Thread: Transfering Bookings

How can I get the best deal if I Xfer my bookings with the Cruiseline to a TA before Final Payment?

If you're transferring your reservation from the cruise line to an agent, then your agent should insure you're getting the best rate possible. And even after your final payment has been made, they should continue to monitor your cruise to see if any specials are offered that would lower your rate. Most of the major cruise lines will allow your agent to get a lower rate if any specials are offered, even up until the last couple of days before your cruise departs. Some cruise lines will not refund you the money, but they will offer onboard credit for the amount of the difference. It depends on the cruise line.

Hope this helps.

Pete

I totally agree, it is great if your agent provides a great deal or amenity that you were not getting directly with the cruise line. However, you should choose an agent that has a fantastic reputation of service after the booking has been transferred.

This will guarantee that the Cruise Consultant you choose will continue working for your best interest before and after your cruise.

Sandy

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

Most of the major cruise lines will allow your agent to get a lower rate if any specials are offered, even up until the last couple of days before your cruise departs.
Pete

Don't consider NCL a major cruise line?

Cause they don't adjust after final payment, 75 days, BTW.

That's why I said 'most' because you're right, NCL is one that does not allow you to adjust rates after final payment. And although I consider them to be a major cruise line, I don't sell alot of NCL because of all the problems I've had with them, which is many, many more than all of the others combined. They rank 6th in our sales. I know some people love them and I've never had any problems while cruising with them, but I've sure had many clients who've had alot of problems. Their ships, service, and food is very good (except for their Hawaiian ships, which are terrible) - it's their corporate structure that needs alot of work.

Pete

Transferring of a booking from the Cruise Line is generally painless. Royal Caribbean, now requires a special form to be used, whereas they used to allow the client to fax a written letter.

Depending upon the agent and the cruiseline, the agent can discount on some, or offer you gifts that the cruiselines won't.

You should first contact the travel agent to make them aware of the thought to transfer, check the pricing, benefits of transferring to them, etc.

Good Luck with your plans...

Now that many are requiring forms for a booking transfer, I usually make a new booking, waitlist the cabin and have the client cancel the original booking.
Of course you have to consider other alternatives if the price has gone up.

Reggie

The forms are no big deal...I have them in files and fax them to the client.

Originally Posted by reggierail

Now that many are requiring forms for a booking transfer, I usually make a new booking, waitlist the cabin and have the client cancel the original booking.
Of course you have to consider other alternatives if the price has gone up.

Reggie

The problem with waitlisting a cabin and then having the client cancel the original booking is that the cruise lines will then process a refund, which can often take a while, and then process another deposit. This can sometimes cause the client problems. But this is something that can't be done after the final payment date. Although they're making us jump through more hoops, processing the transfer isn't a major headache - at least not yet. I'm sure they'll put up more roadblocks in the not too distant future.

Pete

I have a cruise lined up for next April on Carnival. I have paid my deposit of $500. Can I switch to a TA without problems? I got the balcony cabin for like $1500 total for both of us. The price now is over $1,000 pp. Would I be able to switch and not pay anything additional?
Does anyone know of a good reputable travel agency in the St. Peters/St. Charles MO area?