The differences between a travel agent, a cruise specialist, a cruise vacation specialist … And Oh, “a middle man” ?

As a travel industry, all these type agents fall under “travel agent”.  Such as in this case, travel agent, is a generic category.  And each, can provide that valuable piece, to any travel adventure.

It’s the consumer, who needs to decide, not only what they truly need, from their choice in agents, but also know the difference in what they actually provide.

Travel Agents, for the most part, are often store-front agencies.  It’s where, usually, one person owns the agency, and then pays their agents, by the hour, to answer incoming calls/emails.  Whether it’s airfare, hotel, tickets for plays, etc.  Some are membership only agencies, such AAA.

Many travel agents have store-front locations.  It’s these type agencies, where folks without computers, should automatically plan, and visit, for making their vacation purchases.

There are also “specialty travel agents”, who piece together, each part of that non-normal vacation experience.  Their customers, most often, have a non-budget type vacation desire.  Info alone, plus research, can add to $100’s, before ever buying the vacation.

Cruise Specialist are a total different breed !  These folks concentrate totally on the cruise industry.  Whether it be on the cruise lines directly, their ships, or where they may destin to.  Not only climbing to a Master Certification with CLIA, but gaining individualized cruise line certification/recognition.

However, it takes more than just education.  Years of experience, in dealing “with the cruise lines” plays MORE of a major role in a cruise specialist expertise !  Knowing “how the cruise line thinks” and “how to get their customers out of a box, when need be” !  Education, with years of experience, puts these type agents in a total different league, than the secretarial-order–taker-type-agent. 

There is a 3^rd type of cruise specialist !  Those agents/agencies, fortunate to have “direct access” to the cruise lines !

What is and/or the value of “direct access” ?

Agents/agencies with “direct access” to the cruise lines provide several purposes for the benefit of consumers. It’s more than just education and experience !

·         Personal phones #’s, these agents call the cruise lines, versus consumer/regular agent lines

·         A personal friend, the agent/agency can call on, in time of issue – Whether cruise line issue or customer personal issue.

·         Already negotiated lower rates and/or amenities, from the cruise line

*     Our computes link to the cruise lines

·         Often serve on boards at the cruise line, in helping “all cruisers” benefit.

Many consumers might think, internet companies have a direct connection to the cruise lines, due to their offers.  However, for the most part, internet companies are a middle man.  And buy their cruises, not from the cruise lines, but instead, directly from a Cruise-Only Distribution House. 

That’s Cruises Inc.  Not only a cruise-only distribution house, the largest in the country !  Not only cruise specialists, with education and experience, but direct access to the cruise lines.  And, 25 years of industry and travel writer recognition, as, “cruise specialists”.

The title of “cruise specialist” changed for Cruises Inc, about 5 years ago.  It’s when the “Land Tour” companies approached Cruises Inc, in providing land tours and all-inclusive resorts to our cruise customers.

It’s when Cruises Inc formed a “relationship” with these folks.  And now, Cruises Inc are “Cruise Vacation Specialists”.  Though the land folks haven’t come around totally in offering lower rates and/or amenities, it has begun to happen over the last year (and we look forward to more) !

Cruises Inc began and continues to be in this industry “for the consumer”.  We want to make available to all consumers”

·         Needed industry changes

·         Best possibly lower rates and/or amenities

·         Direct access to our resources

·         Backing !

·         Our expertise, years of experience, advice, and guidance !

 

We are a word-of-mouth agency !  Not here to take away from local agencies !  However, if you are …

·         Already buying from the internet, then you’re getting our rate but missing our expertise, guidance and backing !

·         Buying at the cruise line, then you are missing the lower rates and/or amenities, they can’t give to you, along with what the internet buyers are missing !

 

Call us.  Allow us to stand behind you and receive the best possible cruise line rates.

(434/800) 237-3832

Next article in 2 weeks ... May 11 ... I'm cruising next week !