slawecki

wife loved her 9 day cruise out of Balt to halifax on royal caribbean. now she wants to take her mother(my mother in law) on the next cruise with us. this is ok with me. mil is 91, and pretty much wheel chair bound.

there is a RC cruise from balt to bahamas for 9 days. she wants to take that and mil. would book one of the larger suites(400+sq ft)

could i get some travel agent recommendations?

we booked the halifax cruise through AA. thought i would get AA bonus miles, but got stiffed.

teddybear99

I have used cruises.com in the pastto search for cruises and eventually booked with them as they have their own incentives above and beyond what the actual cruise line offers.

Randyk47

We've used several Internet based TAs since 2004 and have been completely satisfied. Most recently, like for the last four years, we've used Annette DeBaca at www.pavlus.com . We've consistently gotten 10 - 12% cash discounts, an occasional onboard credit, and great support.

747FC

+1. Thanks to Randy's recommendation, I have used her twice. In addition to the great cash discounts, she recently got me a $3000 savings on a cruise when the price dropped.

Thanks, Randy!

Randyk47

You're welcome and thank you for the kind words. I sometimes hate to make recommendations as it often comes down to intangibles, personal tastes, needs, etc., and what works for me may not work for the next person. I have to say that Internet or even some of the big box retail travel agencies/agents are not for everybody. Nothing wrong with the approach but some folks want or need full service travel support. Personally, and I think 747FC feels much the same way, we pretty much use a TA to only book the cruise. We do our own flights, transfers, tours, and pre and post cruise hotels. We like it that way and getting a substantial discount makes it all that more sweet.

ijkh

If you want an Amex affiliated agent for any reason I have an outstanding agent who can work wonders. PM if you wish a referral. She saved us loads on our world cruise.

techgirl

I have a great Virtuoso agent at a cruise-only agency. She is great to work with and I almost always get extra TA onboard credit and other presents and perks from the agency. Prices she has been able to get me are always at or below the online rates I find from the lines themselves and other online listings.

PM me for details if you want them.

Randyk47

Just a reminder that when looking at Internet based travel agents/agencies that most cruise lines will not allow them to post discounted fares on line. When Internet agencies did this years ago it was killing brick and mortar agencies and they threatened to stop promoting cruise lines that allowed discounting. The lines couldn't come out and stop discounting, really the Internet agency rebating a large part of their commission, but they could stop or limit doing business with discounters who openly advertised discounted fares. In most cases today you actually have to call, email, or use the Internet agency's on line quote request option to get their price and other incentives.

freecia

If your wife and MIL like cruising with Royal, stop by the onboard bookings desk to see what bonuses they offer next time you're onboard. It is usually reduced deposit and onboard credit http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...nboard+booking . You can choose to allow the cruise line to own the booking or a travel agent. If you have the cruise line hold it, you can shop the transfer to a few cruise agencies and see if they'll provide additional perks like gratuities, obc, or cash.

Orlando Vic

Here is her name and contact information.

Beth Christie
Cruise Consultant/Supervisor
Cruise Vacation Outlet
5575 S. Semoran Blvd Ste.# 4
Orlando, FL 32822
Toll Free: 1-800-797-4635 Ext # 122
Local: 407-275-2244 Ext # 122
Fax: 775-206-1012
[email protected]
www.CruiseVacationOutlet.com

redhed6288

cruisecompete.com... put the date type of cabin and cruise you want and different agencies will give you quotes and compete for your business so you maybe able to get a deal

boxo

I know I'm way late for the original poster, but there are two Flyertalk member cruise agents I've met in person. It's been years since I've bumped into them online, but for future reference, they are ak333 and BurBunny. Send them PMs to see if they're still in the cruise business.

ijkh

1. Please be aware that not all agents are equal.
2. Cruising is the last vestige of travel where having an agent can save you money and get you added perks.
3. Most cruise lines have a loyalty program. Some of these programs can actually save you money and give you free cruises. Example: Crystal Society program through Crystal Cruises.
4. A good agent can sometimes get you upgrades, your dining and other preferences accommodated.
5. The best TA may be the one that does the most business with a particular cruise line.
6. The TA can watch for sales and let you know of price cuts. They will lower the price sometimes.

Runner123

Also, the best TA may not be the cheapest TA. My current TA is not the cheapest one I have had, BUT she's gotten me casino rates twice (I cruise solo) which really helps with the single supplement, follows drops in price, and keeps me updated on upsells. I ended up in the highest category balcony midship on my transatlantic cruise for $4000 less than it would normally cost due to two last minute upsells. For my upcoming south Pacific cruise, she convinced the cruise line to offer the drink package to my cabin mate for the same price I bought it at (the cabin mate booked 4 months later than I did.) A TA affiliated with a big agency that buys lots of cabins is useful with having clout with the cruiselines, too. And you want an agent who will get back to you with answers to your questions quickly!

farbster

If anyone is looking for a top agent for luxury (and other cruising), please let me know. My TA got us off a really hard waitlist for a Silversea's cruise. He's their number 1 producer and gets excellent pricing etc. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Drop me a line and I'll share.