Booking a cruise: Travel agent vs. cruise line

A cruise vacation is the most exciting experience anyone can appreciate. From exploring New England and Canada, to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, there is so much to look forward to. There is indeed so much to be discovered and learned about. Aside from destinations, shore excursions are what make cruise vacations just as memorable. Cruises have plenty of fun and adventure for families to take in. They certainly give families plenty of reasons to get away and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. When booking a cruise, families often ponder the question “Do I book through the cruise line or through a travel agent?”. Believe it or not, it is a challenging question to answer. When booking a cruise, it pays to be pointed in the right direction. Every cruise vacation should start and conclude on the right foot. Before hitting the waves, families should exercise the proper judgement. By doing so, they’ll know who and where to turn for the best advice possible.

When booking a cruise vacation, families should consider the five important factors. These are the factors that should be followed when deciding whether to book through the cruise line or a travel agent. Families are often looking for great deals. However, it’s also about being provided the proper service. Here are the five key factors which families must keep in mind.

5) Research: No matter what cruise line(s) families enjoy sailing on, they are always looking to get the best deal. Regardless of the time of year, cost is always first and foremost in families’ minds. Families should research the prices first, by visiting the cruise line’s web site and then compare them to the travel agent’s prices. It is imperative for families not to commit to one side too quickly. Research is key. If the cruise line’s rates are better than the travel agent’s, then the cruise line is the way to go. If a travel agent’s rates are more feasible than the cruise line’s, then the choice is clear. Doing adequate research and using the proper judgement regarding cost are paramount.

4) Attention to detail: When booking a cruise, it pays to get all the details down on paper. Some families are not as strict on detail as others. For example, families may prefer booking through Disney Cruise Line than via the travel agent. Why? It is because Disney’s cast members are well-trained in knowing every nook and cranny of every one of the four ships in the fleet. From youth activities, to adult activities, to activities for the entire family, attention to detail is the tell-tale sign to be on the lookout for. Disney’s cast members, from top to bottom, are razor-sharp when it comes to providing top-notch service. All cruise line reservation agents, regardless of cruise line, are expected to be well-seasoned in knowing the ships on which they have to sell cabin space. For any family, attention to detail goes a long way.

3) Knowledge: When it comes to any cruise vacation, one of the biggest factors that families must pay maximum attention to is judging a travel agent’s knowledge versus that of the cruise line reservations agent. Families must not confuse knowledge with attention to detail. The number one aspect which families must exercise proper judgement is on documentation. Documentation is the bread and butter of any cruise vacation. Cruise line reservation agents and travel agents across the board are responsible for informing their customers on what documentation must be presented at the terminal. Passports, passport cards, birth certificates with photo ID, visas, and parental consent letters are among the most pertinent forms of documentation needed upon check-in. Not long ago, a travel agent failed to inform a family that they needed a parental consent letter for their niece. The niece could not sail without a copy of the parental consent letter on file. Families traveling with minors must have this letter in hand, and it must be notarized. The letter must also include the clause stating that the family has been granted permission to make medical decisions. If the cruise line reservation agent’s knowledge is more credible than that of the travel agent, the decision is cut and dry.

2) Experience: Whenever a family plans to book a cruise vacation, it is well-recommended for them to turn to someone who is well-seasoned. The agent, whether at the cruise line or at the travel agency, must be well-seasoned in not just booking cruises in general, but has a solid track record of booking the type of cruise which the family is interested in. Cruise line reservation agents should be knowledgeable and well-experienced at handling all types of cruise itineraries. If the travel agent doesn’t have the experience level in booking Mediterranean cruises or Hawaiian Islands cruises, then the family should make the proper decision. Experience is a factor which every family needs to take into consideration when deciding on whom to book their cruise with. Going with whomever has the right experience is the always the right call.

1) Reputation: Families are often quick when they shop for cruise vacation ideas and deals. This is where mistakes are made. On top of that, valuable lessons are learned too. Cruise line reservation agents are reputable when booking any cruise vacation. Travel agents are reputable too. However, families need to exercise extreme caution if they choose to pursue that route. Cruise lines, via the phone or online, can pin point the exact details of how much families need to pay for certain cabin categories. However, cruise line cabin costs are subject to change. The closer to the sailing date a family books, the more expensive the cabin may be, It is imperative for families to follow up on cabin costs. Plus, they must be sure that the cruise line being forthright with them. Families must look at all options and review all information they’ve obtained before committing.

Some travel agencies have solid reputations for their quality of service. Cruise Planners is one of the finest travel agencies in the United States. They purchase cabin space in bulk. Therefore, their cabin prices remain the same and never change. Liberty Travel, on the other hand, families should think five times before booking at any one of their locations. Liberty Travel is the fast food chain rendition of travel agencies. Some of their agents render great service; some do not. It is recommended that they find out which of their agents has a reputable track record. Booking a cruise vacation is about making the right call,

When booking a cruise, it pays for families to obtain references. Whether looking for a reputable plummer, carpenter, electrician, or even a construction contractor, getting good references is vital. The same goes for booking cruises. If a family is looking to book a group cruise to celebrate a college graduation, they should speak with friends and neighbors on which avenues they should pursue. A family should always obtain key information on who booked with whom. It is as simple as that. Sometime ago, two young gentlemen were sailing out of New York City to the Caribbean. They had a gift card to Liberty Travel, which one of them had won in a church raffle. They distinctly asked that they be booked in a cabin mid-ship. The travel agent wrote down the details. Just weeks before sailing, they received their booking confirmation. Their cabin was in the stern, complete opposite of what they asked for. Never again did they consult with travel agent. Again, reputation and quality of service are paramount.

A cruise vacation is a rewarding traveling experience which all families are well-deserving of. Whether it is a special occasion such a birthday, retirement, or honeymoon, making the right decision of whom to book the cruise is key. Even if it is just a ten-day getaway, making the right call is paramount. Cruise vacations are meant to be memorable. In order for a memorable cruise vacation to be made possible, making the decision whether to book the trip via the cruise line or a travel agent is often the case. The question is challenging to tackle, but it doesn’t have to be complicated as some believe. Families must always compare the costs between the cruise line and the travel agent, and not act so hastily. Focusing on attention to detail on both the cruise line and travel agent’s end is extremely important. Families with sophisticated needs should always turn to whomever they feel is the right choice. Families should always be absolutely sure with whomever they choose to book through is both knowledgeable and well-experienced. Money is not always the tell-all. It’s about whom they should trust. Speaking of trust, families should always check references and go with whomever has a solid reputation. Families can trust, but they should also verify. Following these five factors does more than assuring a family that their cruise will be successful. These five factors encourage families to make the proper decision. From there, they will truthfully discover that their cruise experience will be the utmost memorable.