Should I go directly through a cruisline to get the best rate or should I use a travel agent.?

Posted on May 30th, 2009 by admin in Galveston Cruise ships

I recently booked a 7 day cruise with Carnival Cruiselines for my honeymoon in October of this year, it will be leaving from Galveston, Tx and traveling to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, total cost is around $1900. The room we recived will be on the back of the ship with a larger balcony. I put my deposit down but now I am hearing that I should have used a travel agent. Has anyone had any experiences with both and any advice as to what I should do? I can still get my deposit back as long as it's before Aug. 5th.

Don't worry. Your plans sound just fine.

I just went on a Carnival Cruise this past summer to Alaska. For a balcony room, it sounds like you got a good price. You could call around and see if anyone can beat that price. Do not cancel with Carnival before finding a better offer. Carnival may be willing to price match too if you find a better offer. They also do a military discount if either on of you are military. Ask them about other discounts.

Also good to know:
Once you are on board, fill out the guest survey cards at the end of the cruise. This will put you in their repeat customer listing and they will mail, phone and e-mail you with all kinds of deals for future cruises, not only with them, but other cruise lines as well. If you do not wish to be phoned, then give them a cell # (solicitors cannot phone cell numbers) or leave it blank. You will still receive offers via mail and email.

Enjoy your Honeymoon and Congratulations!

admin

6 Comments

6 Responses to “Should I go directly through a cruisline to get the best rate or should I use a travel agent.?”

  1. Jenea G Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 12:41 am

    Whenever spending more than $50.00 shop around, that's the best route to take.
    References :

  2. Double Dachshunds Owner Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Don't worry. Your plans sound just fine.

    I just went on a Carnival Cruise this past summer to Alaska. For a balcony room, it sounds like you got a good price. You could call around and see if anyone can beat that price. Do not cancel with Carnival before finding a better offer. Carnival may be willing to price match too if you find a better offer. They also do a military discount if either on of you are military. Ask them about other discounts.

    Also good to know:
    Once you are on board, fill out the guest survey cards at the end of the cruise. This will put you in their repeat customer listing and they will mail, phone and e-mail you with all kinds of deals for future cruises, not only with them, but other cruise lines as well. If you do not wish to be phoned, then give them a cell # (solicitors cannot phone cell numbers) or leave it blank. You will still receive offers via mail and email.

    Enjoy your Honeymoon and Congratulations!
    References :

  3. ioreign Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 1:48 am

    If you want to go cheap, then go to a cruise line and look at the most recent cruises that they have put up. if you book it really early then there will be a large discount and it would be easier to pay off over time. If you want both then it would take a miracle
    References :
    done it before

  4. getalotoutofit Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 2:18 am

    I would approach the cruise line first to get a price for the exact trip you want to take. Then call a local travel agent who specialises in the area you are travelling to, and ask them what price they can sell the cruise for (don't tell them you called the cruise company) It would probably be better to book through an agent since you will probably have organise other things for your trip like Travel Insurance and possibly flights. See if they will give you a discount for booking with them instead of going direct to the cruise company.

    I used to work in the travel industry and think that this is an accpeted approach
    References :

  5. Marilyn Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 2:40 am

    if you are planning ahead for a cruise in a year or so the best is thru the cruisline. You will be assured that your room is reserved for the right amount of people.
    If your planning for a cruise is the next couple weeks to about three months you should go thru a travel agent because they will find budget rooms at cheap prices because cruise ships want all rooms booked so they will lower their prices….
    about the deposit….the point of a deposit is an incentive to stay with that cruise….if you pay for the rest that money you put in deposit will not be cashed (if check) or will go towards the cost of the cruise (cash/ sometimes credit card)
    if you change cruises they will deposit the check or charge you credit card that amount. so sorry if you change you will most likely not get the money back
    also remember the longer you wait the more commited you are the this cruise company take a day to make your decision!
    have a great cruise! :)
    References :

  6. sunny Says:
    May 31st, 2009 at 2:59 am

    if you put a deposit down you may lose it or part of it if you cancel. when ever travelling the best thing always is to shop around for the best price, you will find most places whether direct or travel agent will want your business, if they know you are going else where to get your business they will tell you
    they will match the price or give you a cheaper deal if you tell them you are getting it some where else cheaper , you have to call there bluff to get them down in price,you will find about 3 different prices for the same deal with different places
    References :

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