What is the benefit of booking a cruise with a travel agent?

What is the benefit of booking a cruise with a travel agent? Booking a Cruise with a Travel Agent: Pros He or she can help you arrange flights and pre- or post-cruise stays, recommend in-port excursions and help with any special arrangements (think celebrations onboard or making arrangements for dietary and medical concerns).

Do AAA members get a discount on cruises?

In addition to cruise deals, AAA members get special perks and discounts on cruises from top-rated cruise lines, including AmaWaterways River Cruises, Azamara^®, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard^®, Disney Cruise Line^®, Holland America Line^®, Hurtigruten^®, Oceania Cruises^®, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven ...

Do cruise prices go up or down closer to departure?

If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise's departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop, and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.

How do I ask for a free upgrade on a cruise?

Choose a Cruise During Low-Demand Seasons If your off-peak cruise isn't full and the cruise line decreases fares in an effort to boost bookings, that's a good time to ask your travel agent or cruise line representative for a free upgrade -- especially if you're not eligible for the price reduction.

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line?

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines.

Which cruise room category is less expensive?

Interior or inside staterooms are typically the least expensive category on a cruise. Those cabins are generally the smallest on board and rarely accommodate more than three people, according to Joy Hess, owner and lead travel consultant at Outside the Lines Travel.

Who pays a travel agent for a cruise?

Cruise line pays the agent a commission for handling the booking once you sail. If the cruise line has to handle the booking, they keep the commission to pay their shoreside staff. I've done both. If I am sailing on my own I prefer to just book directly through the cruiseline.

What is the least expensive month to cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March.

What percentage do travel agents make on a cruise?

Both the luxury cruise market and niche cruise markets pay a true 10% base commission and can be highly lucrative niches. The River Cruise market is extremely popular right now and also quite competitive among river cruise companies and represents an excellent opportunity to earn very attractive margins.

Do travel agents get discounts on cruises?

Contrary to what you might expect, travel agents might actually be able to get you better deals than internet retailers or even the cruise lines themselves. The best travel agents have access to discounted group rates and exclusive cruise pricing that's not found anywhere else.

Why people booked their cruise to travel agents?

The biggest advantage of booking a cruise through a travel agent is personalized advice from a knowledgeable source. A good travel agent will discuss your vacation preferences, budget and other travel needs and suggest which cruises will be the best fit.

Do you tip a travel agent?

Don't tip your travel agent. “An adviser's job is to create memorable trips for you and they get compensated for their service, so they don't expect more money on top of that,” she said.

Do you pay extra to book through a travel agent?

They don't usually cost extra. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

What is the best location to book on a cruise?

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

How can I pay less for a cruise?

What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

What is the cheapest month to cruise the Caribbean?

The cheapest months to cruise to the Caribbean are May, September and October. The peak season for the Caribbean is December to April when it is driest – cheaper months tend to experience more rainfall and the risk of hurricanes causing changes to itineraries.