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

fvandewouwer · 10-04-2009, 06:15 PM

Hi,

Because we are from Belgium, I do not know if a certain TA from the US is reliable or not.
For our next cruise, which I am planning now I used cruise compete and received some good offers.
but how do I know if these cy's are reliable or not, I googled them and did find their website but still ..... in this time of crisis we would not like to take the risk loosing our money.
in the past we always booked through Belgian TA but they did never change our price if the price dropped and checking the website of the cruiseline it seems that we have overpaid every time ( 5 cruises till now )
So this time and for our future cruises I would take my chances and book through a reliable TA against a good fair price. ( difference between TA and in this case the Carnival website is about 300 us so a lot of money )
can I say the name of the cy which gave me now a very good price ? and could someone help me find out if our cruise will be booked properly.

Thank you
Frieda

smitty · 10-04-2009, 06:26 PM

hi frieda, we always use american t.a.'s because of better price and service.

fvandewouwer · 10-04-2009, 06:34 PM

Hi Smitty,

Thanks for your quick response, it is not allowed to give me the name of the TA you use is it ??
I am not feeling very comfortable at this time because I can find so little information about this TA but his price is great so ......... need all help I can get.
Have a great evening
Frieda

smitty · 10-04-2009, 07:11 PM

frieda, i've sent you a p.m.

fvandewouwer · 10-05-2009, 06:24 AM

Thank you so much, hope you received my answer.
How is the UK doing these days ??
( bad weather in Belgium )
have a great day
Frieda

Texashorselady · 10-05-2009, 09:33 AM

Frieda, try doing a web search (Google, or Yahoo Search engine work well) and using keywords for the name of the travel agent or business, as well as the words 'Better Business Bureau' and whatever town or city the business is in.

Like this: Travel by Frieda, Better Business Bureau, New York

The Better Business Bureau is a great resource. If there have ever been complaints or scams connected to the business, this would be a good way to try to learn about it.

smitty · 10-05-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fvandewouwer

Thank you so much, hope you received my answer.
How is the UK doing these days ??
( bad weather in Belgium )
have a great day
Frieda

it's been raining all day

but it's the first we've had for about a month.

fvandewouwer · 10-05-2009, 01:39 PM

Same thing here, for once we are so glad it is raining
thanks again for all your adivse
best regards
Frieda

fvandewouwer · 10-05-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

Frieda, try doing a web search (Google, or Yahoo Search engine work well) and using keywords for the name of the travel agent or business, as well as the words 'Better Business Bureau' and whatever town or city the business is in.

Like this: Travel by Frieda, Better Business Bureau, New York

The Better Business Bureau is a great resource. If there have ever been complaints or scams connected to the business, this would be a good way to try to learn about it.

I have done that and it appears they are in the Better Business sources
with not much information, but there was a remark " no BBB accreditation" what does this mean ??? Their rating is A and that seems good
can you explain me what no BBB accreditation means ?

Sorry folks but their price seems to be unbeatable
thank you
Frieda

cruzinlass · 10-05-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fvandewouwer

I have done that and it appears they are in the Better Business sources
with not much information, but there was a remark " no BBB accreditation" what does this mean ??? Their rating is A and that seems good
can you explain me what no BBB accreditation means ?

Sorry folks but their price seems to be unbeatable
thank you
Frieda

In order to be accredited with the Better Business Bureau, a business must pay a fee.

The BBB will track complaints about any business, but it will not accredit you unless you pay their fee. I have not, and therefore, you will not find my busness accredited. I doubt you will find many small businesses, such as ours, willing to pay out money just for that purpose.