Independent Woman Homeowner

Why Should I use a Travel Agent instead of shopping online?

I hear this question almost every time I tell someone what I do. Or some version of that question, like "Do Travel Agents still exist?? with  the internet now??" And of course, there is the infamous, I can get a better deal going direct to the cruise line.

Since I specialize on the cruise business, let’s take a look at this particular segment to see if I can shed some light on the question.

The first thing to understand when you let your fingers do the shopping online is that virtually all cruise travel sites develop their prices from the same “feed”. For the digitally challenged, this just means that the cruise lines deliver pricing from their central computer. This means for all practical purposes, cruise travel sites offer up the same rates.

One great myth is that the cruise lines who sell directly to the public (mostly the mass market lines) have special, direct rates different from the cruise agent. Wrong, my fellow cruisers! In fact, an independent cruise agent like myself, can often find you rates lower than the cruise line. First of all, that cruise line employee is paid to get your booking as fast as possible and move on to the next sale. And, heaven forbid, maybe instead of cruise line ABC you really belong on cruise line XYZ, what is the chance that the cruise line agent will say “Oh you really belong on cruise line XYZ and not us”. As your personal travel agent, I invest time and interest in YOU and my goal is to create repeat business. Where, when, and how you cruise is very important to me.

I talked to a woman recently who took a cruise last year. Her first response was, I wish I had known you when we booked our cruise. She then proceeded to tell me her unfortunate internet story. She had found this amazing deal for a 16 day cruise online at one of the major sites (Travelocity or Expedia or something of that nature). She and her husband were going to see Europe about $1300.00 per person. (Sounds good doesn't it?!?, oh and it was last minute, code for I will have to pay it all now, so no time for second thoughts because there is no turning back at this point.)

Well they got their cruise all booked. But when they looked at the itinerary they realized they had to get to Europe first to board the ship. The ship was doing a repositioning cruise and returning to the U.S. at the end, but they didn't realize they were going to have to fly to a city in Europe to board. Which meant their great deal just doubled in price for International airfare. While repositioning cruises can be some great deals out there, you have to make sure you understand you start in one city and end in another. Something their online/phone assistant didn't advise them on. The client booked strictly on price and the internet agent just took their order.

Now onto those hot tips. I not only view the pricing feeds from the cruise lines, but have access to what is known as group rates. Also, there are often unadvertised specials that are made available from time to time that might include special benefits such as upgrades, onboard credits, spa treatments, complimentary alternate dining. As your agent, I will check for regional promotions, senior and public safety discounts, past passenger specials and lots more.

I also keep track of promotions that come up and check to see if your booking qualifies. If it does, I can usually get your price reduced. I saved one of my clients $800 on her Thanksgiving cruise. That's why I tell my clients to book early so they can get the ship, itinerary and cabin they want instead of what's left.

Instead of surfing a dozen web sites and seeing the same information over and over put me to work for you. We get paid by the cruise line or tour company that we use to book your package, so you don't pay a service fee. Let me play detective for you!
Donna Richards - Cruise Planners