| Author | Post |
|---|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:59 pm | 26th Post |
|
captN wrote: GREGandamy wrote: JenDalessan wrote: Even better...why not follow up with them AFTER the cruise? Ask them how it went and if they had a wonderful time. See if there were any issues they would like help resolving. I have never had an agent contact me after the cruise but I can tell you I would be impressed if they did.
My TA does this and gives me a bottle of wine when picking up the tickets. When we sail NCl he also includes the coupon book whcih gives you a good deal on the first night in a specialty restaurant. I think it's buy one, bet one or buy one, get one 50% off. Can't remember. Never found cheaper fares anywhere, especially last year on the Gem when many paid more for a balcony than I did for a mini.
so Bama cross me off your list .... unless of course you got some freebies 
I bet the bitch dont do cruise music videos! Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:59 pm by BAMA X 2
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
captN
Extreme Cruiser
| Joined: | Thu Jan 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 5830 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 06:09 pm | 27th Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: captN wrote: GREGandamy wrote: JenDalessan wrote: Even better...why not follow up with them AFTER the cruise? Ask them how it went and if they had a wonderful time. See if there were any issues they would like help resolving. I have never had an agent contact me after the cruise but I can tell you I would be impressed if they did.
My TA does this and gives me a bottle of wine when picking up the tickets. When we sail NCl he also includes the coupon book whcih gives you a good deal on the first night in a specialty restaurant. I think it's buy one, bet one or buy one, get one 50% off. Can't remember. Never found cheaper fares anywhere, especially last year on the Gem when many paid more for a balcony than I did for a mini.
so Bama cross me off your list .... unless of course you got some freebies
I bet the bitch dont do cruise music videos!
or BEAR cruises 
____________________
 Third box car midnight train .... 2008
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 06:19 pm | 28th Post |
|
captN wrote: BAMA X 2 wrote: captN wrote: GREGandamy wrote: JenDalessan wrote: Even better...why not follow up with them AFTER the cruise? Ask them how it went and if they had a wonderful time. See if there were any issues they would like help resolving. I have never had an agent contact me after the cruise but I can tell you I would be impressed if they did.
My TA does this and gives me a bottle of wine when picking up the tickets. When we sail NCl he also includes the coupon book whcih gives you a good deal on the first night in a specialty restaurant. I think it's buy one, bet one or buy one, get one 50% off. Can't remember. Never found cheaper fares anywhere, especially last year on the Gem when many paid more for a balcony than I did for a mini.
so Bama cross me off your list .... unless of course you got some freebies
I bet the bitch dont do cruise music videos!
or BEAR cruises
 I'll put Dawson on any cruise he wants?
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
Catnip
Charter Member
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 07:26 pm | 29th Post |
|
GREGandamy wrote:
Yes, service is more important than price.
. Deliver what the big guys can't: personal servcie and communication.
I agree. I've used 2 internet companies in the past (Cruise Brothers 3 times and one other company I forget the name)....and while I got OK service from them, I never talked to the same agent twice and felt like just a number to them. No feeling of personal service at all.
I decided that paying a few dollars for to use a local TA was worth it to me. Their prices were not as low, but I got better service. If there was ever any problems, they would take care of it for me. I always book with a TA that I know now----no big discount brokers for me.
But I agree with Ann.........a LOT of folks are only concerend with the bottom line and the price. Many are booking with the big discount cruise brokers or directly with the cruise line.
It will take you awhile to get a client base going...so don't quit your day job!!!
Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 07:27 pm by Catnip
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 07:33 pm | 30th Post |
|
| Thanks Nip!
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 07:39 pm | 31st Post |
|
Everyone that is not currently booking through a Travel Agent look into my eyes!
You are getting sleepy! TAs are the only way to go!
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
truecruiser54
Funnel Deck Cruiser
| Joined: | Sat Jun 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4727 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 08:12 pm | 32nd Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: With all the seasoned travelers on this site I have to ask how do you book your vacations?
As some of you know TW and I are considering buying a Travel Agency franchise and need to know if anyone is using travel agents anymore.
On our cruises we have used TAs and the internet mega cruise dealers. TW books them and tells me when and where to be.
We will decide for sure in the next week or so with training beginning in Ft Lauderdale in the middle of August so any feedback will be helpful. My goal is to get out of Healthcare ASAP and will need to hit the ground running in order to make it happen.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
:popcorn:
i used to use TAs, but have been booking all of my trips myself for the past couple of years.
i book my own air, and book my cruises directly thru the cruiseline. but, this is b/c i have been cruisding w/ ccl exclusively for the past couple of years and i know with them that i can get thye benefit of a discount if my booked sailing goes on sale.
if this was not the practice with another line, i wld look to the TA who gave me the best price and who was reputable/recommended as such, anyway.
|
KerCar
Frequent Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 08:16 pm | 33rd Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: Everyone that is not currently booking through a Travel Agent look into my eyes!
