Originally Posted by
pinniped
Randy, would your site offer anyone the same type of cashback rebate? Or is this something you get because you have a quasi-elite-status with them? (e.g., Something I'd only get if I booked many cruises.)
Are the rebates easy to read about and understand prior to booking? Or is this more of a negotiation, like buying a used car? (I tend to think of human travel agents and used car salesmen similarly, to be honest.)
The cash rebate is standard, the same for first time to the "x" times cruiser. It has nothing to do with my cruise status on a particular line or the number of times I've booked through them. (NOTE: If I get a discount from a specific cruise line because my cruise history that is included but separate from the TA's rebate.) Now that I've used my TA a number of times I feel comfortable just communicating via email and rarely call my agent but initially I did call and she explained their rebate, etc. We talk periodically, a lot last year when I was putting together a multi-couple Med cruise, but not exactly regularly. I've found them to be a nice blend between a traditional TA and an Internet based TA.
As for negotiation......not exactly like a car purchase nor are you really negotiating the cruise fare. Cruise lines publish pretty fixed rates for a specific ship, itinerary, date, and cabin category. What this means is that almost all TAs are working with this pretty firm fixed price. What you're looking for is the reputable TA who will give you the best balance of service along with whatever incentives, discounts, rebates, etc. they offer. Personally I've settled on the "show me the money" incentive along with an Internet TA who actually gives me a lot of support or at least as much as I want and need plus a bit.