Do you feel like going on a cruise for, perhaps, your first adventure at sea? You must be overwhelmed and thinking to secure the vacation with a click of a mouse. But wait – Don’t let your excitement result in steering away from seasoned advice that can only come from a professional travel agent. If you believe booking a cruise online is a surefire way to a successful trip, we feel sorry to say that you could be mistaken.
Why are we saying so? You will find your answers in the ongoing discussions. So, without dragging the conversation any further, let’s delve into the crux of the topic.
Why Do You Need a Cruise Travel Agent?
Surely, the following reasons will be enough to persuade you to have a travel agent for booking your next vacation by the sea.
Saves You From Shelling Out Big Bucks!
If you think hiring a travel agent breaks the bank, it’s high time you change your perspective. And, that is because the cost of hiring a travel agent is certainly not what you might have thought.
In reality, a cruise travel agent helps you avail better deals than the online retailers or even the luxury lines themselves. And this happens because a good travel agent has access to exclusive cruise prices, deals, and discounted rates for the group.
Not to mention, the best agents also give their clients the add-ons such as a complimentary bottle of champagne or meal, prepaid gratitude, onboard credit, or free transfer to the airport. Additionally, they give refunds in case the cruise prices and rates drop.
Furthermore, specialist travel agents don’t charge for their services since the cruise line reimburses them.
Accompanies You Till The Very Last!
After you are done with the cruise selection with the agent’s help, the booking process is still challenging. But, qualified agent backing your process, you don’t need to worry about it. He will accompany you to secure the right cabin type, the best spot for dinner seating, and sort your travel insurance as well.
In a nutshell, a good agent helps you with the rest of the travel plans, including but not limited to airfares, pre or post-cruise stays, and transfers.
Your Personal Travel Style Gets Attended!
It’s hard to find someone who understands your individual travel style. However, a good cruise travel agent has a farsighted eye that makes him able to cater to your unique demands. Alongside, he ensures offering cruise products and facilities that fulfill all your special requirements perfectly.
For example, he will take further considerations into account.
- Your demand for the speed of the trip.
- Your choice of solo traveling.
- Your plans for multigenerational trips (including children, grandparents).
- The need for arranging a wedding function onboard.
- Choices of kosher or gluten-free meals.
- Accessibility issues.
You Find an Itinerary Ally!
Booking your cruise with a travel agent surrounds your transaction with a personal touch and security. You may ask questions and contact him if you find that something goes wrong during your voyage. Not to mention, your ties with the agent don’t break at the end of the trip. You can enjoy your relationship by receiving alerts about deals, sales, and suggestions about future trips as well.
Getting To Know the Factors That Make a Cruise Travel Agent worth Hiring
Considering having the right travel agent on your side? Here’s what will help you make an educated decision.
Credentials and Affiliations Speak For Their Credibility!
Inquire whether the agent is accredited from CLIA’s Cruise Academy and which cruise lines he has taken his courses. This information helps in cracking their degree of expertise.
Moreover, you should check for their association. Their credibility will be confirmed from their accreditations with NACOA (National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies), BBB (Better Business Bureau), AAA, or ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).
Cruising Knowledge Is What Makes Them Stand Out!
Novice agents can turn your aquatic adventure into a nightmare.
So, what can you do to find whether they are equipped with sheer knowledge or not? The answer lies in doing a thorough research and asking questions from the agent. If they catch the queries and hit back with satisfactory responses, it means that they’ve passed the test of the best agent for you!
What Would You Be Asking?
- Best cruising destinations and trends
- Difference between the cruise lines
- The number of cruises they have taken this year and with which lines they have personally sailed
- Whether or not he is a cruise specialist — either within a larger general agency or at a cruise-dedicated agency
The more knowledge an agent has, the more intellectual advice you will receive. Since arranging a cruise is a crucial step that requires a greater degree of understanding, only an experienced travel agent can ace this feat for you. For example, a good agent can prevent you and your offspring from a cruise line that serves ONLY adults. And, it is an agent who can steer you away from a ship crowded with spring-break college kids if you were about to land on your romantic venture.
If They Interview You, They Are a Good Fit Then!
Their probing nature shows that they excel at what they do and are devoted to their job. If he interviews you about your unique itinerary and cruise line requirements, you should consider that agent.
These questions include:
- Where do you usually go
- Who else is going (single, couple, family)
- What is your travel style (dining habits, activity preferences, and entertainment choices)
- What are your budget constraints
Their Specialization Is What Complements Your Choices
You may be interested in a particular cruising type (luxury travel or river cruising). For that, you need to search for agencies that are specialists in your preferred type or line of cruising. And this is so because a generalist may not have the kind of knowledge that a specialist has.
More Connections, More Peace of Mind!
Seek for those travel agents who share cordial connections with cruise lines or are a part of travel consortiums. Having affiliations with these entities will help an agent offer you better deals, upgrades, and whatnot.
Go For Those Who Offer Special Offers!
Who doesn’t want free perks, discounts, and other incentives? Well, everyone does!
Look for agents who will effectuate your such longings by scanning the advertisements. As some cruise lines don’t allow the agents to publicize the facilities, you might not find any mentions of the promotions. In that case, ask the agent yourself.
Size Matters The Most!
You have different options to book a cruise. You may book from a huge travel retailer around the country, a home-based agent, or a local cruise agency.
Here every category offers you different perks. For example, if you hire an independent agent, you may receive more customized services. However, if you connect with a large company having a vast volume of bookings, you may be presented with crazy deals.
Decide what best meets your goals and pocket!
Wrapping It Up
With the above narration, the need for a cruise travel agent is quite evident. We believe for your next vacation at sea, you will surely be accompanying one by your side too. After all, no one wants to turn an exciting cruise trip into a disaster!
