CHOOSING A TRAVEL AGENT..or...WHY DO YOU EVEN NEED ONE?

We have two excellent ones, so we let them take care of things. We still do the research for cabins, etc. A lot of people complain about their TA, so I can see where they would be soured on them.

Half the fun for me is doing all the research myself, with room locations and prices. So I have never used one and have never been disappointed with my room selections.

We have a great TA. We’ve had bad ones, and I’ve done many bookings myself. Now, we’re grateful for ours.

Dream Vacations in Orlando. 1-800-345-8190.

good info is always worth sharing. Regardless of the moderators.

We have worked with the same travel agent for about 30 years, and too many trips both cruising and non-cruising to count. Great convenience no need to spend hours online or calling cruise companies, hotels, etc. While I'm not sure I'm always getting the "best" deal we always get some perks. This is especially true for non- cruising trips where items like free daily breakfast and evening drinks are nice. She is also great for arraigning private tours, and other forms of transport when needed. The real benefit however is when things do not go as planned. Several times in the past we have been routed by bad weather. An agent is always available, and one call gets us re-booked on an appropriate flight and a hotel reservation if needed.

When picking an agent decide what is important to you and find someone whose style matches yours. An yes we have lunch with here yearly.

We have used the same TA for about 10 years or so. I drove by her office on a regular basis, so one day I stopped in and had a conversation. When I left I knew that I had found one of the good ones. She has booked all of our travel since. I do all of my own research and then I give it to her to book for us. Often, I will even tell her specific cabins we are interested in. She always renegotiates for us if the price drops and we always get extras, above what the cruise line offers.

We have referred several people to her, including both of our sons, when they were ready to book cruises on their own. In answer to your question: a newbie should ask seasoned travelers that they trust, "who do you use to book your travel." Find a good TA by asking friends for recommendations, then talk to the TA to find out if they are a good fit for you.

We do too (For 10+ cruises) but never got the perks you're mentioning. We picked up another TA in addition, but he's a 1 person shop, and don't think we'll be going back (just not a very friendly). Have 6 more booking lined up: 3 w/VTG, 1 - sole proprietor guy, and 2 - with the line directly. We'll see how things pan out over the next 18 months. If I knew a proactive, knowledgable TA, I'l definitely give them a try. Right now for either TA, I've had to call to tell them about the price drops. So figured I'd try doing it on my own for a couple.

My family and I use Vacations To Go! We have the same agent every single time and he is fabulous! Even sends us onboard credits on Bon Voyage day! So far he's gotten us an upgrade to a Mini Suite (my first Suite ever!), free air fair, 3 free meal upgrades, and free 4th person passenger (my niece is going with us for free!). Sometimes, he's able to get us free drink packages too! Plus, we do have someone travelling with us that has arthritis in both knees and a heart condition....our TA has been able to get us rooms near the elevator to help accommodate this.

WeCruiseToo, this is why when I need a TA, I know who to contact. This is a great "blog" article. Thanks for posting. I was hoping you would chime in on the discussion.

Thanks WCT. That was all excellent info. That stuff would make a great article for Cruiseline.com

WECRUISETOO: absolutely spectacular post. ought to be required reading...anyone who even THINKS about a cruise should read it. TWICE!!!...don't want to scoff at folks who think they're getting "stuff" from TA's..mebbe they do...more likely they would've got it anyway..and, as far as Im concerned, unless your brother-in-law is in the bizness, I'll just keep doing it my way. again..GREAT POST!!!