Thanks for this video Brandon. We scream this from the mountaintops. So glad to have trusted creators like you support our industry.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

My pleasure and thank you for all you do!

I totally agree! My first TA was in my hometown and it wasn't a good fit - I think they did travel agent work to subsidize their own vacation. Since then I've found a fabulous TA (I have jokingly accused her of being a robot LOL). I'm still incredibly type A and keep spreadsheets for price tracking fares, excursions, etc. , but I NEVER wait in the phone for anything - she does it all.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

love it! Sounds like you have a good one!

Thanks so much for this video & supporting a small business travel agent! We really know the product and have amazing connections with the cruise lines. Including many times better pricing. The extra perks are given to us by the cruise lines to give to you. Otherwise we are giving away apart of our small commission. Just keep that in mind. 😊

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

I really should make a video on how Travel agent's are paid.... I don't think many people understand that concept and how the "perks" factor into it.

Your insight on travel agents is very helpful. Thank you!

Thank you, Brandon. I appreciate you sharing the pros to using a travel agent.

Great information, thank you.

I could cry! Thank you for making these points!

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Awww my pleasure Meredith!!! Thank you for sharing and helping with my next video!

I love your videos I don’t care what the subject I just love your positive energy. I’m a TA and really appreciate this video.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Aww thank you!!!! Positive videos are 1000x times easier to make and a heck of a lot more enjoyable!

Thanks for the information

So far i have been on 5* cruises only so i haven't used a travel agent but might try it in the future.

Hi Brandon - Couldn't agree more. When I was young we hit Europe on $/day lots and I did it myself. But not today. Things change too fast and I dont. Found a good, maybe great, TA and have relaxed. We're going to Rome, then sailing home in October. RC, naturally.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Love it Ted!!! It always makes me happy when someone has a TA they value as it makes a HUGE difference.

Great video Brandon ! As a D+ with royal ,before the pandemic i had a assigned certified vacation planner. That worked extremely well as she knew what deck i wanted , what side of the ship i wanted, what kind of room i wanted and my dining time . All i really had to do was tell the ship and date. The assigned planner program was discontinued during the pandemic. Now you have to just call in and get whoever answers the phone. I dread calling now ,as most of the time i can't understand the person and they don't seem to know as much as they need to. I now try to book while onboard, but sometimes i need to book while at home. So finding a travel agent seems to be in my future .

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

I think that is how a lot of folks find travel agents these days. It is all great when you book direct until something goes wrong and you have to call in. I have no desire to every call another 800 number if I can avoid it.

Hi Brandon welcome back to KZread.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Jade!!!! Very glad to be back and in the swing of it again! Just have to get myself on a ship again! Ugh another 3 weeks to go!

You are spot on. I had a horrible experience with an 800 line cruise travel agent. The travel agent I use has software that monitors cruise rates. If the rate goes down they rebook with the new lower rate. What a time saver for me

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

That is great they have this! Most Travel Agents need to manually check, which means it is probably not happening.

Completely agree with Brandon about using a travel agent. We booked a cruise on NCL's Pride of America and initially called into NCL's 800 number. Thank goodness we didn't book it through them. Every time we called the 800 number, we got someone different and they had difficulty answer the most basic of questions such as what drink packages are available on that ship (Hawaii has unique rules that affect the drink packages for that ship). Instead, we called a TA we used in the past and it was so much easier. We had a lot of questions and he answered them all and ended up saving us a few dollars. Later on, we had to change to date and that was also painless.

@TheWeekendCruiser

10 ай бұрын

Well done!

We have sailed over 14 cruises and have always used a TA, taken the travel insurance and booked our plane fare and hotels through the cruise line and all trips went smoothly. May cost a little more, but we have piece of mind if something happens. Of course this was all pre pandemic, so it is a whole new world out there now and we shall see what happens with our two upcoming cruises, 16 day Transpacific Hawaii on Crown Princess in November and seven day Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge in May 2024.

