Any Value in Travel Agents?

[TUGBrian]

I would love a new thread for "Hacks for TUGers who cruise" Could include information and questions on cruises offered through TS providers with points and independent cruising questions like above.

TUGers know how to hack travel and I am frustrated that Cruise Critic doesn't allow discussion of vendors. I also find Cruise Critic difficult to navigate and search. (although I enjoy roll calls, specific cruise line info and the basic "what to bring on a cruise" topics which don't need repeating.)

@TUGBrian I know the topic is not directly timesharing. Would this be allowed?

i have no issues with folks reviewing cruise lines or vendors no. welcome to start a thread for that!

id worry some folks would make efforts to abuse it to get links posted etc however, so it would likely be heavily moderated.

 

[VacationForever]

5. RCL transatlantic. Costco has this listed (yea!) and the balcony price is $3410 with a $260 Costco card. Ironically, it also offered me a "30 Percent Savings" but it cost $100 more, so that's not any savings at all. And oops.. when I went to the next page it showed "The price of Stateroom 1 has increased by $100.00 New Total Price: $3,509.81" (after tax). And that's the price with my loyalty number (I'm D+ so I should receive discounts on balcony cabins, etc).

A few items of note for this particular cruise.

• I paid $1185.63 (after tax) for the same cabin type when I originally booked.
• RCL's website without any status or discount code shows a price of $3510, same as Costco.
• RCL's website with my status but without a discount code shows the price at $3160 after tax.
• RCL's own website shows the balcony cabin cost today direct would be $2462 (after tax) using my discount code.
• Costco's web quote process doesn't permit the addition of discount codes. I'm eligible for one and Royal's website works with it, but not Costco's. My travel agent always includes it, too.
• This means that Costco's web quote process does not include discounts based on status, even though it asked for my number and I provided it. Why not? Other online agencies are able to handle this - and this actually surprises me. So, if you have status with RCL and you want to book with Costco be sure to call and tell them to quote it with your C&A number.

7. RCL transatlantic (yeah, another). Same price increase of $100, which indicates that Costco's promotions may not be current and require an update. Costco quoted $2506 for this balcony cruise with a $165 cash card. I paid $1811 when I originally booked.

This is what I discovered when quoting a cruise I haven't yet booked but am considering (though likely won't go on this one, since I don't like the ship):

RCL transpacific for 2025. Balcony cabin after tax is $3664. Costco quotes $4718 with a $330 Costco card. I suspect they would match the direct price once they manually include my discount code. So the only question is if the $330 is more valuable than whatever OBC or other benefits my agent would offer, and given the price on this cruise I suspect he would do better.

When you call Costco, they will apply the loyalty discount. Generally, you cannot beat first day/release pricing. The best way to secure such pricing after the fact is to find a travel agency which has group pricing. Costco does have those for certain types of staterooms and cruises. Once the staterooms of the groups are sold out (held by individual travel agency), then you have to pay current rack rate.

 

[Ken555]

When you call Costco, they will apply the loyalty discount. Generally, you cannot beat first day/release pricing. The best way to secure such pricing after the fact is to find a travel agency which has group pricing. Costco does have those for certain types of staterooms and cruises. Once the staterooms of the groups are sold out (held by individual travel agency), then you have to pay current rack rate.

Yes, that's fits with what I wrote.

I also use group pricing/OBC benefits on occasion; however, in recent years those have changed from refundable to non-refundable bookings so it requires more of a commitment.

It's still interesting that Costco's web quote process can't include loyalty status discounts which other online agencies offer.

Also, I rarely call my agent to make a booking. I do it via email or text. This saves me significant time and as I previously posted I wasted 6+ hours on dealing with Virgin Voyages direct last year and absolutely regret not booking that one with my agent (as I have all my other VV cruises).

Still, the perceived benefit from Costco cruise pricing is unfounded in my experience. Sure, a Costco card is nice, but unless you compare it directly with independent agents you won't know if it's the best package you can find.

 

[VacationForever]

Yes, that's fits with what I wrote.

I also use group pricing/OBC benefits on occasion; however, in recent years those have changed from refundable to non-refundable bookings so it requires more of a commitment.

It's still interesting that Costco's web quote process can't include loyalty status discounts which other online agencies offer.

Also, I rarely call my agent to make a booking. I do it via email or text. This saves me significant time and as I previously posted I wasted 6+ hours on dealing with Virgin Voyages direct last year and absolutely regret not booking that one with my agent (as I have all my other VV cruises).

Still, the perceived benefit from Costco cruise pricing is unfounded in my experience. Sure, a Costco card is nice, but unless you compare it directly with independent agents you won't know if it's the best package you can find.

I have used your agent for several bookings. I would say his customer service is first class. But for no hassle, best pricing with everything remaining the same, i.e. timing of booking, Costco's cash back cannot be beaten.

 

[Ken555]

I have used your agent for several bookings. I would say his customer service is first class. But for no hassle, best pricing with everything remaining the same, i.e. timing of booking, Costco's cash back cannot be beaten.

Glad to hear it. Costco's cash back as compared to other benefits from my agent won't pay for my time on the phone with Costco. Remember, it's usually more than just one call.

