Don't Laugh. Examples of (horror stories) ... Where buying travel ONLINE got these folks ! (Also consumer disasters on my last Alaska cruise). The rules they didn’t know … Got ‘em in the $$ pocket book !

As many of you know, I’m in business with several associates.  Unlike the consumer, who is NOT in this business on a daily basis, we get to hear the many ‘online’ buying disasters, day in AND day out !  And the ... I listened to a 'friend', who said, 'buy online' (coming soon ... Folks will be able to suit their friends for wrongful advice) !

*Some folks call us, only to buy from us, cause they ran into a glitch when buying online.  And think … They ONLY need an agent FBO fixing a glitch ! Or help with a special need.

*Others call after they are in a bind.  Oh is this costly !
*And others … We hear about … WHILE WE TOO, ARE CRUISING WITH YOU WHO BOUGHT ONLINE !

 

And WHO DO THEY WANT TO BLAME ? 

The online provider.

I heard woman on my Alaska cruise say, “And wait till I call and chew them out”.

And I thought ... How is that going to help your current HORROR issue now ??

WHY ?? WHY do consumers buy online ?  Consumers are NOT in this business !  How can they expect themselves to be an expert & know all you need to know, in 5 minutes ?  In 5 hours of research ?  When we’ve been here helping many folks for years !

The average consumer calls me or my staff, 3-4 times before they sail, with needed answers AND PERSONAL ISSUES ! Even with the many pages and pages of insight we email them !

You cannot just ‘make stuff up’ … There’s are MANY laws & rules !

 

An associate got a call today … Woman ONLY calls to buy over phone because she wants to be sure there will be 2 KING beds in their inside cabin, cause she will be bringing 6 people. 
WOW, what a shock that would have been, when 2 couldn’t board !!

Another associate today … Woman will be DRIVING to Hawaii from US !  Can you help me – Need directions.

WOW, want to know that highway myself !

Another associate got a call today … Honeymooner bought All-Inclusive package to Cancun, for August 28 (THIS YEAR), not knowing passport needed.

WOW, they may not be flying anywhere or pay fees to overnight !

Associate got call … I’ve shopped Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, & others, and prices all the same, WHY ?

Ummm … Cause they ALL buy their cruises from one source … US !

Associate got call … Consumer calling all agents.  I don’t want to pay that price.  Will you take this ?

Guess they don’t know rates aren’t negotiable !

Associate got call … Need to cancel cruise, yet didn’t buy Cancellation Insurance.  Said, but I was going if I had not gotten sick, so it’s not my fault.

That’s WHY there’s Trip Cancellation Insurance !

Associate got call … I didn’t go on cruise, but cruise line won’t give me my money back.  Why didn’t you go ? I just changed my mind.  Did you call anyone to know the rules ?  NO.

Oopps ! 

Associate got call … Woman pregnant and no one knew.

She may get denied boarding !

Associate got call … Bought cruise to take my grandchildren.  Thought my daughter had sole custody, but she doesn’t.  Now father won’t sign and we leave in 2 days.
Most likely denied boarding !

Associate got call … Final payment due today.  Client claims they get paid again in 2 more weeks.

Oopps, not financially planned out.  Cruise will auto cancel & no money returned !

I get a call today … Honeymoon (this) September.  Caller heard, wait till 2 weeks prior for best deal.  Told me, rates have gone UP in last 2 weeks.  I said, last minute rates seem to already be on the rise !  He said, if rate not what he wants, NOT GOING !

Hmmm, was that ‘miss-out-on-honeymoon-cruise’ a threat for me ?

Call yesterday … I want cruise from Norfolk to Hawaii, stay in Hawaii 2 weeks, and cruise back.

ME TOO !

While back … Woman called to tell me, she was going to disembark ship in Nassau & fly home early.
Lady, did you read the cruise contract & the penalties she’ll have to pay if doing so ?

While back … Known person told me they were going to drive to ship & buy cruise at pier.  I get call for help – Now double the price !

I tried to tell them !

While back … Woman calls after cruise & upset cause the ship took her suitcase of liquor from her, when boarding.

Really ?? !

While back … Woman booked cruise with upcoming marriage last name.  They decided not to get married.  Latter called to also say, she booked 1^st name, with what she wished folks would call her.

You not getting on nor refunded !  Full name change.

