10 questions to ask your cruise travel agent

Fran Golden, Special for USA TODAY

Check with a travel agent what your options are onboard for beverages. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, offer drinks packages that may save you money on soda, juices and alcoholic beverages. That way if you’re having fun in an onboard bar like Carnival’s Red Frog Pub, you don’t need to worry about your budget as much.  Carnival Cruise Lines
  • Check with a travel agent what your options are onboard for beverages. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, offer drinks packages that may save you money on soda, juices and alcoholic beverages. That way if you’re having fun in an onboard bar like Carnival’s Red Frog Pub, you don’t need to worry about your budget as much.Your travel agent can assist you in booking shore excursions in advance. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have popular shore excursions that can sell out. Your agent can help you choose which shore excursions to do based on your interests and make sure you don’t miss out on any.If traveling with kids, choosing the right cruise ship is imperative. Some cruise lines cater to kids, like Disney Cruise Line which has jungle gyms, pools and other entertainment just for children. A travel agent can help you choose the ship that is right for your family.The service is excellent on cruise lines, such as Silversea Cruises, and is a main draw of cruising. A travel agent can let you know what the protocol is for tipping on a cruise ship and if extra gratuity costs are added into your cruise fare.Ask your travel agent about stateroom locations as a travel agent can make a big difference in your onboard experience by recommending where on the cruise ship you should book your cabin. Cruise lines like Holland America have many different options and the deck level and side of the ship can have big variations in terms of views you can see from your balcony or window, and how quiet your stateroom is.Travel agents can give you insider information, such as which cruise ships have the most spacious and well-lit inside cabins, or which cruise lines – like Seabourn Cruises – have all suite accommodation onboard. Travel agents also can walk you through the differences of the staterooms and suites onboard and which will work best for families or a romantic getaway.Cruise lines have many different options for dining onboard and a travel agent can help you figure out if you want to make reservations in a specialty restaurant, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Teppanyaki restaurant. A travel agent can also help you figure out main dining room seating schedules or let you know if it’s open times and seating, like Norwegian Cruise Line has.More than likely you'll need a passport for your cruise; however, it's important to ask your travel agent what else you may need to ensure you and your family can enter into the foreign countries you'll be visiting. A travel agent can help you know what you need whether sailing to the Caribbean or to Tahiti on one of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ exotic French Polynesia itineraries, or anywhere else in the world.It’s important to understand what your cruise ship’s entertainment will be like. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have multiple activities onboard such as rock climbing, ice-skating and Broadway shows like Chicago. Others have minimal entertainment. A travel agent can help you choose the ship that has the right entertainment vibe for you.A travel agent can help you figure out which cruise ship is best for your needs. Would you have more fun on a large ship with lots of entertainment, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas? Or would you prefer a smaller ship with a more intimate feel? A travel agent will help you decide.
For first-time cruisers and experienced cruise passengers too, travel agents can be an invaluable resource. They can help you get through the nuances and intricacies of planning your cruise vacation and even save you money, during winter “Wave” salesand other times of year too. But you need to know what you want before you have the conversation.

Here are 10 questions to ask your travel agent when planning a cruise.

Do you have any experience cruising?

You want to work with a travel agent who can offer advice based on first-hand experience. If they haven’t seen the particular ship, ask if they at least have familiarity with the cruise line. “You don’t want to deal with someone who is just regurgitating a sales pitch or a brochure,” says Stewart Chiron, CEO of The Cruise Guy.

Are there any special offers that apply to me?

Cruise lines target offers — for instance you may get 5% off the top if you’re 55 or older, or you may be able to save if you are an active or retired member of the military or even if you live in a particular state. If you are traveling with kids, your agent may be able to direct you to a line with a discounted kids’ deal.

Can I save by tweaking my travel dates?

You may have specific cruise dates in mind, but if you are flexible your agent may be able to save you a bundle by booking you a week or even a few days earlier. One cruise may be practically sold out and commanding high fares for blah cabins, while the very next cruise may be empty, and a steal in terms of price and choice of cabins.

Where will my cabin be located?

Not every cabin in the same category is created equally. One may bring the benefit of a larger than normal balcony. Another may be located in a particularly noisy area of the ship. Choosing a specific cabin may or may not be the best way to go. Your agent will guide you in this realm.

EXPLORE: The 10 most luxurious cruise ship suites

Can you do anything special for me?

The travel agent may be able to sweeten the pot with incentives, such as onboard spending credit, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a free massage, a special shore excursion or a dinner at one of the alternative restaurants. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Have you cruised to this destination?

When your ship visits ports you will probably want to go off exploring or do an activity — whether on a shore excursion or on your own. Your travel agent should be able to offer advice on what to see and do and to make reservations, whether for tours or that fancy restaurant you just read about.

What are the dining options onboard?

This is another area where your travel agent can be valuable as your pre-cruise guide. On many ships, you need to decide upfront whether to do early- or late-seating at assigned tables or an open-seating option. Your agent can also steer you towards popular alternative restaurants that may require an advance reservation.

SEE MORE: Bite into the best cruise ship restaurants

Should I buy travel insurance?

You are investing money when you book your cruise, and a travel agent can take you through what happens if you need to cancel, including the difference between cruise line and third-party insurance policies. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not. Also make sure you understand how the cruise payment plan works — with a deposit upfront.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY: Travel insurance basics

What happens if the price of the cruise drops?

Some cruise fares have non-refundable deposits, but most do not. A good travel agent will help you watch for price changes and help you grab a lower fare if one becomes available (within the change period allowed).

Will I be able to reach you if I run into a problem?

The big difference between a do-it-yourself approach and working with an agent is customer service. You want someone who will know your needs and be there when you need them.

Leave a Comment