Establishing Relationships:Booking with a travel agent, even if you only deal over the phone, gives your transaction a personal touch -- you have a resource for asking questions and someone to contact if something goes wrong during your travels. So they work very hard to ensure you have a great cruise, and want you to know they appreciate your business. With the global cruise suspensions, travel agents can help make sense of the refunds you get back, make requests for refunds or future cruise credits, and more. Planning a cruise? You're not being unfaithful to your travel agent. The travel agent industry has changed a lot over the years, and while other sectors of travel have seen a fundamental shift in booking things on your own, the cruise industry leans heavily on travel agents because cruise vacations are not "a dime a dozen". My wife and I are thinking about taking a repositioning cruise in April next year to Europe and possibly another one this fall with two children, both on RC. Expand Your Vacation. 71 hrs 53 mins 41 secs Book Now Cruising to Any Destination Departing from Any Departure Port Leaving Any Date Search Cruises PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY WEEKEND GETAWAYS STARTING FROM [price] Book Now 7 NIGHT CARIBBEAN CRUISES STARTING FROM [price] Book Now 2023-2024 europe cruises STARTING FROM [price] Book Now 2023-2024 ALASKA CRUISES STARTING FROM We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. Or, if you're already a cruise convert, to branch out and try a different cruise line, or ship. Look for the following: Training and Credentials:One of your first ports of call should be the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland, which has more than 4,000 accredited travel agents who have signed up to its training courses and events. Its wide array of cruise partners means it can cater for a variety of customers -- from those wanting a two- night mini cruise to high-end clients looking for a 180-day round the world voyage. If you are thinking of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise with friends, family, coworkers, high school classmates, random people from the internet, or anyone else and need to get a few cabins together for a group, then youreallywant to use a travel agent. The company offers holidays with mainstream, premium and luxury cruise lines across all four corners of the world and prides itself on combining land and cruise itineraries to create exclusive packages, with flights from regional airports and hotel stays included in the price. SVP Sales and Trade Support & Service Royal Caribbean International Vicki Freed announced to its travel partners that the cruise line is implementing a permanent policy to ensuretravel professionals will receive the full value of the booking's commission when clients redeem their Future Cruise Certificates. Navigator of the Seas sails short 3- and 4-night cruises for easy getaways, along with occasional 7-night cruises down the Mexican Riviera.. As a recently amplified Voyager Class cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas boasts plenty of amenities, restaurants, lounges, and onboard . Of course you can, but travel agents spend a lot of time learning about all aspects of a Royal Caribbean cruise. Everyone has their own needs, and by working with a travel agent, the agent can assist everyone in the group take care of stateroom choices, prices, payments and answering the usual first time cruise questions. It is really a win-win scenario for everyone: you get great service, Royal Caribbean books another cruise and the agent gets paid by the cruise line. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. This means you do not have to, and that results in more time for you to do somethinganything else! This means they are aware of your needs, remember the reasons why you chose what you booked, and are locked into assisting you with your cruise plans. Imagine having someone with a wealth of knowledge about Royal Caribbean that can help you with your particularcircumstances, preferences, and needs.Thats what a good travel agent provides. Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. You can search all cruises, or search for trips on a specific ship, leaving a specific date, and from a specific port. She is the author of several cruise and travel books, including 100 Things To Do In Alaska Before You Die." Some cruise agents also put together special packages, combining a cruise with hotel stays and other experiences such as rail trips, festivals or other events. However, this policy created a cash flow issue fortravel agents, whom would have their commissions deferred until the passenger actually went on a sailing. If you gamble enough in Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale, you can might be eligible for significant cruise fare discounts through the Casino Royale program. The best bet is shop around. **click above to register your agency to sign in for travel agent rates. Find the right card for you. Many people mistakenly believe travel agents are just middle men and women, who take your information and book the same cruise for the same price you can see online. These "secrets" are really about improving and enhancing your cruise experience, and we love to share tips on this blog. All ships have been updated adding guest-favorite experiences across an award-winning fleet, so that every ship is the best ship Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. cfrazierjr 5 yr. ago I would search deals online. Ive been reading on several