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I wouldn't say that I totally agree with Natalia that you will always get a better deal with an online agency over a local TA. Many online TA's are a franchise of a big agency. The agency gets credit for their number of sales with the cruise lines, just like any TA. A local TA may also be a franchise agency or a big agency itself. Because of the number of sales they may have a better deal with some cruise lines or specific sailings. So in this case perhaps a good Travel Agency Locally may have some better deals. Online agencies do NOT ALWAYS have the best deals.The big difference can be in contacting the agent if you have questions or problems. In some cases it is much easier to contact a local TA or a regular travel agency than it is to contact an online agency. I say sometimes because some online agencies can be contacted easily.Also if you are an inexperienced cruiser a good cruise TA can help you find the right cruise easier than just using an online TA in some cases.What it ultimately comes down to is you should pick the type agency you feel the most comfortable with. Is the savings large enough for you to go with an agency you may not feel as comfortable with whether it is online or local? If you search hard enough and long enough you will always be able to find a better deal through somewhere else. There is no ONE agency that always has the best deal on every cruise on every cruise line. JMHO but my opinion is based on some experience and some fact.
I wouldn't say that I totally agree with Natalia that you will always get a better deal with an online agency over a local TA. Many online TA's are a franchise of a big agency. The agency gets credit for their number of sales with the cruise lines, just like any TA. A local TA may also be a franchise agency or a big agency itself. Because of the number of sales they may have a better deal with some cruise lines or specific sailings. So in this case perhaps a good Travel Agency Locally may have some better deals. Online agencies do NOT ALWAYS have the best deals.
The big difference can be in contacting the agent if you have questions or problems. In some cases it is much easier to contact a local TA or a regular travel agency than it is to contact an online agency. I say sometimes because some online agencies can be contacted easily.
Also if you are an inexperienced cruiser a good cruise TA can help you find the right cruise easier than just using an online TA in some cases.
What it ultimately comes down to is you should pick the type agency you feel the most comfortable with. Is the savings large enough for you to go with an agency you may not feel as comfortable with whether it is online or local? If you search hard enough and long enough you will always be able to find a better deal through somewhere else. There is no ONE agency that always has the best deal on every cruise on every cruise line. JMHO but my opinion is based on some experience and some fact.
