Thread: How should I buy my ticket?

I'm zeroing in on an Alaskan cruise for me and my family on either HAL, Celebrity, Princess, or NCL and I'm writing to ask, in the next week, when I figure out exactly what cruise we want to take how should I go about buying our tickets? I'm leaning toward going with my local travel agency who on first visit seems to be fairly well versed on creating cruise itineraries. Should I go with them, or should I go through some other maybe internet agent who can get me a deep discount?

Thanks everybody!

A TA is usually cheaper & if you use one who specialises in cruises you will get better advise.

First of all conrats on booking your Alaska cruise

Second; you should buy your cruise ticket with a credit card

Seriously, use a travel agent. If you are comfortable with your local agent and that agent can answer your questions, get you a good cabin in a good location, can get you a good fare and maybe some aminites go with your local agent

I agree with Lars; talk to an agent who specializes in cruises so they can fill you in on all the nuances for the various cruise lines you're considering. Talk to someone who's been there done that. But if an agent is 'recommending' one cruise line over another or one itinerary over another, then find another agent. If someone recommends something then it's usually because that's all they know, but keep in mind that everyone is different and what one person loves another will hate. Do your homework, get as much information as you can handle, and decide on what's best for you, your lifestyle, and your budget. Your agent should help provide the information and help with your decision, but not make the choice for you.

As for prices, for the most part, all the major cruise lines require everyone to sell the same cruise for the same price. If you feel comfortable with your local agent, then by all means use them. But don't go looking for an online site just because of price; often service trumps price every time.

With all that said, the cruise lines you are looking at are quite different and will offer different experiences. In this case, it really does depend on your age, your lifestyle, and your budget.

It will also depend on whether you're looking at one-way cruises or roundtrip cruises. While roundtrip cruises will afford you a quick glimpse as to what Alaska is like, a one-way trip will allow you to spend a few days before or after the cruise to explore more of the breathtaking scenery and ambiance that is Alaska.

When it comes to Alaska, there are alot of options. But whatever you decide, you'll have a amazing adventure.

Pete