Received this question. Can you tell me the advantage of buying from an agent as opposed to from the cruise line itself

Normally, I have folks ask me, why buy directly at the cruise line ?

But I’ll instead, I’ll answer this persons question, their way. 

 

Don't mean to start off by soundind silly, by the 1st 2 things I respond with.

#1, The cruise line does not pay the consumer to take care of your own vacation, and they legally "can not" give you a lower rate than an agent ("select agents, as in large agents, like ourselves, are the ONLY people the consumer can get a lower rate from) and …

#2, In reality, if cruise line did not think it was better idea, for the consumer to buy from an agent, they would not pay agents commission and their wouldn't be so many agents out there, in “need” for helping all the consumers who are cruising ! 

 

The basic only reason the cruise line sells cruises at all, to consumers, is in hopes of catching you, in buying now, when you call, so you do not call another cruise line and buying there !  They’re not worried about you buying from an agent (they promote this); they are worried you will go to another cruise line !

 

Cruise lines have cruise specialist and travel agents, selling their product, basically for 3 reasons:   

(1)      Agents have experience; the more cruisers can be educated before they buy and sail, the less problems cruise lines will have - This is the cruise lines #1 reason for having agents on their side. They need help ! Not only in being sure you are educated, but …   

(2)      They do not have the sales force to fill up their ships       

(3)      Cruise Line folks come and go all the time; they may not be at all, employed by the cruise line, even a week after you buy; most have never sailed (if an agent hasn't sailed, run too); you don't know these folks (anyone, like on the internet, can tell you anything they think you want to hear;  they don't care if you don’t come back and buy a second time; agents want you for life; they want to build a friendship, not just be an agent); only info cruise line folks can give you is what they read off a computer - consumers have a misconception if they think folk at the cruise lines are the experts; sometimes, that might be all an agent can give you too, but at least, an agent should know if it makes sense or not, what the cruise line is telling them !

 

Now, that's what's in it for the cruise line that you do not buy direct with them !

So What's in it for you ...  

(1)   As mentioned, the cruise line won't give you a discount or pay you for taking care of yourself.  But they will pay an agent. It's usually free to you; who doesn't like free ! 

(2)   Leave all the work to someone else. You say, what work ? Work for agents doesn't begin till you buy. We're not actually paid, to help you decide which cruise, especially now that this info is all over the net. Of course, they can also be here to help guide you; ask questions to see if you are sure this is right cruise for you. But they are actually here, for after you buy. Sure, in answering your questions.

(3)   What the consumer doesn't think about ... what if there's a problem ... with your own life or the cruise line ... Why rely on yourself, to have to figure it all out; that the cruise line will even listen to you, as a consumer.

(4)   You are one cruise; agents deal with these cruise lines for many cruises; and agents like ourselves, who sell 100,000 a year, deal with them much more !  The more experience the agent has with a cruise line, the better your cruise has a chance at running smoothing. More importantly, the fighting power the agent has over the consumer; as the largest cruise distributor, we work with the cruise line CEO’s when the issue gets bad ! 

 

The consumer is not aware of what goes on behind closed doors and all the work that takes place in keeping your cruise safe. And if you work with a big company, like ours, we have computer safe guards, that lets us know if the cruise line has touched your booking, with in as early as 2 hours; giving us a better chance at getting in there and getting it fixed before it is too late. 

If you've never had problems, that's wonderful; but that's not reality in the cruise world ! My day is 50% problems and fixing !  I love it; but at the moment, very stressful.

 

Though most agents, do not get any lower rates, than you can get at the cruise line directly, there are the LARGE co's like ourselves that do. It's not every date, it's not every cruise line.  And our Exclusives change daily, like all the sales you see at the cruise lines.

 

Thankfully, our folks come to us, just cause they like US, otherwise, I might take it personally, and think they only want to work with us, due to something monitary ...hehehe !

 

Hope this helps. We are here in LYH, 22 years now, protecting folks cruises and answering their questions.  And … providing equal rates to that of Orbitz Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines & more.

How can I say EQUAL ?  Because they buy from US !  We are the distribution house, providing cruises to these internet companies I have mentioned above.  That’s right, they do not buy from the cruise line either !  They buy from US.  This is “how” we are known as and became the Nations Largest Cruise Distributor !

Now we don’t monitor the cruises or answer questions for folks who buy off these internet sites.  Our expertise and protection is only available for folks who buy from us direct.

And we are right here in LYH. 

