Travel Advisor here. 🙋♀️ Depending on agreements we have with cruise lines at the time, we often can get our clients perks like shipboard credit, prepaid gratuities, complimentary specialty dining, free stateroom upgrades, a bottle of sparkling wine upon embarkation, etc. It doesn’t cost our clients any more than booking direct, and they can get more bang for their buck. Plus, we do all the research and follow up on our clients’ behalf. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal for our cruisers. Just a thought…
We booked our first three cruises ourselves, the fourth time we used an agent. She knew the sales, the deals, the everything! We were in her office 40 minutes and walked out with an extended balcony, mid ship, no airfare, cabin credit, one kid free, at an unbelievably low price! Her name is Barbara and we still book with her for all our travel. 👍
I always enjoy your informative and entertaining videos. I chuckle each time I see the quirky way you identify "1," "2," "3," and so on. Creative and fun. Good job, youngster.
Booking my first cruise directly with the cruise line made sense to me. As an Australian, I clicked on an Australian promotion for an Australian cruise. Six months later, I learned my booking was invalid because RCL doesn't take direct bookings. My details were passed on to a travel agent in Miami who couldn't serve Australian customers. I found a local agent who was able to get a full refund of my deposit and book me a better cabin at a lower price.
I also am a Travel Advisor here, and I must disagree with your reference that "you always get the cheapest price direct with Cruise lines". Being part of a large company which has Brick and Mortar stores in most cities across Canada, USA and Puerto Rico and employ locally(your neighbour) we buy thousands of blocks of cruises up to 2 years in advance and we lock-in and offer those rates to our clients while supplies last, and at the same time...those same categories increase with the cruise line. If by chance that our price is the same as direct with a cruise line, if you buy through your local agent, not only are you getting the same rate but you also might get Perks as well you are supporting your neighbour and a local business paying local taxes the same as you in your community. Support your community and we all will do better. 🙂
It makes no sense not to use a travel agent to book a cruise (air definitely if not using the cruise lines air for certain guarantees) The amount of re-faring on price drops, for upgrades and perks, and for escalating any issues. Saves a client many hours of communication and grief!
Travel agent! They know everything and can definitely save you money or get you a deal. Like an extended balcony for no extra $$, free port parking, lower airfare, etc.
About the key card, many newer ships are recognizing that the card inserted is not the room key card. And are not working. You can go to guest services and get an extra key card.
As to the card in the light-switch trick. It does *not* need to be an old key-card. *Any* plastic card will work, including a credit card, a driver's license, a laminated library card. Personally I like the laminated library card, because I can easily get another one if I happen to forget it.
Right. I mention an old used gift card or old keycard, but anything the size of a credit card will work. I don't like to use the actual room key because I'm afraid I'll walk out and forget it!
We have 0:52 a great TA we book with and he always gets us a deal! They have the ability to book with larger travel consortiums which offer less cost and obc.
There is only one price. The cruise will charge you that price, and all the travel agencies will charge you that same price. The advantage to a travel agency is that they get like a 15% (or whatever) commission from the cruise (or the hotel or the airline or whatever). That's where they make their profit, that "travel agency cut". Where that can be advantageous to you is, sometimes they will give you some extra little perks taken out of their cut. E.g., AAA will give you like $50 onboard credit. Costco will give you like $50 in Costco gift cards. Etc. So it still pays to shop around. The "nominal price" is always going to be the same, but look for those "extras."
Just did a search, Feb 1/2025 Celebrity Reflection 8 nights- Celebrity Direct CAD $4029.17, and Expedia Cruises CAD $3,737.00. I will do the math for you...a savings of $292.17 plus you are supporting a local travel advisor. 🙂
True story booked an inside cabin on the Lido right across the hall was a Balcony cabin. The balcony was almost $600 more I understand the Balcony gives fresh air when ya want and nice view but that extra $600 was half the price of our next cruise we booked.
I would like to post this for everyone to see. Had a RC to Alaska in May booked and paid for and UBER never picked me up. It showed them having 7 rides scheduled and cancelled thru them. This was a birthday cruise and I spent it at home alone since I am a solo and last of my family.🥴
I've been completely frustrated trying to book directly through the cruise websites. Apparently, large blocks of cabins are held by travel agencies, so I can't book one of those and am left with less desirable cabins to choose from. Am I wrong?
Disagree with you about booking direct being the better way. Travel companies that specialize in cruises often have lower prices. And they are very helpful with detailed questions such as whether a balcony has an overhang above it, or which way the bed is facing.
For customers from will find msc ships will have 13 floor but not 17 I find out 17 is bad lock I feel customer should ship around on older ships I found cheaper rates
I really do enjoy your videos but you didn't honestly say you don't know how these travel sites are compensated. Really? They get compensated by the cruise lines and to generate business usually offer you additional perks paid for out of those commissions. Sorry but going direct to the cruise line is leaving money on the table, serious money in some cases.
