Online Travel Agencies - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

jimd909 · 08-04-2009, 02:00 AM

Are we allowed to get other's opinions about online travel agencies? I found one online and want to know how reputable they are.

reggierail · 08-04-2009, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimd909

Are we allowed to get other's opinions about online travel agencies? I found one online and want to know how reputable they are.

You sure are.

I would suggest finding a travel agent that specializes in cruises and can be reached when you need them. There are several TA's here that can help you, myself included.

When dealing with an online agency read the fine print, cancellation, change and booking fees, etc. Whether they will reprice when a price drop occurs? Sometimes the best price up front can cost you in the long run.

Reggie

jimd909 · 08-04-2009, 02:22 AM

The one I found online is best price cruises. Through them I was able to find a cruise for over $1,000 less than on NCL's website.

I know they have a cancellation fee of $50 pp ($100 total).

Anything else I should know?

Thanks.

reggierail · 08-04-2009, 10:08 AM

There are many other things such as can you actually talk to a travel agent and do they work 9-5 or can you contact them weekends and evenings? Will they make price adjustments if the fare drops or if promo fares become available. Will they help with the selection of your cabin?

I am hesitant to book NCL as I have had problems with them. The main problem is that NCL will not adjust your price after final payment. I have made price adjustments on other cruise lines and gotten a credit back to my client or an onboard credit reflecting that price drop. In these times I have seen many fare drops after final payment and that could cost you plenty if booked with NCL.

Reggie

patsea · 08-04-2009, 10:33 AM

I have used Best Price Cruises. I booked NCL Majesty to Bermuda with them. They were OK. I used them before I was a travel agent. I had questions and it took quite a few days for them to answer me and then the answer was so vague I had to re-email and ask again. Other than that it was ok. However, when you use these large agencies I will warn you that if you don't know what you're doing - you COULD POSSIBLY get the screwing of your life. If I had had a real travel agent ask me some questions about what I wanted or saw the ship I was booking it would have sent up a red flag for me. That's the deal with personal service. I don't think any of us here charge for cancellations unless the cruise line is charging you and our payments are vendor direct. My opinion is to ask some of us here to quote you and if you still think you want to go with them - then enjoy your trip. Doesn't matter as long as you're happy.

jimd909 · 08-04-2009, 10:56 AM

I appreciate the replies.

I've cruised before on RCCL and Princess, so I have some experience with cruises.

I've done alot of research on the cruise I'm looking for and NCL is the only option for me. I like the idea of Freestyle.

I'm looking at Christmas 2010. NCL and RCCL are the only lines crusing then that I can use. The problem with RCCL is they are so much more expensive.

Right now, I am booked (deposit only) on NCL in an AB (12-25-10 - 1-1-11). I checked RCCL OS and it was over $2,000 more. And with the discounts I found online, RCCL is over $3,000 more.

If anyone wants to PM me with pricing....

I can go anywhere from 12-24-10 - 1-2-11. Either an AA or AB on NCL or OS on RCCL.

Thanks so much for the info.

MD11F · 08-04-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimd909

I appreciate the replies.

I've cruised before on RCCL and Princess, so I have some experience with cruises.

I've done alot of research on the cruise I'm looking for and NCL is the only option for me. I like the idea of Freestyle.

I'm looking at Christmas 2010. NCL and RCCL are the only lines crusing then that I can use. The problem with RCCL is they are so much more expensive.

Right now, I am booked (deposit only) on NCL in an AB (12-25-10 - 1-1-11). I checked RCCL OS and it was over $2,000 more. And with the discounts I found online, RCCL is over $3,000 more.

If anyone wants to PM me with pricing....

I can go anywhere from 12-24-10 - 1-2-11. Either an AA or AB on NCL or OS on RCCL.

Thanks so much for the info.

Can you please tell us which ship you're currently booked on, and the region in the Caribbean, your itinerary is for?

jimd909 · 08-04-2009, 12:38 PM

Sorry, I guess that would help.... It's the NCL Star and the Mexican Riviera.

Anywhere from 12/24/10 - 1/2/11

Looking for a suite - AB or AA on NCL - OS on RCCL

MD11F · 08-04-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimd909

Sorry, I guess that would help.... It's the NCL Star and the Mexican Riviera.

Anywhere from 12/24/10 - 1/2/11

Looking for a suite - AB or AA on NCL - OS on RCCL

Thanks for this info, I'll get a quote for you.

kirkz · 08-04-2009, 04:16 PM

I used bestprice cruises for both cruises I am booked on now. After booking online they were very helpful on the phone with questions and booking my hotel the night before the cruise in new orleans. They were cheaper then any other site I found when including the free travel insurance I got with myCarnival cruise( not NCL) and the $100.00 on board cash, which I thought was better then the $200 coupon book Priceline was giving, who knows what coupons they were and if I wanted to use them.