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[ 04-27-2001: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]
Watch out for the real low rates that some cruise agencies advertise. Often times it is a minimum category that may even be a tiny cabin with uppers & Lower beds (bunk beds). Be sure that the rate you are quoted includes Cruise, All taxes and fees, airfare, air taxes, insurance (insurance is optional). Sometimes a cruise agent will advertise a real low rate, but then when you go to book it, that rate for that category is not available. The cruise agent may block space on a ship and advertise the the lead fare which is a minimum category. Be sure to get your quote in writing from the agent, and get the agent's name. The problem with buying a cruise from the internet is that you cannot really get to know the cruise specialist and take advantage of the service of a cruise counsellor, who will help you make choices based on what you want in a cruise. These days you don't need to go into the physical address of an agent, but it does help to speak to a person.
I cannot speak for the agencies you asked about, but the bottom line is to find a cruise specialist who will consistently commit to searching for the lowest rates available, and follow through with great service. All this bouncing around from one agent to another, and wondering who has the lowest rates is really for the birds, you need to find an agent you can trust and stick with them unless they really screw up or something.
Another thing to keep in mind is that nearly every cruise agency in the country has access to the SAME RATES. Some agencies may have special group space that they are trying to sell, which may have some lower rates. Some agencies may do what is called "rebating", which is frowned upon. Rebating is when an agent cuts into their commissions just to get the sale. The amount of savings from rebating for the consumer is really minimal, and it's not fair to the agent to not receive full hard-earned commissions on a cruise sale. By the way, the cruise lines pay the travel agent a commission.
I wish you good luck with your cruise-booking process and I hope that I've been able to help you.
If you are interested in advertising on the site or interested in licensing our cruise database to use on your site feel free to contact me directly.
Joe at TravelPage.com
quote:Originally posted by Dennis Holland:When searching for a cruise with cruise agencies, what should I look out for?
Why not give Travelpage a go?
(I'm not on commission, really! )
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