A lot of people think that booking a cruise directly with the cruise line will save them money. After all, if you cut out the middleman, you should be rewarded with a discounted fare, right?
Unfortunately, in the case of the cruise market, that's not true, for a host of reasons. The cruise lines have a singular business purpose: to get you on their ship. A good travel advisor, however, can find you the best value for your vacation dollar — and usually save you money in the process. We work with you to understand exactly what you're looking for and then match you with the cruise ship or travel vacation that's suited to your individual style.
Why use a travel advisor to book a cruise? Here are 10 good reasons.
Each cruise line and each cruise ship has its own characteristics and qualities. Travel advisors are familiar with the ships, cabins, entertainment, cuisine, onboard payment procedures and much more. They do ship inspections and sail on ships to experience it like a client would. Travel advisors are constantly doing shipboard inspections to stay up to date on which ship best suits each client.
Travel advisors are constantly receiving the latest offers and values directly from the cruise lines, which enable them to provide the best value for the client. Yes, we often have access to specials for passing along to our clients at rates lower than they can get by going directly to the cruise line.
Travel advisors have personal relationships with the cruise lines, from the reservationist all the way up to the CEO, and we can leverage those contacts to accommodate your specific needs.
Booking a cruise is not like buying an airline ticket. Travel advisors are familiar with the different ports of call and are able to create shore experiences for their clients that are not always available through the cruise lines. Travel advisors provide information about the ports that will enable the client to maximize the time they spend ashore.
Travel advisors have access to special incentives provided through the cruise line that are not always available to the public.
Travel advisors are advocates for the client and are able to provide assistance with planning the entire trip from door to door, including transport to the ship, embarkation procedures, visas, travel insurance, evacuation insurance, health recommendations, wardrobe requirements, gratuity policies and even which dining venues are best on each ship.
Travel advisors are collaborative with the clients and are able to match the client's needs to the right ship and destination.
Travel advisors are able to plan pre- and post-cruise experiences, create comprehensive itineraries, book the right hotels, arrange car rentals, train transportation and special experiences.
Travel advisors are able to create a seamless trip that saves the client time, aggravation and the potential for a poorly planned vacation.
Travel advisors are professionals and book hundreds of cruises each year. They know how to get it done and have the resources and experience that cruise clients do not have.
