book direct or internet agency

A

amistad

Guest
NCL experts I'm asking for your help, I have been on several cruises some I've booked direct some through internet agencies, never have I had a problem, but I have not been on NCL before. I have been looking at the Spirit for April 5th 2009 out of New Orleans and I don't see any difference between the NCL price and the agencies, no free wine at dinner or cabin credits so am I just as well off to book direct and do a guarantee and hope for upgrades? I'm thinking of 2 balcony cabins and sometimes there are specials for free prepaid gratuities or a free bottle of wine each night, but on the websites I've been checking they don't seem to have any offers. The cruisers on this board always have great advice so any help is appreciated.
 
N

nmnita

Guest
My suggestion is to try a Brick and Mortor company, you just might get that bottle of wine or an OBC, whatever. Internet companies often have better deals, sometimes not but be aware of the downside. IF you have had good luck with internet companies, good for you.

Nita
 
A

amistad

Guest
Nita, Was my question offensive in some way? If it was it was not meant to be, we live in a very small town and there are no travel agencies within one hundred miles, so I was trying to find information from others that have gotten a great deal in the past, I noticed you mentioned beware of the downside, could you tell me what that is so I can make an informed choice. I like everyone else want to make my vacation dollars stretch however I can. Thank you in advance for any help.
 
N

nmnita

Guest
Oh heaven no, I am sorry if I gave that opinion. My concerns simply are with problems many have had with Internet agents who don't seem to be there when they are needed. A brick and mortar company or one of the very large companies that deal with home based agents seem to do better than the Internet ones. This doesn't mean, if you have had good luck with a Internet company you shouldn't use them.

Nita
 
A

amistad

Guest
Thanks for the info, I guess this is really one of the few times that I've looked at a cruise for several weeks because I want to try to cruise closer to home next year instead of going out of Florida and I just haven't seen any specials so I was hoping someone here might have some ideas. I have been on over 20 cruises, but never on NCL. The price isn't terrible, but it's also not the best deal I've ever seen. Does NCL offer any specials occasionally like Carnival and RCCL or do you think I should just bite the bullet and book? Also on the NCL website the price seems to always include insurance can you remove that? Thanks again for your expertise.
 
N

nmnita

Guest
Hi,

If this is the itinerary you are happy with and can live with the price; go ahead and book. if prices drop before final payment you will be able to ask for an adjustment, as long as the new price isn't connected with a promo for new bookings only. This is just like Carnival or RCI. Sometimes they do run specials, but you can not count on this. it is a crap shot I guess you might say. Book now, be assured of the cabin you want and the cruise you want: wait and gamble on a better price, but you may not have any choice in cabins. Yes, you can take the insurance off and I never recommend by clients take insurance through the cruise line. I think a third party is the best way to handle insurance.

Good luck,

Nita
 
A

amistad

Guest
Nita, I took your advice and spoke with NCL direct and booked without the insurance. I did confirm they will be having a sale before the final payment is due in January, but the rep did not know if this sailing would be included. The rep at NCL was very friendly and did assure me if the price did drop I would receive a credit. Thank you for your assistance on this board, as always great advice from here. If you can think of anything else that would help me out with sailing NCL please let me know. I am very excited about trying something new. I am especially looking forward to the as you like attitude. The last cruise we took was this May on Carnival Triumph and they had relaxed the dress code to dress shorts on any night except formal night and even though it did not change the way we dressed I think it was good for those that are trying to cut back on luggage. I like the fact the cruise lines are trying to make it easy for people to deal with the recent airline changes and charges. Thanks again
 
N

nmnita

Guest
I just have one suggestion right now: do buy some type of insurance. It is money that you may waste, but just collecting one time will make it worth your investment. I am glad you didn't thake theirs. It is overpriced and isn't usually quite as good as other companies offer.

I will be on the Spirit in late November: will report back. there are about 18 of us going.

Nita
 
Top