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How to Ask your Travel Agent the Right Questions

"I didn't know we needed a visa for Brazil" …
"No one told me I could fly to San Juan a day early" …
"We had to cancel due to family illness and the cruise line won't refund my money" …
"I didn’t know meals weren’t included in my Alaska tour" …
"Do you mean I could have re-routed those dreadful flights?"…

These and many other post-cruise laments are found constantly on message boards, a clear indication that passengers aren’t asking their travel agent the right questions.

If you’re extremely lucky and find an outstanding cruise agent, he or she will volunteer information to make your cruise experience delightful. But in the final analysis, you’re responsible for making sure all the myriad of details are in order and the ship you finally do choose is the right one for you.

Our cruise experts came up with a few crucial items to consider and a checklist to ensure smooth sailing.

A GOOD AGENT
  • During that all-important first call, a good travel agent will always inquire about your interests and lifestyle, and what types of vacations/cruises you've taken in the past, in order to get more familiar with your preferences.

  • The agent should point out the pros and cons of the sailings and ships you’re considering.

    This is crucial in ensuring that you and your ship won't be mismatched. —For example, if you don’t like a high-energy Las Vegas-style atmosphere, you should avoid Carnival.
    —If your agent isn’t aware that you're a golfer, you won’t learn that Royal Caribbean offers "Golf Ahoy," a comprehensive program for duffers in port.
    — If you’re in a band or are a music lover, Norwegian Cruise Line’s music theme cruises might be ideal.
    —If gourmet dining and top service is a priority, Celebrity Cruises may please your palate.

    Cruise lines vary in their special programs, and each has its strengths and weaknesses, in terms of on-board ambiance, the profile of their clientele, family vs. single, older vs. younger, active vs. sedentary, and the range of interests of their passengers. There is no "perfect ship," only the one that’s perfect for you!

    With so many lines, ships, itineraries and fares, finding the ideal cruise at the best possible price should be left to the pro—a good travel agent. However, as good as they may be, we’ve yet to come across one who is clairvoyant.

    TRAVEL AGENT CHECK LIST
    When you've finally chosen a ship, date and destination, here's a quick checklist of questions your agent should be asking –if not, make sure you volunteer the information.

  • What is the age and citizenship of each passenger? Your agent should provide information regarding necessary documentation for that particular itinerary,e.g.. visa requirements for Russia.
  • Does anyone in your party have special needs (crib, wheelchair, diet)?
  • Would you prefer early or late dining?
  • Are you a past passenger of this cruise line?
  • Is anyone celebrating a special occasion onboard?
  • Do you want to purchase cancellation insurance for your cruise?
  • Do you understand the cruise line cancellation policy?
  • Do you need airline arrangements for your cruise?
  • If you use the cruise line's air/cruise program, do you require an air deviation (to request specific airline, flight time, etc.)?
  • Would you like to plan a pre-or-post-cruise hotel stay?

    Cabin Selection
  • Find your cabin on the deck plan before you pay the deposit and be sure it's a location you'll enjoy.
  • If the agent suggests booking a"guaranteed" cabin category, do you understand what that means? If you're a gambler, it's definitely a cost saver, but remember, while you could end up with a great view, there’s also a chance you could land right next to the main elevator!

    Depending upon how early you're booking, understand when final payment is due,and know the deadlines to request air deviations and book hotel packages. A terrific travel agent is your best asset when it comes to planning that perfect cruise getaway. "We are in the business of creating memories, not nightmares." Wonderful memories should begin the moment you begin to make your cruise plans!

    Take Me Home
    Phone: 360 794-4886 * 800 433-5945 Fax: 360 794-0311
    www.vacationshop.com * Travel@Vacationshop.com