Last week on my Alaska cruise … I have NEVER heard as many disasters on one cruise, than this one !  AND YES … THEY ALL BOUGHT ONLINE !  Thought …

*Transfers from airport to hotel and hotel to ship, in Vancouver, were automatically included, when buying hotel on your own.  WOW !
*They could just catch a cab, outside the ship, from Seward to Anchorage !  WOW !
*They could make a 11am flight from Anchorage (early train doesn’t even arrive till 11am).  WOW !
*The cruise was round trip Vancouver, instead of Vancouver to Seward.  Their post hotel & return air was from Vancouver.  WOW ! (This was the one I mentioned above).
*They bought a 14 night that would return them back to Vancouver, but only bought a 7 night. Their return airfare was from Vancouver.   WOW !
*An outside Tour Vendor would wait for them (or auto be refunded), if ship pulled into port late.  WOW !
*They would auto receive refund on a shore excursion, cause they weren’t feeling well that day & didn’t go !  WOW !
*Since not driving while on cruise, why bring your driver’s license.   Left passport on ship when they got off.  WOW !
*They were getting drink package, $200 shore excursion credit, and onboard credit.  They got NOTHING !  WOW !
*Their 7 night cruise included Denali.  WOW !
*Their hotel in Anchorage, not knowing it was 20 miles away, would included free transfers or only a $10 cabin fare.  WOW !


Never occurs to consumers …
*Online is online !
*No Answers !
*No Pre-warnings !
*No Insight ! 
*No expertise !
THAT’S IT !  YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN … IN WHATEVER YOU THOUGHT YOU BOUGHT.  WITH ALL THE RULES !  ALL THE EXPECTATIONS ! 

There’s no one to blame, but … YOU chose to buy online !  Listen to others, rather than turn to an expert !

 

Buying online is for the person who will be …
*Reading all the contracts (word for word)
*Reading all the available insight online !
*Calls no one, especially NOT an agent they didn’t buy from, for ANY info !
*And likes the challenge of the unknown & can get themselves out of a box !

ME – I’ve been on 140 cruises.  Yes, I take some challenges.  And yes, it’s been known to put me in a box. 

But I don’t take my customers there !

 

 

 

 

 

River Cruising: Do You Get Your Money's Worth ?

Lifestyle Magazine offers price breakdown … River Cruise versus ‘doing it on your own’ !  And their final take on WHY folks prefer the choice of river cruising !

Some like that ‘all you need is in one price’ … Others not use to calculating for, excursions ashore or select beverages, included in the price !  This definitely makes a different in the pricing, versus a typical ocean cruise.

There’s hotel (onboard accommodations), all meals (3 course or more), ground transportation (to/from your ship), and local tours and cultural insight ! Along with a full-staff, keeping you totally informed, and providing local language and cultural difference.

Itinerary:  Romantic Danube, 8 days, Nuremberg and Budapest. Stopped in Regensburg, Passau, Melk and Vienna. With a cruise through the World Heritage Wachau Valley. Each port provided a guided tour with a local guide. The boat docked right in the heart of most towns, making it easy to return for the included lunch or dinner.

THE CRUISE PRICE - Sample of standard room (Viking River Cruise), $2,556.  Price included meals; wine and beer at meals. Additional cost of $ 180, for unlimited premium wine, beer and cocktails. Or beer for $3 at the bar.  Optional tours available, such as, a concert in Vienna.

THE SELF-PLANNER PRICE versus this river cruise:

By way of Hotels:  $130 to $200 per night, if include a Wachau Valley boat ride.

River Cruise: Though space on a river cruise may be smaller than a hotel room, you make it up in river cruising service.  Along with well-clean rooms and water, fresh fruit, and bath products were plentiful.

Food:

By way of Hotels: $450pp

River Cruise: Lot of variety. The breakfast buffet changed slightly each day, while lunch and dinner offered two options: a lighter meal on the boat's outdoor terrace deck or a choice of a few three course (though small-portioned) offerings in the dining room.

Transportation:

By way of train: Faster.  Plus one-way boat ride from Krem to Melk to take the Wachau Valley cruise, $212.

River Cruise:  Can’t beat the scenic ride, however, cruising is a slower ride.

Tours:

On own: Some cities, like Budapest, offer free guided tours, while others require a fee, $107.

River Cruise:  Most passengers really enjoyed the guided walks and bus tours.