You are getting sleepy! TAs are the only way to go!
I will definitely keep you in mind when I book my next cruise!
I have booked my last three using Cruise Compete (with 3 different agencies) and have no problems to report. In fact, our last TA through Best Price Cruises was able to get us a larger inside cabin after final payment. We also had several problems with our lattitudes # and advanced guest registration (on NCL's end) this past time. I was very impressed how quickly the TA handled the situation and got back to me.
I have saved over $1500 booking online. In addition, I love the convenience of being able to book a cruise 24/7 from the comfort of my own home.
Good luck with your venture!
____________________
Kerry
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21060 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 01:35 am | 34th Post |
|
captN wrote: We always use a TA ..... for us its all about the personal service. Prices are always competitive, sometimes less, sometimes a bit more but the service has always been exceptional. If there is a problem we know that one phone call is all we have to make. Plus they know what our preferences are and they have indepth knowledge of the industry. Wouldn't go about it any other way.
BTW ... isn't travel a form of Health Care
Same here. I haven't booked directly with the cruise line in years. I much prefer the personalized service you get from a TA.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21060 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 01:37 am | 35th Post |
|
BeckyThane wrote: I research online to find exactly what I want (sailing & cabin, along with a near-estimate of cost), then e-mail my TA with specific information requesting a quote. He gets back to me within 30 minutes if it's during his work hours. We usually exchange anywhere from 3-5 e-mails before the cruise is booked. I used to phone, but for some reason have gotten into the habit of e-mailing when I book. Maybe that's so I can make sure we both correctly understand what I'm looking for.
He's really easy to reach by either phone or e-mail, and that means a LOT to me. I tried another TA on cruise #3 and their communication was SO bad I slunk back to my TA and swore I'd never be unfaithful again. 
I do this as well. I fine tune my research until I know exactly what I want: ship, itinerary, cabin, price. I know if there are questions, my TA will get me the answers.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21060 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 01:38 am | 36th Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: I am a bit surprised so far. I thought the internet high volume mega cruise dealers (Cruise Brotheres. Vacations to go, etc.) would have been represented by now.
Is service really more important than price?"
It is to me. If my TA can come within a reasonable price of the lowest price I've found, I'm willing to pay extra for good service. Period.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21060 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 01:44 am | 37th Post |
|
JenDalessan wrote:
One thing I wanted to mention is KimKruises. Before Kim died she was known for providing very personal service. She called you right back, answered email right away and made you feel important. I think she earned a lot of loyal customers with that kind of service.
Kim was my TA as well! I loved her service! I found her through a referral from a friend who had used her numerous times. I believe her sister, who is a member here, is running the business. I still get e-mails about Princess cruises from her.
____________________
Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
|
JenDalessan
Super Cruiser
| Joined: | Sun Jul 29th, 2007 |
| Location: | Western New York |
| Posts: | 1801 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 02:30 am | 38th Post |
|
hstrybuf wrote: JenDalessan wrote:
One thing I wanted to mention is KimKruises. Before Kim died she was known for providing very personal service. She called you right back, answered email right away and made you feel important. I think she earned a lot of loyal customers with that kind of service.
Kim was my TA as well! I loved her service! I found her through a referral from a friend who had used her numerous times. I believe her sister, who is a member here, is running the business. I still get e-mails about Princess cruises from her.
Yes, Val is now running the agency. I am sure she is providing good service but as of yet the price has not been close enough for us to book through her.
____________________
|
elizabethtaylor
Frequent Cruiser
| Joined: | Mon Mar 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Uganda |
| Posts: | 883 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 04:43 am | 39th Post |
|
JenDalessan wrote: hstrybuf wrote: JenDalessan wrote:
One thing I wanted to mention is KimKruises. Before Kim died she was known for providing very personal service. She called you right back, answered email right away and made you feel important. I think she earned a lot of loyal customers with that kind of service.
Kim was my TA as well! I loved her service! I found her through a referral from a friend who had used her numerous times. I believe her sister, who is a member here, is running the business. I still get e-mails about Princess cruises from her.
Yes, Val is now running the agency. I am sure she is providing good service but as of yet the price has not been close enough for us to book through her.
I've received really good deals from Kim and Val of Kims Kruises. I've used them
5 or 6 times now. Val has always given me fair competitive prices and shipboard
credits. She knows how to apply my FCC [frequent cruise credit]
I end up paying maybe 25 to $50 more per person sometimes, but I get that
back in shipboard credits usually.
I also do all of my own research, compare prices using several different sites and
when ready to book, I will call Val.
