Understandably, many consumers are unaware, that the cruise lines have a general contract with ALL the travel agents and cruise specialists in the US. The cruise lines can NOT consequently give a better rate to someone who calls them directly !
How is this a plus for cruisers ? It merely means, whatever rate you see on the cruise line website, you can call an agent and get the same rate and allow them to take care of you and your cruise !
Why would the cruise line makes such a contract ? If the cruise line offered lower rates, the travel agents would automatically stop helping them !
Has their been a cruise line who tried to offer lower rates to callers ? Yes. Eric Goldring reminded us in his article, at the beginning of June (2012): “Some of you may recall the downfall of Renaissance Cruise Lines. The problem was, in large part, that Frank Del Rio (now head of Prestige Cruise Holdings which owns Regent Seven Seas and Oceania cruise lines) decided that it was such a good product that it could cut out the travel agents and only sell directly to the cruise customer. Renaissance went bankrupt.”
What if, just by chance, I were to call and get a lower rates at the cruise line ? Then most definitely know, that’s a red flag ! Either (1) The cruise line is not telling you the truth, selling you something less than what you think, or possibly making you a promise they can’t actually keep… Or (2) It could be, the cruise line accidentally quoted your agent the wrong amount ! Trust your agent in serving you best, call and tell them !
But 1st, as long as you do NOT have to give the cruise line any money, hold yourself a cabin ! This way you can prove to your agent what you’ve been told. Beware if the cruise line requires you to put down money to reserve ! You could most definitely be stuck with this cruise that may not be true to life ! Remember, just like anything in life, "If it sounds too good to be true, your intuition is literally correct !".
Are there any lower rates or amenities available to the consumer ? Yes, through “large volume agency“.
What makes a large volume agency ? Agencies that sell THOUSANDS of cruises a year !
How does LARGE SALES establish lower rates for the consumer ? The more cruises an agency sells, the happier the cruise lines are. And in turn, they allow these agencies to buy cruise at a LOWER RATES or they give them free amenities for their clients, like onboard credit or dinner at a specialty restaurant !
Would large volume agencies be like Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, etc ?
These names are actually Internet companies, not agencies !
Then how are they able to give lower rates ? They’re smart … They too, buy directly from the “large volume agency”.
So these Internet Co’s don’t actually buy directly from the cruise lines ? NO ! Seemingly, they look big ! But in reality, WHAT’S BIG is the “large volume agency” where all these Internet companies are buying FROM !
But what difference does it make where you buy, when it’s all about lowest price ? Often, especially in smaller towns, where there might not be a “large volume agency”, sadly, that’s often the mind set and the reason many consumers turn to the Internet.
What could merely be more important than lower price ?
Cruise expertise, experience in dealing with these cruise lines, and protection of your cruise and money. You’ve heard the ol’ saying, “you don’t really know someone till you live with them” ! Same holds true with the “large volume agency”, who basically live and rub elbows with the BIG PLAYERS at the cruise line … The Internet “middle man“ doesn‘t have this same pleasure nor insight !
AND …
The “large volume agency” does NOT provide any expertise, nor has any connection with the clients of the Internet “middle man”; therefore, NOT responsible if these buyers don’t get what they think they’re buying !
WOW, so can the consumer KNOCK OUT the Internet “middle man” and buy directly with a “large volume agency” ? Most certainly can !
So you’re saying …
* Cruise Lines will NOT literally give ME the best possible rate that are out there !
* The best rates are given to “large volume agency”
* Essentially, local small agencies do NOT sell in volume, so I waste my time calling every agency in town !
* These Internet co’s are actually a “middle man” with no personal connection with the cruise lines !
* The consumer can BYPASS the Internet “middle man” and buy direct with a “large volume agency, and receive service, expertise, and protection !
Where does one begin to look for a “large volume agency” ? Frommer stated, in a Delta article in 2005, what’s the most logical place to find an agency with large volume … Naturally a cruise-only agency (their main focus, is selling cruise after cruise after cruise, unlike a travel agency) ! Yet, he also says, if you don’t have one near by, nor know one or know a friend who knows one personally, then buy your cruise local (NEVER does it mention to buy from the Internet). Go here, see article: http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/display_editorial.do?draft_display=true&edOid=1611498729
Where can I connect to a “large volume agency” near Lynchburg, VA ? As mentioned in the article … Cruises Inc … Is specifically in Lynchburg, for 21 years now !
Back in 2005, we were the 3rd largest cruise-only agency in the US; After joining forces with another large cruise-only agency (Cruise One), then buying 20 more (Cruises Only), we merely moved to the largest ! And then … the Internet “middle man” came to us too !
Why did I NOT realize Cruises Inc is Lynchburg local ? Cruises Inc is a National company, serving cruises all over the US. Strangely enough, it’s actually the bigger cities who know Cruises Inc is in this smaller city ! In essence, just like National companies, such as Frito Lay and Bausch and Lomb, Cruises Inc brings outside money into Lynchburg !
PS. Three last questions …
If I see a sale or great cruise rate, Cruises Inc can naturally get that same rate too ? Don't waste your time wondering. 100% absolutely ! The cruise lines give us the Best Price Guarantee (emblem should still be on our new website: http://www.bestcruisesavings.com/ ! Just call, tell me what you see, and lets get you booked, as soon as you see what you want/like !
Does a “large volume agency”, such as Cruises Inc, receive lower rates or amenities, from the cruise line, on every date ? No, but 1500+ this year (www.1000CruiseSavings.com); to include monthly, many new Exclusive Sales !
WHY buy from Cruises Inc if there’s not a lower rate on my date ? You tell me ! If it’s all about price and you don’t need the service, expertise, and protection, then I guess, no reason ! Though remember, the more cruises Cruise Inc sells, the more better pricing the cruise lines give to Cruises Inc monthly ! Literally even cruise sold helps in getting more future SAVINGS for YOU, your family and your friends !
And just like many who love all the cruises leaving close to home (Baltimore, Norfolk, and Charleston), WHY NOT strive in keeping the Nations Largest Cruise-Only pricing right close to your home … “Going straight through the horses mouth” as they say, and leaving out the “middle man” out !
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