Total, $ 1,919 ( $1,400pp, with shared hotel room)

Other Incidentals:

On own:  Taxi or use public transit to get around.  Air-condition  in Europe & in hotels is rare.

River Cruise:  Gratuities.  Est $20 per day per person.

Other differences to highlight with River Cruising:  (1) Local transportation was a nonissue; the boat docks right in town at all stops except for Nuremberg.   (2) Air-condition onboard was a big plus !

IS IT WORTH IT ?

The biggest bang for your buck on a river cruise is (1) The service !  (2) Transportation (coordinated for  you), (3) Language/cultural concierges on hand.

Lifestyle Mag take: ‘It was the easiest travel experience I've had, mostly because my only responsibility was ensuring I was back on board the ship before its scheduled departure’.

Not for folks who don’t like the ‘easy comfort level’, but instead prefer, the challenges offered in ‘on your own vacationing’, such as (1) Figuring out the local transportation, and (2) Ordering from a menu !

Also keep in mind … ‘Most folks, traveling on their own, would never rush around to get to all these different stops with continuous hotel change‘ !

For most … "Easy" is relaxing, and "relaxing" is desirable. A river cruise offers a glimpse of a multitude of places while someone else handles the logistics. You'll learn about the local culture and history, form friendships with other cruisers and see some incredible scenery -- all without leaving your "hotel."

Vivian’s Take:  I simply LOVE river cruising !  And realize, if I’m not taking ‘one a year’, I will never get through all the many itineraries available, even in just in Europe !

*Love the laid back-relaxation . 

*Appreciate being picked up at the airport. 

*Now that I’ve read this review, I realize I’ve been taking for granted, (1) No menu reading issues, nor (2) Cultural/language clarification needed.  

*Love traveling from port to port by river:  (1) To ‘see’ the views outside (especially, as main focuses approach), (2) To enjoy being outside.

*Though small like on ocean cruises, the rooms look more like hotel rooms, with the bed frames & bedding, to include the available toiletries.

*Love that everyone eats at the same time and you can choose, which ever table you want, each night.

*Everything provided is at a slow pace, unless your decide to run a faster pace, on your free time.

*The tours provide highly informative cultural insight. 

*It is so much fun to go to the different ports; take pictures; see/shop for local items/art of that area.

There is so much of the world, that you can never see by ocean cruise.  If you’re not river cruising too, you’ll miss a lot of the adventure, the culture, the art, the history, the spectaculars that rivers offer  !

The only reason  my every cruise is not a river cruise … Is because I choose to getaway on 5-6 cruises a year … This # of cruises, by way of river, would mean a high amount of airfare spent EACH YEAR !  My only reason !

Ok, I'm headed to Alaska next week.  See you again, July 13.

Cruise Versus All-Inclusive Resort: Which Is the Better Deal ? Travel writers advice.

 

On the surface, it looks like an all-inclusive resort offers vacationers the most value. But is the comparison that black and white? And if you add in extras (like flights), is an all-inclusive still the cheaper option?

Determining which option is the best value depends on your vacation priorities and spending habits.

See my additional input below visiting link for article !

Choose a cruise if …

Choose an All-Inclusive if …
See more Cruise Critics input, go here:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1630

 

An All-Inclusive is great for folks who:

*Beach/pool lovers !
*Plan to spend the majority of their vacation, on the resort, at the beach/pool.
(Of course, on a cruise, you can lay at the pool all day when at sea, and with even less guest, when in port). 
(My thought:  Does it matter which destination you choose, if you never plan to see it anyway ?)
*Want beach/water experience outside of your closest US beach.

Keep in mind, with an All-Inclusive:

*With most resorts out of the US, the bigger cost is usually in, getting there.
(Club Med does have a resort in Fla, on a river)
*Passport required to fly outside the US
(Except for Club Med in Fla)
*To venture away from your All-Inclusive resort (just like a cruise), can mean: (1) Additional cost for drinks and food, and (2) Tours ‘and’ transportation cost
*You only visit one destination (where as a cruise, you most often ake up in a new port, several days of the cruise).
 
