The Value of the Travel/Cruise Agent

©NABA Cruise Consultants - July 2010

Neil Gorfain, CEO of NABA Cruise Consultants, Hamden, Connecticut, provides Cruise Line Senior Management with objective information of their product via live unannounced cruise visits.  He is regarded by most of the Cruise Executives as one of the most objective people in the industry and provides them with detailed information on much of the positive operations within the ship.

This is an excerpt of an article published in major consumer publications during 2008 and 2009.

You can reach Neil at Neil@thecruiseoutlet.com

Get the best value from your Cruise

You should rarely have to pay the published price shown in the brochure for your cruise. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. But the first thing a consumer needs to know is what are the “prices” published in the brochure and when was the brochure printed.

It is possible to get a really cheap price for a cruise and save lots of money.  YES, but what if you end up with a lousy cabin (like one under the kitchen, or next to the Disco), or on a dirty ship with terrible food? Would you consider that a "Good Deal"?

Smart cruisers want the best Value for their dollar.  Remember, each person going on a vacation or cruise is looking for something different.  So, price should be the last factor involved in your decision to cruise and on what ship.

Use a Travel/Cruise Agent

Here is a list of Questions every consumer should ask the person they are dealing with in regard to booking their cruise:

• What other products does the company sell?  The more things they sell, the less they will know about the cruises.
• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the company have an office and operate from a real location? (this is against many people who are selling cruises from their homes and bedrooms!!)
• How long has the person you are dealing with been in the business?
• Has this person you are dealing with cruised before?
• Has this person you are dealing with cruised on the cruise line and ship you are interested in? (This is very important in regard to the questions you may have)
• Are they certified and accredited by that cruise line?
• Are they accredited by the Cruise Association? This is in regard to further training and education they mayhave in regard to taking care of you and knowing the differences between the ships.
• Can you call and speak with the same person each and every time?  Are they on incentive (they will say anything to get your business) or salary?
• Do they have “preferred” agreements so they have to sell, promote and push certain cruise lines?

This may sound like a lot of work, but it is your money and we know we can save you hundreds of dollars for a great cruise with a little planning.

           

Bottom line - you are always better off using a Professional Cruise Agent to book your cruise!