Travel Agent for a Cruise?

kmt_cas

Do you recommend using a travel agent for a cruise?  FI and I used a TA for our last vacation (not a cruise).  She was nothing great although nothing went wrong either.  We're waiting to go on our honeymoon until December because of FI's rotation schedule - so I won't be stressed because of the wedding planning (getting married in June).  I've never been on a cruise so I'm a total novice but I think I could figure it out on my own.  Do you think we should use a TA?  What has your experience been?

Blonde407

I have used the same TA for all of my cruises and wouldn't book one without her.  Our TA has also saved us a lot of money.  We usually book a year out to when we are going to sail and she checks the prices every day up until final payment for sales, price reductions, or ways she can get us credits, etc.  Most TA's don't do this because it takes away from their commission from the cruiselines.  And if you book through a cruiseline YOU have to look for the sales and call and get the price changed yourself.  So for me it is just so much easier and less stressful leaving it in the hands of a professional.
My TA's name is Diane and is with Happy Cruiser's in Orlando, FL.  Her website is www.happycruisers.com if you want to look into her :-)

king26

I've always used a TA through AAA for my cruises.  There are some good discounts, and she always helps us find the best deals.  For example-1 year my cruise was $250 cheaper then my brother's because there was a discount for residents in Maryland-I wouldn't have known if she hadn't told me.  SO I think it's a good way to go, they can also tell you about the excursions and which are really good.

nicolevolodya

I use my aunt who is a travel agent.  I used her for two cruises and will be using her for my honeymoon in October of 2010 as well.  I think it's better to be safe then sorry.  They plan everything for you.  A no worry honeymoon is exactly what i want.  Hope this helps!

kmt_cas

Thanks ladies   I really appreciate your input.

Blonde - thanks so much for your rec.  Do you know if she would work with someone out of state?  Being in MA, I wouldn't be able to go in to her agency.  Then again I could always contact her and ask   Lol but I figured I would ask you first.

Blonde407

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_travel-agent-cruise?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:3d9867c6-52d8-4bc1-9a22-6cb1e3969751Post:46b82fac-b10c-411d-a0ff-a9e8b6cd37b8">Re: Travel Agent for a Cruise?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks ladies :)  I really appreciate your input. Blonde - thanks so much for your rec.  Do you know if she would work with someone out of state?  Being in MA, I wouldn't be able to go in to her agency.  Then again I could always contact her and ask :)  Lol but I figured I would ask you first.
Posted by kmt_cas[/QUOTE]

She works with a lot of my friends that are out of state and they are always amazed at how fast she gets back to them :-)  One thing... if you have a yahoo email address check your spam... for some reason yahoo likes to eat emails from her lol.  Good luck :-)  And if you have any other questions you can email at Blonde407@aol.com