My additional comments:
*Name Brand Resorts. When choosing an All-Inclusive, highly consider ‘name brand resorts’, just like when  choosing cruises.
*Name Brand Tour Operators. All-inclusive Resorts should be purchased thru ‘name brand’ tour operators.  These operators, (1) Rate the hotels – They’ve been there, (2) Often have a representative at select resorts.  (3) Have relationships with these resorts.  Even resorts as Sandals & beaches !
REMEMBER, not all operators are equal – not necessarily name brands  (just buying off the net, does not an operator make & there are imposters)
*Buy from an agent.  As travel writers suggest, buy from an agent (middle man for land tour packages/all-inclusives/cruises).  Consumers can‘t imagine issues they might have !  AND … Agents already have relations with tour operators that consumers DO NOT !  Spinning wheels, where  agents have already encountered).

 

Remember, there are no added benefits nor bonus points, for consumers, by buying your vacation on your own. 

YES, do the research.  Then call an agent to buy ! 
So you know, All-Inclusive/Land Tour/Cruise vendors pay agents to (1) Book it for you, and (2) To be there ‘after’ the buy ! 
Please don't think, ‘cause you know which vacation you want, that this is all you need’ ... That's not even why you need the agent (all is online for you to see).  When you need the agent most (besides booking if for you) ... Is AFTER !
From FoxBusiness.com.  Great tip:
Put on your smart-consumer hat when browsing online for all-inclusive resort deals. Large travel sites can offer discounted packages, but watch for surprise inconveniences, fees or expenses when it's time to give your credit card number when booking reservations. A travel agent can sometimes save time and money.

 

Where will your next vacation take you ?
Cruise ?
All-Inclusive
Call me …
(434/800) 237-3832

Next article June 22 ... See you then !  (smile)

 

 

 

New to traveling ? New to a specific area of travel? Turning to your agent for travel advice ? Heeding to agent travel advice ? Know possible reverse results ?

 

I’ve been in the “cruise business” for 25  years now and taken 138 cruises.  And strange as one may guess, that I too, have experienced travel disasters ! 

In this article, I’m not talking about disasters in working “with” a cruise line or land tour operator or new folks I’ve experiences THIS YEAR, who are wishy-washy in their original package.  I’m just talking here, about the travel experience itself !

You can call the situations I’ve experienced misfortunate, yes, or you can call it ‘added value’ for my customers.  The more I travel, whether it be “with” a specific cruise line, take flights, trains, transfers, or stay before or after my cruises in hotels … These ALL … Give me added value insight for the travel of others.

Not that I want to get into this topic today, but the majority of travelers want to save a DIME.  And the way to do that, it buying the ‘parts of the puzzle’, to go with your main package, on  your own. 

Agents are not paid today, to handle your airfare nor transfers, and most often, never receive pay for handling any pre/post hotels (unless bought thru a Land Tour Operator).  In turn, they must charge a fee to handle.  Now they are covered under “their insurance”, to cover you, for a wrong purchase.

So when I first book a customer’s basic vacation (cruise or land), I tell them … COME TO ME FOR YOUR NEEDED ADVICE !  This includes flights, tranfers, pre/post hotels, and tours ashore.  Even when they are NOT buying these “parts of the puzzle” from me.

I want to “hear” what they are THINKING prior to their decisions.  I want to analyze, their options, to make sure all the pieces match !  BEFORE THEY PURCHASE !

THAT’S MY FORTE to this business … Problem solver !   Will this work ? How to make it work ?  Where do we go from here ?

Life has so many crazy turns, for all of us, that I look into the possibilities of disasters, that could unfortunately get one’s decision into added stress on their vacation !  Don’t get me wrong, NEW STUFF surfaces all the time.  So allowing me to help, with the “road I’v e already been down”, is why I am here ! Why Cruises Inc is here.  My staff, has seen even more issues, than I’ve experience with my personal travels and the misfortune of clients !

Fortunately, the majority of my clients have been with me for years.  They’ve called me, from the beginning for ALL insight and emergency situations, as most of them continue to do today !

However, THIS YEAR, I am getting a lot of (1) Never before travelers and (2) Nnew client travelers.  These folks either (A) Don’t understand what I mean by, “call me for all your needed advice”,  (B) Do not understand the mishaps that happen with travel … Or  WHAT ?  (C ) Like playing Russian Roulette. 