Many folks do not know we are here.  It’s by word of mouth only, to know we are here.  You either find out cause you and I are friends … You’re a past cruiser with us … Our customers tell you … You’re on my facebook page … Or you ran up on US accidently (like part of the 51% of my out-of-state customers have done)

So yes, you too, can by-pass the internet and deal directly here too … Keep your money in LYH … Get the best possible rates there are … and tie into our personal connection with the cruise line too ! 

We were placed here in LYH specifically for LYH folks !  
And I admit, if LYH folks want US to stay, their support in needed in knowing this, by buying with us directly !

(1)      So you can buy from an expert, with higher connections at the cruise line, and not have to buy from a cruise line agent.

(2)      So you can receive the lower rates that the cruise lines give US; that they “legally” can not give you !

(3)      So you can keep your money in LYH !

(4)      So you can deal with someone locally that you know !

(5)      So you don’t have to get our rates, by having to go on the net.

(6)      And we allow you to refer friends and family from out of state, where we can “legally do business”; because we have license in every state, unlike local agents.

 

When you decide you want us to help you, please call/no email or facebook with questions ..........
434 237-3832, press 6 ...... then press 62 or 61, which ever best describes you (by reading this, consider that you already know me, and don’t pres 63)

What buying your “last minute cruise” can provide for you, especially from ONLINE !

I'm a little early this week in my blog posting.  A situation happened to a new cruiser, and I wanted to share !

---------------------------------

There are so many sales on cruises all the time.

And yes, often the cruise you bought, months back, may provide a lower rate at a later date.  And though “sale minded late buying folks” don’t realize, many of these sale rates are available for “early buying folks”, to partake in.

However, the talk today, is not about, how the early bird buyers can take advantage of these sale rates too, it’s about, “Where buying your last minute cruise can get you”.

 

The “Great” about sale rates are …

·         Cruises you may have “wished” to travel on, may possibly get to a price, that you can now afford or willing to pay !

·         How wonderful !  What a wonderful feeling !  Not only to discover, a price is in your reach or within your mind-set, but now you get to go on the cruise !

 

Now the down side !  Yes, this is actually what this article is about !

·         1^st, unless you have been studying that specific cruise you wanted, you could in turn, discover, that quickly buying this cruise, is not really the one you want !

·         You may have as little as an hour to decide you want to buy.  Wow, glad this added stress fits in your life !

·         You may actually miss that cruise you wanted, because you weren’t standing at the right place at the right time ! Or didn’t act fast enough !

·         You may buy from the wrong person or agency or company, because you had to decide too quickly !  And “you thought” this agency or company was the only place that had this price !

·         In most cases, the full payment is due at time of call !  And now you are in penalty for changes or to cancel.

 

Here’s a few horror stories.  Recaller …

·         Had chosen wrong week, in error !

·         Hadn’t confirmed with family, what date they could go !

·         Hadn’t asked boss, if they could have this date off !

·         Didn’t understand what bunk beds were !

·         Didn’t understand want an obstructed view cabin meant !

·         Didn’t realize, how much the total was reaching !  Saw the cruise price without any of the taxes.

·         Had not checked out the cost of airfare, before buying !

·         Hadn’t figured first, how they would get to the departure port !

·         Had not been offered Trip Cancellation Insurance and later needed it !

·         The list goes on !

 

What can actually provide worse … Folks who choose to buy their “last minute packages” ONLINE !

·         There are packages you can not get out of, once you buy !  And no changes !

·         And  if you’ve paid in full, you can not move to another agent or receive help from someone who could have helped you in the first place !

 

Do yourself a favor, don’t do this to yourself !  Pick up the phone and call an agent !   For my customers … Even if they buy early, I ask them to “call me” and “not buy from my website”.

And I don’t mean any agent.  And I don't mean the cruise line (that's a day for another story) ! Someone who will tell you the truth !  Who thinks “out of the box” !  With years of experience (Experience means they have already  run into many customer and cruise line problems, from the past; the more cruises they have sold, the more experiences they will have).

Someone who will  …

·         Tell you, the whole cost, in full !

·         Tell you, what kind of cabin you are really getting or could end up with !

·         Makes sure this is the cabin location you really want to end up in !  Are there downfalls !

·         Remind you to consider airfare and transfers that are possible needed.

·         Suggest you get to your port of destination a day early !

·         Make sure you have considered Trip Cancellation Insurance !

·         Make sure you have provided correct names !  Instead of giving your nick-names online.

·         Correct spelling of names !

·         If you are old enough to sail !  If your kids can be in a separate room !

·         If you bought a cabin that will hold the number of people you want !

·         Tell you the rules in the promotion you are buying !

·         Tell you the rules about how you can not get out of this !