Hi Brandon! I’m really glad to see travel agencies making a comeback, because so many disappeared once people could book everything directly online.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

It is very rue. It got more difficult to be a travel agent but thanks to a lot of poor experiences, is making a come back :-)

@mitchellbarnow1709

11 ай бұрын

@@TheWeekendCruiser What a great turnaround!

100% - I got an amazing deal on Virgin thanks to a TA. Wouldn't have got it if I'd booked alone.

I, like you watch and pick my cruises. "All I have to is e-mail my TA, give ship, date and he Handles everything else .Know our likes, cabin, port side, and decks we like. BEST OF ALL, He has SAVED US SO MUCH Stress and money." As you said, TA can get us group rates, and we can do as we please, because as you said, They Block Cabins. Last cruise we booked our TA, saved us almost $ 800.00, getting us group rate. I am always recommending him, and they just rave about the time he takes with them. I am so glad he was the TA that booked our first RCL group cruise. I can not thank him enough.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

That is fantastic and keep that travel agent close!

Great video, we use a TA all of the time. Where are your group cruises listed?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Hey Rick! I don't really have it listed anywhere. I need to hire someone to help me market! The next one is Nov 3, 2023 on the Allure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral for a weekend cruise! If you are interested, complete this online form and the travel agent will give you a call to discuss options: form.jotform.com/230504503062138

Hi there! Thank you for the video. We have tried TA 3 x's and have had no luck, no discounts and nothing delivered to our cabins. When I book, I have total control (yes, I am a control freak) because of our status we do receive something delivered to our room anyway and we do get discounts because I call in (only takes a 5 min call) not every time but most. I find the CSR very helpful and knowledgeable. Listen, I understand there are good and not so good TA's out there and I would be willing to try again but next time I think I might have to get recommendations. :)

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

It sounds like you are a prey level headed person to that roles with the punches! Part of finding a good travel agent is finding one who understands you and what that Type A personality brings to the table ;-)

Great information! I’m retired, fairly computer savvy and don’t value my time at all. 😂 But one of my daughter’s clients is a travel agent who cruises about half the year. I wasn’t sure if I should try booking through her or myself. I think having her assistance will make a difference. Thanks!

@TheWeekendCruiser

Ай бұрын

Worth a shot to try it out! Don't have to use them for all your bookings but do a test one with her and see what you think. Good way to see if it works for you :-)

@TheWeekendCruiser

Ай бұрын

You can always use one booking as a test run to see what you think. Don't have to use her for everything just yet but see if she meets your level of service and is helpful before switching over 100%. And you truly, never have to switch over 100% lol

I would LOVE to find a decent travel agent!!!!!! The ‘agent’ I used to use didn’t even know that RCCL had the double points offer a few years ago. AAA gives a few perks but you’ll never have a relationship with your agent.

@TheWeekendCruiser

8 ай бұрын

send me an email and glad to recommend my guy. These days, the big box and call centers just aren't worth the freebies they give out. theweekendcruiser@gmail.com

As a former phone agent, I gotta say, there is some frustration on our side of things with this advice: When your travel agent is taking a weekend off, or is on their own vacation, who do you call to get that last available room or connecting rooms? When you don't want to bother your travel agent and just call in to ask a "quick question," you call the cruise line direct. Thing is, if you call in and don't make a booking, OR you do book and then transfer it to your own travel agent, *the phone people don't get their incentives*. They do all of the heavy lifting finding that interior room across from the balcony and then you give the financial bonus to a travel agent who didn't do any legwork. Same goes for booking on the cruise line's website. If you're going to call in with questions, at least throw the person helping you a bone and book with them. If agents don't hit individual sales targets (convert enough sales calls into reservations), it affects their ability to make a living. So, by all means, use your travel agent, but don't call whatever cruise line direct (unless you're going to let that sale stay with them) because you are messing with people's livelihood. "But I'm only one person and I just have a really basic question." That may be, but 10 other people think they are the only ones, too. Pretty soon, 2 of 10 people book and the agent is in the hole. Then one of those 2 transfers their booking to a travel agent or Costco. Do everything through your travel agent and let them do the things you are paying them to. After all this time, knowing I put in all that work finding rooms and answering every question only for someone to transfer that booking to someone else still burns my biscuits. I swear, I still have some mild PTSD from that industry.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

