Choosing a agent should be easy. attend travel agents that concentrate on cruising. I cannot stress this enough. There agencies that book cruises only then there are agents within Travel Agencies that are specialists in cruising. Either one among these will fit the bill.
Ask the agent tons of questions, like what cruise lines that agent has sailed on? they ought to be very intimate all the aspects of cruising- food, activities, entertainment, the dimensions of the cabins available, the dimensions of the ship, what quite facilities and therefore the clientele. To be really sure of the agents’ expertise, invite a CLIA accredited agent.
Ask a few sort of cruises, not only one or two lines. Some agents push one or two lines because they either have booked an enormous block of space on a ship or they get a better commission from a specific cruise line, they call these their “Preferred Suppliers”. Ask them who their Preferred Suppliers are and what lines they need personally sailed on. repeatedly it’ll be the well-liked Suppliers but you would like someone who has experienced many cruise lines.
Cruise Tip: When choosing an agent, ask how long she/he has worked for the agency. you would like one that has been there a minimum of two years, has been on several lines, and may answer all of your questions. it’s not realistic to expect the agent to possess sailed on all of the cruise lines but you would like one that has sampled many.
There are a few of tricks to urge the simplest priced cruise. attend one agent who focuses on cruises; undergo the choices available for the sort of cruise you would like . After the agent has narrowed it down she/he will than say it’s time to call the lines and check for availability. subsequent step is to place a hold on the cabin which she is going to put in your name. Normally the cruise line will hold a cabin for every week . .
Go home and call another cruise agency and invite their cruise specialist. Give that agency an equivalent information along side the worth quoted by the primary agent. See if this agent can beat the worth . If she will , return to the primary agent and tell her your mother, sister, friend, was ready to get a far better price and may she meet that price. likelihood is that she is going to , especially if she has placed you on a Preferred Supplier. Don’t feel bad about this. you’ll probably book with the primary agent, and therefore the second agent didn’t do any work except make a call . this may also allow you to know if the primary agent did an honest job. If agent number 2 can’t beat the worth or quotes you a better price, bingo, you’ve got yourself an excellent agent in on the primary try.
The third thing you’ll want to try to to is check the web for any deals thereon particular ship. you’ll check by program or by getting to the individual cruise lines website.
Your local newspaper will have a cruise travel section with many ads for cruises and can list discount fares. Or attend your local bookstore and browse the Magazine section for Cruise related publications. And in fact the Cruise lines all have websites where you’ll book directly. But if you’re a replacement cruiser it’s best to travel to a agent that knows cruising and may answer all of your questions including the professional and cons of every and each cruise line.
Cruise Tip: If you’re strictly trying to find price, attend travel agents that have booked large blocks of rooms on a specific cruise and that they are going to be ready to offer you an honest discount. Just confirm that this is often the sort of cruise you would like to require . Consider the ships “personality”. There are ships that are completely casual all of the time, or ships that promote partying, and ships were people are elegantly dressed all of the time. Choosing your cruise style is one among the primary belongings you should decide, this may help the agent find the perfect ship for you.
Copy the list below and take them with you once you visit your chosen agency (write answers below questions):
1. what’s the entire price for the cruise? It should include port charges, air fare and transfers to and from the airport.
2. Can any money be saved by traveling on a special cruise line with similar amenities or if I traveled at a special time of year?
3. Does the agency have how of checking if the speed drops because the cruise date nears? If so, will the agent automatically lower my fare?
4. Does the cruise line offer travel insurance and what kind if they do? Does the agency offer insurance or know a reputable company?
5. what’s the Judgment Day you’ll cancel without penalty? What are the penalties?
6. What proof of citizenship is expected? What other documents will I need?
7. If i would like to vary the itinerary or go earlier or stay later is that possible?
8. Who will make my airline reservations? When am i able to get seat assignments?
9. determine where your cabin are going to be and if it’s on the brink of the dining room, the elevator, the disco, the pool etc. Ships are large and there’ll be considerable walking.
10. Arrange with the agent what sort of beds you would like , queen or twin.
11. Tell the agent once you want to dine and the way large the table should be.
12. If purchasing an outdoor cabin has the agent checked to form sure the view isn’t obstructed? If this doesn’t interest you, you’ll be ready to save money by booking an obstructed view.
13. What are the load restrictions if you’re flying to the port?
14. When will i buy my travel documents?
15. If you’ve got a special diet request make it now.
16. If it’s your honeymoon have the agent notify the cruise line. The lines usually have special gatherings for newly weds.
17. If you’re traveling during a large group the cruise line should even be notified.
18. If you’ve got any special needs like cribs or baby food now’s the time to possess the agent tell the cruise line.
19. If you’ve got a health issue, ask about the infirmary
20. Do they need any cruise reviews that you simply can see or get a replica of?
These questions and therefore the information above will aide you find the proper agent to book your cruise vacation. Just a touch little bit of work then you’ll Set Sail!
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.