Questions for Cruisers that Book Directly with the Cruise Line.
Published Saturday, April 6th 2013 - Updated Saturday, April 20th 2013
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1) Have you ever booked a cruise directly with a cruise line call center or website and been offered the travel agent commission as a price reduction on your fare? Hey, they are not paying me and they are not rebating you so guess it is a win-win for them this time.
2)But wait, what if your cruise fare actually drops after you book? Have you had a cruise line call to tell you "good news, you haven't made your final payment yet so we will try to either get you a fare reduction or an upgrade"?
3)So after you book your cruise directly with the cruise line call center, do you spend another 20 hours searching for airfare, transfers, pre or post hotels, shore excursions -- or do you just settle for whatever the cruise line can hook you up with because it makes life easier, even if it is not your best option. Don't laugh, the average traveler spends 50 hours planning and booking his own vacation.
4)Have you ever called to book a cruise directly with a cruise line call center and been offered another cruise line? Say what? Wait, did you not know that travel agents qualify their clients to a cruise line? If we don't think you are a good fit for that line or even that ship we will tell you. Oh yes, if the decor looks like a cheap 1970 Vegas hotel, I'll tell you also.
5) How about your stateroom location? Have you ever heard a cruise line call center recommend you do not book your stateroom under the swimming pool? (and no,not because of fear of flooding) Or when you are so happy you booked the cheapest inside cabin online, did you realize that 1A stateroom only has single upper and lower bunks?
6) Last but certainly not least - Travel/Medical/Cancellation Insurance. When you book your own cruise online do you remember to purchase this vital piece of your vacation? Have you ever had a cruise line call center explain to you that the insurance they offer will only give you a future cruise voucher if you must cancel? Can they present you with an insurance option that gives your cash back upon cancellation?
Remember booking a cruise can be the most complicatred of travel and if you plan to do it yourself - educate yourself first & ask lots of questions - which is hard to do when you are booking on an internet connection. Better yet, call your local travel agent who will work for your best interest - for free!
Call Salty Breeze Cruise Planners at 888-332-8202 or check out our award winning web site at www.saltybreezecruiseplanners
#traveladvice #travelagent #cruise #travelsmart #boomertravel #kidstravel
1) Have you ever booked a cruise directly with a cruise line call center or website and been offered the travel agent commission as a price reduction on your fare? Hey, they are not paying me and they are not rebating you so guess it is a win-win for them this time.
2)But wait, what if your cruise fare actually drops after you book? Have you had a cruise line call to tell you "good news, you haven't made your final payment yet so we will try to either get you a fare reduction or an upgrade"?
3)So after you book your cruise directly with the cruise line call center, do you spend another 20 hours searching for airfare, transfers, pre or post hotels, shore excursions -- or do you just settle for whatever the cruise line can hook you up with because it makes life easier, even if it is not your best option. Don't laugh, the average traveler spends 50 hours planning and booking his own vacation.
4)Have you ever called to book a cruise directly with a cruise line call center and been offered another cruise line? Say what? Wait, did you not know that travel agents qualify their clients to a cruise line? If we don't think you are a good fit for that line or even that ship we will tell you. Oh yes, if the decor looks like a cheap 1970 Vegas hotel, I'll tell you also.
5) How about your stateroom location? Have you ever heard a cruise line call center recommend you do not book your stateroom under the swimming pool? (and no,not because of fear of flooding) Or when you are so happy you booked the cheapest inside cabin online, did you realize that 1A stateroom only has single upper and lower bunks?
6) Last but certainly not least - Travel/Medical/Cancellation Insurance. When you book your own cruise online do you remember to purchase this vital piece of your vacation? Have you ever had a cruise line call center explain to you that the insurance they offer will only give you a future cruise voucher if you must cancel? Can they present you with an insurance option that gives your cash back upon cancellation?
Remember booking a cruise can be the most complicatred of travel and if you plan to do it yourself - educate yourself first & ask lots of questions - which is hard to do when you are booking on an internet connection. Better yet, call your local travel agent who will work for your best interest - for free!
Call Salty Breeze Cruise Planners at 888-332-8202 or check out our award winning web site at www.saltybreezecruiseplanners
#traveladvice #travelagent #cruise #travelsmart #boomertravel #kidstravel
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