I used to use American Express Travel and before that Triple AAA
When doing land-based trips to Hawaii, I no longer use a TA for my package
deal, eschewing the TA in favor of bidding for a room on Priceline or Hotwire,
purchasing airline ticket separately and purchasing rental car through Hotwire
or Priceline. I get excellent deals using this method for land-based trips
only. Got the Westin Kaanapali Maui for $125 per night for our upcoming trip
in September [scored that price last November for 9 nights] Usual rates
for that area are at last $350 - $450 per night.
I would think Priceline and Hotwire are making it hard for travel agents.
|
mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:32 am | 40th Post |
|
I usually do all my own research and book through Best Price Cruises and have yet to find anyone, internet or TA that could beat their price. I watch prices like Shoreguy and with one quick call I get the price reduction if its offered and usually rack up either OBC or free insurance from BPC as well....
I know we have a lot of TA's here and my BIL owns an agency in Munich ( I don't even book thru him.. LMAO) but to me its a dieing industry, maybe a few will survive that have a large customer base but for newbies....I think I would consider a career at McDonalds first!
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
|
mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 04:26 pm | 41st Post |
|
| Bama, Ronald called and said he has an opening in the french fry department!
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 04:30 pm | 42nd Post |
|
mrdawson wrote: Bama, Ronald called and said he has an opening in the french fry department!
I dont even care about your love life!!
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4930 |
| Status: |
Online
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 04:31 pm | 43rd Post |
|
| I can see it now. "Would you like a cruise with that?"
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
KerCar
Frequent Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 04:33 pm | 44th Post |
|
nhrich wrote: I can see it now. "Would you like a cruise with that?"
____________________
Kerry
|
Retired not Expired
Super Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:11 pm | 45th Post |
|
A small town near where I was stationed in Nebraska had a combo mortuary and hardware store.
So Bama, open a mortuary with your travel agency, The ad will make its self.
"You can go with me now, or go with me later"
____________________
I Have The Body of A God....Too Bad It's Buddha
|
BAMA X 2
Teeny Bopper
| Joined: | Mon Jun 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deep Dixie |
| Posts: | 9444 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:27 pm | 46th Post |
|
Retired not Expired wrote: A small town near where I was stationed in Nebraska had a combo mortuary and hardware store.
So Bama, open a mortuary with your travel agency, The ad will make its self.
"You can go with me now, or go with me later"
I like it!
____________________
Island Time Travel
http://www.islandtt.com
|
shoreguy
Charter Member
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:29 pm | 47th Post |
|
nhrich wrote: I can see it now. "Would you like a cruise with that?"
Would you like me to supersize that cabin and get you a suite only an extra 1995 pp.
____________________
“I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead.” Jimmy Buffett
NCL Jade,Gem,Pearl,Jewel,Dawn,Sun Pics
http://community.webshots.com/user/jimalaska
|
JenDalessan
Super Cruiser
| Joined: | Sun Jul 29th, 2007 |
| Location: | Western New York |
| Posts: | 1801 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:30 pm | 48th Post |
|
I keep pricing my upcoming cruise and so far no one has beaten the price. One place came within a $100. I am feeling like I got a good deal.
On my first cruise I paid $900 a person for a balcony gurantee (I was a newbie, what can I say?) and thankfully we were upgraded to the highest grade balcony (on Princess- BA on the Caribe deck).
____________________
|
mrdawson
Funnel Deck Cruiser
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 05:43 pm | 49th Post |
|
JenDalessan wrote: I keep pricing my upcoming cruise and so far no one has beaten the price. One place came within a $100. I am feeling like I got a good deal.
On my first cruise I paid $900 a person for a balcony gurantee (I was a newbie, what can I say?) and thankfully we were upgraded to the highest grade balcony (on Princess- BA on the Caribe deck).
Did you try Best Price Cruises? I would be very surprised if they couldn't beat it....even if by only $20 or $30, unless the price from the cruiseline has gone up since you booked. I have tryed my damnest to find a lower fare than ones quoted from BPC on all my past cruises and have yet to do it!
____________________
Mike
So many Pots....so few spoons!!!!
CTT Master Pot Stirring Advisor
Classy AND Stylish!!
1/09 X Solstice Eastern Carib
6/09 Mariner OTS Mex Riv
5/10 CTT Azul Sensatori AI Party, Riviera Maya
|
nhrich
Charter Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Windham, NH |
| Posts: | 4930 |
| Status: |
Online
|
back to top
|
Posted: Wed Aug 27th, 2008 06:01 pm | 50th Post |
|
BAMA X 2 wrote: Retired not Expired wrote: A small town near where I was stationed in Nebraska had a combo mortuary and hardware store.
So Bama, open a mortuary with your travel agency, The ad will make its self.
"You can go with me now, or go with me later"
I like it!
A few years ago we thought about buying a small motel, and running the agency out of the same office. The ad could have read "Stay here or get out of town".
____________________
Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
|
Current time is 06:59 pm | Page:   1 2 3   |
|