Understand, when you buy these “pieces of the puzzle” on your own … You’re ON YOUR OWN !  That is totally NOT my advice to you.  I will not push you, cause I want you to save money, but only IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING.  Otherwise …

(1)    I should buy your airfare
(2)    Your hotel
(3)    Your tours should be bought by “our discount” Shore Excursion Group (though my 1^st suggestion is the cruise line, if pre-buying).
(4)    Let me give you needed advice for transfers

Example of what I’m seeing: 

(1)    Not buying “our” special Trip Cancellation Insurance
(2)    Buying or changing flights after purchase …
        (A)   Not listening to, ‘go down the day before’
        (B)   Not understand cost or change cost, till after they make changes
        (C)   Or that the changes won’t work
        (D)   Have no idea what time they need to fly in or out by
(3)    Buying tours ashore from folks they don’t know
(4)   Listening to advice from 'Facebook' pages !  Other travelers.
(5)   Guessing answers (answers NOT in writing)

So far,  this is the disasters I’m seeing.  Unfortunately, everyone hasn’t gone on vacation this year, and I’m not excited, about the more than could possible come.

(1)    Missed flights d/t close connections
(2)    Missed cruise
(3)    No luggage for cruise
(4)    More out of pocket for cancel/change charges
(5)    No tour when get to port

Call me !  Once your vacation is booked, pre-advice is FREE.  Getting you out of a fix is … COSTLY !

And if you have your own agent, LISTEN TO THEIR ADVICE !

And if you bought at the cruise line ?  They are 'order takers' ... NOT experienced travelers !  Pay someone for your needed advice !

 

Next Cruz Lady article June 1, 2016

 

 

Consumers misunderstanding cruise offer and it’s rules, and later … Discovering “truths” ! Where does the problem lie ?

It only makes sense today, that so many folks are misunderstanding cruise line offers and not prepared for the rules that go along !   Even as a 25 year cruise specialist veteran, if I didn’t have the backing and additional insight from my own staff, I too, might find myself left hanging dry !

 

Where does this misunderstand/confusion lie ?

So many offers ?
So many rules ?
Is the cruise line mis-representing their offers ?

 

Just last week, while I was cruising, I overhear several folks and their complaints, saying …
The cruise line offer said …

·         FREE UPGRADES. I thought I would get them, once I got onboard.  REALLY !

·         FREE ONBOARD CREDIT UP TO $600.  Where’s mine ?  REALLY !

·         FREE DRINKS.  Why are you cutting me off ?  REALLY !

·         GRATUITIES INCLUDED.  REALLY !

 

And yes … I asked these folks … Did you buy your cruise on your own or with an agent ?
None had bought from an agent. REALLY ! (ooops, sorry)
 
Could it be, these folks …
Didn’t know the questions to ask when they bought ?
Or possibly … ‘Self’ interpreting the offer/rules ?

 

In reality, the 1^st issues lies in the ‘false advertisement/assumption’, that buying your cruise on your own is “so simple” !  Yep,  all you got to do is, call the cruise line or just buy online.

If so simple … Then WHY ???

·         So many consumer issues/complaints over mis-interpretation of offers and rules ?

·         Do we still have travel agents (cruise specialists) ?  Why do the cruise lines pay agents (specialists) to help the consumer ?  Guide the consumer ?  Protect the consumer (from themselves) ?  Why did I not hear any complaints from folks who bought from an agent ?

 

I’m not undermining the fact, that cruise line offers, may not be, “all” they seem to be !  Matter of fact, I agree !  And think folks might want to consider  hiring a "lawyer" before making their purchase !

Instead, I’m asking … How many times does it take for these folks to get burnt, before finally understand “where the problem” lies ?  It's buying on their own !

 

Sure, lots of folks buy on their own, over and over, and have no problems.  But maybe what they wanted or interpreted or 'that transaction' ... "Was simple".   Keep  in mind, this cruise may not be like the last nor like the next.  What you think today, is not necessarily the same rules for tomorrow !

Just today, I had a client call me, believing, what he saw online, might save him $34pp from his original cost.  Oh yeah, it did kind of look that way.  However, once I got  down to the ‘nitty-gritty’ with rules and more, he would owe another $24, with the cruise lines ‘new offer’ !  Had he bought on his own, and made this change on his own, he would have had to pay it !

Agents are here to help the consumer !  Even if it’s NOT … “What you want to hear” !

Consumers are better off ‘knowing the truths’, then show up to their cruise being oblivious to what they ‘think they bought’.  Do you not agree !

