Is there an advantage to booking a cruise through a travel agent?

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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Contrary to what you might expect, travel agents might actually be able to get you better deals than internet retailers or even the cruise lines themselves. The best travel agents have access to discounted group rates and exclusive cruise pricing that's not found anywhere else.

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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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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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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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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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Does it cost money to book a cruise with a travel agent? While the bulk of a travel agent's income comes from commissions paid by the cruise lines, most travel agents also charge a small service fee ($15 to $30) for their time and effort, though not all do.

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Cons of using a travel agent Less convenient - Many travel agents only offer services during certain limited office hours. On the other hand, by booking online, you can make your bookings any time you want. Some travel booking sites also offer 24/7 customer support.

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8 Great Reasons NOT to Use a Travel Agent
  • You Know How to Book Your Own Trips. ...
  • You Have Time to Research and Book Your Own Travel. ...
  • You Know Exactly What You Want. ...
  • You Like Non-Traditional Travel Components. ...
  • You Can Find Better Travel Deals. ...
  • Quirky or Complicated Trip Planning Scenarios.


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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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According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily.

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Cruise line pays the agent a commission for handling the booking once you sail. If the cruise line has to handle the booking, they keep the commission to pay their shoreside staff. I've done both. If I am sailing on my own I prefer to just book directly through the cruiseline.

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If you're not able to wait for ports of call (or don't have international data on your phone), it might be worthwhile to pay for a Wi-Fi package. Although prices have decreased over the years, it can still be pretty costly to purchase Wi-Fi for your cruise.

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Prices, for instance, can't be negotiated. While some cruise lines, particularly river cruise lines, may give you a set discount, most ocean lines expect you to sell your group space at the current prevailing rate (though that can include any current promotions).

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Most cruise lines have loyalty programs that reward frequent cruisers with perks and benefits, including free stuff. These programs are typically free to join and offer perks such as free drinks, free Wi-Fi, and free onboard credits. The more you cruise with a particular line, the more perks you'll receive.

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Travel Agents Can Save You Time Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you're researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel. A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you're looking for, Harris said.

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  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.


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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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People still choose a travel agent to help them book their travel experience, whether it is for business or pleasure. A travel agent helps travelers navigate any issues that may arise. They can even help save travelers money because they know what kinds of discounts and packages are out there.

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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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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 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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Aside from the main benefit of enjoying the cruise with friends and/or family a group cruise most often is priced lower (for the same cabin categories) than regular rates. In addition to the rate reduction, most cruise lines offer certain amenities to the group such as onboard spending credit, welcome parties, etc.

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Is the consumer obligated to pay the travel agent's commission on a canceled cruise if the cruise line doesn't? No, according to Ada Brown, president of Seaside Travel in Long Beach and head of the Southern California chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

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