Travel Agents

A good travel agent is the secret to a good cruise. Since nearly all cruises are sold through travel agents, the agent you choose to work with can be just as important as the ship you sail on. So how do you know if an agent or agency is right for you? Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have used an agency to book a cruise. The most qualified agents are members of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Agents who are CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellors or Master Cruise Counsellors have had extensive cruise and ship inspection experience. If you opt for a cruise-only agency, it should also be a member of NACOA (National Association of Cruise-Only Agencies). These agents are also experienced cruisers. Finally, the most reputable agencies, both full-service and cruise-only, are members of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).

The size of a travel agency tends to matter less than the experience of its staff. A good cruise agent will ask you many detailed questions about your past vacations, your lifestyle, and even your friends and your hobbies. Only by getting to know you can an agent successfully match you to a ship and a cruise. Never book a cruise with an agent who asks a few cursory questions before handing you a brochure.

Conversely, think of an agent as your travel consultant. Ask the agent any questions you may have about cruising. Most travel agents who book cruises have cruised extensively, and they can help you to decide on a cruise line and a ship. If you have a problem with the cruise line before, during, or after your cruise, your travel agent can act as an intermediary.

Of course, you want the best price. However, it's important not to make price your single greatest concern. Value -- what you get for your money -- is just as important as the dollar amount you pay. Keep in mind that the advertised prices you see in newspapers are usually for the lowest grade cabin. A better cabin -- one with a window and maybe a private veranda -- is likely to cost more. However, it pays to be wary of agencies that quote prices that are much higher than advertised. It's a bad sign when an agency's ads are blatant lies to get you in the door.

Perhaps the best way to shop for a cruise is to decide first on a cruise line and ship, and then to shop for an agency. Most agencies have "partnerships" with certain cruise lines, which can work to your advantage. By agreeing to sell a lot of cabins (and, of course, promoting certain cruise lines), the agency gets a better rate from them. The agency can then afford to offer a "discounted" price to the public.

The agencies willing to go the extra mile for their clients are the best agencies. This means providing free cruise-discount newsletters, cabin upgrades, dollar-stretching advice, and, possibly most important of all, 24-hour service in case of a problem.