First of all, bless you for ever working a phone line and I can only imagine the conversation you have endured! I 100% agree that they should not be calling and wasting your time! I come from a sales background and 100% get it. However, most people probably have no idea that the phone reps have all kinds of goals and metrics they need to be hitting! Thank you for raising this point! In the video that just launched a bit ago, I did talk about once you have a booking, you cannot call the 800 number anymore. Didn't hit all your points but started the conversation!

Over 20 years of cruising and never used a Travel agent. I book online using RC website and it takes me less then 5 minutes to make a reservation. Also, I use the RoyalUp program to bid for cabin upgrades at substantial savings, not available with Travel agents. My other discounts come by using my RC credit card for points and it has saved me thousands. November sailing I have a $150.00 onboard credit using my points. Also use my IHG credit card points for hotel stays. I am staying at the Intercontinental at Bayside for my November Oasis Cruise at no cost, just paying the taxes.

@HMJBurkeTravel

11 ай бұрын

Royal up is available with travel agents.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Sounds like you have found a situation that works well for you Tim!! The Intercontinental is a beautiful hotel and I can see it from my condo! Been meaning to try the Starbucks there to see how it is! Some travel agents do offer Royal Up and some do not. Really a mixed bag. I think Costco is the biggest one I know of who does not participate in the bidding process.

Great videos Brandon! Feeling far more prepared for our Symphony of the Seas cruise in December 2024. Specific question about an agent, we reached out to a couple and didn’t get a response so we jumped on a Black Friday sale and booked directly with Royal with a $1500 down payment for our family of six. Do you know if we can transfer our reservation to an agent and work with them instead? We have always been “pro-agent” with our vacations and really want to do so again. Is it too late?

@TheWeekendCruiser

Ай бұрын

Robb, send me an email brandon@theweekendcruiser.com and I will introduce you to my agent who is amazing. He can better answer questions on if you can transfer the reservation.

Hey Brandon! Just subcribed. As a solo traveler...is a personal travel agent a big plus navigating the solo supplements?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Hello and welcome!!!! Love the screen name! This will depend on your travel agent. There are agents who specialize in solo cruises and they would be your best be. Being a solo traveler, especially if we have a budget or just don' want to pay the full fare on principle, we have to know which line is offering single supplement discounts and when. I would find a TA who really specializes in solo cruises if possible. There are a few Facebook groups that attempt this but it doesn't run well.

Hey Brandon Where have you been ? Missing your vlogs last week 😢

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Aww, thanks!! I have missed you too! This is the months of June and July where I get pulled in a lot of directions and don't get as much time to dedicate to the channel! Good news, I am flying home tomorrow and he busy season is over!

Thanks Brandon. I have used TAs in the past but since earning the DP340 discount I find it somewhat challenging so have started to book my own. I know you get that discount so if you would be willing to share who you use - I would like to check them out.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

The DP340 is a tough one and that is when you REALLY need a good TA t remember to add the code in each time. Surprisingly, I didn'tthink people might ask who I use! Really just wanted folks to use ANY travel agent. Send me an email to theweekendcruiser@gmail.com and glad to provide his information.

Well you made some good points now can you please share your favorite travel agent with us?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

hahaha Hey Gina! Surprisingly, I didn't even think people might ask who I use! Really just wanted folks to use ANY travel agent. Send me an email to theweekendcruiser@gmail.com and glad to provide his information.

Hi Brandon. I know from your videos that you don't try to get casino room offers anymore but did you use a TA when you were using the free casino rooms? I'm not sure how the TA gets paid in those cases. Thanks.