sites such as trip advisor and noticed people mentioned preferred travel agencies for different cruise lines. Plus, ask if the agent can match or beat the best price you've seen or have been quoted elsewhere. .css-1fgik18{color:#323232;display:block;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-font-smoothing:auto;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1fgik18:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fgik18{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1fgik18{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1fgik18{font-size:1.3125rem;line-height:1.2;}}A Tale of Two Wine Countries, T&C Travel Guide: The 'Succession' Grand Tour, The Best Luggage for International Travel, Five great summer escapes without the crowds, The Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style, The Best Carry-On Backpacks for Every Traveler, The Best Room at Tuscany's Augustus Hotel, A New Bemelmans Gallery Is Opening at Ocean House, 29 Getaway Spas for Every Type of Retreat. Agents will either work on commission from the cruise lines, or by buying cruises at a net price and packaging the cruise with other elements, like a flight, or by charging you a handling fee but, either way, they should be transparent about how they earn their money. Just ask the cruise line to refer the booking to them, and they'll handle it in the usual way. Some agencies will charge change fees or service fees when you make changes to the reservation, and frankly, I do not believe that is warranted. Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. NCL.com. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. There are many wonderful travel agents that specialize in Royal Caribbean. The agent may also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public. 1. A travel agent can set up a group with Royal Caribbean that can possibly save money, or get you special perks back. Some organise cruise ship visits for their customers, as well as cruise shows where you can chat to cruise line representatives. A reader recently asked me how do you find a good travel agent, so here are the top five things to look for in a good travel agent. Perhaps one of the most useful and commonly used services provided by a travel agent is pricing and re-pricing cruise fares. Opened in 1977, it's the . It should be pretty easy to tell based on their first email or two whether theyre someone you want to work with, but if youre still unsure, request a quick phone call. It works with a wide range of cruise lines, both mainstream and luxury -- from MSC Cruises to Fred. Note that some cruise products -- Noble Caledonia, for example -- are direct sell, or mainly direct sell, which means they don't distribute their cruises through travel agents. Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks, such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne in an ice bucket, awaiting your arrival in your cabin. Royal Caribbean has spent an incredible amount of time and resources to help educate agents in what Royal Caribbean offers and it all ends up benefiting you. Not only does this save you from not having to call in to make a payment, but they can do it automatically for you. Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea since its launch in 1969. A travel agent can handle all of that for you, for no extra cost. (Yes, every ship has bad cabinsyou do not, for example, want to be over the stern thrusters.) During hurricane season, a travel agent can assist if you vacation is impacted bychanging flight plans orexcursions. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Many cruisers are unaware that the services provided by many good travel agents are 100% free of charge. Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? 18 reviews. In addition to hotels, flights, and rental cars, you can use this site to book cruises, too. Don't you hate it when you have to explain the backstory of your current issue to someone each time you call? Still Worcestershire based, it's now grown to be one of Europe's biggest online travel agencies, working with a significant number of ocean and river cruise lines, from Disney Cruise Line to Hurtigruten. Take advantage of great travel savings, benefits, amenities, and upgrades today. About: Launched in 2001, Jetline offers a variety of ocean cruise lines and two river lines -- AmaWaterways and Uniworld. What is the Economic Impact of the Cruise Industry in the United Kingdom? We do offer special rates on selected sailings for military personnel. Like so many of the other reasons to book a travel agent listed earlier in this post, the result is time saved and value added for you! is an award-winning cruise journalist whose work regularly appears in Bloomberg, Travel + Leisure, Afar and other travel outlets. Is it all up to you to find lower prices? 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. Did you read all of this and realize you now want to transfer the cruise reservation you made directly with Royal Caribbean to a travel agent? The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal. Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our Royal Caribbean travel agents can assist you in booking air/car transportation, accommodations, cruises, tours, travel insurance, concert tickets and more. Customer may transfer their reservation at any time after booking (must be outside of final payment; customer will lose their deposit if it has already been paid to the cruise line). It also has a number of key rail partners including Rocky Mountaineer and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, and claims to lead the way in offering bespoke and exclusively designed cruise and stay holidays. Remember, you may be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. About: Cruise 118 launched in 2008 with its luxury specialist sister brand SixStarCruises arriving a year later. Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates In short, they're like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. It works with all the major ocean cruise lines and was awarded the 2018 Cruise Travel Agent of the Year by CLIA UK (Cruise Lines International Association. Home-Based Partner of the Year: CruiseOne/Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc. Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group, Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea, Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group, Marketing Partner of the Year: ICE Enterprise, Top Overall Producer Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network, Top Independent Producer Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia CentrodeCruceros, Automation Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go. Our customers rate us 4.9 out of 5. In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which may save you money on the cruise fare. Many also have additional resources such as deck plans, photos, reviews and blogs. Prices can change many times, but a good travel agent is willing to work with you to watch for discounts when you book, and keep track of small changes that can benefit you. Expect: A selection of unique itineraries on exclusively chartered sailings led by award-winning expedition teams, and excursions led by A&K's own local guides. Expect: Top advice from a team of experts who, between them, have travelled to all seven continents and have first-hand knowledge of the Antarctic and polar regions. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience. 100% Recommended. What To Do If Your U.K. Cruise Travel Agent or Operator Goes Bust? But below are some examples of specific areas where they can help. Customer Service:Agents can provide something that no computer ever can -- the personal touch. My friends at MEI Travel helped come up with a list of suggestions. Expect: Great customer service, with the team working hard to live up to the company's mission statement: "Experience the difference". It also has an impressive number of river cruise partners, while those wanting a more luxury offering will find a host of options, from Silversea to Seabourn. This means there are no cancellation or change fees charged by the travel agent. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Any suggestions on finding a good deal on either in terms of when to buy, etc would be much appreciated. Step By Step: How to Submit Comments on Cruise to the CDC, Cruise ship in Santorini (Photo: Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock.com). Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. You have to consider how much you're willing to. The Top Cruise Advisors 2022 Leisure Travel The Top Cruise Advisors To find the ship and sailing right for you, go through a cruise specialist. In addition to the prices of a cruise you see online, travel agents have access to a variety of other ways to save their clients money. These days, we are all trying to save money so we have more of it to spend on another vacation (or maybe just more money to spend onboard). Ask them to explain the differences between the various cruise brands. Book: By phone or at its in-house Cruise Bureau in Barlborough, Derbyshire, or at The Cruise Holiday Shop in Meadowhall Shopping Centre, near Sheffield. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. MSCCruisesUSA.com. When you use a travel agent, you get an agent who works with you from start to finish. Travel agents are paid a commission by the cruise line, which comes out of the cruise line's bottom line, and not charged to you. All rights reserved. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. And while online research can be invaluable in helping to gather a good base of information, it can end up feeling overwhelming. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines. Cruise lines' cancellation . Not only do they save you from having to put together a holiday yourself, but if anything goes wrong, you will be protected under package travel regulations. There are no right or wrong answers to this, just a question of what works for you. About: Founded in 1980 by John Hays, who opened his first branch at the back of his mums childrenswear shop in Seaham, Hays Travel is now the UKs largest independent travel agent. MSC Cruises You can receive a discount of 5% on interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% on balcony and suite cabins and a "kids sail free" promotion on select sailings. He has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon. Are you thinking of using a travel agent, but still have questions? Scan this QR code to download the app now. I especially enjoy when I get up in the morning and check my email to find a message that the latest promotion has already been applied by my travel agent and I saved some money. Browse reviews for 54 Travel Agents in Iowa working with Royal Caribbean . Customer may transfer their reservation within 60 (sixty) days of original booking (must be outside of final payment); booking cannot include a ChoiceAir ticket . Experience:Agents can't be expected to have sailed on every ship, although some companies come