On Sep 13, 8:07=A0am, "Tom K" wrote:
> "mike" wrote in message
>
> news:f2eb6018-98d6-4b1e-a08a-f6f4f3a302c7@k30g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Can anyone recommend some reliable, well-known (no virtual mom and
> > pops please) online travel agencies that are good with:
>
> > -- Giving onboard credit, free pre-paid gratuities, etc
> > -- Are glad to do change cabins to price drops without charging an
> > additional fee
>
> > Looking for big names primarily because I don't trust the smaller
> > outfits; who knows if they'll still be in business by sail time.
>
> > I mean the biggies--do Expedia, Travelocity, and other well-known
> > brand names do this for cruises? If not, what else is out there? Would
> > rather not try to go hunt down a local travel agent. Looking for
> > specific online TA recommendations. If none of the biggies offer the
> > perks, what are some good, safe, choices the next tier down?
>
> I think you're going at it 180 degrees off.
>
> Many of us actually prefer someone smaller than the big guys like Expedia=
.
> I like to know that I have the same person that I can call if there is a
> problem, or if there is a price drop, etc. =A0I don't want to deal with a
> computer, or wait on the phone for 30 minutes to get an agent, if suddenl=
y
> the day of sailing there is a flight problem, hurricane, or something lik=
e
> that. =A0My agents have become friends who have my interests at heart. =
=A0Even
> if there is a change in price after final payment, my TA's will fight for
> me, to either get that price, or get me moved to a higher level cabin.
>
> As far as perks, a number of cruise lines (including Royal Caribbean) hav=
e
> "leveled the playing field", not allowing one travel agent to offer a low=
er
> price than another at any given point in time (the one exception being gr=
oup
> bookings). =A0So you can make your decision based on service, not on pric=
e.
>
> Plus, with a person that you know, there are often specials that open up.
> Happy hour pricing. =A0Flash pricing. =A0Etc. =A0They can call or e-mail =
you when
> that happens.
>
> --Tom
While I don't disagree with anything Tom has posted, the "big guys"
even like a Costco can provide "extras" like OBC for bookings which
are really just credits against what you will spend anyway and
therefore a discount. The downside is the difficulty whenever you call
of first getting someone on the phone, then they are reading your
booking info... etc... you NEVER will get the same person twice.
There is a lot to be said for someone with some industry experience
that actually looks out for you. We cruise about once a year and I am
still looking for THAT agent.
RA |