Cruise Planners vs Booking Direct
CRUISE PLANNERS vs BOOKING DIRECT
RON L. GROSS - Your Professional CLIA Cruise Counselor ©
As a Professional Cruise Counselor, I work hard to build a solid, long-lasting relationship with my valued clients. I listen to my clients and learn their likes and dislikes in order to correctly match their travel needs to their individual personality and budget. It is in my best interest to ensure that they're a happy and satisfied guest!
It does NOT cost more, to take advantage of the services of a professional travel agent. We're paid by the cruise line, not you. There's absolutely no additional cost to you, to take advantage of our services. Below, is a list of some of the important services that we provide to our guests:
- Up-To-Date Product Knowledge: We are constantly updating our product knowledge through continuing education {product and destination seminars, tradeshows, seminars at sea}, building professional relationships with the cruise line's district sales managers, and client feedback.
- Unbiased Information: We work for you and have your best interest in mind. We don't work for any one specific cruise line. We will research information with all of the cruise lines, on your behalf and look for the best rates, itinerary, and cruise line that's right for you. Booking direct with a cruise line is a "one size fits all" scenario. They can only sell their line, whether it's the right cruise line for you or not. They can never recommend another cruise line, nor can they even suggest that you avoid cruising on one of their ships.
- Most Current & Timely Promotions: We receive emails and faxes daily, from all of the cruise lines, and resorts. We're able to go through all of the information, and pass it on to our guests, who are looking for specials or last minute promotions. We have the same rates as the cruise lines, but we also have access to specially negotiated rates, such as exclusive group rates, regional specials or other rates afforded to our agency only. A cruise line agent can never offer you a group rate for an individual booking! Cruise Planners can! And we do it every day, for our guests!
- Clarification Of Penalties, Restrictions & Pricing Information: We understand the ever-changing rules and policies of the cruise industry. We can help you sort out the different pricing structures and make sure you get the best value for your money with no hidden fees!
- Personal Attention: As a professional cruise consultant, I will share my experience and knowledge, that I've accumulated over many years of personal travel (and over 65 cruises personally taken), and training, on a wide variety of topics. I will get to know you personally, by asking important questions, so I have a better understanding of your vacation needs. I'm not a telemarketer, trying to get you to buy a product or service in a hurry, so I can get you off the phone and move on to the next person. You're my valued client, not a quota! Cruise line agents can't take the time to get to know they, because their calls are being timed. They need to meet call volumes and sales quotas, in order to keep their job. Same thing with online booking agencies. No personal service at all.
- Should Something Go Wrong, I'm Your Personal Advocate: I'm your advocate in the event that something inadvertently goes wrong. If you book online or directly with a cruise line, you'll never speak to the same person twice. The online booking agencies won't even answer or return your call for assistance! They won't know you and your specific situation. Don't you just hate to have to keep repeating your situation over and over again? I already know you personally, I know your situation, and I'll be there for you when you need assistance.
- Time Is Money & Our Services Are Paid for, by the Cruise Line: Calling the cruise line directly, is not going to guarantee you a better price. We have the exact same rates as the cruise lines, but we also have access to special rates, such as exclusive group fares, regional specials or other special rates afforded to our agency only, that they cannot offer you! When you call us, we'll do the work for you, freeing up your valuable time.
The most important part of planning a cruise vacation should not just be about getting the lowest price! The real goal should be to get the RIGHT CRUISE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR PERSONAL VACATION NEEDS at the best price available. While every cruise line basically offers the same product, they all have their differences as well. Each line offers a different cruise experience to their guests, based on the type of clientele they serve. Not all cruise lines are for everyone. If you're on the wrong cruise line, regardless of how great a rate you've gotten, you're going to have a lousy cruise vacation experience. Matching you to the right line and ship is much more important than just the price. Just ask anyone who's had an unenjoyable experience because they were on the wrong cruise line. A cruise vacation planned without a professional cruise consultant, can be a very expensive mistake!
In today's complex world, we use so many different outside services for other important matters, like tax consultants, realtors, or attorneys. And we never question their value to us. If you're going to be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a well-deserved cruise vacation, doesn't it make good sense to use a professional travel agent? A cruise vacation planned without a professional cruise consultant can be a very expensive mistake! We'll be with you through the entire process. We'll answer all of your questions, and get you the best value for your vacation dollar. THAT'S OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU!
It doesn't cost to use the services of a professional travel agent. IT PAYS!
• And to prove it - if you're already booked on a cruise, directly through a cruise line, transfer your
booking to Cruise Planners of Hampton, GA, and we will give you an extra onboard credit!
• Visit: http://www.roncruiseplanners.com/site/Transfer+Your+Booking for more information on how to transfer your booking!
Without A Professional Travel Agent - You're On Your Own!
Smooth Sailing!
Captain Ron
CRUISE PLANNERS | 805 Cambridge Pkwy | Hampton, GA 30228 | 770-210-0954 -phone/fax
