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Another question: are the cruise prices what they are, no matter whether you book with the line or with a broker? Or are there cheaper places to book than going with the cruise line?
Yes. The big online sites often offer cheaper pricing or a special promotions, but forget about customer service or help with selection. They offer NOTHING beyond booking you on whatever you choose. These can be acceptable for very experienced cruisers.
The cruise lines CAN offer attractive pricing, especially if you're booking super early (like 2 years in advance). But again, they offer little advice except maybe cabin selection.
But your question makes me figure you are not an experienced cruiser. So definitely use a good travel agent who specializes in cruises. Their pricing is usually competitive with the online sites and they can often get you free upgrades. Most importantly, they offer a wealth of information and advice.
Over the years, I've booked using all three options. I would not go directly thru the cruise line again. I do use a TA for itineraries and cruise lines with which I am unfamiliar. I occasionally use the big box online when they have some kind of promo.
I love vacations to go for their search engine, but wouid not use them again for booking. CruCon is slighly better.
A good TA is like a good realtor. They probe you with questions to discover your likes and dislikes, your interests, your budget, etc. And like realtors, there ARE good ones and bad ones. My TA is a good one - knowledgeableven and experienced. PM me if you want her name and number. I'm quite sure you'll have a much better cruise if you use her.
Another question: are the cruise prices what they are, no matter whether you book with the line or with a broker? Or are there cheaper places to book than going with the cruise line?
Do not know the answer. In the past I think pricing did vary but currently I think their might not be any difference. You have to be very careful in comparing prices to make sure you are including all the port taxes etc. You could see price that differ by a few hundred dollars where one has all of the costs and the other does not.
I book directly with the line and through a travel agent. The travel agent may give you a bottle of wine or "free" dinner but the price of the cruise is identical with the cruise line.
The cruise lines do offer discounts by state, time of year, last minute bookings etc. I would get on the mailing lists for the lines you are interested in and the travel agents you might use.
Some lines will let you book rooms by class (inside cabin, outside, lower deck, higher deck etc) with the understanding that they can move you to a more expensive room (higher deck usually). We do this alot. The idea is if all the lower priced rooms are sold and someone wants one they will bump you up to sell the room to the new person.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned 'Vacations To Go' -- An easy place to locate all kinds of cruises (including re-positioning) - searchable with a wide range of comparative criteria and generally pretty good prices.
Both Jkgourmet and I did, it the weblink that is in our post.
Thanks everyone. Only interested in the repositioning cruises, as an alternative to flying, for a change. Not really a cruiser, as most of you have figured out.
Do not know the answer. In the past I think pricing did vary but currently I think their might not be any difference. You have to be very careful in comparing prices to make sure you are including all the port taxes etc. You could see price that differ by a few hundred dollars where one has all of the costs and the other does not.
I book directly with the line and through a travel agent. The travel agent may give you a bottle of wine or "free" dinner but the price of the cruise is identical with the cruise line.
The cruise lines do offer discounts by state, time of year, last minute bookings etc. I would get on the mailing lists for the lines you are interested in and the travel agents you might use.
Some lines will let you book rooms by class (inside cabin, outside, lower deck, higher deck etc) with the understanding that they can move you to a more expensive room (higher deck usually). We do this alot. The idea is if all the lower priced rooms are sold and someone wants one they will bump you up to sell the room to the new person.
I have recently heard Costco and Sams have slightly better prices, but again, you are talking customer service as well. They are not in the travel business thus the agents are simply sales people.
Cruise lines rarely have much better or better deals than a good travel agent and an agent may throw in a few perks. Everyone has to find out for themselves what works best. I always advise, new cruisers use an agent. After a few cruises you can decide what you think will work best for you.
I used an online broker, never again. My husband couldn't go on a $20,000 cruise last minute illness. Online was worthless,
A friend sent me to her's. He helped and you bet he got all my business from there on out.
Thanks everyone. Only interested in the repositioning cruises, as an alternative to flying, for a change. Not really a cruiser, as most of you have figured out.
What are your desired start/end points? If you don't really want to cruise or like cruising, that could be more uncomfortable than flying.
Looking to go between the Northwest and Florida. Vancouver, BC, possibly, or Seattle.
I hope you have a lot of time. The only way to make that trip is through the Panama Canal. Leaving from Vancouver, check out Holland America and Princess cruise lines.
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