Cruise Tips: How to find the right travel agent

1. You can find a travel agent through the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and CruiseShoppes. With CruiseShoppes Travel Agents all over the country, you can walk in, develop a relationship with a local agent, and know you have found someone who knows what they're talking about.

2. When choosing an agent, Look to see if the agent has CLIA accreditation or is a Travel Institute destination specialist, proving he or she has taken courses in selling cruises and travel to specific locations. You can also ask if the agency is a member of a travel consortium or is a key account with any of the cruise lines — those relationships not only prove the dedication of the agency, but its ability to get extra deals for you. Finally, with a consortium like CruiseShoppes. you don't just get a single dedicated cruise person, you get the total expertise of an agency that specializes in cruises and has many years of experience working with all the major brand cruise lines.

3.Above all, you want to look for an agent that is interested in building a relationship with you. The agent should spend some time asking you about your interests in order to find the best fit for your cruise vacation. He or she should return your calls or emails promptly and stay in regular communication with you between cruises.

Did you know, every CruiseShoppes staff member is an experienced cruiser. And all of us are involved in positively outrageous guest service.  We provide expert advice, not just a flood of information. To insure your every want and need is met, our staff continually attend seminars at sea, taking classes and learning everything there is to know about the cruise industry.

Our people travel "round the world", visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go on cruises, sample and critique shore excursions... They are constantly communicating, learning and passing on that knowledge and information to you. 

• They understand your needs
• They give you good solid advice you can count on.
• They are knowledgeable of what's on offer. 
• They are able to get you exceptional value for your cruise

Your CruiseShoppes Agent once engaged when you book a cruise with us:

• May be able to offer you group rates( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts.  We receive daily faxes from the cruise lines offering special promotions so be sure to ask if there are any special offers available.
• Will offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc.
• Will review the proper immigration/passport/birth certificate documentation necessary for your cruise.
• Arrange any special needs -- such as a handicap-designed stateroom, or a special diet.
• Inform you of your dining choices and ask if you prefer early or late seating , or "freestyle" dining where you can dine with whom you want, when you want... and arrange for any special occasions you might be celebrating like a birthday or anniversary. 
• Explain the importance of travel insurance to cover the unexpected such as trip delays, missed cruise connections and lost or delayed baggage.
• Give you General Information materials that cover over 18  "Things to Know Before You Go". 
• Point out your stateroom on the deck plan ( select deck plans available online ).
• Inform you when final payment is due and the deadline to request air deviations and arrange pre-or-post cruise land packages.
• Advise you about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, etc.