Myth #1. All Travel Agents Are Alike

Fact: All Travel Agents are not alike! Some Travel Agents specialize in Airline tickets. Some specilaize in Euorpean Vacations. Some specilize in booking hotel vacations at domestic locations. Some Travel Agents specialize in Cruise Vacations. The Cruiseman has been in the "Cruise Only" business for 15 years. If you contact a Travel Agent that is not experienced booking cruises, all kinds of mistakes can happen!

Myth #2. I can book directly with the cruise line

Fact: Here is what Anne Campbell (Recognized Cruise Expert) Says: There is a growing trend for cruisers to book their trip through a cruise company's own web site or toll-free phone number. Any experienced cruiser will tell you that planning a seagoing vacation is far different from booking a simple hotel room or an airline seat. If you've cruised more than once, you know that the person most critical to making sure you have a problem-free vacation is your travel agent. They won’t cost you anything for cruise planning – they make their income on a commission paid by the cruise line for your booking.

So why are you being so aggressively pursued by many cruise lines to book directly? And should you?

In this time of overcapacity, cruise lines are battling for every nickel they can get, including bypassing agents to save on the commission. But you don't benefit by booking directly with the cruise line; generally, your fare will be the same as if you used an agent, or often even higher.

More important, a top-flight agent will track the ever-fluctuating cruise prices for you, and if they go down, should be able get you a better deal. If you book direct, it's your job to monitor the see-saw swings in cruise prices.

Myth #3. I can get a better price by booking on-line.

Fact: The Cruiseman has access to the very same pricing that the highly advertised travel sites do, and in some cases better rates! Don't be fooled. Many travel web sites quote rates that do not include all of the taxes and fees. Most hide "additional" taxes and other mysterious service charges in the fine print. Wait till something goes wrong, or you need to make a correction! IF you can get a "real person" at the famous name on-line agency, they will charge you a service charge for any changes you make.

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Myth #4. I can save money by skipping the Travel Agent

Fact: If you have the right Travel Agent this is not true.  With some Travel Agents, such as The Cruiseman there is no charge for our professional services.  That's right !  We work for you for free. The Cruise Line pays us our commission  after your cruise. We do all the work for you, at no charge to you. So, not only do you not save any money by skipping the Travel Agent, you end up doing more work yourself for nothing!

Myth #5. I saw an ad that says they can save me 50 - 75%  on a cruise!

Fact: They are pulling your leg.  What they do is compare todays rate to the "brochure rate", and then tell you how much they are saving you. Big Deal! 

For instance, if the brochure price for a cruise is $999, but the current "real world" price is just $499 these agencies will claim that they are saving you 50%.  Get it?  They are trying to take credit for the current market driven price.

They are trying to impress you with a "snow job" and slick advertising! And remember, nobody pays the brochure rate!!

At The Cruiseman we give you honest pricing, without the games and tricks. We will find the lowest price for you for your next cruise without any hype.  That's how we have operated for 15 years.

CLICK HERE for  "Cruising Misconceptions and Myths"