Buy Cruise direct or agency

[Sunset]

I'm looking at buying a river cruise, so the cost will be about $12,000

Should I buy it directly from Viking, or should I go through a travel agent ?
Is Viking's 877 number really just a "special" travel agency and not really Viking ?

If I bought direct, I would think it would be less than from an agency that has to cover costs plus profit, but some people say nope.

 

[Bamaman]

On a cruise of that caliber, I'd be going through a cruise specialist. And we've never had better service on any trip than Ann Kent, and agent of Avoya Travel.

She can be reached at: Ann.Kent@AvoyaTravel.com

On a cruise to the Greek Isles 9 mos. ago, if we'd got any more freebies they'd be paying us to go. She booked a repositioning cruise for April for us last week.

 

[athena53]

If I bought direct, I would think it would be less than from an agency that has to cover costs plus profit, but some people say nope.

"Nope" is the right answer. DH and I booked two Alaskan cruises on a small cruise line (UnCruise) and had the local travel agency book them. No extra to us and they got the commission. The usual freebies (on-board credits, etc.) didn't really apply to the cruise line we were taking- just about everything was covered in the costs except my snorkeling expedition (yeah, in 42-degree water), which was about $100, gratuities and alcohol. Our booze bill was quite modest because they didn't overprice it and they allowed BYOB.

 

[tn3sport]

Costco.

 

[DrRoy]

Shop the available options and go with the best price.

 

[Huston55]

"Nope" is the right answer.

This has also been our experience. Our TA has not only got the same prices (sales, freebies, etc.) that we could but, her agency usually kicks in a "Thank You" gift (welcome champaign, specialty restaurant coupon, etc.) in addition.

PS: check out the 'Cruise Critic' website; I'd expect they have good advice on this.

 

[nwsteve]

We booked our Viking trip through Affordable Tours who provided an additional discount over and above Viking promo. We also just booked a 2018 trip and got to deferred any payments beyond the deposit until 2018 vs Viking who wanted it all within three months or less. We used Christine Whittle Christine Whittle (christine@affordabletours.com) PM if you want my contact data as we both get a discount if you are a first time client
Affordable generally provides some "rebate" or additional discount on nearly all their bookings

 

[Moemg]

I have used cruise compete .You put in the cruise you are interested in and several agents give you a quote and any freebies they will throw in .