What's the best travel agent for an alaska cruise?

If you decide to use a travel agent, know whom you are dealing with! Some cruise agents are very competent; others may have been selling stereos or aluminum siding over the telephone six months ago. The problem is, for the most part, you will have no real way of discerning which is which. Local travel agents or otherwise self-appointed cruise experts frequently read the cruise ship line PR veneer right out of the catalog. Often this turns out to be nothing more than selling you the standard discount for booking that is available to virtually anyone off the so-called brochure rate. The result is that you think you're getting one of Kathie Lee's fantasy cruises. What you find yourself on is a garish neon nightmare of a ship filled with people whose idea of a good time is drinking, partying, and then waking you up at 3AM as they boisterously announce their arrival back to their room--all right outside of your cabin. For sure, this is the idea of a roaring good time for some--but the point is KNOW WHAT YOU ARE REALLY BUYING! There are many significant points and nuances that can differentiate between an OK trip, and one that falls short for the money you spend. Many travel or cruise agencies often offer "special discounts". This is a common travel agency ploy to offer promotional deals that frequently focus on a special "cruise night." You may get a mailing or perhaps there is an ad in the local newspaper. You go in, are met and greeted, enjoy punch and free cookies, and view a dreamy cruise video. Keep in mind that this is intended to appeal to a strong emotional purchase decision. Experts about the Psychology of selling relate this experience to what any top car salesperson knows. In the dealer's showroom, if you can get the potential customer behind the wheel to experience the "smell of the new car" and the fantasy of pulling it into the driveway--you've likely already made a sale! For more information about this part of A Word About Travel Agents, please refer to Karen Brown's definitive guide to Vacation Cruising at http://www.klikks.com/guide_cruise

Alaska is not to be missed!!! You have numerous options to cruise and tour Alaska. You can Cruise only or combine with a land and sea package depending on how much time you have. There are a ton of companies going to Alaska; some good and some better. I would recommend a combined Cruise/Tour. You came all the way North to Alaska, you might as well see it! Plan anywhere from 12 to 14 days for a package deal. Cruise only will take a week. Check the listed web sites for ideas to start.

We booked our cruise to Alaska through Triple A. I did my homework on the Internet first to have an idea what it would cost. Then went and found an agent at Triple A, her price was the same as any deal I could get over the Internet, actually better because she gave us $100 credit on board the ship. I thought going through a agency would give us more protection and guidance if something went wrong, versus a name over the Internet. The Alaskan Cruise was the best vacation we have ever been on. I recommend it to everyone as something you have to do before you leave this earth.

Call Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827 or www.mycruiseplanner.net Very knowledgeable and experienced with Alaska cruises. They're familiar with all of the offerings to Alaksa and don't charge any service fees. Even if you don't go with Cruise Planners, at the very least go to an agent that specializes in cruises as opposed to an agent that does it all. That specialization will benefit you!

A travel agent is not needed. You can book with the cruise line direct and get the same deal. If only going for a 7 day cruise then either Norwegian.com or Princess.com have the best fares. If thinking of a cruisetour then just Pricess offers then overall deal. I have been to Alaska on 10 cruises and only used a travel agent once. Most travel agents only know what they are told or read. The cruise lines runs the cruises.

Try The Cruise Line Ltd. I have used them twice now and I love them. They are an online travel agent but they will beat any price you find, so shop around first and then book with them. You'll get one on one service over the phone, and they are very knowledgeable. Their website is listed below. I've also listed several sites that are good for checking out prices.