Booking cruises onboard QM2 - worth it? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Tantris · 07-13-2007, 02:31 AM

Hello,

Even though our next QM2 cruise won't be before Januarly 2008... we're already excited and want to plan ahead

We are wondering if booking the next cruise directly onboard QM2 is actually a smart thing to do? I remember they have some "onboard $$" (depending on the cabin category), if booking right at their office onboard, but wouldn't a good travel agent give us those as well?

Another question: Do travel agents have at all "price leverage" in selling cruises, are they allowed to offer discounts? I would suspect Cunard would try to prevent that. [We booked our first two cruises with a rather random agent (Europe) and didn't shop around].

Well, just in case any of you might have any thoughts on that.
Thanks in advance

lindaann · 07-15-2007, 01:45 PM

Last year while on board I booked a cruise to Norway (QM2) which I recently returned from. I was able to sit down with the Cunard Rep. and look at what cabins were available and received a nice on board credit for the Norway cruise. It paid for quite a few shore excursions so the final bill at the end of the trip wasn't such a shocker.

Tantris · 07-15-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindaann

Last year while on board I booked a cruise to Norway (QM2) which I recently returned from. I was able to sit down with the Cunard Rep. and look at what cabins were available and received a nice on board credit for the Norway cruise. It paid for quite a few shore excursions so the final bill at the end of the trip wasn't such a shocker.

Thanks for the message. Choosing the cabins onboard makes sense indeed and the credit does anyway

By the way, we are also considering a "Northern" cruise. I'm sure it must have been great.

djgifford · 07-21-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tantris

Hello,

Even though our next QM2 cruise won't be before Januarly 2008... we're already excited and want to plan ahead

We are wondering if booking the next cruise directly onboard QM2 is actually a smart thing to do? I remember they have some "onboard $$" (depending on the cabin category), if booking right at their office onboard, but wouldn't a good travel agent give us those as well?

Another question: Do travel agents have at all "price leverage" in selling cruises, are they allowed to offer discounts? I would suspect Cunard would try to prevent that. [We booked our first two cruises with a rather random agent (Europe) and didn't shop around].

Well, just in case any of you might have any thoughts on that.
Thanks in advance

Booking onboard can be a smart way to book. They offer on board credits for the new cruise and usually a discounted deposit...the only downfall...if you know the sailing that you want, you should book it as far out as possible for the best cabin selection.

Travel Agents, can give discounts on Cunard...they just can't be advertised. Try to find one with group space, so you can get the amenities, like on onboard credits. I currently have quite a bit of group space on Cunard...different sailings and dates.

Good Luck with your searching...Cunard has beautiful ships...

Kind Regards,