Which cruise agent to book with

[Popsicle30]

Hi All,

We’ve found a cruise we like the look of for 2024 with Princess Cruises. I’m looking for recommendations as to who to book through/get quotes from?

My parents have used Jetline Cruise to book their packages in the past and had good service/no issues but it’s been some time. I’ve got a quote from them but wondering if I should be looking to check with other cruise agents and if anyone can recommend.

Many thanks!

Have you contacted them direct ? It might be cheaper as agents receive commission from them.
I've never used an agent, always booked directly with the companies.

Just book direct

www.princess.com

Out of interest OP what made you think you needed to use a cruise agent of all things ?

I tend to use cruise.co.uk. I occasionally book direct, but their agents usually gets an extra discount (only 2% or similar) and, as I use a variety of ships, points out the hidden benefits/downsides of some staterooms.

@Popsicle30 I book direct normally including flights.

I use Flights and Packages or Iglu and always get a better deal than booking direct with the cruise line.

I use Cruise Critic and Cruise Nation. They are usually considerably cheaper than booking direct. They are online and buy cabins in bulk at reduced rates. I’m happy with the cheapest balcony cabin and drinks package.

Its actually usually cheaper to go through an agent because even though they get commission they get a decent reductions on the cabins and “ upgrades” Drinks packages/ tips / Wi-Fi extra. Which although you may think aren’t necessary make a big difference ( although Wi-Fi is waste as it’s normally crap and you use free port Wi-Fi on those days).

That's interesting to know

I went on cruises as a child with my family but I've never booked my own and I'd like to do I'll definitely use a cruise agent

I've used iglu, planet cruise, cruise.co.U.K., bolsover cruise and also booked direct, i price up with all and see who will offer me the best all around deal!

Thanks all. I had heard it was cheaper to book through an agent instead of direct due to the packages they can put together. I’ve not seen great reviews recently for iglu. Thank you for the other suggestions. Cruise1st also has good reviews so I’m getting a quote off them.

I usually book direct as it is difficult to find any benefit from booking through agents, although worth looking as we once got a free upgrade for using the agent.
You’ll have a great time with Princess, they’re my favourite!

@coolshoeshine have you been with MSC or P&O. Why do you prefer Princess?That was going to be our next cruise.

Sorry to nickyour thread Op.

If you decide to book direct ( and there’s no harm in “phoning” around) don’t forget TopCashBack or one of the others. My sense of booking direct is that it’s expensive and they just sweeten the deal with onboard credit. A year away is neither first in the queue which normally gives you a better price or last minute ( 3 months before) which also does.
Its bizarre but you’ll find no one on a cruise has paid the same price for anything !. Some people swear blind you need to chose your cabin ( which costs more) and some the complete opposite but both could end up a few doors apart. So really really look into all the options and work out what’s important to you. A bit more of one thing to some isn’t to others.

Try your local travel agent, then can often beat quotes and need help to stay on the high street! They will be able to assist you if there are any problems

Strongly recommend using an agent to book a princess cruise as I have heard that it’s very difficult to get hold of Princess customer service team if you have any follow up questions. We have used cruise118 and the cruisespecialists.com. Of the two, I’d say the service was a little better with cruise specialists.

Agree with the above poster about getting hod of someone. I asked a question of P&O and got an answer 9 days later! I called Bolsover Cruise Club and they answered all my questions and sold me the same holiday for £50 less x

I don't know why the kiss, too much texting the kids!

Thanks All! I’ve been getting quotes from a number of agents and it’s amazing the different quotes for the same cruise/cabin type