Thread: Just booked on the Triumph - questions

I just put our deposit on a 5 day cruise on the Triumph to Progreso and Cozumel, and I have two questions.

One - we booked an Ocean Suite, and there will be four of us - myself, hubby, and two boys, ages 10 and 12. My biggest concern was making sure that the boys don't have to share a bed (and fight over covers, etc.). I couldn't find good info on this online, so I called Carnival. The rep said that there was a sofa bed and a trundle bed (getting us away from the bed sharing scenario). Can anyone confirm this? We're on the Empress Deck, forward.

Two - I tend toward wanting trip insurance, but I'm not sure I like Carnival's offering on that. Advice?

Woohoo!

Thanks!

I realize this is after the point, but this is why it's so important to work with a reputable agent and not book directly with the cruise line. An agent will have all this information for you and can help answer all your questions.

As for the travel insurance, I definitely suggest it, but do not recommend purchasing it through the cruise line. Again, an agent will usually have a company they deal with that they would recommend to you.

You can take a look at insuremytrip.com to get some good information. Keep in mind that big name does not necessarily mean best plan or best customer service. A couple I suggest looking at is Access America and Travel Safe. Good companies with good policies and good customer service.

Pete

Truthfully, I booked with an agent for the last cruise we went on, and I didn't find that I gained anything from the experience. She was nice, competent, and knowledgeable, but she didn't seem to have any information that I couldn't just get through my own research on forums such as this one. I also had less control over my booking online, hence my decision to do it myself this time. But I thank you for the advice.

You did remind me that we used Access America for our trip insurance when went to Italy. I'll call around for quotes today. Thanks again.

The bigger difference is if you encounter any problems. Remember, if you book with the cruise line, they represent themselves. Whereas if you book with an agent, they represent you and should you need assistance, they have contacts not available to you. This can be invaluable should the need arise. Plus, not all agents are created equal. Your last agent may not have been a cruise specialist.

As for the travel insurance, you don't need to call around and get quotes, because they're all going to be the same price. You can book it directly with an agent or online with the company. But both Access America and Travel Safe are very good companies and I think you'd be satisfied with either of them.

Pete

We like Access America also. I agree with Pete on booking with an agent. Basically, you get an advocate. For example, Carnival sent me an email with a shore excursion discount that they didn't want to uphold. She spent time on the phone with them, holding their feet to the fire and making sure they honored the discount. I wouldn't have done that for myself, and if I had booked with the line, I would have had no one working for me.