Why should you use a Travel Agent to book a cruise?

Answer

There are two reasons: price and service. A Travel Agent who specializes in cruises books thousands or even tens of thousands per year. He or she can negotiate discounts far below the best price an individual consumer would pay. In addition, many cruise Travel Agents who have 800#s or websites purchase blocks of cabins at deep discounts. The Agent sometimes rebates part or even all of their commission, resulting in a price that's 15% to 25% lower than the BEST prices the cruise line ever offers. Occasionally fares are even lower, when just a few cabins in the block are left near the departure date.

But price is not the best part. When something goes wrong, a Travel Agent who specializes in cruises has the purchasing power to command better service for you, their customer. Think of it this way. If someone who buys one cruise a year from you complains, do you really care? Probably not. Now, if someone who buys 5,000 cruises a year from you complains, are you going to take care of their problem. Yes, you are. That's exactly what happens. Cruise lines will bend over backwards to correct a problem when a major Travel Agent is involved. As a consumer, if something is not right, you're much better off with a Travel Agent representing you.

First answer by Joni. Last edit by Joni. Contributor trust: 843 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 55 [recommend question]