 

[VacationForever]

Glad to hear it. Costco's cash back as compared to other benefits from my agent won't pay for my time on the phone with Costco. Remember, it's usually more than just one call.

I am agreeing with you. If you want to the time to research and make the calls, Costco gives good cash back. If you want customer service and an agent who will handle all the details, then your travel agent is the best.

 

[wackymother]

One thing I would happily use a travel agent for--converting my loyalty points into airline flights. I have Amex points and Chase points and United points, and I know they have a lot of value, but when it turns out that, for example, I need to turn Amex points into Avios and then use those to book on Virgin Atlantic booking through KLM or whatever, my eyes just glaze over. OTOH, I rarely fly anywhere these days.

 

[dioxide45]

One thing I would happily use a travel agent for--converting my loyalty points into airline flights. I have Amex points and Chase points and United points, and I know they have a lot of value, but when it turns out that, for example, I need to turn Amex points into Avios and then use those to book on Virgin Atlantic booking through KLM or whatever, my eyes just glaze over. OTOH, I rarely fly anywhere these days.

The problem is, there is no money in that. $0 commissions and they would simply have to charge you on a fee for service structure.

 

[wackymother]

The problem is, there is no money in that. $0 commissions and they would simply have to charge you on a fee for service structure.

I would pay a moderate fee for this. It is a mess. But having those points sitting there drives me slightly crazy.

 

[silentg]

We have used a couple of TUG travel agents. KathyQ (rip) and Sandy!

 

[TravelTime]

Yesterday I called Costco and they said it was a 45-60 minute wait so I hung up. Today I just called Costco again and I was on hold for a long time so I hung up again. This is so frustrating that I am not sure I will transfer my booking to them. I may transfer it to a travel agent even though they offer a lower on board credit.

 

[TravelTime]

Another question. Is anyone familiar with Harr Travel? They do a lot of cruise ship videos. I spoke to the owner and he seems really good. I also spoke to one of his TAs who also seemed good. They are offering approximately $400 in on board credit. But the main reason I might transfer to them is to handle my questions and concerns. Like last night, I asked some questions on Facebook about the ship categories and the GTY category on a specific Sky class suite I have booked and I got all kinds of conflicting answers even from TAs. I called Royal Caribbean twice about this and they reassured me that I would get the suite I booked or something better. However, now I am unsure if the agents at Royal Caribbean are correct since they are not all that knowledgeable either. It might be helpful to have a super knowledgeable TA who has some good inside contacts.

 

[dioxide45]

I can't speak specifically to Harr, but I know they do some good quality cruise videos on YouTube. A warranty is just that, you are not assigned a specific cabin, but you will be guaranteed the cabin type. You might get a higher class or the same class cabin but they won't bump you down to a standard balcony. Guaranteed cabins are cheaper because you don't get to pick your cabin and you take what is leftover from those that do pick their cabins. So you may not have the best location on the ship or perhaps there is some obstruction or you are on the floor right below the nightclub...

 

[TravelTime]

I can't speak specifically to Harr, but I know they do some good quality cruise videos on YouTube. A warranty is just that, you are not assigned a specific cabin, but you will be guaranteed the cabin type. You might get a higher class or the same class cabin but they won't bump you down to a standard balcony. Guaranteed cabins are cheaper because you don't get to pick your cabin and you take what is leftover from those that do pick their cabins. So you may not have the best location on the ship or perhaps there is some obstruction or you are on the floor right below the nightclub...

I have a Sky Junior Suite Guarantee on Icon. The Sky Junior Suite is new and it’s Sky Class, unlike the regular junior suite, which is sea class. There is a Surfside Family Suite that is also Sky class. I do not like those suites because they overlook the Surfside neighborhood and they do not have an ocean view, they are smaller, far from the Suite neighborhood and on a lower floor. For these reasons and because they are cheaper that what I have booked, I had assumed they were a lower category. However, I posted this question on Facebook and a well known travel agent said Surfside is a higher category than Sky Junior. She was adamant about this. I called Royal Caribbean again today (third time asking this question) and they said Surfside is lower than Sky Junior and I would not be placed there if the Sky Junior ends up not being available.

 

[Ken555]

Yesterday I called Costco and they said it was a 45-60 minute wait so I hung up. Today I just called Costco again and I was on hold for a long time so I hung up again. This is so frustrating that I am not sure I will transfer my booking to them. I may transfer it to a travel agent even though they offer a lower on board credit.

It seems you’ve now experienced one of the prime issues with booking direct with a cruise line or a large agency.

I should point out that no agent is perfect. You will most likely have a complaint about something regardless where you book. My agent certainly isn’t perfect, and sometimes I’m glad I track booking details carefully and not rely on him to have everything exact (to be fair, sometimes this happens because the cruise line makes changes which automatically updates his system, though other times his office makes an error). Stuff happens.