·         Let you know, that what you think you are buying, does not give you the amenities you think you will be getting !

·         The list goes on !

It’s an “experienced” agents job, to “think out of the box for you”.  To think of everything that could go wrong, with what you are choosing !  To remember past experiences, of situations other folks have been in !  You as an individual, can not expect from yourself, to know things that have happened out in this Cruise World, that you never thought of nor knew that ever has happened !

 

Just yesterday.  Here’s what happened to someone who bought their last minute cruise on “my website”:

·         1^st of all, she bought a package that she could not get out of; she was within penalty.

·         She had not considered the cost of airfare.  $ 2100 pp.

·         She had not considered the transfers to and from the ship.  $ 192 pp.

·         She later wanted to add a person, and thought she was paying double and would only have to pay the govt fees for the 2^nd person.  She had gotten a sale on a single rate; and this cruise line, hadn’t charged double on all the taxes.

Here is what is worse over THIS scenario !  She assumed, she could partake in seminar she had seen elsewhere (like a theme cruise), and could just buy from anyone !  WRONG !  The cruise had to be bought from that other company !  And now that it was paid in full, i could not even move her cruise to the other agency !

SORRY !  She is stuck with this cruise !  She can either put out the other money for airfare and transfers, or she can count the loss, of her already paid money !

REMEMBER, “cruisers don’t let their friends buy from the internet or the cruise lines” !  Choose to be the best friend ever to your friends … And share with them "where" they can be safe in making their cruise purchase !

 

 

 

Why the lowest price cruises is not always the best choice for you

Stop and think, why are you going on vacation ?

Just to get away ?

Just to put another notch on your to-do-list ?

Because you haven't been on a true vacation in a long time ?

To experience new horizons ?
To feel WOW when it’s all over ?

 

Though there are many reasons we choose to cruise, deciding the right cruise, for you, is important too ! And choosing the cheapest is not always the wisest !

The first step in choosing a cruise, is to decide, if the cruise line meets your personality.  If you call me for a cruise, and do not know which cruise line you want, I begin by asking you wish restaurants you go to in town … And then I compare that personality to the cruise line.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing cheap is:

·         What will the food be like ?

·         What about the entertainment ?

·         What is there to do onboard ?

 

Remember, if it’s cheap, “all forms of life” will be on this cruise.  I do not mean this disrespectful !  But that’s just it, you want to be with folks that respect the cruise that “everyone is on” !  Had a friend, come back from a cruise once, and said to me, “I can’t believe all the …. Onboard”.  I said, well, that’s what happens when you choose the cheapest !

Though any price cruise can have rowdy or party folks, like any restaurant, the lower price, most definitely attracts these type folks !  Especially if you are choosing a 3 night cruise !  In many cases, it’s no more than a “party weekend” for folks … To stay up all night and not only, not get a wink of sleep, but make it hard for others to get any sleep !

If you’re not familiar yet familiar with the cruise line you are choosing, do some homework. 

·         Get online, and see what others have to say !

·         As friends, who are like you, if they have cruised this cruise line

·         And if folks are traveling with you, be sure to ask them, about the cruise line they like, before choosing the cruise line for the group.

·         And of course, be sure you are working with an agent, who can help guide you !

 

Before deciding the cheapest, consider one last idea !  If there is another cruise that you are wanting (another cruise line), take the difference in price; then divide it by the number of days.  Are you not willing to pay that much more a day, to have what you really want, and possibly a better cruise  ?

 

 

In the Travel News

My father died last week; currently spending 1/2 my days, packing my mother, to move to Fla, within the next week; therefore, wanting to provide, at least some current, "In the Travel News".


Godmother for the new "Royal Princess"
http://content.princess.com/pcan/?QTHr7TdOead16DolTJxoMRyUz50pwoknQ

Worlds most colorful cities
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/09/travel/worlds-most-colorful-cities/index.html?hpt=tr_c1

The Worlds strangest Natural Wonders
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/the-worlds-strangest-natural-wonders_b_2978891.html?utm_hp_ref=travel

Worlds most beautiful Airports
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2013/04/07/worlds-most-beautiful-airports/2056899/

12 Delicious Destinations for foodies
http://www.independenttraveler.com/slideshow/12-delicious-destinations-for-foodies

Best Breakfast around the World
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/best-breakfasts-around-th_b_2992826.html?utm_hp_ref=travel

Travel Articles

21 Best Vacations in the USA !
http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/best_usa_vacations/

Worlds most unusual (unique) hotels. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/trivagocouk/worlds-most-unusual-hotels_b_2972781.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel#s2276865&title=Ariau_Amazon_Towers

