Quote:
Originally Posted by Huston55
Vacations2Go prices seem very good until you link over to the specific cruise line's web page and find exactly the same price that V2G says is an XX% discount; that's because V2G measures from the 'rack rate' for effect. Even though V2G is a good starting point to search, why would I go thru V2G when I can deal directly with the cruise line? And, our experience has been that a good travel agent will find all these discounts---and more. So, we use a travel agent.
I'd be very interested in additional discount cruise sites that others have used and been pleased with, due to discounts and service.
|
That may be true - Everyone may have the same prices. That is certainly the case on many cruises.
But if you are looking for a "deal" then you need to find an agent with a block of cabins that is being sold for some sort of "volume based pricing". In that case not every agent will have the same price. Most of them will have the cruiseline rate minus a modest discount.
You want to find the agent with the killer deal. Going to the cruiseline guaranties you won't get a deal.
Think of it like buying a new car. There is the MSRP, and the invoice price plus maybe some rebates and an below market interest rate. And then there is the dealer with that 50-unit volume bonus deal going with the manufacturer. If you are buyer number 48 and there's just a day or two left in the (dealer) volume based kickback, you just may get the deal of a lifetime buying a car. The dealer may be willing to actually lose money on your unit to grab that bonus.
Cruises and cruiselines have similar arrangements. With some effort they can be found.
Like car shopping, there is no easy way to find such deals. The trick is to be out there looking, and to be flexible when and where you go.