TA or Book Yourself

[cruisinmama]

Just wondering with all the members on the board, what you all prefer

[Suzila]

I like to do all the research myself and know in advance which cruise I want to book, where I want to be on the ship, when we want to go, everything. Then I'll call our cruise travel agent and have him book exactly what I want.

[Shari2]

We do the same as Sue. I do all the research, and then we book with the TA. My DH takes over then and takes care of the financial part and the arrangements for limo to the airport, etc. I have the fun part. lol The last few cruises were with an online agency, and it was all by e-mail.

[DaCruzNut]

I usually book with a TA. I found someone I really trust. She always seems to find the best deals, and, after I book, she checks with the cruise line, weekly, to check for fare reductions, etc; She's really terrific.

The exception is Carnival. I have my PVP, Mike, who is great! Don't need a TA with him...

[TheSkipper]

Like most CruiseCrazies, I do all my own research including the cruisecompete site, then select an online agency and book through them.

Local cruise travel agencies are worthless in my area. We have been on far more cruises than any of our local agents. Not many cruise ships call on Las Vegas, so most TA's here know from nothing about cruising.

Since we know when and where and with whom we want to cruise the only variable is price and that's where the internet comes into play.

I find researching the upcoming cruise part of the fun! :wink:

[JoeyandDavid]

I love the planning.. its like this huge production that I am producing and after all the planning is done..the real joybegins for me while I sit back and watch it play out .. its truely exciting for me Especially when I see the speculation come to be realization.. nothing beats that to me.

[lilrosie]

I like to search for my cruise myself..It gets exciting looking at the different ones and deciding which one we are gonna book..

[JACKEL1618]

I book myself then transfer to who'll give me a gift. Love to book on board for the credits.

[NYCruiser]

I always book with my ta, much easier to let her do all the hard work

[jacketwatch]

:cool: I do lots of research myself then book with the cheapest source I can get which is usually thru Costco Travel. For our upcoming crusie they beat the next lowest price bu around $280.00 :cool: