There are more than 33 major cruise lines around the world, and literally thousands of cruise experts serving millions of cruise passengers each year. Not only do cruise experts specialize in cruises, they can also help you book everything from hotel and airfare to car rentals. While seasoned cruisers may opt to simply book online, first-time cruisers might be better off talking to a cruise expert.
Cruise experts are not just there to make reservations for you. Cruise experts can give you advice on destinations, and they can also inform you about weather conditions, suggest certain cruises to suit your taste, style and budget, and they can also find the best deals. In some cases travel agents are the only ones with access to special travel packages, discounts, and deals. In a nutshell, a cruise expert can help you sort out travel options and help you weed through all of the travel information that’s out there today.
While most cruise experts will be able to help you find the perfect cruise – if you have no idea which type of cruise you want to take — there are some cruise experts that specialize in certain types of cruises. For example, you will find cruise experts that specialize in Alaska Adventure cruises or cruise experts that specialize in luxury cruises. Some may specialize in family cruises, wedding cruises, exotic cruises, or even theme cruises.
To find a cruise expert in your area, there are several ways to go about it. You can consult your local yellow pages, locate a cruise expert through referral, or you can search for a cruise travel expert online through a reputable site like TravelSense.org. Finding a cruise expert through referral (word of mouth) or through a site like TravelSense.org, is highly recommended.
For those of you that would like to consult a cruise expert online, there are numerous options available to you. Each cruise line has a cruise expert available, via online chat or email, that can help you choose the right cruise on their specific cruise line. In some cases, you may be able to chat with an online cruise expert 24/7 or opt for email communication. Another option is an “online cruise travel agent.�
In general, an online cruise travel agent isn’t a specific person or agent, so to speak, but rather a system that allows you, the potential cruiser, to shop and compare the prices of different cruise lines, search activities and destinations, take virtual tours, browse recommendations and reviews, checkout “Top Ten� lists, in some cases chat online with “agent� and much, much more. Once you have completed the exciting process of selecting your perfect cruise, the system allows the user to book online. The only time you’ll speak with an actual agent is when a travel agent calls to confirm the details of your trip. 99% of the browsing and booking process typically takes place online and through email correspondence.
The vast majority of Internet users opt for online cruise travel agents for 24/7 access to the online cruise travel agent site, the cost to use the site, which totals a whopping “zero,� the incredible savings that can be enjoyed by booking online, and the amazing time-saving benefits.
With an online cruise travel agent, everything you need is right at your fingertips and most agent sites are so easy to navigate, a child could do it. While it is recommended that potential passengers use an online travel agent that specializes in cruises, there are a few top-notch online travel agents that are excellent at helping users find the perfect (and least expensive) cruises.
Below is a list of some of the top online cruise travel agents available today.
Cruisedirectonline.com: Cruise Direct Online has been recommended by Frommer’s, Budget MSNBC, CNBC, MSN Money and Travel Magazine.
Cruisespecialists.com: Specializing in luxury travel.
Cruisecompete.com: Find the best deals and sites for cruise travel.
Cruisequick.com: 100% Internet based, quick quotes.
Cruise411.com: Great at sniffing out special rates, last minute cruises, best sales.
Cruisebrothers.com: Since 1972, MSNBC ranks cruisebrothers.com in the top 15.
Moments-notice.com: Offers best buys, deals of the week and killer Internet specials.
Cruisesonly.com: Last minute cruises, reviews, the skinny on blowout sales.
Cruisebrokers.com: Covers all cruise lines and destinations, luxury cruise line specialists, recommended in AOL Cruise Critic.
Expedia.com: Flawless search function, endless amounts of information and deals.
Travelocity.com: Great for shopping and comparing, quick and easy.