Fortunately I had it flagged and went today, the due date and made payment.

My question of the many agents out there who are on the ball;

Do you normally call the client and remind them when final payments are due.

Question about calling the client. Yes Agents call the client, usually at least a week before the final payment is due.

As far as loosing the deposit, it really depends on the cruise line as to how long they will wait after the due date for payment. Some cruise lines will wait a couple of extra weeks without cancelling the cruise whereas others do it almost straight away. It is always wise for the Agent to inform the Cruise line that they are having problems getting hold of the client and they will usually wait.

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Originally posted by DianaD:
Firstly it would be wise to find an agent and stick with them.
Of course the client who wants everything at a discount frequently gets a discount agent!!!

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I know the feeling and frustration you've experienced. I had an excellent TA several years ago, who kept me informed on all aspects pertaining to any cruise or trip I booked with her. Unfortunately, she moved and couldn't compete with today's megasite pricing.
It became frustrating talking to some TA's who knew next to nothing about the cruise industry.. Be careful of certain "on-line" agencies who have a high turnover rate. I had a bad experience with one, where they never requested final payment when it was due. After waiting a few days, I called them. They claimed they were "upgrading" software and somehow "lost" my file. I then asked how many others this may have happened to, but they had not a clue!
Now, when I book, I ask the exact date that final payment's due, request the info "in writing and stated on my confirmation sheet".That way, I'm in control and not waiting for them to contact me

I prefer to deal locally with someone who has been around awhile

Unfortunately, the individual agent earns little income in this business, and small agency owners are being squeezed out by larger corporate agencies that enjoy volume discounts.

To me the best type of agent is the recent retiree working part time. These persons I find to have extensive knowledge and business experience and do not feel pressured to make the sale.

The in store type dillybars who spend most of their time dreaming about far away places instead of experiencing them leave me cold.

The reference to "discount agents" leaves me with the same feeling. At most, a local agent may offer 5% on the price of a cruise. This would amount to $200 on the majority of my trips.
I would prefer to pay full pop to an agent and have them handle my arrangements reliably.
This should not be confused with wholesaler cost where I expect the agent to work for me to get the best price going.

[ 02-28-2002: Message edited by: topgun ]

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Originally posted by DianaD:
One really has to know where the ships are going these days and not rely on the brochures.

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As DianaD says, the brochures are in a complete mess. Itineraries have been dramatically changed, and some reprints are only just reaching the TA's. The ones on the shelves at present are often out of date.

In the 'Ship Reviews' section (Menu left) Joe has listed all of the Cruise Line web sites. This is a GREAT way to keep in touch with the changes.

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Originally posted by Green:
A 'somewhat' specific request is required to obtain worthwhile information - regardless of what you're shopping for. A reputable Agency will either have the information at it's fingertips or, with a phone call, can get it.

As DianaD says, "....... it would be wise to find an agent and stick with them."

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