Should I use a travel agent to book my cruise?

Using a travel agent to book my cruise has pros and cons. I’ve done both and I’ll break down what I experienced.

The first decision depends on how much time and effort you want to put into planning your cruise. The more time you have, the easier it is for you to plan it on your own.

Here are some pros and cons that I’ve come up with to help you decide whether you should or shouldn’t use a travel agent.

Pros of using a travel agent

✅ Expert advice – Travel agents specialize in cruises and can recommend the best ship, itinerary, and cabin based on your preferences. If you are new to cruising, I find this to be a great advantage by relying on their expertise.
✅ Exclusive deals and perks – Many travel agents have access to discounts, onboard credits, or special promotions that aren’t available when booking directly. I’ve received onboard credits and have used them for excursions allowing me to do excursions that I normally wouldn’t do if I had to pay the full price.
✅ Time-saving – Travel agents handle the research, booking, and any changes or issues that arise, so you don’t have to. My travel agent knows when there are price changes and can apply those as soon as they are posted. This has saved me hundreds of dollars in some cases.
✅ Personalized service – A good travel agent gets to know your preferences and can tailor recommendations to your travel style.
✅ Assistance with complicated itineraries – If you’re booking flights, pre- or post-cruise stays, or group travel, a travel agent can coordinate everything seamlessly.

Cons of using a travel agent

❌ Less direct control – Some people prefer to book and manage their own reservations online. The cruise lines have easy-to-use websites and booking software, so it is a relatively easy process.
❌ Potential service fees – While many travel agents earn commission from cruise lines (meaning no extra cost to you), some charge planning fees. By going directly to the cruise website, you can potentially save money by cutting out the middleman.
❌ Limited flexibility – If you like making last-minute changes, you may have to go through the agent instead of handling it directly with the cruise line. Not to mention, it can become very stressful as well!

When should you use a travel agent?

• If it’s your first cruise and you need guidance.
• If you’re booking a large group or special occasion trip.
• If you want to maximize savings and take advantage of exclusive perks.
• If you’d rather have someone else handle the details.

When to book a cruise yourself

• If you’re comfortable researching and comparing options.
• If you’re booking a simple, short cruise with no extras.
• If you enjoy monitoring price drops and managing changes on your own.

Is a travel agent right for you?

If you enjoy researching and booking on your own, you may prefer to handle it yourself. But if you want expert advice, exclusive deals, and stress-free planning, a travel agent is a great choice.

Do your research, choose a top-notch travel agent, and enjoy a smooth sailing cruise. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make a friend along the way!