There’s a lot involved in planning a cruise. Between booking flights, finding the right accommodations for everyone in the family, and staying within your budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to do it all on your own. That’s where cruise travel agents come in.
Working with a cruise travel agent to plan your vacation can be extremely helpful and cost effective. Your cruise travel agent has industry contacts and experience that might help you get discounts or special perks. And having an expert do your travel planning for you will save you a lot of time and stress. Use these tips to make sure you get the most out of your cruise travel agent.
Finding a Cruise Travel Agent
First you need to find a travel agent who you feel comfortable working with. Shop around and ask lots of questions. Find out if prospective agents specialize in a certain type of cruise and if they’re knowledgeable about the cruise destinations you’re interested in. Learn as much as you can about their experience and credentials. It’s important to choose a reputable, experienced agent who’s associated with a trusted and well established company.
Working with a Cruise Travel Agent
Once you’ve found an agent you like, you should provide him or her with all the information needed to plan your perfect cruise vacation. And don’t leave out the details, even if they seem insignificant. For example, your travel agent probably won’t ask you if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. It’s important to talk about special dietary requirements or other needs that revolve around your health, beliefs or personal preferences. That way, your agent can be sure that your special requirements are met, and that you’re fully satisfied with your cruise.
Cruise Prices and Discounts
One of the perks of working with a cruise travel agent is that he or she can help you get the most for your money. If you have a specific budget for your cruise, and you absolutely can’t go over it, make sure your cruise travel agent knows this right up front. If your budget has a little room for leeway, let him or her know. This ensures that your agent won’t waste your time with cruise vacations that are out of your price range, and frees up his or her time to hunt down the best bargains for your resources.
Ask your travel agent about discounts, free upgrades, and other ways to get more out of your cruise without going over budget. Your cruise travel agent will have contacts in the travel and cruise industry that might help you save money. In some cases, for example, you can get discounts by booking flights, lodging, and the cruise all in one package.
You can also save money by booking late in the season, even a up to a few weeks before the ship is scheduled to leave port. Waiting to book your trip can be risky, but if you’ve got strong nerves, your cruise travel agent can help you reap the rewards. Cruise prices drop to rock bottom in those few weeks before the vacation actually starts, and your agent could help you snag a cheap cabin or take advantage of other great last minute incentives.
Try to be Flexible
The more flexible you are with your travel requirements, the more easily your cruise travel agent can help you get a good deal. For example, are you willing to be flexible regarding the type of cabin you want? Or perhaps you can leave for your vacation a day early to take advantage of lower air travel prices. Let your cruise travel agent know if you’re willing to make small compromises here and there. It could save you a significant amount of money.
Other Questions to Ask your Cruise Travel Agent
It’s important to establish an open dialogue with your cruise travel agent, and to ask lots of questions. You need to understand all of the details of your cruise and know what to expect once you’re onboard. Use the questions below as a starting point when you’re working with a cruise travel agent, and be sure to ask plenty of your own too.
* Will the agent handle all of your trip bookings, including extras such as rental cars and activities in stopover cities?
* Will the agent be available to help solve problems that arise during the trip, or does the agency have a point of contact local to your destination?
* Can the agency supply travel insurance?
* Are there local customs or any passport or other regulations you should be aware of in your destination country?