Would you consider booking your cruise holiday online? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

pray · 10-28-2009, 06:51 AM

Apart from using cruise sites for research would you consider booking your cruise holiday directly online?

MCcruiser · 10-28-2009, 07:27 AM

Absolutely not. And especially not in this economy. Using a TA costs no more, and having one can help you deal with some of the worst customer service around. A TA makes some money, and you get a better vacation. It's a win-win situation.

FYI, there are several excellent TA's on this site alone, and I have some local ones as well.

*Lars* · 10-28-2009, 08:41 AM

I have booked cruises with online travel agents and I have very good experiences with them. I have gotten great prices and great service.
Online agents does tend to get a bit unpersonal so now I prefer to use a TA.

Char · 10-28-2009, 08:45 AM

My travel agent has an online presence, and is located in a different state from me. A lot of TAs now days have web sites. We have booked 20 cruises with her, so far.

I would not book online with an agent that I could not talk to on the phone or who wouldn't respond to my emails in a timely manner. The actual booking process with my agent is done by phone or email, not by an online form.

My vote is yes, but with conditions.

patsea · 10-28-2009, 09:21 AM

I have gotten quotes from on line agents that were in other states than I, before I was an agent, and have had mixed experiences. Some were just fine and others could have been a disaster if anything went wrong but luckily I didn't know it and nothing happened.

sue miller · 10-28-2009, 09:26 AM

I think most TA's have a website to compete, but even if they do I would book and make changes by phone, not on line to one TA, not a company with so many you never get the same one twice.

LuLu · 10-28-2009, 09:55 AM

"pray" .... Good Poll! Thanks!

ALSO .... Welcome to CLF!

We always use our long time TA.

kirkz · 10-28-2009, 01:17 PM

I used online (bestpricecruises.com) for my cruises as they were able to be cheaper either by giving us unboard credits, free travel insurance and just lower price. After booking I have talked to them several times (adding hotel to trip, airline transfers) and they were very helpful. When I thought I was not assigned the correct seating they contacted the cruise ship and took care of everything. So I have no problems using online bookings, I always look for the lowest price.

cruisin' chick · 10-28-2009, 05:51 PM

I like talking to someone on the phone (or in person). Often I'll be told I'm getting a regional or other discount, and certainly I would be told the total price right away, without having to pour through fine print that you find on the "online agencies." They are many (if not most) agencies that also have a website, but they also provide a more personal touch.

I have checked the various sites such as Travelocity, etc., just to get an idea of what the going rate is for the cruise, hotels, rental cars. But have not used them for the actual bookings.

frogdown · 10-31-2009, 08:45 PM

Have used Vacations to Go multiple times and they are as good as any TA I have ever used!