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.
What is the benefit of using a travel agent to book a cruise?
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
.
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.
What was the most important reason you decided to try cruising?
Many people choose cruises for their vacations because of their
value, food, pampering, and family friendly, all-in-one atmosphere
. Romance, variety, reunions, new experiences, and simplicity also rank high on the list of reasons for choosing a cruise vacation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
How do travel agents get paid?
A travel agent makes money by
charging fees for separate elements of travel
. For example, instead of charging a commission for booking tickets with airlines or hotel rooms, travel agents earn money by charging a service fee for each booked part.
How many people go missing on cruise ships?
Based on the reports that have been filed, we can estimate that
around 200 people go missing from cruise ships each year
. This shows that these cases are more frequent than most people realize.
How many cruise ships sink a year?
On average that’s about
2.5 ships a year
. Sinking When the Costa Concordia (a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation) partly sank last year off Giglio, Italy, killing 32 people after hitting a submerged rock, it was one of the first times a cruise ship had done so since the Explorer in 2007.
How many cruise ships have sank?
How many cruise ships have sunk since 1980? The Times notes that from 1980 to 2012,
about 16
cruise ships have sunk. Typically, cruise ships that sink are those sailing in inhospitable waters, like the Antarctic Ocean, or ships belonging to smaller lines.
What are the objections to cruising?
- I have children and need a more family-friendly vacation option. …
- There are too many children on cruise ships. …
- I can’t afford a cruise vacation. …
- I’m motion sensitive and afraid I’d be sick the entire time. …
- I hate crowds and these huge cruise ships are a turn-off for me.
Do Singles go on cruises?
Yes, you can either book a sailing on your own with the hope of meeting your future soulmate, or you can book with a travel agent who specializes in group cruises for singles
.
What are the significant appeals of cruising?
- #1: A Cruise Vacation Offers Great Value. …
- #2: See Multiple Destinations, Unpack Only Once. …
- #3: Cruise Ships are Family Friendly. …
- #4: Cruise Ships Come in All Shapes and Sizes. …
- #5: Ships Offer a Variety of Onboard Activities. …
- #6: Cruise Vacations are Easy to Plan. …
- #7: Ships Are Floating Cities. …
- #8: Plan an Exotic Vacation.
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.
Is alcohol free on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Duty free items purchased onboard can be taken to your room and enjoyed during your vacation. However,
duty free alcohol
and in some areas cigarettes will be delivered on the final day or morning of your voyage. Am I allowed to bring alcohol onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
