer the same discounts and onboard credits as the online TAs?

Just be sure to do your homework and try to get references first. Try to find folks who have actually used an online agent you are thinking about. There have been reports here and on other travel sites about online agents who are unscrupulous. Recently here there was a thread about ecruise.com or something like that. Not all online agents are alike. Use some common sense and caution too. JM2C.

Totally agree with vickiebypass. And booking with Expedia is the same as booking directly with cruise lines, if not worth: not sure about Expedia but I know Orbitz adds their booking fee to cruise lines prices. Nothing is better than TA who will not only give you a discount but will also watch prices for reduction after you book. Can again recommend my cruise.com agent Alex at [email protected].

I want to ditto spurs' comment about having someone watch for price reductions for you. TA I'm using not only contacted me about the price reduction, but on the last cruise we booked with her, she even contacted me when a cabin in a better location (same cost) came open to see if we wanted it. This agency is also very active on Cruise Critic and offers info to posters under their usernames (company not mentioned). So here's an endorsement for Shari Cruz at www.cruzunlimited.com

One more thing. If by online booking you mean the one you book completely by yourself and pay online, it is not the best way. These bookings don't get service so you won't get any perks or price reduction if any become available after you booked. Book with live agent, through e-mail, phone or face to face, doesn't matter, as long as this agent is eager to get you best deals.