@TheWeekendCruiser

Ай бұрын

Hi Michelle, you can always use the trade in value from an offer or instant certificate to book a transatlantic. If you are not find it, might be a good place to check with a Casino Junket to book for you as the rooms are pretty cheap and less risk for htem.

Hi Brandon enjoy your cruises My wife and I do about 6 to 8 cruises a year. Most of the time we are calling into an 800 number I haven't found a good cruise travel agent that I felt comfortable with and I don't know if you would mind sharing who you utilize or would recommend for a more personal touch thanks.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Hey Jay! Thank you and 6 to 8 cruises sounds like a solid amount and you have one every other month to look forward to! Send me a note at theweekendcruiser@gmail.com and I am glad to share their information.

@bocajay7481

11 ай бұрын

@@TheWeekendCruiser thanks I emailed you

How can I find a good travel agent in my area? How do I know if they are good?

my son works for an airline. He said sometimes Travel agents book the flights through companies which are not approved by the airlines so they can make more money. The problem is that the gate agent can then refuse boarding to the plane. My son told me to book directly so this never happens to me.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Oh wow, I have never heard of that happening! I do not the big box or online travel agents like Expedia, Priceline, etc have a bad reputation when issues arrive flying. Cruises on the other hand, I have never heard of this happening.

Ok, im a Florida guy. I'm middle aged and you have convinced me to start cruising. Now How do I pick a travel agent?

@TheWeekendCruiser

9 ай бұрын

Great question! The way that I have always found solid travel agents was to talk with my friends who also book cruises. All travel agents will ALWAYS talk a big game on what they can deliver but do they really deliver? This is where friends who can testify that they do deliver REALLY come in handy. I can also recommend the guy I use if you want to email me. theweekendcruiser@gmail.com

Just came across your videos. What agent do you use?

@TheWeekendCruiser

2 ай бұрын

Send me an email Jodi! theweekendcruiser@gmail.com

I tried to use a travel agent for the first time for my very first cruise. I compared the price that she quoted me and it was the exact price that I am able to get online through the cruise company. Plus, there was no info on the room number or where on the ship it was whereas I can pinpoint the exact balcony room that I want online myself. roomNeedless to say, it left me skeptical.

@TheWeekendCruiser

4 ай бұрын

Hey Chip, I totally get that. This video was part of a series and in the second one, I do discuss the pricing. The travel agent will always be able to offer exactly what the cruise line is offering directly and sometimes, they can offer even better rates but there are no guarantees. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKmkuMehgc_Hqbg.html

I always book all inclusives through my travel agent, but funny enough, not my cruises! It does make a lot of sense though, plus another great benefit with a travel agent, is they can pair you up with the right trip/health insurance. The insurance you buy from the cruise line directly don't cover things like being medevacked off the ship in the middle of the Carribean, not to mention health insurance if you have an emergency at sea or port. I believe most home health insurances do not cover international either. I may be wrong though!! Can anyone confirm or correct that?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Good questions Jon and I am definitly not a travel insurance expert! Will yield to the collective think tank on this one!

@user-xn2qm7hc6f

10 ай бұрын

Actually, we are sailing a 16 day Transpacific Hawaii cruise on the Crown Princess in Nov. and have the Platinum Princess Protection plan and it covers $75k for emergency evacuation; $20k for sickness medical expense and $20k for accident medical expense. It also includes 150% of trip cost for trip interruption. Also, we are sailing on Celebrity Edge for our Alaska cruise in May 2024 and have the CruiseCare Vacation Protection that covers $50k for emergency evacuation; $25k for sickness medical expense; $25k for accident medical expense and 150% of trip cost for trip interruption. We have sailed over 14 cruises and have always used a TA, taken the travel insurance and booked our plane fare and hotels through the cruise line and all trips went smoothly. May cost a little more, but we have piece of mind if something happens. Of course this was all pre pandemic, so it is a whole new world out there now and we shall see what happens with our two upcoming cruises.

