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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 12:35 pm | 1st Post |
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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:
Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 12:37 pm by BAMA X 2
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captN
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 01:14 pm | 2nd Post |
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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
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Retired not Expired
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 01:21 pm | 3rd Post |
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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 thing. Same reasons.
The key is to find the TA who is service oriented and knows the business. We've used ours a long time. She knows what we like and all of our requests and special needs and takes care of them without us having to ask.
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 01:35 pm | 4th Post |
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captN wrote: .
BTW ... isn't travel a form of Health Care
My liver says no!!
Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 01:37 pm by BAMA X 2
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BeckyThane
Habitual Cruiser 2500+
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:11 pm | 5th Post |
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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. 
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:20 pm | 6th Post |
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Bama,
I believe Rich will attest to this.............be very careful, first, with what company that you go with and 2.......DON`T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB........this is a very tough business. I have been in it for many years and it is getting more difficult. If you want to PM me, feel free.
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:20 pm | 7th Post |
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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?"
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:23 pm | 8th Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: Bama,
I believe Rich will attest to this.............be very careful, first, with what company that you go with and 2.......DON`T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB........this is a very tough business. I have been in it for many years and it is getting more difficult. If you want to PM me, feel free.
Thanks! I've spoke with Rich, Tim and a few others. I will not quit my day job..................yet! Look for my PM!
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GREGandamy
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:27 pm | 9th Post |
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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?"
We've used TAs on all but one cruise and have been very happy.
Yes, service is more important than price. If all you have is a low price, you can always be beat. Deliver what the big guys can't: personal servcie and communication.
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nhrich
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:29 pm | 10th Post |
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Bama,
Ann is correct, and I know we've had the discussion!
Especially if most of your business is cruises, it's becoming more and more difficult for agents. If you're figuring a typical 7 night cruise, then about $300 per person is not going to be commissionable (non-commissionable fares, taxes, & fuel charges.
It takes a lot of time to build up a TA business from the ground up, especially without any experience in the travel industry.
Oh, and don't waste your time/money with newspaper advertising. It's a total joke. You'll get the people looking for a $299 cruise, or want to go to Vegas for $300 per person (air included).
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nhrich
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:31 pm | 11th Post |
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GREGandamy wrote: 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?"
We've used TAs on all but one cruise and have been very happy.
Yes, service is more important than price. If all you have is a low price, you can always be beat. Deliver what the big guys can't: personal servcie and communication.
Well said, Greg. That's how we've grown our business. Personal service and communication leads to referrals.
If you're competing strictly on price, it's coming directly out of your pocket most times, by rebating commission.
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Carefree Vacations
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:35 pm | 12th Post |
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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?"
Good service will eventually more than equal out the price, even if you just look at price alone.
Look at all the rants on the dark side where very seasoned cruisers has hit a snag and couldn't get it taken care of alone, and the time they spent trying.
When my wife had her emergency major operation, we had to cancel two, one less than two weeks away, the other less than two month. Our TA even filled out most of the insurance paperwork. All I had to do was sign it and attached the doctors report. Had ALL of our money back within a month.
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JenDalessan
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:40 pm | 13th Post |
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We book exclusively via the internet but we are not loyal to any single travel site. We book based on price first and foremost.
We have booked through:
CruiseValueCenter (I think that's the name)
"vacationstogo.com
Smartcruiser (twice now)
KimsKruises
"I think there was another one since we also book cruise for friends who are newbies. I have used CruiseCompete with some success and that helps us find our ideal priced cruise.
"While I don't expect amazing service with an online agency, I can tell you that if they would pay better attention they would get more of our business. For example, I tell them that we love Aft balcony rooms and our preferred line is Princess or NCL. I also tell them that we like to cruise in January or Sept/oct. If they wanted a little more business then they could alert me when a good AFT room is available during those times. So far it has never happened.
NOt sure if this is helpful to you or not. 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. If you get to know the people are you providing service to they are more likely to book with you even if you are a little higher priced. Send a bottle of wine to the stateroom wishing them bon voyage- send luggage tags with your agency name on it- give them a reason to remember you and to want to book with you again.
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.
Bama...all kidding aside, I really think you can do this. You have the right personality to make everyone feel like they are your friend. (even those who don't want to be your friend ) Make personal contact, be a pal, let them know that you really care about their vacation and you will win a loyal following of cruisers. I would never personally book with you since i know you would send me on a Bears cruise and not mention it...but I would pass along your name to people I don't like very much.
Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:56 pm by JenDalessan
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BeckyThane
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:43 pm | 14th Post |
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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?"
Bama, I use VTG and get ~great~ service.
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TydeOne
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 03:27 pm | 15th Post |
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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
Ditto... the piece of mind knowing they are only a call away if there is a problem is priceless.
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shoreguy
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 04:00 pm | 16th Post |
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As usual I am the odd one out.
I have not used a TA for any of my last 12 cruises. I like controlling my own bookings. Watch them like a hawk. I would not expect any TA to focus on single booking like I do. Jade to Norway I caught 5 price reductions totalling almost $2000. The last one was only available for about 4 hours before NCL noticed their error. Who ever hear of a cruiseline dropping the price one day before final was due I have and will pay more to book direct but by the time I cruise in almost all cases I end up with a better deal the the low price online option.
