Is it better to book a cruise directly through the cruise line (Carnival, etc) or through a travel agent?

I know exactly what cruise trip I want to book. It is through Carnival, and their website is very detailed on the cruise, excursions, and price details. I was wondering what are the benifits of booking through a travel agent vs. direct sale from the cruise line?

The price will be the same, either way. Most Rez Center people are order takers, who won't necessarily advise you of specials, or better deals, etc and once they are done with the sale, you are pretty much on your own.

A good Travel Agent can tell you about options with other lines, do all the follow up, be there if something goes wrong, give you information about the ports, etc. They will also keep track of your upcoming cruise, and if the price drops, get you the better deal if possible - the cruise line's don't ever do that.

Obviously, as a Travel Agency Owner, I have a vested interest in this, and to tell you the truth, before I got in the business, I often dealt direct with the lines. If you are comfortable that you have all the information you need, and don't need any advice or hand-holding - go that route. If, on the other hand, you feel like having an experienced professional walk you thru the process and be there if something goes wrong - work with a Travel Agent. Again - it won't cost you anything.

And, one more time, despite what some people will say here - IT WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING, AND MAY WELL SAVE YOU SOME MONEY. Our commissions are paid by the Cruise Line, and they don't give you that money if you book direct - that is how they fund their call centers.

As a Vacation & Cruise Specialist, you know which way I am going to tell you to go.

Benefits of booking with a travel agent:
1. Do you want to be able to speak to the same person all the time?
2. Do you want options in travel insurance or just what Carnival offers?
3. Do you want info on other companies to use to book excursions?
4. Do you need info on each of the ports of call?
5. Do you want someone with personal experience with the cruise, the itinerary and the ports of call?
6. SERVICE, SERVICE and SERVICE- if you book with Carnival, you get none.
7. You won't pay any more but the travel agent may be able to offer some amenities.


Hope some of these reasons will encourage you to use a travel professional. I've been in the business for over 14 years and have seen a lot of cruisers regret that they booked directly.

There's really no benefit in booking with a travel agent if you know exactly what you want. A travel agent is more for a first time cruiser who's not exactly sure what type of cruise that they're looking for. If you know exactly what you want, which you do, then a travel agent is not necessary, and will just cost more money that you don't need to spend.

Hope this helps!

I have done both, booked through a travel agent and online. It seems to be the same result, I get on the cruise and have a great time. If you know where you are going and it sounds like you do, do it online. The price is no different but the travel agents do get a commission from the cruise line so of course they are going to say there is nothing like using an agent. Have great trip.

we and my hubby have done both and decided that with going on ncl we talked to a agent from the cruise line and he was able to answer all things we never thought to ask he was so nice we even talk about all things when we call not just what he is helping us with and we became friends on the phone

A Travel Agent because you get personal service and for the same price or lower they do the work for you and find all the deals for all the ships for all destinations.Also a Travel Agent will usually comp you a bottle of wine or a fruit basket and follow up with you on how your cruise was.

Surprisingly often travel agents or online booking sites have the same price or even better prices than booking directly with the cruise line.

To compare some prices visit:
http://vgsims.traverustravel.com/cruises.asp

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