5 Ways to Book a Cruise
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should use a travel agent or book your cruise directly with the cruise line. Even if you're sure you'd like the help of an agent, there are many different types agents to choose from. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option:
Option #1: Brick-and-Mortar Agency
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This is a physical travel agency located in your city.
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How to find the best local travel agency?
The good news is there’s no shortage of resources when it comes to finding a good local travel agency. A great way to start is simply doing your own research online. In most cases, there’s no shortage of reviews, comments and recommendations from previous travelers. You can simply perform a search on Google or your preferred search engine for “local travel agencies” and you will undoubtedly receive several results.
You can also look for trusted resources like Yelp, Yellowpages and others where users have happily provided feedback. Another great option is to utilize social media. Ask for recommendations on Facebook from family and friends. It’s a great way to get resources from people you trust.
Most Important things to remember
Not all travel agents are experts in the cruise industry. It’s best to find a travel agent that specializes in helping travelers book cruises. The right travel agent will be able to book a cruise that fits your needs. This requires a good understanding of what each cruise line and ship offers and how they line up with what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation. If you’re a couple looking for a quiet and romantic cruise, your agent needs to know enough to steer you away from lines and itineraries that cater to the loud party crowd.
Option #2: Cruise-Specialist Travel Agency
These are travel agencies that, first and foremost, sell cruises. You’ll find these agencies online, but they typically handle as many bookings over the phone as they do over the Internet. Examples are agencies like CruisesOnly, Cruise.com, Cruise411 and CruCon Cruise Outlet. In the interest of full disclosure, Cruiseline.com’s parent company, World Travel Holdings, owns CruisesOnly, Cruise411, and several other cruise-specialist agencies.
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How to find the best cruise-specialist agency?
Cruise-specialist agencies live and breathe cruising. So if you’re looking for detailed information, tips, and advice from experts who know the industry inside and out, this is where you’ll find it. But, just like your local travel agency (and pretty much every option on the list), to find the best option, you’ll need to do your research.
Mostly, these types of agencies will have no shortage of reviews and engagement from users. Check social media to see the conversation surrounding each agency and their reviews.
If their website has a forum, you can often find users sharing their opinion about their experience with the company. Browse the forum portion of their website and see if you find any red flags.
Lastly, take some time to engage with the website to analyze their booking process. Is it simple to find the information that you need? Is there clarity in what you’re booking? Do they identify all fees and financial obligations? Can you easily talk to someone directly if you have questions? This is all about the trust factor, and when making a purchase like this, you want to know that you can fully trust who you’re doing business with.
Most Important things to remember
Cruise-specialist agencies know cruising. They have in-depth knowledge and, more than likely, first-hand experience. This can be a major plus when needing help to meet your cruise needs and finding the best cruise deals. Also, they can have direct relationships with cruise lines, opening up certain options or deals that travel agencies might not have access to.
However, keep in mind that with those close relationships come incentives for these particular types of agencies. They may sometimes get a little pushy with a particular cruise line. Keep asking questions about why they're recommending this cruise.
Option #3: Online Travel Agency
There are numerous online agencies, the largest of which include Expedia and Orbitz. As the technology evolves, these have become an increasingly popular method of booking cruises.
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How to find the best online travel agency?
Many users go with the brand they recognize or have used the most. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you might want to take some time to shop around before committing to what you’ve always used to book a hotel or flight. Remember, cruises are a whole different ball game.
Booking a cruise with an online travel agency requires you to do most of the work, so it’s important to have all valuable information easily available. Choosing the right cruise is normally not as simple as 1-2-3: There are dozens of different cruise lines, plus hundreds of ships and itineraries to choose from. Not having access to certain information can cause you to book the wrong cruise.
If you plan on using an online travel agency, it’s best to shop between several options. You can find a great deal with an online agency, but it can take some digging. Even if prices seem similar, different agencies often have special bonus perks that they add on for free, like free beverage, dining, or internet packages. Whatever you do, don’t get caught up in the flashing lights and marketing jargon that pushes you to “Book Now for the best deal!”. Take your time and avoid any unpleasant surprises because you didn’t take the time to read the fine print or shop around for better deals.
Most Important things to remember
You will be doing a lot of the planning on your own. If you think this may be too much to handle, it’s probably best to consider a different path to booking your cruise. But, if you’re a real DIYer and want many options and prices to sort through, you won’t be disappointed.
Option #4: Independent Agents
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These typically operate as sole proprietors or franchises and affiliate themselves with a host agency. They often work from home, and you’ll find them on the Internet and social media. They generally work with customers from across the country, regardless of the agent's physical location.
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How to find the best independent agent?
In many cases, finding the best independent agent will come from word-of-mouth recommendations. With an independent agent, you’ll most likely get great customer service because their business depends entirely on referrals from customers and repeat customers. You will probably find these agents through social media or a family/friend recommendation. If you happen to come across an independent agent that you’re interested in, have a conversation. Ask about their experiences, what vacations they usually book for customers, and if they have any recommendations.
