Uh huh, that’s right: The sour US Ecomomy is making for some of the best values in cruise vacations I have ever seen!
Not since the post-911 slump in travel have there been as many great values out there just for the taking. That’s right now; it gets better starting Monday January 5th. Then, all the holiday celebrations and festivities will be over and it will be time to begin what we call the “wave season”. This is a period of time starting about the first of the year, every year, when many travelers lock in to a cruise for an upcoming vacation.
This year will be better than ever with the cruise lines offering everything from reduced deposits to generous onboard credits for booking individual reservations. Thinking about starting a group cruise for a family reunion, graduation, wedding, or other special occasion any time between now and 2010? The very best values will be available to you.
A note of caution: Don’t wait too long to buy! I’m not saying this as some sales ploy either (I hate sales people and most often hang up when they call on the phone), this is reality. Once bookings start coming in the old law of supply and demand will take over and those low prices will disappear as quickly as they came about. One of the best parts of booking a cruise vacation is that you get to lock in the price of your vacation well in advance. There is simply no better value than a cruise and now is the time to book.
Remember, your deposit is needed to lock in your price and it is 100% refundable when booked through a reputable travel agent and cancelled before final payment is due.
What’s that? ”booked through a reputable travel agent” you wonder?
That is the key to success in booking travel of any kind and especially cruises. The “online cruise brokers” (think crook, used-car salesman, or other despicable character) would have you believe that booking a cruise is just as easy as clicking here and there and comparing prices. Wrong. Absolutely Wrong.
A good travel agent on your side is your advocate who keeps up on all the available deals and offers and makes sure you get them and take advantage of everything you qualify for. Internet Cruise Brokers do not do this at all. In fact, once the sale is made, good luck even getting a call through or email answered by these people.
You see, the thing you want to lock in on with a cruise is VALUE not low price. There will always be someone with an unbelieveably low price. Don’t you believe it. Look at the fine print to discover the junk fees they charge which will probably apply to you. Look at the fine print to see that the super low price does not include everything. Often they try to throw you off by offering “free” travel insurance or prepaid gratuities. Again, the fine print reveals the true nature of these offers.
The fact is: There ARE very good values out there from legitimate travel agents who have been in business many years are highly trained and motivated to keep you as a customer for life, not just a one time shot.
These are the agents you need and you need them right now.
I am fond of ”old sayings” and one of the very best that applies here is “The Internet is for looking, Travel Agents are for booking” Believe it and book that next cruise in the next 30 days to get the very best value available with a travel agent who will take good care of you.
Some other things to watch for
- Where does the money go? You do not want to do business with any agency that holds your money. Ask them “What will it say on my statement when the credit/debit card payment comes through?” If they say anything other than the name of the cruise line, run! These Internet Cruise Brokers go out of buisness almost daily and take your money with them. You would have very little hope of getting it back and your vacation will be ruined
- Send them an email or call them on the phone and see how long it takes for them to respond. Even the most experienced travelers will need to make a change or ask a question about a booking. You need to be able to get in touch with them on your schedule
- Ask your friends. That is one of the very best ways to find a good agent. If your friends had a good experience, you probably will too
- Ask the right questions: What other fees to you charge? Can I see a copy of your Terms of Sale for a cruise? Can I see a copy of your business license? How many cruises have you personally booked in the last year? The answers to all these questions are simple, easy and should not be difficult for any reputable agent to answer
