Thread: Is the TA Ethical?

Don't believe everything you read on a TA website or everything the TA tells you. Check it out yourself before you turn over deposit money. You may never see that money again. For example, I recently started working with Dianne Tuttle at Academy Cruises & Tours out of San Luis Obispo, CA. She claims to be licensed and affiliated with all the typical affiliations. I believed her and scheduled three cruises through her agency, and sent her $1,800. Guess what, the lies are just beginning to surface and I am out $1,800.

I have filed complaints with the BBB, IC3,, DOJ, ASTA, IATAN, and CLIA, among others. They are not happy. ASTA has already reported she nor her agency have ever been a member and they plan on pursuing the misrepresentation.

Here is a tip. When you work through an agent, make sure they are directed to pay for the cost using your credit card - not their account. The TA can cancel and run with your money without you ever knowing about it - until you show up at the boarding gate or hotel. Double check everything they do.

If you are conducting busines with Dianne Tuttle or Academy Cruises & Tours in any way, cover your backside, quickly.

I agree, It has happened to me twice for Princess cruises. It was for OBC prepaid. Both cruises were paid for with some issues, but both times the vouchers I recieved on board were not what I prepaid. I no longer use that TA. Not all TA's can be trusted.

This is why I ALWAYS tell everyone that there are three things you need to do when booking a cruise, whether it be through an agent or online;

1) Always make sure the agent is not charging your credit card directly. A good agent will have the cruise line charge your credit card. You can usually check your credit card statement online within an hour or so to see who charged to it. And NEVER deal with an agent who requires cash, check, or money order. That sends up a red signal immediately. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use a credit card - this affords you certain rights that can help you in any dispute.

2) Always make sure you get a confirmation from the cruise line. This confirmation is sent to the agent usually within minutes of booking and they should forward that to you fairly quickly. Normally, the process of making the reservation, paying the deposit, and getting a confirmation should not take more than 1/2 to 1 hour. If you don't get this confirmation, call the agent immediately and demand one. Most good agents will also send you an invoice from their agency providing information as well.

3) Always make sure you get a confirmation number from the agent. Then, go to the cruise line's website and check your reservation.

Following these three steps will insure your reservation has been properly made and your hard-earned money was properly paid.

Another option for you, is if you are booking a cruise well in advance and it's not one of those non-refundable specials, the agent can put a complimentary hold on a cabin for at least a day, sometimes several. Check to see if this can be done and, if so, ask for a copy of the confirmation before you make your deposit and then ask for another one showing the deposit.

Keep in mind that all of these steps can be done with any agent, online site, or even if booking directly with the cruise line.

Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples in every profession and they do a disservice not only to the public, but to the rest of us who are hardworking reputable business people trying to provide a valuable service.

I'm sorry you met one of those who chose not to keep the hard-earned trust you placed in them. But you did the right thing in complaining to the appropriate agencies. Hopefully, you can contact the credit card company and dispute the charges.

Please let us know if you have any questions as there are some wonderful agents on this site who are readily available to offer assistance.

Pete