Cruise-Direct?? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Shinok87 · 12-10-2008, 01:35 AM

does anyone have any comments about this site? it looks alright but i dont know if it has good prices or not... im kinda new at this so i need some help!

thanks

Cruise Planner · 12-10-2008, 02:26 AM

It's a site that wants you to book online so they don't have to deal with you in person - obviously, not something I would recommend. It's always better to use an agent that you can talk to and will work for you to insure you get the best rates. Prices change all the time and a good agent will get you specials that will lower your rate if possible. These online sites won't do that. And as for their claim of offering the lowest prices; everyone gets the same prices, so there's no advantage to using them over anyone else.

If you noticed, no where on their front page do you see a phone number! That ought to tell you something. If you do call them, you'll get an 'order taker' who has never been on a cruise or been to any of the ports of call you'll be going to.

Overall, it's always better to book with a reputable agent that you can trust to work for you. Obviously, I'm prejudice on the matter, but there is absolutely no advantage to booking with an online site or directly with the cruise line. You'll get much better service with an agent and you could save a great deal of money working with an agent because these online sites won't advise you if the rates go down.

Pete

guzmang1 · 07-07-2009, 01:10 AM

I have used Cruise Compete and am pleased. You type in the cruise info (cruise ship, cabin choice, dates. No personal info like name, phone #, or the likes). You receive quotes, not to your e-mail address but through Cruise Compete, from different agents whick you can then compare and contact as per their offers. I have saved $ and deal with the agent I choose to do business with. Previous clients post their experiences with a given agent so I am not in the dark prior to contacting one. Hope this helps. FYI I do not work for Cruise Compete or own their stock. Hey, maybe I should if they have gone public!

patsea · 07-07-2009, 06:34 AM

I have used Cruise Compete but I had done so much research BUT they still managed to almost screw up my friends $7,000 cruise. My friends asked for insurance and no one told him that they don't take the insurance until 3 days prior to final payment. They almost made final payment even though he was having bad back problems figuring they might go away by the time he sailed and if not he would just use the insurance. Oh no - when you book insurance you must be in condition to travel or that insurance would be worthless.

They are okay to book through if you are familiar with what you are doing but the OP says they are new to this.

Shinok87 - do yourself a favor and use the services of an experienced travel agent at least this time.