Why Use A Travel Agent For Cruise?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It’s worth it. In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which may save you money on the cruise fare.

How much can a travel agent save you on a cruise?

However, most of the time, you will be required to pay daily gratuities for such services – sometimes amounting up to $18+ dollars a day per person! With free prepaid gratuities offered by your travel agent, you can save

over $100 per person for a 8 day / 7 night cruise trip

.

Why is it important to have agency in a certain cruise?


HIGHER LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

The right travel agent, especially one who specializes in cruising, will give you access to experienced staff with extensive knowledge who can help you choose the right cruise and stateroom. They will be able to take care of all your specific requests.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?


They cost you nothing extra

Travel agents are paid a commission by the cruise line, which comes out of the cruise line’s bottom line, and not charged to you. When you book a cruise, make changes, re-price and cancel a cruise, these are all activities that the agency provides for no charge.

Who is the best company to book a cruise with?

  • Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz)
  • Priceline.
  • Kayak.
  • TripAdvisor.
  • Avoya Travel.
  • CheapCaribbean.com.
  • CruiseDirect.
  • Cruise Critic.

Is it cheaper to book a cruise through AAA?


AAA Members save up to $500 per stateroom

and receive an onboard spending credit up to $300 per stateroom on select sailings.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?


Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when you’re both in the room

. If he wants to nap but you’re wide awake, a balcony offers you a place to hang out without worrying if you’re making too much noise or using too bright lights.

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

The cheapest times to cruise are typically in the

late summer and fall

because of hurricane season, but you can often find patches of bargain sailings, especially during the early weeks of December and in the spring.

Will Cruise Lines negotiate?


Cruise lines don’t typically negotiate their prices

, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot get a great deal on a cruise. Getting a good deal begins with understanding the industry and using that to your advantage.

Who are the key players in the cruise industry?

Which are the key players in the global cruise market?

Walt Disney Co, Expedia Group, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, NYK Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, TUI AG, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, and Saga PLC

are the key companies in the global cruise market.

How much do cruise ship workers make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries

as high as $105,000 and as low as $17,000

, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $26,500 (25th percentile) to $55,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $96,000 annually across the United States.

What are the questions asked in cruise interview?

Made up word: Quire,

what’s your definition?

What flavor of ice cream would you be? Why do you think you’d be a good fit for this position? Do you have a scenario when you had to deal with a difficult customer, how did you solve this issue?

What are the disadvantages of booking a pre or post cruise package through the cruise line?

  • Frequent flyers might be disappointed. …
  • There are often hidden fees. …
  • You’ll still have to deal with the airline directly to manage your reservation.

Do travel agents get special rates?

The second reason to become a travel agent is the discounts you get on travel for you and your family. As a travel agent,

you can save up to 75% on travel

including hotels, resorts, car rentals, cruises, theme parks, and vacation packages …

Is it cheaper to book cruises direct?


Booking directly with cruise lines doesn’t necessarily mean that you get the cheapest price or the best deal

. Some travel agents keep prices low by using their commission to fund discounts; others get cruises at “net” prices from the cruise line and sell them without adding much of a mark-up.

Do cruises get cheaper closer to sail date?

Do cruises get cheaper closer to the sailing date?

It’s a myth that cruises get cheaper closer to the sailing date

. In fact, cruise prices are cheapest when they first go on sale which is 18 to 24 months before the departure date. Only if the cruise doesn’t sell out will there be a price drop.

What month is the best time to book a cruise?

The best time of year to book a cruise is often

January through March

. During this period — also known as wave season — industry-wide sales occur and the price of that cruise you’ve been dreaming of may drop significantly.

Which is the cheapest cruise company?

Carnival is the most famous and affordable cruise line for many ports. Fares can be a few dollars cheaper than

Royal Caribbean

and other carriers. It’s possible to get basic fares for less than $200, but you may need to pay for more onboard amenities.

Do you need a passport for cruises?


You will always need a passport book if you are starting and ending your cruise in different ports

. Even if your cruise starts and ends in U.S. cities, you will still be required to have a valid U.S. passport book in order to board.

Is the carnival radiance a new ship?


For 2020 sailings and beyond, our beloved Carnival VictoryTM has a new name, remarkable new features and a whole new level of excitement around its transformation into Carnival RadianceTM

.

Can you refuse to pay gratuities on a cruise?

Q: Can you refuse to pay gratuities added to your bill?

Yes, though cruise lines highly discourage it and will work with guests if they are not satisfied with the service on their voyage to adjust the fee to lesser gratuities if necessary.

Which room is better on a cruise ship?

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room,

choose a low level and a room closest to the ship’s center

. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

What’s the worst time to go on a cruise?

Hurricane Season

Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons,

September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise

.

Are cruises the cheapest vacation?

Generally,

the base cruise fare will be cheaper when comparing similar vacations

. The amount of extra purchases you make for tours, drinks, spa treatments and other extras will really determine whether a cruise or resort is the better deal for you. When you do these calculations, don’t forget to include airfare.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western Caribbean?

Eastern islands include places like the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, the Leeward and Windward Islands, and more. The western Caribbean is home to places like the Bahamas, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and the Florida Keys.

Are cruises cheaper in the winter?

Prices. Summer cruises tend to be the most expensive, even for the Caribbean during hurricane season.

Winter cruises can be a great deal, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas

, which is a slow travel period.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.