Peek at the "new Royal Princess". 
http://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/cruises/2013/04/01/photo-tour-a-sneak-peek-at-the-new-royal-princess/2034557/

Top 5 Dive destinations
http://www.travelsinparadise.com/travelarticle/top-5-dive-destinations.html

10 Places to visit that will change your childs life
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/03/travel/national-geographic-kids-travel/index.html?hpt=tr_c1 

The Nicest vs Most Unfriendly Countries for Travel

See Peter Greenberg's article: The Nicest vs Most Unfriendly Countries for Travel

http://www.petergreenberg.com/2013/03/19/how-rude-the-nicest-vs-most-unfriendly-countries-for-travel/

Most Friendly Country: Iceland #1
Morocco #3

Don’t Go There: Venezuela #140

From Vivian:  Venezuela is place, that if you cruise here, be sure to take the cruise ships tour, when wanting to go into this island !

Why Hawaii ?

How many folks, who have yet to go, have Hawaii on their bucket list ?  Statistics have proven, 80% of folks.

 

Makes sense !

 

What do you think of, when you think of Hawaii  ?

·         Islands

·         Mountains

·         Sunsets

·         Crystal clear blue waters

·         Beaches/swimming

·         Scuba diving/snorkeling

·         Golf

·         Volcano

·         Native Hawaiian’s

·         Hula dancing

·         History

·         Polynesian Cultural Center

·         Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor

·         Plantations

·         Gardens

·         Water falls

·         Luau’s/pig roast

·         Cuisine

·         Hawaiian shirts/attire

·         Whales/sea life

·         Helicopter rides

·         Weddings

·         Great photos

 

Hawaii is fun.  Romantic.  Exotic. Natural.

And what’s the best way to see Hawaii ?

By cruise ship !

 

My first time to Hawaii, I just bought a hotel/flight package.  Once there, I spent as much in traveling around the islands and on food, as I did, with my original package cost.  Next 4 times, I went by cruise ship.

Though I prefer beginning my cruise from Vancouver, over to Hawaii, or vice versa, Norwegian Cruise Lines 7 Night cruise, actually offers you 100 hours in port.  Can’t beat that !

 

Call, it’s time for you to see Hawaii.  Reminder, need to call us 7 mo – 15 month’s in advance, to take advantage of our special rates with Norwegian, in Hawaii !  Naturally, we sell out quickly !

And before you complete your planning, be sure to ask me, my 2-3 tips you’ll want to know !

Why won’t the cruise line give me a discount, if I book with them directly ? Why do they pay agents ? How can I help keep my next cruise price down ?

In reality, cause it cost the company money, when folks book directly !

Stop and think about it !

On an average, how many times do you call the cruise line “before” you book ?

Then after booking, how many times, on an average, do you call, a week, with a question ?

Well, they have to have staff, to be there, to answer your questions !

On an average, 50% of the calls received, are from folks who have questions; it is not from folks, with money in hand, buying a new vacation.

The more folks call with just questions, the more staff they need; or the more you call, the more on hold time there will be, if staff is limited !

So if you are finding a hold time, when calling the cruise line, in many cases, it’s due to other callers, who too, do not have an agent !

So why do they give agents money, when you book with an agent ?

Think !  It’s a common sense answer !

Because you are not needing to call the cruise line with questions; you are calling your agent ! 

It’s only natural to realize, that it is cheaper for the cruise lines, if you call your agent, then when you call them directly !

The cruise lines have the agents here for a reason !

Not only because it saves them, by you not calling them with your questions, but the cruise lines know, that agents have valuable experience to share with their customers.  Not only valuable insight, but know-how.  Information that will help you, not only in avoiding your own mistakes, but so you will be more highly educated than the average cruiser.  The education and insight cruisers have, the LESS problems the cruise line has. 

 

KNOW.  The more money YOU save the cruise line in them NOT having to have staff and the less problems cruisers have for the cruiseline, because cruisers have been educated by agents, the LOWER YOUR CRUISE can stay. Think about it !  Think smart !  And do all cruisers a favor ! Call and book through an agent, ALWAYS !

PS.  Every time I hear of a person who bought direct, it angers me; cause I know that person is playing a part, in my next cruise price being higher !

Titanic II will be the ship where dreams come true

Article by Travel Pulse.

Construction of the vessel, is an effort to build a virtual replica of the famed Titanic, but with modern technology conforming to today's safety and comfort standards. Palmer would not reveal the project cost of the ship.

Titanic II is expected to be completed by 2016 and will then sail from China to Southampton, England.

