best way to book a cruise

[pezmanffx]

I'm in the market for another cruise and I have no idea what I should do. I just cant decide on an itenary.I just cant decide on which one to take. I know I would likea 7 day carribean and would like to go on RCCL. There would be 2 of us and it would be for september o6. I wasnt too impressed with booking the last 2 cruises online.

[ebrener]

I'd recommend a visit to your local travel agent. Otherwise, ask any of us travel agents on this board for our help. Do you have any specific questions about the itineraries, ships, cabins, categories, etc.?

Regards,

Enrique

[BPoland]

Originally posted by ebrener@Dec 28 2005, 04:22 PM
I'd recommend a visit to your local travel agent. Otherwise, ask any of us travel agents on this board for our help. Do you have any specific questions about the itineraries, ships, cabins, categories, etc.?

Regards,

Enrique
16398


Enrique is right. All of us would be glad to answer questions, but I think your best path would be to use a local travel agent. Either face to face or over the phone, a TA can help you sort out the itineraries, make sure you are on the right ship, and be there for you every step of the way :)
In most cases a TA will be a member of a consortium (a group of agents/agencies that have banded together in order to get better prices and service for their clients) many of whom have access to blocked space on ships.
You may very well get a price certainly as good and possibly better than what you can see on the internet. Plus you have someone that will act as your advocate from beginning to end.

[sheila mccleery at katlintravel]

Originally posted by pezmanffx@Dec 28 2005, 01:59 PM
I'm in the market for another cruise and I have no idea what I should do. I just cant decide on an itenary.I just cant decide on which one to take. I know I would likea 7 day carribean and would like to go on RCCL. There would be 2 of us and it would be for september o6. I wasnt too impressed with booking the last 2 cruises online.
16385

Try using a travel agent. We are not going to sell you something that doesn't work for you. They will advise on itineraries and amounts of time at sea and at port. Most agents are familiar with almost all cruise lines and what they can offer for couples, families, and singles.

[silver cloud]

I usually book online because I have time to research. However, I always give my local travel agent a try first. Sometimes he'll tell me to grab it while it's hot because even he can't get that price. I've had no problems whatsoever.

[Ned]

Originally posted by pezmanffx@Dec 28 2005, 02:59 PM
I'm in the market for another cruise and I have no idea what I should do. I just cant decide on an itenary.I just cant decide on which one to take. I know I would likea 7 day carribean and would like to go on RCCL. There would be 2 of us and it would be for september o6. I wasnt too impressed with booking the last 2 cruises online.
16385

I consider myself an experienced cruiser. I've been on multiple cruises to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. I generally know the ins and outs of cruising and the myriad of choices which must be made when booking a cruise. I also am good around computers and web sites. I'm a computer/network consultant and create/maintain web sites.

When it comes to a quick business trip involving a flight there and back, a hotel, and a rental car, I book them myself, online. If the trip's more complicated like my combo convention then vacation trip to Las Vegas in March and then off to the Grand Canyon, etc. I let my travel agent do the work.

And when it comes to a cruise, or cruisetour I always let my travel agent do the work. I can't tell you how many times he's kept us out of trouble and how much money he's saved us. His experience in both setting up trips and in knowing the destinations is invaluable.

I echo many of the above posters. See a good travel agent, one with cruising experience. Enjoy your cruise, and have a happy and healthy new year!

[Eileen Sellers]

I would also like to suggest you visit a travel agent. All things look alike on the web. Putting your personality into the picture is where your travel agent can make the difference.

Although, researching on the web is a good thing. Taking the time to find a couple of things that really appeal to you first and bringing them to your agent is a help.

[powerbroker]

As a travel agent, I would have to agree with the above recommendations on using a local travel agent for assistance and booking your cruise. However, I would also suggest that you be open in your discussions. You indicated that you wanted RCCL without indicating a reason for your choice. RCCL has a sister cruise line -- Celebrity -- that is more upscale, more service oriented and more spacious. For a few dollars more, you could be living like a king and queen as the TV ads show. On the other hand, if you want rock climbing, roller skating and the like, then RCCL is your better choice.

But there are probably a dozen cruise lines operating in the Caribbean at that time of the year and all with different onboard environments and different itineraries and a travel agent can help you to sort out your choices.

[brisas]

I too am a travel agent so, as did all those ahead of me, will naturally advise you to discuss your vacation plans with a local travel agent.

But don't go to just any travel agent. No travel agent can be, or wants to be, all things to all people. When it comes to a cruise, ask the prospective agent which CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) designation s/he has earned. Without any such designation, who knows who you are dealing with. It could be a bit like dealing with a car salesman who, yesterday, was selling shoes.

[travelwhiz]

One other thing I would add to the above is that you ask friends, family and co-workers to recommend a travel agent that they have worked with in the past. Call and talk to them on the phone, if you feel that the agent will work for you give them your details....if not go to someone else. I always tell my customers that travel agents and clients need to work well together. Planning this type of trip is very personal and you need to feel like the agent is working to find you the right cruise line, itinerary, cabin selection and price.

As a travel professional I know that I can not be all things to all customers but when the relationship works it is good for both sides.

Good luck and have a wonderful cruise.

[willysgrandma]

Originally posted by pezmanffx@Dec 28 2005, 02:59 PM
I'm in the market for another cruise and I have no idea what I should do. I just cant decide on an itenary.I just cant decide on which one to take. I know I would likea 7 day carribean and would like to go on RCCL. There would be 2 of us and it would be for september o6. I wasnt too impressed with booking the last 2 cruises online.
16385

As a travel agent and a frequent cruiser, cruises are my favorite travel to book. Try and find a local travel agent that does do frequent cruises, they can steer you to different cruise lines and itineraries and even make recommendations on interesting shore excursions.

Also, try different cruise lines - some have slightly differetn tinineraries.

We love the new dining options of different lines where you can eat when you want where you want, many lines offer this now and it's fun to try if you haven't gone on a cruise that offers it.