Thread: Freebies Question

I have to agree that it does sound a bit fishy.

Is their price THAT much cheaper than booking through the cruise line directly? Have you approached other agents to see what they had to offer?

Good luck...

Dolores

My agent doesn't discount RCI at all, but gives me two hundred or so in onboard credit for a 7 day cruise. His prices on Princess, Holland and Carnival are below the prices that the cruise lines are offering (though not lower than I have seen on cruise compete). I have booked some 11 cruises with him at this point. They have all been about a week long. Do you folks think I should be looking for another agent?

Lauren,

If you are happy with your agent and the services that you receive, there is no reason to change agents. Getting low prices doesn't equal a good agent, unless that is all you care about.
There are many other things besides getting a good price that make an agent valuable. If you have booked so many cruises with this agent, it sounds as if you are happy with that particular agent and the services provided, so there is no reason to change.

Ma Cruise

Originally Posted by Laurenb

My agent doesn't discount RCI at all, but gives me two hundred or so in onboard credit for a 7 day cruise. His prices on Princess, Holland and Carnival are below the prices that the cruise lines are offering (though not lower than I have seen on cruise compete). I have booked some 11 cruises with him at this point. They have all been about a week long. Do you folks think I should be looking for another agent?

Lauren, that's a lot of onboard credit for a 7 day cruise! Especially if this is in lieu of discounting the price. I would much rather have an OBC than a bottle of wine!

As Ma Cruise says, if you are happy with his services I see no need to change in hopes of getting a little something more. Have other agencies told you they could give you a lower price and a $200 or so onboard credit as well?

Have other agencies told you they could give you a lower price and a $200 or so onboard credit as well?

No, Char. What I have seen is other agents who either offer more on-board credit (say $250.00) or who discount the price (perhaps because they have a group on a cruise that my agent doesn't). I have been generally happy with my agent. She is a bit hard to reach, but otherwise helpful. I guess in my perfect world, I would have an agent who could tell me which sailings for a particular date she had groups on and then could do the on-board credit thing (or discounted fare) as well. But maybe I am expecting too much.

Lauren,
It is possible that you are booking into a group, but you don't know it.
I agree with Char that the $200 OBC for a 7-day credit is rather good, but it does happen. Do you book the owner's suite or sail on one of the luxury cruises? It sounds like you are getting a good deal.

Ma Cruise

Oh how I wish I were booking the owner's suite. I usually book two rooms at a time. One at about the mini suite level and one a regular outside. I'm beginning to think that I may have it ok. Thanks so much for all your input.