Can you tell me what travel agent you use I’m trying to book royal carribean

@TheWeekendCruiser

6 ай бұрын

Hey Martin, sorry for the delay. If still interested, send me an email to theweekendcruiser@gmail.com

Can you give us an agent that you use. I would be finding cheap cruises I'm not sure if there making any money off of them.

@TheWeekendCruiser

Ай бұрын

It's always worth chatting with them and seeing. Send me an email at brandon@theweekendcruiser and glad to put you two in touch via email.

Will you get points to your Loyalty program if using a travel agent?

@TheWeekendCruiser

10 ай бұрын

You sure will! They cruise lines do not care how you book, just book :-)

I wanted say $5/day. Why do I proof read after I press the button?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

hahah I got you ;-)

You use a personal agent or the agent from your credit card company?

@TheWeekendCruiser

3 ай бұрын

I use a personal travel agent that I've had a relationship with for several years and is amazing

What travel agent do you use/recommend?

@TheWeekendCruiser

8 ай бұрын

Hi there, send me an email as I don't directly market them but glad to refer you over. theweekendcruiser@gmail.com

All my experiences with agents haven't been positive. If i see a price drop, it needs to be addressed immediately or that price can dissappear. Agents aren't always readily available. Are you willing to share who you use?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

I can understand that. It is an industry easy to get started in and not everyone is created equal. Sorry you have not had a good experience! I didn't make this video to necessarily promote my travel agent but if you want to send me a note at theweekendcruiser@gmail.com I am glad to share his contact information.

All it takes is one experience calling a cruise line 800 number, then waiting on hold for nearly an hour, then speaking to someone who speaks only marginal English, having to correct them multiple times and still having them make mistakes, before one realizes that calling the 800 number is not the best way to go.

@TheWeekendCruiser

10 ай бұрын

Completely agree and it is a shame that his has been MANY of our experiences.

Why should a TA middleman save me money going something that I can do myself?

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

Travel agents are able to save you money primarily in two ways 1) by booking the cruise at the cheaper rate the month before and re-selling it to you lower than current market rates (group space) Here they are 100% the middle man BUT with the ability to speculatively book cruises to re-sale later (we can't do that without paying) 2) They eat into their commision received from the cruise line to thank them for sourcing/marketing a booking and give it to you in OBC, dinner etc.

@user-xn2qm7hc6f

10 ай бұрын

Our TA actually keeps looking for lower rates after our booking and on our 1st Alaskan land and sea cruise, she called one night at 8pm to say the cruise had gone down $2000 and she locked in the new rate right away. I also look out for rate changes, but it is great to have an extra set of eyes helping me through the process. For our 16 day Transpacific Hawaiian cruise in November on the Crown Princess, our TA put us in for an upgrade to the Reserve Collection mini suites and we received an upgrade, which she took care of promptly and, then, I received an email for a second upgrade, which included $400 fare savings and an extra $200 onboard credit, that she again took care of immediately. For us, our time is very valuable and our TA makes cruising so much easier and stress free.

How do travel agents get paid?

@jeffreybals4430

11 ай бұрын

We get paid by the cruise line. Never upcharge.

@mashiniwami

11 ай бұрын

@@jeffreybals4430 Why don't cruise lines let passengers book directly, and pocket the travel agent payment?

@mashiniwami

11 ай бұрын

@@jeffreybals4430 If the cruise line is paying you, who are you going to look out for - the passenger or the cruise line. Conflict of interest here.

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

This would actually be a good video I could make one day!

@TheWeekendCruiser

11 ай бұрын

I hear what you are saying and it could be a conflict of interest. Though, it is my hope most travel agents are more concerned with you having an amazing time, being a repeat customer, and telling your friends about the service. Escaping marketing and conflicts of interest is almost impossible as the travel industry is built on a commision or sales based system. The 800 phone direct booking agents also have sales quota and goals based on length of cruise and cabin type. Even the website delivers a curated experience and will try to "up-sale" you by featuring more graphics of higher priced rooms and asking if you want to spend $120 more per person to book the next tier up. Not saying the conflict doesn't exist, more that is the travel world we live in 🙄

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