Is it better to book cruise through agent or direct?

You should book your cruise with a travel agent if you're a first time cruiser, have a lot of special requests or want to get the best deals. At Cruise Critic, we tend to think that most people should use a travel agent for the best experience.



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You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

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Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.

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Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.

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A travel agent can keep things organized, negotiate with services and personally work out any complications that may arise. Rather than trying to reserve rooms in the same hotels and seats on the same flights with multiple credit cards and names, let a travel agent do that work.

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Travel agents don't cost more than self-organizing a trip. They save you time and money with their expertise, and can even help you get free amenities. Travel agents offer payment plans that allow you to pay for your trip gradually and avoid financial strain.

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But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.

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The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2023
  1. Booking Holdings. (photo courtesy of Booking Holdings) ...
  2. Expedia Group. ...
  3. American Express Global Business Travel. ...
  4. BCD Travel. ...
  5. CWT. ...
  6. Flight Centre. ...
  7. American Express Travel. ...
  8. Chase Travel Group.


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The report, U.S. Cruise Market Report 2022-2026, by Phocuswright, found agents' share of gross cruise booking fell to 52% in 2021 from 70% in 2019. But the channel's share is in recovery, climbing to 59% last year. Phocuswright projects it to reach 71% by 2026.

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The biggest advantage of booking a cruise through a travel agent is personalized advice from a knowledgeable source. A good travel agent will discuss your vacation preferences, budget and other travel needs and suggest which cruises will be the best fit.

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Keep these 13 tips in mind when you're planning for your next voyage.
  1. Be flexible with when and where you cruise. ...
  2. Shop around and compare. ...
  3. Book a cruise with free extras. ...
  4. Look for “kids cruise free” deals. ...
  5. Look into cruise loyalty programs. ...
  6. Pay for your cruise with credit card rewards.


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13 Tips for Finding Cheap Cruise Deals
  1. Don't Wait for Last-Minute Cruise Deals on High-Season Sailings. ...
  2. Hunt Down Shoulder Season and Repositioning Cruise Deals. ...
  3. Use Cruise Critic's Deal Score to Know When a Deal is Really a Deal. ...
  4. Bundle Up for the Best Cruise Deals. ...
  5. Ask for a Price Drop Credit When Cruise Fares Change.


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Does not follow up: A bad agent promises trip options and rates, but fails to deliver in a timely manner to the client, who then moves on to another agent. A bad agent also fails to follow up with the client after a trip that has been booked to see how it went.

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Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.

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The short answer is, yes. 22% of U.S. travelers used a travel advisor 1. This percentage will grow, with 50% of travelers reporting they're more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic (a 14% increase from 2022!) 2.

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Travel agents are a great way to get inside discounts and many specialize in all-inclusive resorts. Besides, most agents develop a relationship with these resorts and clients over time. This provides extra peace of mind, knowing that you have someone to call if there are any travel mishaps.

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With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.

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The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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Pros of hiring a travel agent Hassle-free booking: A travel agent books everything for you, so you don't have to worry about the details.

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Booking directly with the resort itself is one of the best ways to ensure you travel and relax on the days you desire. Travel Agents are often paid on commission, and may not have your best interest in mind. They may push a certain resort or package deal on you which benefits them, but not you.

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