Why are travel agents more commonly used for selling cruises?

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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Travel agents can get better deals on cruises Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it. In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which may save you money on the cruise fare.

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What Are the Benefits of Booking with a Cruise Travel Agent?
  • A cruise specialist helps determine the best cruise for you. ...
  • A cruise travel agent helps you choose the perfect itinerary. ...
  • Cruise travel agents navigate pricing for you. ...
  • Cruise specialists help you choose the best cabin.


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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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At Carnival, we believe a travel agent is a cruise pro! They are an invaluable resource, helping you save time, money, and avoid the stress of vacation-planning. A travel agent is a fulfiller of dreams, offering all the tips you need about our ships, activities, and destinations!

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Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.

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Agents help clients with all types of situations and are immersed in travel full-time, so they're aware of details you might not think of when planning on your own. Their knowledge and experience also gives them the foresight to prevent potential problems. “'You don't know what you don't know,'” Walker said.

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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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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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  • 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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What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

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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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Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee.

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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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Who goes on a cruise?
  • People who want to see the world. Cruisers don't just wear floral shirts! ...
  • People who want to explore. ...
  • People who like to sample new things. ...
  • People who are open-minded. ...
  • People who are social. ...
  • People who are generous. ...
  • People who like to have fun. ...
  • People who travel often.


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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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Experts say it's best to book a cruise six to 12 months ahead for the best price, but you might be able to snag a better deal if you have the flexibility to wait a bit longer. Getting the delicate balance right on booking a cruise can be tricky. Book too early and you risk paying through the nose.

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The amount of commission is figured in per centages depending on how much business their agency does with a cruise line. It ranges from 10-16% normally. The coupons do affect the amount the agent makes, but they are usually happy to have your business and to have you transfer the booking over to them.

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On average, a passenger will spend $1,060 ($151/day) on a ticket and $650 ($92/day) on onboard purchases. After subtracting overhead costs, a ship will make out with roughly $291 in net profit per passenger, per cruise. How much do cruise ship workers make an hour?

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Most cruise lines allow you to transfer your bookings from the cruise line to a travel agent. They will normally allow you to transfer the booking within a window from when the booking was created.

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Whilst over three quarters of all travelers said that they typically use a travel agent/advisor to help manage their itinerary in real time, when broken down by generation a staggering 87% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers say this compared to just 50% of Boomers+ travelers.

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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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Word of mouth is still a good way to find out about a travel agent. Personal recommendations from friends and family are a good source. But you can also look at what other people think about them online. Get a pretty clear idea, and in particular see what previous customers say, see if they are satisfied.

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