Whats the difference?

Kathie Weis
May 24, 2024By Kathie Weis

        What's the difference between booking with the Cruise Line? With a Travel Advisor? Booking online?

               Let’s break it down.

Booking a cruise online or directly with the cruise line is a straightforward transaction. You'll speak with a sales agent whose main role is to complete your booking efficiently. They can provide some deals and recommend available cabins, but their assistance is generally limited.

TRAVEL AGENT BENEFITS- Onboard Ship Credit, Drink Package, Cabin Upgrade, Exclusive cabin discounts, Significant discounts, ADJUST PRICE if rate drops, Loyalty Credit

CRUISE LINE BENEFIT-Efficient, Drink Package, Descent discount,Loyalty Credit

ONLINE BENEFITS-No personal interaction, no room for negotiation, no additional benefits, and higher costs.

CRUISE PRICE DECREASE- When you book a cruise with me. I keep an eagle eye on those prices. If there’s a drop, I swoop in to adjust your booking, ensuring you get the best possible deal. No need to worry about missing out on savings— I have it covered!

Travel advisors have access to exclusive, pre-negotiated discounts that you won't find when booking directly. While the cruise line might offer a decent rate with a beverage package, a travel advisor can often secure additional perks like gratuities, cabin upgrades, and onboard credit – either free or at a discounted price.

Negotiating Power, when it comes to booking a cruise, travel advisors wield significantly more negotiating power than an individual traveler. This is largely due to our established relationships with cruise lines and our ability to book large volumes of travel, which gives them leverage to secure better deals and exclusive perks. Travel advisors often have access to special promotions and discounts that are not available to the general public. By leveraging the expertise and connections of a travel advisor, clients can enjoy a level of service and savings that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve on their own.

chessboard with a chess piece on the back Negotiating in business. as background business concept and strategy concept with copy space.

NOW for the cherry on top: Moreover, as a travel advisor, I continuously monitor pricing and will proactively rebook you if rates drop after your initial reservation, saving you money. Cruise lines or online bookings won't extend this courtesy to individual customers.

Still not convinced? Palm Tree Travel doesn't charge a booking fee. Why? The cruise suppliers want travel advisors to bring them business, so they compensate Palm Tree Travel for booking through them. You have nothing to lose by checking with Palm Tree Travel before booking. If you want to save money, contact me and compare rates – you may be surprised by the additional value I can provide at no extra cost to you.

person holding iPad beside SLR camera