CruiseShip_Travel

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

I am not sure what your question means and is after. But here's what I have to say about using travel agents. I went to travel school to be an agent so I know how agencies function; and I have been on many cruises (have some booked right now).

If your question is do you need an agent to book your cruises, the answer is it depends upon how savvy you are in using the internet and researching information. All of the cruise lines have web sites and all of the information and instructions that you need to search for and book one or multiple cruises right on line yourself. And if you run into trouble or have a question that is not answered by their "FAQ's" (frequently asked questions) you can call them up directly and get a first hand immediate and correct answer.

The purpose of the agent is to do work that you don't want or have time to do, like all of the searching to find the cruise that you want. But the agents don't get paid by you or anyone for researching, they get paid when you book (and don't cancel). So while many, especially cruise specialist, can answer all of your questions and concerns based on experience booking cruises, they will not necessarily give you all of the information that is available to help you make a decision on a trip. SO when you book through an agent you must trust that they provide you all of the accurate information that is available and you need. And you will get that at most reliable agencies, like those at AAA office, American Express office, and other name brand agencies like Carlson Travel, or Omega Travel (you can find these on the internet).

I do all of my cruises (and like I said I have a few booked right now) right on the cruise line web sites. First I decide where I want to go, like Alaska, or South America, or Caribbean, and then look at each cruise line to see what they have for those destinations. Then I narrow it down to my favorite lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity mainly, but also NCL and Princess. Then I look at the prices and dates for the type cabin I want, always balcony or better. Then I pick the best price and date for me.

When you book online you can see and update all of the information about your cruise right on line and they communicate directly with you. When you book through an agent the information flow is through that agent, when he/she gets time or can catch you.

So there are pros and cons of using an agent or not using one. Depends on how much work you want to do and how skilled you are in using the internet.

And, it does not matter if its one cruise or many. However, if you mean by "multiple" a group then you probably need an agent or to talk directly to the cruise line.

Tivogal

cruisemuse@yahoo.com.
but also go to cruisecritic.com and cruiseplanner.com
for more info on cruising and finding a "good agent"

cruizenluver

Look for a cruise specialist agent. They are trained in all cruiselines, what is available, and how to qualify you to the correct cruise. If you use only the cruiseline agents, then of course they are going to recommend their line only.

A Cruise Specialist agent, keeps up with their training, they also only book cruises vs. an agency which sells all travel. Most people can book hotels and airline online, but when it comes to cruises, if you do not have experience then definetly use an agent.

A Cruise agent will look out for your best interest, after all, you don't pay them, but they want your referrals and for you to come back to them. They will go out of the way to make sure thay you are on the correct ship. Example: if you are in your mid 20's the last thing you want to do is book on a ship that caters mainly to the "older" crowd. A CruiseSpecialist will qualify you based on your criterias..budget, vacation trends, activity level..and ports of call and how many are traveling with you.

As a previous poster stated, YOU DO NOT pay the agent, the cruiselines do after you book. It does not cost you a bit extra to use a Cruise Specialized agent then to book online yourself or call the cruiseline directly. Plus a Cruise Agent will work with you, when you have a problem and need to call the company you will get the same agent, not a call center like so many of the online agencies are. A cruise vacation can run into a quite a bit of money, the last thing you want to do is just book anything. Take the time to find the correct agent and let them work for you.

Nikkiâ™¥

Well I can answer both of ur questions:

1) vacationstogo.com

2) vacationstogo.com

This site is excellent for both.

Hope this helps! = ]

Â©Ã‰Â¤Ã¥ Â¤

http://www.travade.com

This is the best site for cruises. Carnival Cruise last week gave YTB the people who run the site the Pinnacle award for having sold more cruise tickets through their site than any other site.

Pasch

check out this site for great cruise packages and vacation packages in general

http://www.dpaschall.traverustravelnetwork.com

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