It’s easy to assume that booking a cruise is as easy as booking a flight. However, for a cruise, there's more to consider, like the type of stateroom, options for drink packages and shore excursions. That's why many cruisers turn to a travel agent to have those details sorted out.
A good travel agent's job is to match you with the right ship, itinerary and stateroom, which is a lot harder than it looks. This guide explains the benefits of using an agent, from getting the best deal to having an expert on your side if things go wrong.
Advantages of Using a Travel Agent to Book a Cruise
Understanding why and when you should use a travel agent to book a cruise can change the way you plan your next vacation. When you use travel agents for cruises, you get a combination of expertise, value and personal service that you won’t get from a booking website.
A Travel Agent Introduces You to Cruises
If you've never been on a cruise, the booking process can feel overwhelming enough to make you choose a different type of vacation. It can also be hard to know what type of cruise you should pick, how cruising etiquette works or whether you’re choosing the right atmosphere for your adventure.
A cruise travel agent, especially at AAA, can introduce you to the cruising experience, providing you with information about:
- What to expect on board the ship
- What is included in your package
- Cruising etiquette
- The types of excursions that may be available
- The atmosphere and culture on board a specific ship
Get Matched with the Perfect Cruise
“Cruising” is a broad term, and no two ships are alike. A travel agent’s most important job is to listen to what you want for your vacation. They can then match you with the right ship, like when you’re deciding between a river cruise vs. an ocean cruise.
Without that guidance, you could end up on a ship that doesn’t fit your vision for the trip. Agents are experts on the different types of vessels, including:
- Mainstream cruise ship: This is the most common type of cruise ship, and it appeals to the broadest range of passengers. A mainstream ship includes many of the features that you'd find at a typical vacation resort.
- Mega cruise ship: Becoming increasingly popular among luxury travelers, mega cruise ships are massive vessels with seemingly endless features. With room for up to 5,000 passengers, these ships are truly like floating cities.
- Ocean cruise ship: Ocean cruise ships are built for long crossings and open-water travel. They often feature refined amenities and added comforts depending on the cruise you choose.
- River cruise ship: Smaller than their ocean-voyaging counterparts, river cruise ships are designed to navigate the smaller waterways that run through small towns and countryside areas. River cruises are rising in popularity worldwide, but are most common in Europe.
Whether you’re looking to book a cruise for teens, a couples cruise or a luxury cruise, a AAA travel agent can help you choose the best cruise line and get you the best deal.
Travel Agents Can Track the Best Value and Perks
A travel agent can find you great discounts on cruises and often perks and values you won’t see online.
They may have access to group rates, which can lead to a lower price or added amenities like a bottle of wine. Plus, they often add on exclusive perks, like onboard credit, free specialty dining or complimentary gratuities.
On top of that, a good agent monitors your booking after you’ve paid. If the price of your cruise drops before the final payment date, they can often get the new, lower rate applied to your trip. AAA members also receive exclusive cruise travel benefits and promotions when they book with a AAA travel agent.
Book the Right Cabin for Your Needs
Choosing your cabin is a bigger decision than most people realize, and it has a major impact on your whole trip. A travel agent knows the deck plans inside and out.
An agent can walk you through the key factors to consider, such as:
- Your travel party: A family of four will have very different needs for space and configuration than a couple on their honeymoon.
- The cabin’s location: Do you want to be close to the elevators and entertainment, or would you prefer a quieter spot tucked away from the main-deck foot traffic?
- What’s nearby: An agent knows to avoid booking a quiet balcony room right below a pool deck, a detail you won't spot on a website’s deck plan.
Travel Agents Save You Time and Manage Details
Weighing the pros and cons of a cruise takes research, and coordinating everything can be overwhelming. When you use a travel agent, you can offload that stress and frustration and let them handle the details.
They also manage important timelines, like when your final payment is due and the best time to book specialty dining and drink packages. They can match you with the right ship to make sure you get the best value.
Build Your Dream Itinerary
A good travel agent builds an itinerary around your personal interests, not just the ports on a map. You can tell them you’re looking for romance but also want some adventure. They might then recommend an Eastern Caribbean cruise that perfectly balances relaxing beach days with jungle excursions.
They can also help you book pre- and post-cruise tours to spend extra time in your chosen destination. These are especially popular on European river cruises, where travelers often add extra days to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Get Advocacy and Help with Special Arrangements
A travel agent is a huge help for handling all the small, personal details. They can work with the cruise line to meet your food needs, help you move around or set up decorations in your cabin for an anniversary. They can also help book a premier dining experience for a special occasion.
On top of that, they're great problem-solvers. If your flight gets canceled and you’re at risk of missing the ship, you have someone who can work with the airline and the cruise line to sort out the problem while you focus on getting to the port.
How to Choose a Travel Agent for a Cruise
When you're looking for a cruise agent, it helps to find a specialist. The best travel agency for cruises will often have experts on specific cruise lines, destinations or ship types.
These agents are frequently “preferred partners” who can clearly explain the small but important differences, like those between Princess vs Holland America, that you won't easily find on a website.
FAQ
Now that we’ve talked about the core reasons to use a travel agent, let’s go over some questions you might still have:
Is there a downside to using a travel agent to book a cruise?
The main “downside” is that you aren't in direct control of the booking, so you’ll communicate through your agent for any changes. For AAA Members, however, travel agent services are included in your membership, so there’s no extra cost.
Is it cheaper to book cruises directly through a cruise line?
Not usually. Cruise lines set the prices, so the fare is almost always the same. The difference is that an agent often has access to group perks, like onboard credit or free gratuities, that you won’t get by booking direct.
What can a travel agent do that I can’t do when booking a cruise online?
An agent can often get you into group rates with extra perks, like onboard credit. They also act as your advocate, so if a flight is canceled or you have a problem, they’re the ones coordinating with the airline or cruise line to fix it.
Plan Your Cruise with a AAA Travel Agent
The benefits of using a travel agent really come down to having an expert on your side. They’re the ones who monitor for price drops and know which cabins to avoid. A travel agent also serves as your single point of contact if something unexpected, like a flight cancellation, happens while you're traveling.
When you’re ready to start planning, a AAA Travel Agent can help you sort through all these options. For AAA Members, this service is a standard part of your membership.