Booking through third party sites
@solo-traveler
2d ago
I'm curious whether using American Airlines cruises or other sites of that ilk are worth it compared to booking directly with the cruise company.
American Cruise Lines
8 Replies
@pirate-hungry
2d ago
We’ve saved by using 3rd party sites. Really is hit and miss as the price of our cruise has jumped up on there now. Guessing getting them booked during the promotions is key
@solo-traveler
1d ago
Replying to @pirate-hungry
I just checked the cruise I'm currently booked to try price checking and the price was higher, so it seems that paying attention to sales and promotions can be important if you're trying to save money to have it for other activities. Why pay more for a berth when you can use the savings towards drinks or the casino or something else that interests you.
@yacht-reign
2d ago
Used to book direct myself for years with the cruise company thinking its like a hotel booking (book direct and get points and free wifi). Found out recently that cruises are different. There is a built in commission of 10-17% of the cruise fare (not the taxes and port fees ). Essentially, if you book direct wth the cruise line, they don't pay anyone a commission and you get nothing in return. A website I used after tons of research is called cruise compete. You list the cruise you are looking to book, and many travel agents will submit their best price usually providing a similar base price that you see, but with some type of perk like onboard credit or a rebate after you finish the sailing. Essentially, travel agents are competing for your booking and offering part of their commission to you. Keep in mind that when you see the results within a few hours or a day, look at the reviews. The reviews and listing for each offer is clearly stated. Also, if you decide to book with an agent, after you place a deposit, you will be able to see your sailing on the cruise line website to finish paying the remaining balance. Essentially, after the initial call/booking, your reservation looks just like any other booking you've done in the past and will display normally but you will have the perk that is offered to you.
@solo-traveler
1d ago
Replying to @yacht-reign
I'm giving cruise compete a try for researching. Whether I decide to book through one of the agents or I decide to book directly remains to be seen.
It's good to know about these sites, so thanks for sharing.
@Jay
1d ago
Interesting topic.... We are launching something HUGE today!!!
CruiseCompete seems like it was built and designed in 1998 sorry I wouldnt trust my info. Not to mention; we had used them several times and NEVER got the promised onboard credits. Sorry but they seem shady AF.
Be sure to watch today for a big announcement!!!
@solo-traveler
22h ago
Replying to @Jay
I saw the announcement before I saw this message. From my limited experience, the quotes all seemed to be the same cost and the only difference was onboard credits.
Is that how cruise prices usually work?
@Jay
8h ago
Replying to @Jay
Not at all and we have new/more agents being onboarded. As the announcement mentioned; we are in testing phase with only a limited number of agents; all of whom are learning the system. For the next day or so; quotes will not be returned as we are also building a quality check into the system checking all quotes that are submitted by agents to determine if there is value.
@starboard-coy
11h ago
I learned sometimes it better to book through a 3rd trusting company
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