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In addition, an agent can answer any questions or assuage any apprehensions you might have about taking a cruise for the first time. CLIA Certifications require core curriculum training, cruise line product training, ship inspections and cruising experience. Attainment of each ascending level of Certification reflects a greater commitment on the part of the Certified Agent to acquire the expertise to better assist you in planning your next cruise. From booking your first cruise to understanding onboard perks -- the questions can be overwhelming, especially for anyone that is new to cruise. Online sellers, as well as sites like Cruise Critic, can provide you with lots of information -- deck plans, cabin layouts and information about cruise ship amenities and in-port activities -- to help you book.
All the cruise lines in one place
Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea. You can search for a CLIA-certified travel agent on the organization's website.
How to Select a Travel Agent
Agents with a CLIA Certification icon below their name have passed a rigorous program of courses designed to elevate their cruise travel expertise. Refer to the key on the right side of the results page to understand CLIA Certification levels. Not only do our cruise travel agents provide an invaluable travel service, they can also save you money on your next cruise vacation. Your cost for booking a cruise through a Cruise Planners travel agent may include exclusive amenities and upgrades that are not usually available with many online travel booking services. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process.
Margaritaville at Sea Launches New Travel Agent Incentive - Cruise Industry News
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Shopping for Great Deals
But, your relationship with an agent doesn't tend to end after one trip. The agent will keep you in his or her database, alert you to deals or sales and can even suggest future trip ideas. With everyone attached to their phones, laptops and tablets, many people assume that online is the only way to book travel. But, as booking online can often be confusing, a travel agent might be just what you need. Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs.
We have great relationships with all the major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, and more. It's easy to independently book flights, hotels and car rentals, but cruises are a different story. Since most of us haven't used a travel agent in a long time (if ever!), we'll lay out for you the pros and cons of using a cruise travel agent versus online booking.
Travel agents can get better deals on cruises
Finally, as cruise lines pay agent commissions, you don't have to worry about paying extra for their planning services. Question the agents on cruising trends or up-and-coming destinations, and ask them to explain the differences between cruise lines. Find out how many cruises they've taken that year and with which lines they've personally cruised.
You can book a cruise through a huge travel retailer with branches around the country, a local cruise agency or even a home-based agent who will talk cruising with you at your local coffee shop. If you're interested in a specific type of cruising (such as river cruising or luxury travel), look for agencies that specialize in the line or type of cruising you prefer. They'll often have more complete knowledge of your choices than a generalist. For example, if you want to cruise one of Europe's rivers in an intimate riverboat, you might not want to book with an agent who specializes in selling holidays on 3,000-person mega-ships. You should consider an online booking if you're an experienced cruiser, know exactly which sailing and cabin you prefer and are savvy about finding the best deal.
You should also book online if you're the kind of person who enjoys the research process and wants to use Web-based resources to plan the perfect cruise. Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk. Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you. If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines.
International Agents
A travel agent is afulfiller of dreams, offering all the tips you need about our ships, activities, and destinations! Carnival does not verify that the contact information below is accurate or complete. If you like saving time and money before, during, and after your vacation cruise, contact us today. We have local, regional, and national experienced travel agents located throughout the country ready to assist you with booking your perfect vacation.
The upside to booking a cruise online is you have many options and can do your travel research and purchasing at whatever time is most convenient to you. Cruises can be booked online through the cruise line directly or via a third-party online cruise seller. You also can sign up for email alerts to inform you about last minute deals, price drops and limited-time promotions.
Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff. You should book your cruise with a travel agent if you're a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals. At Cruise Critic, we tend to think that most people should use a travel agent for the best experience. This could also include researching fares online and then calling up travel agent representatives who work for an online retailer.
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