Thread: transferring bookings

I booked directly with a cruise line, but have yet to make my final payment. I have read that it is possible to transfer bookings before final payment to a TA. Obviously I am interested in OBC that I have read about, and understand that the cruise line will not give. My questions are: Does the cruise line discourage this? I have worked with one person on the phone from this cruise line who has been helpful. Would she lose out if I transferred this booking? Also, do TAs regularly take on transferred bookings? I do not have a local TA that I work with. Are problems encountered if I use one who bids for my booking on-line? But I am also a bit hesitant to transfer to on-line TA I do not know anything about...anyone heard of problems? Maybe I should call around locally? Thoughts?

You can transfer your booking to an agent provided you have not yet made final payment. And yes, this occurs on a regular basis without any problems. And no, the person at the cruise line does not suffer. They work in a call center and do not get paid commissions or other bonuses. They represent the cruise line and not you, whereas an agent has your best interest in mind as they represent you. So it's always much better to have an agent than booking directly with the cruise line.

If the cruise line is offering onboard credit, then everyone will be offering it. Sometimes agents will have a group onboard and are offering onboard credit as a part of that group. But as for agents offering onboard credit if the cruise line is not or if they don't have a group, while the cruise lines do not discourage this, you have to understand that agents who are offering onboard credits or discounting are doing so out of their own pocket. In affect, they are trying to 'buy' your business. Most reputable agents don't do this because they work hard for their money. In other words, do you ask your accountant for a kick back? How about your mechanic, or your lawyer? Why then would you expect a kick back from an agent? There is no difference and they have to make it up some how, so often the quality suffers because they are dealing more in quantity. They are more interested in selling than in servicing. It's better to find an agent who will work hard for you, try to find you the best rates, be there when you have questions, and offer assistance should any problems arise. They have normally 'been there done that' so they can offer advice on what to do, what not to do, where to go, etc. They can make your entire vacation must more enjoyable and stress free. Online companies often employ 'order takers' and these people are very good at selling, but don't have any personal advice to offer. It's best to deal with an agent with whom you feel comfortable and can offer personalized assistance.

Don't be in a big hurry to save a buck as it can cost you more money and problems in the long run.

Pete

Originally Posted by bako1022

But I am also a bit hesitant to transfer to on-line TA I do not know anything about...anyone heard of problems? Maybe I should call around locally? Thoughts?

I hear you on that .. and when you play roulette with online agents you don't know..you can lose..let me repeat you can lose.. not that you will .. but you can...
Personally I feel you should always book with someone you trust to some degree..
My suggestion to you ... is select any one of the TA's that post here regularly .. any one of us can do a bang up job for you..and I don't see how you could go wrong..
Most of us have contact information in our signatures...


Good Luck

As a former travel agent myself, in an environment quite different from today's (that is, pre- 9/11), I agree completely with Pete of Cruise Planners.

A really good private travel agent - and they're hard to find, I'm afraid - will have all kinds of ways to help you with your cruise. Find better deals, suggest better things to do ashore, find you better airplane routing (if you don't use the cruise line's packaged air), plus other tips from here to there.

I wouldn't personally advise anyone to book a major expense and fun happening on line, unless the person really, really knows what he's doing, and prepares himself to be disappointed.

SWR

Originally Posted by swrinfla

I wouldn't personally advise anyone to book a major expense and fun happening on line, unless the person really, really knows what he's doing,

SWR