pricing

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freda

Guest
I thought I got a good price for a cruise next summer. i called celebrity direct.

but just checked a website and found same type of room for about $400 pp less. can still cancel-only on hold with celebrity agent for now. my question is- is there any catch when you order on line. why so much less? its not a last minute deal.
 
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BruinSteve

Guest
Here's the basic story of the "Discount TA" vs. "cruise line direct":
Putting aside for the moment "group rates" and other such discounted specials, the cruise lines put out a price (which does vary from time to time with supply and demand)...

ANY TA, on-line, store-front, volume, whatever, can call the cruise line and get THAT price...
But, built into the price is a COMMISSION...the commission actually varies by TA depending on what sort of volume business they do with the cruise line...

Most "ordinary" TAs (ie. The guy down at your local mall or in your office building downtown) will charge you that price and pocket the commission (Of course, it's only fair...and they need it--to pay the rent, overhead and to earn some sort of living)...

Some high volume TAs, expecially those who do most of their business on-line or over 800 numbers and who have a high commission schedule, will DISCOUNT your cruise fare, basically by rebating to you a share of that commission in the form of a discount--usually anywhere from 5-12% of the cruise portion of the price...

The cruise lines, for direct bookings, will NOT discount that commission...even though they make a bigger profit by not having to pay it out...They do not want to undermine their marketing bread and butter--the network of travel agents...If the cruise lines started discounting the commission, the effect would be that you would basically be paying extra for a TA...and that would put the TAs out of business...and the lines won't do that...

Hence, your best price is through a discount TA...

Remember, though, that the other thing you use the TA for is SERVICE...and that varies with on-line TAs...make sure you use someone reputable...

If you want the number of my TA, (who is very good AND discounts), E-mail me at BruinSD@aol.com...For, policy reasons, I won't and can't post her info on this board...

Good luck...
 
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ROSS

Guest
VERY GOOD EXPLANATION BRUIN STEVE!!

FREDA!! Get a good TA and SAVE!!! Shop around and don't settleon the 1st price. Make sure you know who you are doing business with (ask around) and you will find that cruising can be a lot less $$ than you first thought!!

ROSS (I too have a great TA!!!)
 
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paulfredo

Guest
Great explanation. We have used a discount, cruise-only TA for all our cruises, and so does our family members and friends. The agent is remote and we communicate primarily by email or by phone. We will not use an agent that is email only, or doesn't provide full service. We usually do most all of the research on our bookings, but it sure helps to have and experienced agent if we do have questions, or if there's that rare problem... and it can and does happen... and not the fault of our agent... the fault has been with the cruise line.

Some people believe that it is quicker, more convenient, and more direct information by booking directly with the cruise line, and are willing to pay the premium to do so for those reasons. This is rarely true. Remember, when you call for assistance at to the cruise line directly, the phone will be answered by a call center employee. Some are pretty good and informed, and others are pretty poor (this isn't much different than about any call center for any company, so isn't a slam at the cruise lines). Most of these people are poorly paid, and don't have that much experience. Many, if not most, have never been on a cruise, and don't really know that much about the ship you may be asking about.

However, most reputable, experienced, cruise-only TA's, whether brick and mortar, or operating over the phone/internet, have been on many cruises. They have the accumulated experience of their own sailings, and the feedback of their many clients. They have enough experience to know that when calling the cruise line, if they get a representative that is less than competent, to hang up and call back, or kick it up the chain of command until they get someone more capable. Many of us wouldn't know that kind of stuff, so you'll hear lots of contradictory reports of information directly from the cruise line.

We use one of the TA's that advertise on this board, and is often mentioned and recommended. Our TA has been of invaluble help to us on several occasions. Her prices are low, if not the lowest... however we will keep going back to her not just for the good prices, but for the great service when we need it.

paul
 
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ljeanbrown

Guest
Also be careful with prices online. Some not all, quote the price without port charges included and that can account for a several hundred $$ diff. We use an online agency and have been doing so for about 9 or 10 of our last cruises. We feel we get a good price and we know we get good service. We have saved money by using an online agent over our former land based one. We have gotten upgrades, discounts, and most of all saved money. But we also do our leg work so to speak. We research our own cruises and keep up with current pricing, yes the TA also does this but we like to follow up as well. We shop around for the best price before we even call our TA. You got some good advice from the posts above, now you are ready to shop :lol good luck and give the TA's that advertise on this site a try.
 
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BP

Guest
Have used an online agent who advertises on this board with great success and even better prices. I know what cruise I want as well as cabin so that makes my booking real easy. Never have had a problem with our on line agent. Just back this week form the Millennium and made final payment yesterday for 11 night Summit cruise in February with the above agent.
 
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Hilary

Guest
I've used both an on-line agency that only works through e-mail and one who does e-mail and phone. Since I'm a fairly savvy cruiser, I do all my own research and don't need or want a TA to suggest other options or itineraries. Both on-line agencies I've dealt with have been very professional and prompt with service. I don't mind working with an e-mail only company as long as they reply quickly, which the one I use does. They are also affiliated with all the right travel associations and have been in business for quite a few years, and I've had nothing but a great experience with them.

Hilary
 
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jcb-mommy

Guest
After reading this I think I will look into using one of the TA's recommend.

We used a local TA this time, and although I don't think we got a bad price. She's a dingbat, I feel like I've pretty much done everything all she did was take my money. We probably could have gotten even a better price if we'd used someone with more savvy.

Oh, well I guess I'll learn..... =)

Renee
 
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