Respectfully, when people book “direct” with the cruise line, they are dealing with an agent who may have not sailed on the ship or visited the ports!!! I sell cruises and I’ve sailed on almost all the cruise lines and visited most ports of call! It’s frustrating when people who book “direct” or buy their cruise at Costco, then those same people jump on several Facebook groups asking for the so-called “hidden gems” of their cruise!
He doesn’t even know his facts! You never book direct on cruise lines website! I’ve saved so much using an agent. Never once has she failed me and they had additional promotions /credits
Travel Advisor here. 🙋♀️ Depending on agreements we have with cruise lines at the time, we often can get our clients perks like shipboard credit, prepaid gratuities, complimentary specialty dining, free stateroom upgrades, a bottle of sparkling wine upon embarkation, etc. It doesn’t cost our clients any more than booking direct, and they can get more bang for their buck. Plus, we do all the research and follow up on our clients’ behalf. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal for our cruisers. Just a thought…
How do I contact you?
Do you occasionally reprice a cruise for your customers? Or do we have to ask?
None of my advisors have ever done that
We booked our first three cruises ourselves, the fourth time we used an agent. She knew the sales, the deals, the everything! We were in her office 40 minutes and walked out with an extended balcony, mid ship, no airfare, cabin credit, one kid free, at an unbelievably low price! Her name is Barbara and we still book with her for all our travel. 👍
The week before thanksgiving is always super cheap too! I cruise that week every single year no matter what! 😊
I always enjoy your informative and entertaining videos. I chuckle each time I see the quirky way you identify "1," "2," "3," and so on. Creative and fun. Good job, youngster.
Appreciate the comment. It's actually one of the most fun parts of creating a video!
A day pass at the spa does not include a massage,so why are you comparing those 2 costs????? Apples and oranges.
Booking my first cruise directly with the cruise line made sense to me. As an Australian, I clicked on an Australian promotion for an Australian cruise. Six months later, I learned my booking was invalid because RCL doesn't take direct bookings. My details were passed on to a travel agent in Miami who couldn't serve Australian customers. I found a local agent who was able to get a full refund of my deposit and book me a better cabin at a lower price.
Yes cruise in the fall if you can. Less kids and generally lower
I also am a Travel Advisor here, and I must disagree with your reference that "you always get the cheapest price direct with Cruise lines". Being part of a large company which has Brick and Mortar stores in most cities across Canada, USA and Puerto Rico and employ locally(your neighbour) we buy thousands of blocks of cruises up to 2 years in advance and we lock-in and offer those rates to our clients while supplies last, and at the same time...those same categories increase with the cruise line. If by chance that our price is the same as direct with a cruise line, if you buy through your local agent, not only are you getting the same rate but you also might get Perks as well you are supporting your neighbour and a local business paying local taxes the same as you in your community. Support your community and we all will do better. 🙂
"feet away from the best cabins."
What's the point in being next to a good cabin instead of being in a good cabin?
Money you could spend on something else.
It makes no sense not to use a travel agent to book a cruise (air definitely if not using the cruise lines air for certain guarantees) The amount of re-faring on price drops, for upgrades and perks, and for escalating any issues. Saves a client many hours of communication and grief!
And it doesn't cost you anything!!
Yup. Hate the giant ships. 2500 or less please and was just on a ship with 500. Excellent!
Travel agent! They know everything and can definitely save you money or get you a deal. Like an extended balcony for no extra $$, free port parking, lower airfare, etc.
If you book through some travel agents, they can offer additional onboard credit.
About the key card, many newer ships are recognizing that the card inserted is not the room key card. And are not working. You can go to guest services and get an extra key card.
In this video you said there’s no 13th floor on ships, yet in the tip on carpets to get around the ship. There was a “deck 13” listed in the video
No 13 on some ships. Others don't seem to care.
Yeaaaa, like NCL always has a 13th floor. He actually said “some cruise lines” 😊
Another great video!!
Great info! Loved your arcade on deck 13 comment.😂
As to the card in the light-switch trick. It does *not* need to be an old key-card. *Any* plastic card will work, including a credit card, a driver's license, a laminated library card. Personally I like the laminated library card, because I can easily get another one if I happen to forget it.
Right. I mention an old used gift card or old keycard, but anything the size of a credit card will work. I don't like to use the actual room key because I'm afraid I'll walk out and forget it!
Would love to know what ships these rooms are on. Some are very beautiful and tranquil
I love relaxing at the spa. Using the thermo spas is just as relaxing and saves some money.
+1 I had no idea, but I'm hooked now.
We have 0:52 a great TA we book with and he always gets us a deal! They have the ability to book with larger travel consortiums which offer less cost and obc.
Some times if you go with travel agent they have extra OBC
Age it's can find better prices o some cruises
We're going on our first cruise NEXT MONDAY! Your channel has been VERY helpful in getting us prepared. Thank you!
