According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 7 out of 10 travelers (70%) opt to use travel agents to plan and book their cruise vacations.
Ken Muskat, Chairman of the Commercial Relations Committee and Executive Vice President of MSC Cruises, emphasized that “travel agents offer travelers the opportunity to have personalized vacations without the stress of planning every detail. With cruise vacations in particular, there are now multiple options, and each cruise brand has a distinct personality. A travel agent can be a great help in finding our ideal ship and itinerary and providing us with an incredible experience.”.
From tailoring vacations to each client's specific needs, travel agents help both new cruisers and experts.
Seven reasons CLIA gives for using a travel agent to plan your summer vacation:
- They are a walking encyclopedia of cruises: Travel agents are experts in the world of cruises, as well as the products and destinations that best suit their clients. In addition, travel agents know how to help each client plan their personalized vacation, and can also answer any questions that may arise.
- A real bargain: Travel agents plan and organize numerous cruise vacations every week, so they know how the industry works and are aware of the best deals and discounts. And most importantly, it costs the traveler nothing to use a travel agent.
- Saving more than just money: In addition to finding the best deals, travel agents also help clients save time. They take care of finding the perfect cabin or excursion.
- One step ahead: With a travel agent, travelers can plan every last detail before boarding and enjoy a worry-free experience with reservations and all sorts of details arranged in advance.
- The best resource: Travel agents are the best resource when it comes to solving problems or unforeseen events in travel that result in wasted time due to lost luggage, canceled excursions, or travel delays, among other things.
- A trip tailored to you: Travel agents not only manage bookings but can also help find the best cruise for each type of traveler.
- Constant updates: A travel agent is aware of the latest news from cruise companies in real time and knows the best way to access up-to-date information.
