Booking a Cruise

We use a Travel Agent as well. He's worked with us for close to 10-15 years and is really straightfoward with his recommendations, as he also takes his family on cruises across various lines. He knows our needs and likes. Sometimes he sends us Bon Voyage gifts on Embarkation Day.

He also works directly with the cruise lines if there's any issues. For example, I'm trying MSC next year and had an issue with joining the Voyagers Club and getting my Status Match. I had been waiting well over a month to get my membership number, which he then would use to bring my faire down. He told me it could take up to a month to get that number and as soon as I got it, I was to email it to him.

Almost 2 months after not recieving the approval, I emailed him, per his request if I had any issues joining, so he could intervene. I sent him my information that MSC requested, he tried applying on my behalf and got the same error message I had been getting. He then called his contacts at MSC and told them what was happening and mentioned that I had emailed them a few times as well asking for updates. He was able to verify that there were technical issues on MSC's side, which they were actively persuiing to a resolution.

About 2 days later, I got an email from MSC officially accepting me into the Voyagers Club, along with my Status Match and membership number. I emailed my TA that day, thanking him for his assistance and providing him with my membership number, which was then applied to my faire.

My eyes hurt

Hi radiationman

Thanks makes perfect sense, thanks for sharing.

we use a travel agent to book all our trips. We have worked with her for > 20 years and she knows our likes and dislikes. We like the concierge type service and knowing that someone is available 24/7 when something goes awry! Obviously not a bargain hunting type process. May not work for all.

Very interesting, I for go arraanging group trip and family trips way too much drama and stress. I never share a cabin and I simply share the information with folks I would like to travel with if they book wonderful; if they don't kay sera sera. I'm a social butterful and I am going to have a great time.

Thanks for sharing.

Very interesting, I for go arraanging group trip and family trips way too much drama and stress. I never share a cabin and I simply share the information with folks I would like to travel with if they book wonderful; if they don't kay sera sera. I'm a social butterful and I am going to have a great time.

Thanks for sharing.

That is very cool working with someone who knows your family

I agree this is the way to go for a group cruise. 10 years ago you call the cruise line directly block a 10 rooms at a low rate for your group. Share with a code with your family and friends and meet on the ship.

Those days are over it is so much more complicated now

I love the idea of divding and conquering. Glad this works for your and your family.

We use a TA that we've had for about 10 years. He's great at what he does, knows my family well and what our needs are. Sometimes he'll even send us gifts in the cabin. We let him handle the logistics with the cruise line...apart from check-in....that falls on me.

Dad handles the booking of hotels and flights (if needed). He also handles booking the shore excursions, but Mom and I have a say.

I handle all the onboard booking, such as shows or other activities that need booking.