I'll ask you to call me for your next cruise (434/800) 237-3832 … And not be left …

·         Guessing

·         In confusion.

·         Paying more than you need to

·         Not receiving what you should

·         With the wrong type cabin or location

 

*      Tell you ... Even what you don't want to hear or like !

Or keep buying on your own, while staying angry, throughout your whole cruise (as I saw these folks last week) !

 

Next article ... May 25 ... See you then !

 

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 !

Which kind of travel buyer are you ? Only about price ? Need human contact ? Could the internet be your enemy or your resource ? Internet vacation buying is back on the downcline. Why ?

About 6 years back, the climb in internet vacation purchasing went from 20% to almost 30%. The travel industry claimed this was due to the “mind set” that the internet advertising was getting across to many of it’s observers.  That internet buying was “how” you received your lower rates.  Whether true or not, such internet buying included flights, hotels, cruises etc. 

However, over the last 2 years, this percentage to internet buying is dribbling back down, more and more.  Claiming select internet vacation buyers are either:

·        *      More savvy and realizing, there’s more underlying rules to the offers they see online

·        *    Doing their homework more and learning the Internet offers are not necessarily lower than the more familiar sources they can purchase from

·         Discovering internet buying may not be the best way to avoid errors and misconceptions !

·         Missing that dependable voice of an agent, for their needed advice and insight.  How more and more questions arise, while getting closer to vacation

·         Turning more to the internet as a resource versus purchasing !

  

Travelpulse wrote an article, March 30, 2016.  Informing the industry, that now Google, will be offering travel.     And asked several agents, how this might affect them.

One of our personal agents responded, “Google will undoubtedly take market share from other online agencies”.  And also said, “But it will not affect agent market, because agents serve a totally different market !”

And he’s right in what else he said:  “Folks who book online are primarily shopping for price !  They don’t want human interaction !”

He’s also right in saying, “Those are NOT the clients that agents want !”  We’re not seeking these type of folks.  Agents want interaction. They want to talk with folks.  Provide them the best insight and best advice !  Agents want client, who too, want relationship building !  And our specific clients want the same.

Agents can offer low prices and amenities too !  With “all agents” able to offer the same “public pricing and offers” to all their customers … Relationship building, human interaction, and valuable insight/advice is just an added bonus !  And added bonus that internet buyers opt in forgoing !

Until they get in trouble !

 

And this is one of the main reasons the industry is claiming.  More and more folks have either discovered the disadvantage of “buying alone” by way of internet and/or heard enough horror stories from friends. 

The internet can’t actually “hear your thoughts”.  It’s just a booking engine.  Like buying a shirt online.  If it doesn’t let you choose your color, it doesn’t know you want blue !  And though it may offer blue, it doesn’t know, that you need this shirt to match a certain pair of pants you already have in your procession.

Today, the lives of the consumer are more complicated than black and white.  The vacationer may know, yes, I want this package.  Yes, I want this date.  But I want it in purple.  And I want to last till 10pm.  And I want it to include this 5^th person.  And I want to be able to make changes.

Hmmmm.  Generic packaging doesn’t necessarily have all this color; some have “none” !  And even if it does, how easy will it be for “you” in changing this color, on your own ?  And though changing color may have a cost, whether you buy from the net or an agent, will you know this color change cost prior, or discover the change cost is not presented till after you change the color ?   

 

Travelers are also becoming more savvy to where most major internet companies are buying their travel, such as cruises.  And that they, as a consumer, can buy directly from here too !  And that some of these distribution houses offer “human contact” too !  With the opportunity to purchase from the same agent, each time !

Cruises Inc is part of the Nation’s Largest Cruise-Only Distribution Houses !  Not only receive the same agent with each purchase, but an additional Customer Service Team, for those non-emergency non-advice generic type questions/needs.  

As more vacation buyer discover they are looking for more than “just best price” … To include that human contact/relationship building … Someone to help read between the lines, and know you meant “royal blue instead of navy” … Yet advice them that “red” is actually a better fit … Then internet buying will continue to decline and just rise higher as a resource !

There will most likely always be price only shopper who want no human contact !  Not only prepared in getting themselves out of their own box they created, but prefer looking up all their own answers online, whether rules are interpreted correctly or not.

And then there’s YOU !

(434/800) 237-3832.  If you will, mention my article when you call.


Next blog article ... See you April 27