When the upsell fairy reaches out I want that to be directly to me. Having a middle man just adds delay and unless you have a very good TA you may never know about the offer.
In the case of the Jade I got the email at 2:30 and was booked into a courtyard villa by 2:45. They were all gone by 3:30.
For me all the work and even solving the problems when they occur and we all know they will is part of the fun of this hobby/vacation. I don't believe any TA has more contacts at NCL then I do to quickly resolve any issue. That said when I go back to Princess or RCL I will use a TA, their expertise and service.
Back in the day I had a great TA who handled all my corporate travel. When you spend $50,000 a year you get great service and they are very proactive. Booked my first 6 cruises with them. All things come to an end. They lost the corporate account and closed a year later.
I did a short run of 5 cruises with Cruise Value Center before they turned to total junk. It was all about price. I was lucky I could manage them since they are locatted just a few miles from me and I could walk in an resolve issues face to face.
I have never booked online with a Mega TA. I don't want to be lost in the crowd. I have considered and pointed others to Vacations to Go and some of the great deals on the 90 day ticker.
What not to do. In late 2002 when I started to cruise again after a few years off. The Dawn had just come online to good reviews. I decided to book it. I stopped in the local storefront TA in town. I told them I was interested in booking an NCL cruise and they spent the next 20 minutes telling why that was not a good idea and trying to move me to another line. I thanked them and went home and booked the Dawn for Feb 2003 and 14 other NCL cruises that they did not see a single $ from.
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GREGandamy
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 04:29 pm | 17th Post |
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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.
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 04:59 pm | 18th Post |
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JenDalessan wrote: I would never personally book with you since i know you would send me on a Bears cruise and not mention it...but I would pass along your name to people I don't like very much.
 I already spoke with your DH and he requested the Bear cruise!
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:00 pm | 19th Post |
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shoreguy wrote: As usual I am the odd one out.
I have not used a TA for any of my last 12 cruises.
Awesome! My first client!
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insidecabin
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:03 pm | 20th Post |
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We used to use the UK agents that had the offers no loyalty follow the deal, then when we started on the US lines you need to look further and eventualy for NCL this is now mainly through US unless the UK deal is better, usualy if one way air is needed, but risk missing upsell calls.
We did 2 through bestpricecruises.com after a cruisecompete.com request.
Good for price but a little difficult to deal with via email(slow to respond) and phone(time zone), upgrade prices on price drops were never in line with NCL pricing, change fees I guess, and when we did eventualy upgrade the on-line discount was lost so ended up as no saving from a direct booking.
Price drops and upgrade are easier direct with NCL when you have the right contacts
When you are in the low grades(like we are most of the time) on cheaper cruises the discount is not that much anyway so might as well book direct and have total control, higher up grades the difference starts to matter($ks) but having that direct booking has it's advantages.
The last cruise(Jade North cape) was direct NCL and booked on that price drop just before final($1kpp cheaper than the UK) and we also got the upsell email, at 11:30pm our time so into an AD in 30mins, via an agent that would never have happend by the time they would have passed it on we would have been in bed.
The current cruise is through a UK agent, Courtyard Villas at about half the price of NCL direct, no idea how they got the prices but when the only upsell option is to a GV I will take the chance missing that call for the saving. if we had been looking at an inside would have gone direct same/similar prices to TA's.
I am not sure what service a TA can give me except take my money and give it to the cruise line. If something does go wrong I then have to deal with the TA and cannot go direct so in some ways it could be a hinderance.
When the price is right and we have picked the cruise, someone is getting the money.
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:05 pm | 21st Post |
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insidecabin wrote:
I am not sure what service a TA can give me except take my money and give it to the cruise line. If something does go wrong I then have to deal with the TA and cannot go direct so in some ways it could be a hinderance.
My second client!
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Calmac
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:33 pm | 22nd Post |
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Our first couple of cruises were booked with a UK TA who we had used previously for good air fares. The next 1 or 2 were booked directly with NCL in the UK before we
realised that, in most cases, NCL in the US are cheaper!! Like Shoreguy we like to have "control" over our own booking and, given the time difference, being able to contact our PCC at NCL by e-mail is a plus for us.
I would add that we would use a local bricks and mortar TA we are friendly with BUT, UK prices for NCL are generally higher and the TA also charges a percentage to pay by credit card (fairly common in the UK). We don't hunt for the very cheapest fare available but we don't want to pay lots of extra £££££.
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NCL Jade - Irish Escape - 24th May 2009
NCL Pearl - Glacier Bay, Alaska - 9th August 2009
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BAMA X 2
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:42 pm | 23rd Post |
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OK, Now this is getting depressing?
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captN
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:50 pm | 24th Post |
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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.
X 2 !!!! Except since we aren't big wine drinkers we get a small onboard credit .... good for a few cocktails ! Our TA always follows up after our return to get feed back on the trip. We have never had to call for a reduced fare, she always calls us to tell us the fares have been reduced. Also she knows our preferences and if there are upsells she will book us if she feels its a reasonable price. I'm more than happy with the service I get and am not looking to change ... so Bama cross me off your list .... unless of course you got some freebies Last edited on Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:51 pm by captN
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JenDalessan
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 05:52 pm | 25th Post |
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| just for the heck of it I checked pricing with Princess for my upcoming cruise. It would be $500 more (total for 3 peope) if I booked through them. Isn't that crazy?
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