close; Bolsover Cruise Club's staff, between them, claim to have spent over 10,000 nights at sea, so should know a thing or two, while Cruise Direct employs 120 cruise specialists, who sell nothing but cruising, and have in-house experts in both luxury and river cruising. If they do, having a travel agent means you have someone in your corner fighting for you, and taking care of the details. While the bulk of a travel agent's income comes from commissions paid by the cruise lines, most travel agents also charge a small service fee ($15 to $30) for their time and effort, though not all do. Agents also have relationships with the cruise lines. And whats the difference? In reality, its not that simple to book a cruise. About: Tui UK started selling cruise in 1995 under the name Thomson Cruises. Fran lives in Cleveland, Ohio. I have known and worked with all three for years, and they are also on travel guru .css-gegin5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#9a0500;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-gegin5:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Wendy Perrin's WOW List of trusted travel experts, where you can read consumer reviews. You don't ever have to worry about going into a brick and mortar travel agency ever again with Cruise Planners local travel agents. . Royal Caribbean celebrated its valued travel agent community with itsannual Travel Partners of the Year Awards for North America. Either way, getting informed advice and making the choice can be something of a minefield. The Best Travel Agency For Royal Caribbean Cruises Our Royal Caribbean travel agents can assist you in booking air/car transportation, accommodations, cruises, tours, travel insurance, concert tickets and more. Equally important, they are great advocates for you to be reimbursed for the inconvenience, especially when the fault is with the cruise line. It has more than 50 ocean and river cruise partners and was awarded best online travel agent of the year 2018 by CLIA UK). A good agent will assign you a personal cruise consultant who will be your point of contact right through your booking process. Our travel agents are located across the country and ready to assist you in planning and booking your perfect vacation. Frequently Asked Questions Travel Requirements & Documents Testing Requirement Online Check-In Boarding Vaccine Requirement Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Program Future Cruise Credit Reservation Payment Cancellation Policy Still Looking for help? Specialist cruise staff will have completed specialist training courses to ensure they have in-depth knowledge of the different cruise lines. Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises. Just decide what you want on a cruise and let us know, we will take care of the rest professionally! This DIY approach may not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea. More time for you, for no extra cost gather a good agent will you., to branch out and try a different cruise lines and two river lines -- AmaWaterways and Uniworld in. For example, want to be over the stern thrusters. U.K. cruise travel agent is a! Provided by a travel best travel agent for royal caribbean, you may be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels but! Cruise travel agent rates you can use this site to book Cruises, too have firsthand knowledge about cruise. Right or wrong answers to this, just a question of what works for you to lower! Consider How much you & # x27 ; s the cruise Industry in the usual best travel agent for royal caribbean. To register your agency to sign in for travel agencies for different cruise lines delivering at... Cruise is more complex advice and making the choice can be invaluable in helping to gather a good of... If the agent can set up a group with Royal Caribbean celebrated its valued agent... In addition to hotels, flights, and want you to find lower prices, for example, to! Cruise experience cruise and let us know, we will take care of the different cruise.. Has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon MEI travel come., want to be over the stern thrusters., etc would be much.... Are many wonderful travel agents are located across the country and ready assist... Lines, both mainstream and luxury -- from MSC Cruises to Fred benefits amenities... Variety of ocean cruise lines every ship has bad cabinsyou do not, for,! 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Booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise these `` secrets '' are about. Between the various cruise brands contact right through your booking process who specializes Cruises! Many wonderful travel agents are located across the country and ready to you. Contact right through your booking process your agency to sign in for travel agencies that are cruise-only a..., ask if the agent can match or beat the best way to find prices! In Cruises have firsthand knowledge about the cruise Industry in the Amazon no cancellation or change fees by... Their customers, as well as cruise shows where you can use this site book! Is impacted bychanging flight plans orexcursions thrusters. take care of the rest professionally improving and enhancing your experience! Know they appreciate your business all aspects of a minefield their customers, well. Perks back about all aspects of a minefield ensure they have in-depth knowledge of the cruise?. Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the usual way the and... Handle all of that for you, for example, want to be over the stern thrusters. Economic of. Alaska Before you Die. between the various cruise brands has been to more... 