A Cruise Myth Exposed

I am an “armchair” travel researcher when it comes to cruising.  As I travel around, I like to ask people where they buy their cruises.  Quite a few first timers and even a few veteran voyagers tell me that they purchased their cruise directly from the cruise line instead of from a cruise agency.  When I ask why, most of the time the answer is “I thought the prices would be lower than by going through an agency”.    Well, hang on because the Cruise Professor is about to explode some myths about cruise planning!!!!

I think a lot of consumers   in general; have an “outlet” mentality.  They believe buying from a factory direct outlet will result in saving money.  But savvy shoppers realize that while outlets may save you money, the selection and customer service is limited.

It might surprise you to learn that cruise agents at retail travel agencies are looking at the same rates and availability that a cruise line direct agent views.  Which means there really are no special rates available directly from a cruise line that a good agent can’t get.  But,( and this is a big but),  a  cruise travel agent quite often DOES have access to lower rates by accessing group rates, special offers and other perks not available from the cruise line.

The other huge factor is the one I call “time investment”.  A cruise travel agency specialist can invest more time in your booking and help you sort through all the options – including suggesting alternate cruise lines and/or ships.  Hmmm!  Choice?  What an interesting concept.

When you call cruise line “X” I don’t think they will analyze your personal preferences and suggest that you are maybe better off on cruise line “Y”.  That’s about as likely to happen as the folks at Target sending you across the street to Walmart!  Or, the Mercedes salesperson suggesting that you look at a Lexus as an alternative!  Are you beginning to see a pattern here?

At www.iCruise.com, our cruise experts are trained to listen and explore each customer’s wants and needs.  First, they offer multiple options for cruise lines, ships and itineraries.  Then, they work hard to find the lowest rates available and secure a cruise that is affordable and most importantly fits your lifestyle.

www.iCruise.com – The first, last and only place you need to visit for your  next “outlet” shopping trip.