What travel agency should I use??????

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Walters9734

Guest
In your opinion who is the best travel agency to book through. (ie: best price, wine in cabin, onboard credit, upgrades, etc.) I am looking to book the Nov. 11, 2006 cruise on the Triumph and would like to know who to book it through. Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.
 
J

jleq1

Guest
While we can't recommend a specific travel agency per board rules, I'd strongly recommend a "brick and mortar" [rather than Internet-only] agency if you have many questions/need immediate answers. Some 'Net agencies reply by e-mail only. So if you need an answer right now, they're not the best for you.

If you choose a Travel Agent [rather than book through the cruise line itself], you might wish to look with someone with either ACC or MCC after their name. Those phrases denote specific education on cruises/taking multiple cruises themselves.

Whatever you choose...good luck.
 
B

BlueChef

Guest
My last cruises for the past several years have all been booked directly through a Carnival PVP (Personal Vacation Planner). Just go to the Carnival website and register, and a PVP will call you. This could be your first step. Ask all the questions you need to, without obligation to book.

THEN, check out a local TA and a couple of online agencies.

The Carnival PVP will give you the bottom price, including port charges and taxes. Be SURE and ask the other agencies for that total figure, and also ask them what their policy is about their fees for cancellations or changes. That could make a lot of difference.

Do your homework. Keep notes. Then you can compare and make an intelligent decision as to whom you want to book your cruise.
 
D

Don B

Guest
We did our homework on the first couple of cruises, and have ended up completely pleased with our Cruise Vacation Specialist (CVS) at Carnival. We have built up a relationship where I call her with all kinds of questions, and she keeps an eye out for specials and discounts that I may be interested in. We communicate by phone, and email, and I could not be more pleased with the personal service and attention I have gotten.
I never got that kind of feeling with our TA (first cruise), nor with an on-line discount service (second cruise). We have 2 cruises booked for 2006, and my CVS got us upgraded from Riveira to top of the ship on both. ( ...gonna test that seasickness theory!)
I have not found lower prices than the direct-to-Carnival prices. I am sure that people do find them, but I have not. When you put in all the port charges, taxes, etc., they all look the same to me. I go where the personalized service is.
 
K

Ken_2001

Guest
I think Einstien put it best where as you have to call as many agents as you can to seek the best prices. I really hate to name names, but the wife and I used cru con and through our personal experiences they usually gave the lowest prices, but we felt like we knew more than they did and didn't feel like we were getting any personal service.
 
V

viet630

Guest
Ken
I see you have sailed the Legend twice. How did you like it? Can you give some input as to the pluses and minuses? i would like to hear your opinion's. I have read several review's and the only negative I found was that it was smokey! Thanks in advance Viet
 
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viet630

Guest
P.S.
I use Cruise 's only. They saved me 250.00 per person over Cruise planners. And 50.00 per person over Carnival direct. They had a promotion for past cruiser's. Other than that they were to the penny the same as Carnival. viet
 
C

cpprinttom

Guest
Ken_2001 Wrote:
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> but we felt like we knew more than they did and
> didn't feel like we were getting any personal
> service.



We have used AAA for all of your cruises so far, including our next one on Disney in July. We felt the same way about our travel agent, we knew more than she did about booking a Cruise. We use AAA because we are members and we also don't have alot of time to get prices from everywhere. We usually feel like we are getting a good price though.
 
K

Ken_2001

Guest
Sorry for the delay guys...I haven't been on line for a few days...

cpp..You know.. strangely enough we didn't even think to use AAA :lol We're members also. Jeez! :lol We usually book a two day cruise to nowhere in October on Legend from NY where we live. We will certainly give AAA a call for this cruise. Thanks for that post! :wave

viet.. We absolutely love Carnival Legend..I don't know exactly what the reason is, but we can't really find anything negative about Legend. Maybe we just don't let anything bother us, or something :) Legend is a happy ship, she's huge, but not rediculous, her crew we've found to be charming, never had a problem with the food or entertainment, her layout? Brilliant.

We've never had a problem with kids running rampant, but then again, we sail usually in late June, or October also. The age group is broad, Very broad. I hope I've cleared any hesitations you might have had. If I've missed anything.. give me a shout :)

Ken
 
V

viet630

Guest
kEN
Thanks for the reply. I am certain that we will be happy with the Legend. I have talked to several people that have sailed her and all are happy.It also seem's that the Legend has a Loyal following, this is something that you don't find with Carnival to often so I would say that it is a positive. By the way we are AAA members also but everytime I check them they are 150-200 more that Carnival direct. I think that anytime you add a middle man you are going to pay more. jmho. Viet.
P.S.
Carnival offers a discount to all veterans. So be sure and ask for it.
 
K

Ken_2001

Guest
viet630 Wrote:
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I think that anytime you add a
> middle man you are going to pay more. jmho. Viet.
> P.S.
> Carnival offers a discount to all veterans. So be
> sure and ask for it.

I appreciate that. Thank you! :thumb
 
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