And the horror stories I read on Facebook and elsewhere! I’m in several elite loyalty groups there and it seems those who have spent the most on cruises over the years and have status are the most critical. At first I couldn’t believe much of what I’ve read, but now… I’ve experienced some of these myself, and I totally believe it. Cruises are *not* perfect experiences, from incompetent back office cruise admin offices to uncaring, disrespectful, and insulting on board agents. It’s not always this way, but it can be. And when this happens to you on board and it’s in regards to a financial concern that isn’t resolved during the cruise (which seems to be many cruise lines default behavior) proper documentation and a good travel agent often saves the day. I would hate to be on hold with a large agency and then spend 30-45 minutes bringing up to speed a different agent on the topic every time I call, be forced to stay on the phone with them while they research and call the cruise line to try to resolve, fail, and then have to do it again the next day. That would just drive me crazy, and it happens.


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[TravelTime]

It seems you’ve now experienced one of the prime issues with booking direct with a cruise line or a large agency.

I should point out that no agent is perfect. You will most likely have a complaint about something regardless where you book. My agent certainly isn’t perfect, and sometimes I’m glad I track booking details carefully and not rely on him to have everything exact (to be fair, sometimes this happens because the cruise line makes changes which automatically updates his system, though other times his office makes an error). Stuff happens.

And the horror stories I read on Facebook and elsewhere! I’m in several elite loyalty groups there and it seems those who have spent the most on cruises over the years and have status are the most critical. At first I couldn’t believe much of what I’ve read, but now… I’ve experienced some of these myself, and I totally believe it. Cruises are *not* perfect experiences, from incompetent back office cruise admin offices to uncaring, disrespectful, and insulting on board agents. It’s not always this way, but it can be. And when this happens to you on board and it’s in regards to a financial concern that isn’t resolved during the cruise (which seems to be many cruise lines default behavior) proper documentation and a good travel agent often saves the day. I would hate to be on hold with a large agency and then spend 30-45 minutes bringing up to speed a different agent on the topic every time I call, be forced to stay on the phone with them while they research and call the cruise line to try to resolve, fail, and then have to do it again the next day. That would just drive me crazy, and it happens.


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I should call your TA and ask him my questions. Does your TA offer on board credits? Costco offers a lot but the service is just not there. There are some questions I can’t find answers to so maybe having a TA could be helpful.

 

[Ken555]

I should call your TA and ask him my questions. Does your TA offer on board credits? Costco offers a lot but the service is just not there. There are some questions I can’t find answers to so maybe having a TA could be helpful.

As I posted previously, it all depends on the cruise. But he has offered me obc many times.


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[Sandy VDH]

Thanks for the plug @silentg

I have been a home based travel agent since 1997. But I do it primarly as groups, or as individual bookings for those who want more info, assurances and at time of bit of hand holding.

We were working at this full time but it has been sometime since I have done that. Kathy was my subagent (and TUGger passed away unexpectedly in 2018, (boy has it been nearly 5 years already). It is a tough business to make a good living wage. It is very much tied to economic (recession) and pandemic impacts. It has gone through dramatic changes, has had commissions from various sources reduced to 0% and has had to result in charging fees for bookings as a way to make some money. Too a complete lockdown on travel, where I spent the better part of 2 years rebooking and made nothing. When that started I saw of lot of people move away from traditional brick and mortar travel agents. I fear that Covid has killed off a bunch more.

I too work with a Host, and have since I started. This if often a better bet than booking a trip directly with a cruise line, Why? for a number of reasons, Group Space and specials, complimentary upgrades (although some cruise lines are now putting out upgrades for bids, before they have to go the free upgrade path. Often when we have group space booked, with will either provide an extra amenitiy or even a shipboard agent who can deal with issues for the group on the cruise. Also preference for upgrades and things are often tied to the company that spend the most money with the cruise line. So having a host agency with 1000 agents is a better model that being a small independent travel agent, or at time booking directly with cruise line. You have someone that can go to bat for you when things are not available or do not go as planned.

I book something, were I can make a difference for someone, and if I can't I advise them of their options. I figure at least from my perspective, people are booking through me because of my knowledge and my connections.

I figured I have something to do when I finally retire, but I have kept up my creditials and knowledge this whole time.

 

[TravelTime]

For a balcony stateroom an a RC sailing I am looking at, Costco is $2000 more. I thought travel agents, and especially Costco, charge the same as booking direct. Anyone have any clues as to why Costco is charging so much more?

 

[TravelTime]

Update: I called Costco to double check on pricing. I got through right away today. He was able to find the same pricing when I called. So I am not sure why the website gives different pricing.

 

[TravelTime]

Update: I did decide to transfer my two cruise bookings to Costco. It was easy and completed in less than 24 hours. I did have to call Costco to pull it into their system and link it to my Costco account. I called first thing in the morning like others have suggested and I did not have to wait. I booked suites for both sailings so they were expensive. In any case, the Costco shop cards plus the extra 2% for bring an executive member add up to about $2300 in benefits. That is huge, IMO. Also, I have been tracking my cruises to see if there are any price drops. Both have gone up by $2000 to $3000 each since I booked. They are on Icon and Utopia (the brand new ships launching in 2024) for President’s Day week when kids are out of school so that explains why. If I look at it this way, I am “saving” $6000 to $7000 on these cruises. LOL (I know, my math is just a way to make me feel better! Ha ha)