Why shouldn't we book through the cruise lines directly?? I thought booking through the cruise line would be the best choice. Usually skipping the "MiddleMan" helps alot, because when something happens that specific "Company" does not want to help. WHY? Because we booked through a TA.
So why is a cruise only TA best choice??
Or any TA for that matter, for any reservations.
But in this case cruise TA's.
ANYone have the answer?
I would like some opinions with experience, so I can book my cruise with the Best option.
Thanks!

Cruise TA's have experience with ALL cruise lines, and they're there to help you with any problem. What would you do if you were in a distant location, and the cruise line goes bankrupt? You'd be on your own to get back home. This has happened fairly recently, and contrary to what you might believe, they aren't more expensive to use than cruiselines themselves, or for that matter, online booking. We're doing a JUly cruise with some friends, and he decided to get many different prices, including the cruiseline directly. The best deal that he could find price wise, was $60 less than what we're paying. That was also for 1 category below what we have, and no port charges were included. A good cruise TA in worth their weight in gold. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Sue

You said it " A good TA is worth their weight in Gold". You just have to find one. There are a lot of agencies and TA's that do not have the cruise knowledge of some of their customers. Some specialise in other areas. Even if you do find one it is still worth it to get other opinions and advice from current passengers because policies and operations are constantly changing.

I had to use a TA's help a few years ago when NWA went on strike. We were stranded in Vegas. I called my TA and did not get any help at all. She would not even process for the refund after we got home.. We were booking 4 trips a year thru her. The best thing I ever did was to quit using her. I now have one that knows how to treat a customer. Just because you are a repeat customer do not think you will get better treatment.

Good service is becomming a thing of the past because everyone is looking for the best price. Because of the best price we now have to pump our own gas, check out our own groceries, process our own bottle returns, and assemble just about everything we buy, Etc.

As for pricing. I have found that in many instances you will pay more by buying direct from the factory. But using the travel industry as an example compare prices by going directly with the airlines, car rental, and hotels. I have found many more times to get better rates dealing thru a 3rd party than by dealing direct.

Anyways compare the prices and find out for yourself. And evaluate the service. I was told a long time ago that you can shop around long enough until you finally find a way to get screwed. Beware of the fools gold.

[This message was edited by RIDGID on November 19, 2002 at 06:55 AM.]

[This message was edited by RIDGID on November 19, 2002 at 07:01 AM.]

I agree a GOOD Travel Agent is worth their weight in gold. First of all you rarely get a better deal thru the cruise line. Its either the same price or higher thru the lines. An agent will search for better rates and they usually also have some added extras as well. Also a good agent is a trained professional in all cruises and especially if they specialize in cruises. Its also good to deal with a cruise only agent as their only business is cruises. I would never buy a cruise from an online company as you never know who or what kind of business person they are. There is basically no way of knowing if they are a legitimate business or fly by night operation. We use a wonderful agent who's business is in their home. They have given us excellent rates and excellent personlized service. They come to our office or home and sometimes in a restaurant. We don't go to them they come to us. Great service is a must. And those who travel and travel well always us the service of a personal travel agent.