Cruising: LBYM. NOT.

[mickeyd]

Thanks Crusinthru for this tip.

Quote:

Be sure you have a good travel agent who will negotiate with the cruise companies about final costs

My Q is, how can one secure a "good travel agent"? I am up for any ideas as my current system (yellow pages roulette) does not seem to work too well.

[simple girl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyd Thanks Crusinthru for this tip. My Q is, how can one secure a "good travel agent"? I am up for any ideas as my current system (yellow pages roulette) does not seem to work too well.

I found someone through a personal recommendation from another poster on cruisecritic.com. My agent spent a lot of time talking to me and always promptly returned my calls. I also found out he has the MCC designation (certified Master Cruise Counselor via the Cruise Lines International Association). Note that you can search their site (Cruise Travel Agents & Agencies by CLIA  Cruise Lines International Association) to find a certified agent near you - or if you'd like my agent's name, just PM me.

[Cruisinthru]

We met our travel agent about 15 years ago on a cruise. She only does cruises, only over the net, her commissions are lower and she has consistantly done a great job for us. Mickyd, if you would like her name and number email me direct and I will provide it.

[fnewman]

I haven't read all the posts in this thread so sorry if I am repeating something from earlier. Having taken quite few cruises, I have given up on local travel agents and always book on-line. You end up talking to someone on the phone anyway so who cares whether they are across town or acorss the country? Once you have picked out the exact cruise and date you want to book, I would suggest going to cruisecompete.com, where you will find a number of travel agents waiting to bid on your vacation. Then select the one you like, give them a call and a few minutes later you are all done.

[kcowan]

Before you select your cruise, check it out on cruisecritic.com too.