Why Use a Travel Agent for Your Cruise?

Here are some of the things a travel consultant does for her Cruise Customers:

1. For new cruisers, she "qualifies" the customer.  She aims to find out their likes and dislikes, and recommends several possible cruises based upon what they want/prefer. She explains about sea days, tenders, private islands, shore excursions, and many other things that go into cruising.

2.  She discusses guarantees vs. locked in cabin choices. If booking a guarantee she monitors it for them, always looking for upgrades.

3.  Works with them on passports, and if necessary, helps them get expedited passports.

4.  Works out their air flights, discusses arriving a day early, makes sure they have sufficient time at either end of the vacation.

5.  Arranges transfers, either through the cruise line, shuttle or by limo, and takes care of a car rental, if needed.

6.  She goes over the shore excursions brochure with them, explains options of independent excursions and timing of excursions. She helps them understand options for handicapped or limited passengers. She describes the kids programs and excursions suitable for kids.

7.  She helps manage all name and cabin changes. She helps deal with delayed or even cancelled flights.

8.  She goes over available insurance plans and helps them choose the right plan, based upon the clients specific needs.

9.  She explains formal nights and discusses all the various options.

10. She explains dining options and makes arrangements for whatever they choose.

11. She assists with pre-ordering whatever they need, be it flowers for the cabin, formal wear, or liquor packages. She pre-books spa appointments and specialty dining reservations, when available.

12. She holds their hand when their own family member decides not to go, and helps them re-arrange cabin assignments, if necessary.

13. She goes over the luggage allowances and advises them on packing, checklists, last minute preparations, etc.

14. Helps in times of traveling crisis, missed flights, forgotten documents, etc.

15. Then, after doing all that, she frequently sends them a thoughtful gift based on what she has learned about them- either before, during, or after their cruise.


"An in-dispensable travel agent is like a seasoned concierge; better connected than the internet, faster than a T-3 line & able to book the un-bookable with a single call." -Conde Nast Traveler

---