Why Should I Use A Travel Agent?

Why Should I use a Travel Agent instead of shopping online?

I hear this question almost every time I tell someone what I do. Or some version of that question, like "Do Travel Agents still exist?? with  the internet now??" And of course, there is the infamous, I can get a better deal going direct to the cruise line.

Since I specialize on the cruise business, let’s take a look at this particular segment to see if I can shed some light on the question.

The first thing to understand when you let your fingers do the shopping online is that virtually all cruise travel sites develop their prices from the same “feed”. For the digitally challenged, this just means that the cruise lines deliver pricing from their central computer. This means for all practical purposes, cruise travel sites offer up the same rates.

One great myth is that the cruise lines who sell directly to the public (mostly the mass market lines) have special, direct rates different from the cruise agent. Wrong, my fellow cruisers! In fact, an independent cruise agent like myself, can often find you rates lower than the cruise line. First of all, that cruise line employee is paid to get your booking as fast as possible and move on to the next sale. And, heaven forbid, maybe instead of cruise line ABC you really belong on cruise line XYZ, what is the chance that the cruise line agent will say “Oh you really belong on cruise line XYZ and not us”. As your personal travel agent, I invest time and interest in YOU and my goal is to create repeat business. Where, when, and how you cruise is very important to me.

I encourage my clients to book thier next cruise while onboard.  The booking still comes to my agency and they usually get reduced deposit and an onboard credit.  My client booked this year's Thanksgiving cruise while onboard in 2008.  When I got the notice I checked and found that I had group space and was able to move her into my group.  The price was still the same but this gave her an additional onboard credit.  Now for the great news...she had booked a Junior Suite on the Liberty of the Seas.  In May, 2009 Royal Caribbean had reduced the price for this sailing.  I had the price lowered and saved her $800!!!!  The internet or the cruiseline would not have done that for her.  When I called and told her about the savings she was amazed.  I have many new clients now because she tells everyone that story.

Now onto those hot tips. I not only view the pricing feeds from the cruise lines, but have access to what is known as group rates. Also, there are often unadvertised specials that are made available from time to time that might include special benefits such as upgrades, onboard credits, spa treatments, complimentary alternate dining. As your agent, I will check for regional promotions, senior and public safety discounts, past passenger specials and lots more.

Instead of surfing a dozen web sites and seeing the same information over and over put me to work for you. We get paid by the cruise line or tour company that we use to book your package, so you don't pay a service fee. Let me play detective for you!