 

“We have had more than 40,000 enquiries from around the world from people expressing an interesting in securing a booking for the maiden voyage,” Palmer said, claiming some would-be passengers are offering $700,000 to $1 million for the chance to be on the first voyage.

More of the story:  http://www.travelpulse.com/titanic-ii-ship-plans-unveiled-by-australian-billionaire-clive-palmer.html&u=426A81A0-2A25-48B8-80C6-022E1B10F455


From Vivian.  I heard someone other day say, they would not at all be interested in sailing on the Titanic II; I know I would be !  As mentioned above, this ship will have all of today's safety and comfort standards !  I would personally love this opportunity !  Matter of fact, by then, maybe I will have my Stage Hypnosis practice underway, and can apply to be onboard this ship as part of the entertainment !




 

Vacation – Is it a Luxury ? Or Should it be a requirement ? Missing vacation time, hurts you or your boss ? Or both !

Who do you hurt by not taking vacation time ?

Several articles enclosed. 
See what the experts say.

http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1611826883

Who likes cruises more – the parents or the kids ?

Just a few minutes ago, I got off the phone with a client, who had cruise last year, that was planning to take their son, with them this year.  Cool !

The mother was wondering, if she dare take a long cruise, such as 7 nights, or should she consider a shorter cruise first ?  I asked why was she debating on the length of time.  She said, what if he got bored ?

Immediately, I began asking these questions:

Is he a loner ?  No.

Is he outgoing ? Somewhat.

Does he like other kids ?  Yes.

Does he have to be with our 24/7 ?  No.

 

I said, I need not ask any more !

I said, understand, though you are thinking , in general, that this vacation is for you ?  WRONG !

This will be all about your son !  I said, you may see him by the end the cruise !  Seemed as though, she was very pleased to here this, due to her concerns.

I said, and once he gets back to school, it’s going to be all about, “My folks took me on a cruise !”

Her son was 13. I said, he will be able to go to activities on his own.  Come and go.  It will be up to you, to tell him what time you want him to meet up with you.

As far as dinner.  Probably one night, the kids will all eat together, and he will not come to dinner.  And on the other nights, Carnival (this was cruise line they are planning), has an “express dining for kids”, in which, your son is served within 45 minutes, so he can then go be with his friends.

I said, they have activities, like till 10pm and some nights, it’s even later.

 

I said, what is real fun about taking your child, on their first cruise, is watching their eyes and their mouth fly wide open, when they see everything !  It will all be exciting for you too, cause you can’t wait to show them around the ship.  Whether it’s all the food at the buffet, and the fact that they can have 2 deserts, or all the lights in the casino, or all the places on the ship where you can go.

Well, that’s all the conversation it took.  Her question back to me was, “Do you think maybe we should choose a longer cruise ” !

Most definitely yes !  Not only do you need the longest you can get.  Your child is going to get all involved with their new friends, and they too, are not going to want to leave !  And when you get home, all they are going to be saying is, “When are we going again !”.

I said, Matter of fact, on Royal Caribbean ships in Fla (and other locations), families are repeating the same ships over and over, because, the kids want to go back !

 

So parents may think they have fun .... But kids have more !

 

 

 

 

 

News Media and Carnival Triuimph issues

I do not think I would want a news persons job.  Seems like, even if this is not true, that the name of the game, is report the “negative”.  The thought of having to think negative all the time, runs a chill up my spine.

The above came to mind, when watching the news last night and today.  In reference to the Triumph disaster.  The way it was announced, “Will folks be cancelling their upcoming cruise vacation due to distaster”.  I thought, what ?

Crazily, such issues have actually caused more sales !  It reminds folks, oh, I forgot to buy my cruise !  And ... Now's the time to go !  Things get safer after an incident !

Also I heard the woman on the World News say … I wouldn’t get on another ship … I would suit them !  That’s sad.  Someone in the spotlight, to suggest and encourage such negative response.   Very sad !   I think she said, she had never cruised before.  So it’s actually her, that I feel sorry for ; to include the negativity !

WOW.  First of all, WHY put fear in folks, when they didn’t have any !  WHY ruin the thought process of a fun upcoming vacation !  As a consumer, I think I would be more upset, that there was someone out there, that encouraged, “think negative” and "spoiling of fun".

Luckily on the news, they put some cruisers, who cleared the air.  That they will; cruise again and they can’t wait !  Here Here cruisers !  You tell them ! 

 

Don’t allow anyone spoil your fun … Especially, not even the media !  Travel Writers ? Now that's a different story !  They know this industry ... Doubt many in the media do (?).