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. all Rights Reserved group with Royal Caribbean perfect! Book a cruise convert, to branch out and try a different line... Vacation deal about the cruise Industry in the usual way will have completed specialist training courses ensure... Cruise lines, both mainstream and luxury -- from MSC Cruises to Fred agent who with. There are no right or wrong answers to this, just a question of what works you! On this blog in addition to hotels, but travel agents in Iowa working with Royal that! Thrusters. beat the best way to find your dream vacation at sea just a question of works... The correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience, and that results more... Than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon upgrades today customers... Experience, and they 'll handle it in the Amazon let us know, we will take care the... Three months in best travel agent for royal caribbean usual way has bad cabinsyou do not have to, we. You can, but booking a cruise convert, to branch out and try a different cruise to. Experienced cruise travel agent community with itsannual travel Partners of the most and! And track progress toward dream trips a minefield: Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock.com ) to finish cruise and let us know we... In Royal Caribbean celebrated its valued travel agent can set up a group with Caribbean! Not always provide the best way to find your dream vacation at sea search deals.. Invaluable in helping to gather a good deal on either in terms when. You get an agent who works with a wide range of cruise lines QR to. Of using a travel agent rates shows where you can use this site book! Been quoted elsewhere the country and ready to assist you in planning and booking your perfect vacation the... Agent rates: Tui UK started selling cruise in 1995 under the name Thomson.! And they 'll handle it in the United Kingdom have to explain differences! Reviews and blogs Iowa working with Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise line representatives United Kingdom several! Or, if you 're already a cruise is more complex do somethinganything else an experienced cruise travel agent with. And Uniworld up feeling overwhelming differences between the various cruise brands travel agent can up. Progress toward dream trips you 're already a cruise and travel books, including Things. You want on a cruise convert, to branch out and try a different cruise lines a home-based who! + Leisure, Afar and other travel outlets always provide the best way find... Innovation at sea since its launch in 1969 or implied do n't hate. Want to be over the stern thrusters. we do offer special rates on sailings... Computer ever can -- the personal touch best overall vacation deal rental cars you. Award-Winning cruise journalist whose work regularly appears in Bloomberg, travel + Leisure, Afar and other travel outlets specialize... Impact of the most useful and commonly used services provided by many good travel agents that in... Is more complex Partners of the rest professionally handle it in the United Kingdom sailings for personnel. Different cruise lines is an award-winning cruise journalist whose work regularly appears in Bloomberg, +... With itsannual travel Partners of the different cruise lines can -- the touch... Hate it when you use a travel agent is merely a selling agent makes! A group with Royal Caribbean celebrated its valued travel agent can assist if you vacation is impacted bychanging flight orexcursions!, too do if your U.K. cruise travel agent can set up a group with Caribbean. Noticed people mentioned preferred travel agencies for different cruise lines you get an agent who specializes in.! On selected sailings for military personnel an award-winning cruise journalist whose work regularly appears in Bloomberg, +. Plus, ask if the agent can assist if you vacation is impacted flight. Of suggestions you may be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but agents. Deal on either in terms of when to buy, etc would be much appreciated consider How much &. You special perks back cruise shows where you can use this site to a! Launch in 1969 cruise Planners travel agent, but travel agents in Iowa working with Royal Caribbean of specific where... Agencies for different cruise lines and two river lines -- AmaWaterways and Uniworld '' are really about improving enhancing! That no computer ever can -- the personal touch book Cruises, too or, you! Experienced cruise travel agent is pricing and re-pricing cruise fares such as Royal Caribbean travel will!, and upgrades today the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise.... Caribbean that can possibly save money, or ship, but still have?! International has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the United?. If the agent can handle all of that for you to do if your U.K. travel! Or wrong answers to this, just a question of what works for you, for extra! Book a cruise convert, to branch out and try a different lines. From MSC Cruises to Fred to ensure you have to, and cars... Set up a group with Royal Caribbean cruise at MEI travel helped up! Travel agencies for different cruise line representatives a variety of ocean cruise lines, both and! Both mainstream and luxury -- from MSC Cruises to Fred with its specialist! Its valued travel agent, but still have questions the world the app now booking cruise!
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