Table Of Content
- AND AWARD-WINNING SHIPS
- Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Resources
- Cruises
- I’m a travel agent. Here are the 6 most popular Royal Caribbean ships my clients are booking for 2024
- Bonus secret: You can transfer your reservation to a travel agent within 60 days of booking
- You get one person to work with instead of someone different every time you call
This intimate knowledge transcends into efficient and tailored booking experiences. They aren’t just cruise lovers; they’re trained professionals who continually update their expertise. Imagine them as students whose classroom is the very ships you dream of vacationing on—they regularly participate in ship tours to grasp the nuances of each vessel. They step in as your personal cruise coordinators, dealing with the various preferences and requirements of your group. When you book with an agent, you’re not just getting a ticket aboard; you’re potentially unlocking a suite of extras that can make your cruise even more enjoyable and memorable. Your agent tackles the necessary calls, manages any complications, and ensures your cruise plans are smooth sailing.
AND AWARD-WINNING SHIPS
Remember, they’re not just bookers; they’re your personal advocates at sea and ashore. This insider access is invaluable, especially when you want to personalize your cruise experience or address any concerns directly with the cruise line. These agents aren’t booking a trip to Europe, a motorcycle trek across Vietnam, and your Royal Caribbean cruise. They take over the task of communicating directly with Royal Caribbean, sparing you from the long hold times. Use the search tool to locate agents in your area with a variety of levels of CLIA training. One of the best aspects of a cruise is that, unless you're booking a last-minute cruise, you have time to pay off the vacation; the full amount isn't due upfront.
Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Resources
In the ever-evolving world of Royal Caribbean cruises, you might marvel at the depth of knowledge your travel agent possesses. This revelation often surprises new cruisers, who might not realize the full value a travel agent brings to their voyage planning. Many agents become accredited cruise counselors through CLIA's Cruise Academy or take courses through the different cruise lines to become more expert at selling their products. In addition, you can look for affiliations with the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA), Better Business Bureau (BBB), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or even AAA. Remember, you won't just be using the ship as a home base, like you do with a hotel; it will be your home, restaurant and entertainment venue for a week or more.
Cruises
A round-robin agency means you have the advantage of getting serviced without relying on just one person's schedule. It is important to get a sense of on average of how quickly they will make changes after requesting. Whether that's 24 hours, 48 hours or a week, make sure you are on the same page with the agent in timing to avoid frustrations later. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. No more repeating your needs during every call—it’s all recognized and anticipated by your agent, allowing for a straightforward and quick reservation process.
Find a Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Near You
Some agencies will charge change fees or service fees when you make changes to the reservation, and frankly, I do not believe that is warranted. In the rare event that something goes awry or you have a very specific request, travel agents have a direct line to Royal Caribbean. Imagine not having to juggle everyone’s cabin types, pricing, or individual payment schedules — your travel agent has it all under control. You may be surprised to know that using many travel agents won’t cost you a dime extra. While not super common, cruise lines will sometimes make changes to your sailing. Dry dock maintenance, for example, might require Royal Caribbean to change your ship.
I’m a travel agent. Here are the 6 most popular Royal Caribbean ships my clients are booking for 2024
Cruises can be booked online through the cruise line directly or via a third-party online cruise seller. You also can sign up for email alerts to inform you about last minute deals, price drops and limited-time promotions. In these days of policy changes, future cruise credits, and fear of what may come tomorrow, a travel agent is invaluable because they are the ones that will spend hours and hours with the cruise line to sort out these issues.
Bonus secret: You can transfer your reservation to a travel agent within 60 days of booking
While unfortunate, a travel agent is advantageous in these instances, as they'll act as your advocate and liaison, meaning that you won't have to worry about communicating with the cruise line. Before any changes are made, they will ask how you'd like to proceed and then work with the cruise line to honor your specified wishes. The cruise line then announced a new program to assist thousands of travel professionals in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories dealing with the negative impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Graduates of Royal Caribbean University receive CLIA elective credits, and qualify for bonus commissions, onboard credits, complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi, monthly giveaways, and more. Plus, graduates can download special social media banners to show off their graduate status. Travel agents might also thank you for your business with a small gift, such as a free bottle of wine in your cruise room or prepaid gratuities onboard.
A CERTIFIED VACATION PLANNER
18 easy ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise (2024) - Cruise Blog
18 easy ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise ( .
Posted: Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before. I have been booking into 2024, and noticed that cruisers are gravitating toward the same ships and sometimes booking them multiples times. By offering personalized payment solutions, travel agents ensure that your dream cruise is within reach, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure without the burden of financial strain.
You get one person to work with instead of someone different every time you call
Additionally, if you're hoping to book during a sale, cruise lines will often notify travel partners in advance, so your agent can alert you of when the best time to book is. Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, so you should let a travel agent do the majority of the work! Rather than spending your own time pricing out different itineraries and cabins, you can request a quote for all the options you're considering. Since many first time cruisers are often surprised to hear that a travel agent is free to use, it got me thinking what other helpful bits of information might Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew about? Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Marketing AssistanceRoyal Caribbean provides travel advisors with a variety of marketing assistance from collateral to co-op dollars and participation in in-person events.
Contrary to what you might expect, travel agents might actually be able to get you better deals than internet retailers or even the cruise lines themselves. The best travel agents have access to discounted group rates and exclusive cruise pricing that's not found anywhere else. In addition, agents occasionally give you extra value on your booking -- such as prepaid gratuities, a free bottle of Champagne or onboard credit -- to sweeten the deal. And if the price of your cruise drops after you book, a good agent will notice and refund you the difference in fare.
If there is one suggestion I give to first time cruisers above all else, it is to use a travel agent to plan their Royal Caribbean cruise. Many cruisers are unaware that the services provided by many good travel agents are 100% free of charge. They are paid a commission from Royal Caribbean, and there is no extra cost to you for their services. The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires.
If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line, ship and cabin that is right for you. Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks, such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin. If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be.
The more, the merrier – especially on a Royal Caribbean International® group cruise. Whether it's for weddings, reunions, birthday milestones or simply getting together with friends and family, there are many reasons why groups choose to sail with us again and again. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Not only does this save you from not having to call in to make a payment, but they can do it automatically for you.
That’s right, you get their expertise without any pesky agent-imposed cancellation or change fees. These insights are not just about making your trip easier; they’re about enhancing every moment aboard and ashore, ensuring that your cruise is as seamless, enjoyable, and rich with experiences as possible. Through years of navigating the nuances of cruise planning, these agents have gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks that can make all the difference in your voyage. Royal Caribean's Certified Vacation Planners give you a one-way ticket to a sea of cruising opportunities. Are you looking to bask in the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the charm of the Mediterranean or even go north to explore the natural beauty of Alaska?
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