Do you need a Travel Agent for a cruise?

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Hey cruisers, I’m Sheri with CruiseTipsTV. If you hadn’t noticed, the cruise industry is growing like crazy, and more and more people are cruising. According to Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, 24 million people will cruise in 2016. Cruise lines are evolving to meet the demands of this growing population of cruisers by offering a plethora of new features and choices. There’re megaships, river cruises, themed cruises, creative new stateroom styles - the list of options just goes on and on. And that’s a good thing for us cruisers, but it can be a bit daunting when booking. Don't fret, there’s help! With so many things to consider, we’ve become quite reliant on travel agents. If you think travel agents are a thing of the past, think again! According to our friends at CLIA, seven out of ten travelers WILL use an agent to plan and book their vacation. Here are 5 reasons why WE think that’s a great idea: 1) Get the best cruise for YOU: Okay, so there are 471 cruise ships to choose from and more than 20 ships making their debut next year … yeah, things just got real in the choice department. A travel agent will help you narrow that down. Share your vacation wish list, budget and “travel personality” with your agent then count on them to find the right ship and itinerary for you. 2) Stress Less: Using a travel agent is really a full service booking experience and can save you time and hassle. If you’re a first time cruiser, you may be surprised at the number of choices you’ll need to make before your voyage. From choosing what type of dining experience you prefer, to how you want your beds configured in your stateroom, to how much gratuities will cost onboard. Your travel agent handles the great majority of the communication with the cruise line, and can make recommendations that suit you and your party. For example, your agent can help you choose the right stateroom, or navigate the best time of year for your trip, and maybe even help you dodge hurricane season. They’ll also remind you, in advance, of the proper documentation needed for travel to whatever area of the world you choose, and help you to register online with your cruise line prior to travel so you can save time on embarkation day. 3) Experience: If you choose the right travel agent, preferably one who specializes in cruises, chances are they’ve been on board many different ships, with several different cruise lines and can offer first-hand experience and advice. They’ve also likely been formally educated through seminars, associations like CLIA and possibly even familiarization cruises. 4) Perks! Yes, I admit it, I love perks. Hello, my name is Sheri, and I’m a perkaholic. Sorry, where was I? Travel agents will often go out of their way to ensure their clients cruise experience is exceptional, through … wait for it, nope I can’t wait - perks and upgrades. Your agent may gift your party with wine or chocolate covered strawberries in your cabin, or score you some free dining vouchers. Back to the upgrades. let’s be clear, upgrades are NOT something your travel agent has control over, only the cruise line does, but many cruisers report that the “upgrade fairy” seems to sprinkle more magic dust over their bookings when they book with an agent, and we have first- hand experience with that theory. 5) Last but not least…Money savings. Believe it or not, it can be more economical to book your cruise with a travel agent. Travel agencies sometimes book large blocks on ships, and receive special discounts as preferred providers. Ask your agent what lines offer the best discounts, and let THEM compare dates and prices FOR you; seriously, it’s what they do! Oh, and the best part, how much does all this vacation planning goodness cost you? Usually the cruise lines pay the travel agent commissions, you don’t! Oh, and one last thing - Travel agents can also keep an eye on price drops, to make sure you get the best deal, even after you book.