Most Important things to remember
Their availability could be limited as most work from home and set their own schedules. But it’s a one-on-one experience where you can build a good relationship with someone that can help you book most of your vacations in the future.
Option #5: Cruise Lines
You cut out the middleman entirely and book directly online or by phone with the cruise line you want to sail on.
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How to find the best cruise line?
This is an option that many travelers choose, especially once they find their favorite line. While booking directly through the cruise line does have it’s benefits, there are steps you still need to take to find the best for you when booking a cruise. Like the other options, it all starts with research. If you visit the cruise line online or call them directly, you will get a biased opinion.
Before engaging the cruise line directly, do your research. Find out what the cruise lines offer and what you can expect as a traveler on board their ship. While Cruisline.com provides an excellent database of cruise line information, traveler reviews, cruise offerings, and more, we encourage you to check out as many resources as possible to make the best decision.
Once you’ve done your homework, you can ask the right questions and ensure that this line will meet your cruising needs.
Most Important things to remember
Working directly with the cruise line will limit you to only what they offer. Make sure to do your research to help you decide which cruise line you want to work with to avoid missing out on the best cruise experience.
Our Recommendations
For inexperienced cruisers, we advise playing it safe and going with an agent (options 1, 2, or 4). Having an experienced professional to offer advice and help you through the more confusing parts of the process can save you a lot of time and frustration. New to cruising and not sure where to start? Check out our cruise guide for first-timers.
After your first cruise, if you've done a lot of research, feel confident, and prefer to "do it yourself," consider option three or booking online on a cruise specialist's (option 2) website. That way, you get the convenience of booking online but still have access to the expertise and resources of an agent should problems arise.
If you’re an experienced cruiser, you might have developed an existing relationship with an agent you want to maintain. If not, and you're familiar with the cruise line, you can book direct (option 5) but make sure to compare prices to make sure you get the best deal. Resources like our cruise search tool make it pretty simple.
Join the discussion
What's your preferred way of booking a cruise?
8 Comments
Posted by MikeLongIsland
Love to cruise
Posted by ScooterWeibels
I use option #2 and have never had a problem. Tip though just don't book online call the number and talk to somebody they are really helpful.
Posted by Garybnkr
I used a brick and morter travel agency for my first 24 cruises. This time I'm using the cruise line web site. I think I know what I want and where I want to go.
Posted by flexibleFreddy
I booked my trip through a travel agent. No muss no fuss, answered all question that I asked.
Posted by wedezrvthis
We went with a recommended travel agent. While the agent is very nice and personable,, he seems to take too long\is too busy to answer questions that arise. Yes, I do write down my list of questions, but it takes him about two-three days to get back to me. I was told to book my flight in August for a November cruise. Then I get this "sense of urgency" from him that I need to book NOW. Well, the outcome is that the fares for November are now being listed AND we lost out on a cheaper rate, going to the same city, with NO refunds of the difference in price! Then the hotel: Same thing: book ASAP, but then the price went down and again: no refund. I think we are going to use a local agent for the next time. It's too important that I save a few dollars (in our case, it's about $500), and make sure that we get a refund if the price goes down. It may not seem important, but the money we lost could have been used towards excursions, laundry service, shuttle services and possibly gratuities.
Posted by BecLSU
I like using a travel agent. It costs you nothing extra, but often comes with additional cruise perks. My TA gave my sisters and I complimentary dinners in one of the upgraded restaurants. He also sent us gifts before sailing. He also dealt with all of my crazy questions and just made the whole booking process smooth and easy.
Posted by Nikoshi
I use an on line cruise specialist agency and have done so far 5 times. I deal with the same 2 persons working there and always get answers and suggestions without any pushiness from them. Usually am also booking at least a year in advance. When it comes to the best deals they alawys seem to have something more to offer. For example, we have a cruise coming up in just over a months time on Norwegian Getaway and the Baltics for 9 nights. The deal was : 1. Premium Beverage Package for both of us : 2. Internet package of 250mins per cabin + Unlimited Internet package for myself : 3. 50USD per port shore excursions credit : 4. 3 meal specialty dining package for the both of us : 5. 75USD on board credit for any purchases : 6. Choice phone call credit Ship to Shore. We have a balcony category BC and have put in an offer to upgrade to Haven. All in all I thought a fantastic package and only had to put down 100USD deposit a year ago. Overall cost was under 3800USD. Have already booked for October in 2020 on HAL utilising the same agents for a signature suite and have pretty much the same deal as above.
Posted by CosmicVoyager1
Question - If I placed a deposit for cruise departing 2021 with full payment due 60 days prior to embarking, can I switch cruise line if I change my mind? Use the deposit for a different cruise line? I placed the deposit with a travel agent not the cruise line.