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Cruise Critic also recommends you look for agents with CLIA-accredited designations like ACC, MCC or ECC, as these indicate the agent has invested a lot of time and money into his or her cruise education. Other affiliations that are good signs an agent is legitimate are affiliations with the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA) and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Beyond the excellent advice and onboard perks cruise sellers can provide, one of the greatest things about working with a travel agent is she or he will have your back if something goes wrong.
Travel agent accused of scamming clients out of $25,000 for a cruise, police say - Business Insider
Travel agent accused of scamming clients out of $25,000 for a cruise, police say.
Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
So, you've decided to go on a cruise -- perhaps your first venture on a vacation at sea -- and you're a little overwhelmed. You have to consider how much you're willing to pay, whether to book an inexpensive inside cabin or splurge on a suite, and which cruise line and ship are right for you. Add dinner seatings, shore excursions and cabin location to the list, and planning a relaxing getaway suddenly seems like a second job. You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip. It’s worth giving this some consideration, as there are pros and cons to using a travel agent versus booking directly.
Find Cruise Travel Agents Near You
For this reason, you should stick with one of the best cruise booking sites on this list because they've been vetted for legitimacy and have a good track record with travelers. TripAdvisor is an online reviewer community where travelers share their experiences, pictures and ratings of hotels, suggested activities and more. This honest feedback and travel inspiration also make it one of the best websites to book a cruise. The hardest part of using a travel agent is finding a good one, especially if you don't know anyone who can recommend one. If you pick an agent who is not very professional, you could waste time listening to bad advice or trying to track the agent down when you have a problem. The best cruise agents will do a thorough job of interviewing potential clients to find out which ship, line and itinerary would be the best fit.
Travel Agent vs. Online Booking: Bottom Line
In addition, agents occasionally give you extra value on your booking -- such as prepaid gratuities, a free bottle of Champagne or onboard credit -- to sweeten the deal. And if the price of your cruise drops after you book, a good agent will notice and refund you the difference in fare. Finally, as cruise lines pay agent commissions, you don't have to worry about paying extra for their planning services.
Hotel Reward Programs
Travel professionals are there to help you plan your next vacation aboard a Carnival fun ship. For your first cruise, you might need help in matching your lifestyle and budget with a cruise line and destination. Choosing a cruise is not the same as picking a hotel or flight, as there are many more options to consider.
From booking your first cruise to understanding onboard perks -- the questions can be overwhelming, especially for anyone that is new to cruise. If you're used to booking travel independently, consider these reasons why you might want to make use of a travel agent to book your next holiday at sea. When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you.
Become an agent for cruises by learning everything you can about cruise ships and destinations, practicing your sales techniques, and selling vacations. Outside of personal recommendations from friends and family, your best bet for finding a good travel agent is to visit the website of the cruise line(s) you're interested in. There you'll find a "Find a Travel Agency" search option, usually listed in the links toward the bottom of the homepage. You can also go to the Cruise Lines International Association's website and search the Cruise Expert Finder. You can search by geographic location if you want someone who lives near you or by expertise if you want someone who specializes in a specific line or type of cruise.
You'll earn up to 6x points on your cruise purchase, or you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for your trip. Members get up to 10,000 miles on most cruises and up to 100,000 miles on luxury cruises. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page.
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While you may find comparable prices on different sites, each site has its own benefits, offers and cancellation policies. Online sellers, as well as sites like Cruise Critic, can provide you with lots of information -- deck plans, cabin layouts and information about cruise ship amenities and in-port activities -- to help you book. You can search for a CLIA-certified travel agent on the organization's website.
While most cruises max out at 25,000 Bonvoy points earned, some luxury cruise lines offer up to 250,000 Marriott points. Delta Air Lines is another airline that allows members to earn airline miles when booking cruises through its portal. Booking through SkyMilesCruises.com helps you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchase. Many agents become accredited cruise counselors through CLIA's Cruise Academy or take courses through the different cruise lines to become more expert at selling their products.
CLIA Certifications require core curriculum training, cruise line product training, ship inspections and cruising experience. Attainment of each ascending level of Certification reflects a greater commitment on the part of the Certified Agent to acquire the expertise to better assist you in planning your next cruise. If you're a do-it-yourself type, and you have the time and inclination to thoroughly research your own trip using resources like Cruise Critic, then go right ahead. However, these cabins can be limited, and may not be available closer to sailing.
Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before. This means that our travel agents provide their clients with the best hotel rates, airline rates, car rental rates, travel insurance rates, and of course cruise rates, as we have done for the last 20 years. Several cruise booking sites set themselves apart from the competition by offering additional benefits to encourage booking through them. Additionally, being able to book other parts of your trip — like flight and excursions — on the same site, or offering access to a travel agent, distinguishes some of the best cruise websites.
However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes. The level of service and interaction you can expect to receive from a travel agent after booking your cruise varies significantly. Some travel agencies will simply send you a booking confirmation letter within a day or two of booking and a payment reminder as the final payment date nears. Others will send information about your cruise line, ports you're visiting, packing lists and tips for an enjoyable cruise. Upon returning home from your cruise, some agents may reach out to see how the trip was; a rare few may even send you a welcome home gift. If this type of service is important to you, make sure to ask about it before booking.
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