Congrats -- Which ship? I'm getting off of a cruise next monday!
@@Cruzelycom we are going on the Celebrity Reflection, 5 day cruise
@@Cruzelycom we're doing a 5 day cruise on the Celebrity Reflection :)
@@Cruzelycom Celebrity Reflection (apologies if this comment shows up several times, UA-cam isn't saving it for some reason)
@@InfectiousGroovePodcast Ha! That's the ship I'm sailing this weekend.
The spa should be free (hot tub, sauna, steam room). Massages, understandably are separate.
There is only one price. The cruise will charge you that price, and all the travel agencies will charge you that same price.
The advantage to a travel agency is that they get like a 15% (or whatever) commission from the cruise (or the hotel or the airline or whatever). That's where they make their profit, that "travel agency cut".
Where that can be advantageous to you is, sometimes they will give you some extra little perks taken out of their cut. E.g., AAA will give you like $50 onboard credit. Costco will give you like $50 in Costco gift cards. Etc.
So it still pays to shop around. The "nominal price" is always going to be the same, but look for those "extras."
Just did a search, Feb 1/2025 Celebrity Reflection 8 nights- Celebrity Direct CAD $4029.17, and Expedia Cruises CAD $3,737.00. I will do the math for you...a savings of $292.17 plus you are supporting a local travel advisor. 🙂
Definition of a "Dungeon" is a room with no windows.
True story booked an inside cabin on the Lido right across the hall was a Balcony cabin. The balcony was almost $600 more I understand the Balcony gives fresh air when ya want and nice view but that extra $600 was half the price of our next cruise we booked.
You actually had a cabin door that the cabin number as well as Deck "" 13"" on the plaque. Lol
He did say SOME cruise lines don't have 13
You're almost correct with the deck 13 superstition, except Italian ships built for that market don't have deck 17 (and do have 13)
I would like to post this for everyone to see. Had a RC to Alaska in May booked and paid for and UBER never picked me up. It showed them having 7 rides scheduled and cancelled thru them. This was a birthday cruise and I spent it at home alone since I am a solo and last of my family.🥴
You got every travel agent in the comments heated 😂 too bad!
The ship on our next cruise only has 12 decks and the 12th one is just sundeck behind the funnel. And at 9:08 there is a cabin on deck 13!
We also bring an old gift card with a couple feet of duct tape loosely wrapped around it. Good for emergency repairs to luggage...
I heard Black Friday is the best day to book a cruise and purchase on board extras? Confirm or deny please.
Onboard extras, I know Royal Caribbean has some stellar deals. I haven't really seen much difference in the actual cruise fares.
I always do last on and last off.
1 isn't completely true. I book through Costco travel and they offer the same rates and cash back. It also counts towards your executive cashback
I booked a cruise with a travel agent and it WASN'T worth it. No free perks. No discount. They did nothing but waste my time.
Same here. 😔
Ever have a piece of stale bread? When you do you get a new loaf, same with agents...if that one was bad, find a new one recommended. 🙂
I've been completely frustrated trying to book directly through the cruise websites. Apparently, large blocks of cabins are held by travel agencies, so I can't book one of those and am left with less desirable cabins to choose from. Am I wrong?
Disagree with you about booking direct being the better way. Travel companies that specialize in cruises often have lower prices. And they are very helpful with detailed questions such as whether a balcony has an overhang above it, or which way the bed is facing.
For customers from will find msc ships will have 13 floor but not 17
I find out 17 is bad lock
I feel customer should ship around on older ships I found cheaper rates
Ok was just confused 😀❤️
Have you used cruiseplum
hi tanner :) ive just signed up to get emails sent to me from your website, looking forward to reading some of your blogs :)
Awesome!
The old card trick is not working for long. When your rooms are made, the stewarts or housekeeping stuff remove your card and insert their own.
Lots of talk these days about "no tax on tips."
Aug. 20? Hurricane season
4 passengers in college. Oh yeah
I really do enjoy your videos but you didn't honestly say you don't know how these travel sites are compensated. Really? They get compensated by the cruise lines and to generate business usually offer you additional perks paid for out of those commissions. Sorry but going direct to the cruise line is leaving money on the table, serious money in some cases.
Respectfully, when people book “direct” with the cruise line, they are dealing with an agent who may have not sailed on the ship or visited the ports!!! I sell cruises and I’ve sailed on almost all the cruise lines and visited most ports of call! It’s frustrating when people who book “direct” or buy their cruise at Costco, then those same people jump on several Facebook groups asking for the so-called “hidden gems” of their cruise!
How the hell do you expect to get to 10,000 subscribers if you push out MULTIPLE COMMERCIALS ONE MINUTE IN??????
He doesn’t even know his facts! You never book direct on cruise lines website! I’ve saved so much using an agent. Never once has she failed me and they had additional promotions /credits
always book direct and get obc and usually great deals used agent once and got 25 obc and that was all.