Why book in a Cruise Group with people you don't even know?

Today, let's take a look at some of the advantages to booking within a Group instead of an individual booking.  People are afraid that just because they are in a group they will have to hangout with the others in that booking.  Although groups were started for this reason, now groups are booked by agents to "bundle" reservations for perks and lower prices.

1.  Travel Agents will book Group Space with a rate guarantee from that date.  As rates increase for a particular sailing the group space would be "locked in" at the lower rate until the date of recall from the cruise line.  This allows them to add your booking at the original rate until they run out of cabins in their allotment.  Most TA's will save multiple levels and types of cabins in their allotment allowing you choices.

2.  If a rate goes down a TA can still book you into the group at the new lower rate which will still allow you to gain the perks earned by the group.

3.  The TA is responsible for your booking.  As your TA, I will not be paid commission when final payment is made, as in an individual booking.  I am not paid until the group completes the sailing.  Therefore, a TA will continue to help you and keep you happy longer....LOL.

4.  Groups usually have some kind of "perk" if it contains enough cabins.  This perk can be anything from wine, prepaid tips or onboard credits (OBC).  In my groups, I usually ask the clients what they prefer as their perk and 95% of the time it is OBC.

5.  Your TA might have more freedom to move you around as cabin become available, change your cabin number or type, your travel partner, etc.  Sometimes on an individual booking there may be a service charge or penalty for doing changes.

6.  A lot of "Groups" make a Facebook Page promoting the group, posting excursion ideas, getting to know each other and sharing other general information.  What you do with this information is up to you.  You are not forced to every participate with others in the booking in anyway!  A client can join in activities they desire, ignore ones that don't interest them and do nothing at all.  They do not have to sit with the group during meals or even have the same dining times.

7.  Payments are made through the TA.  While there are clients who do not like the fact that they cannot see their payment information directly, it is very secure and a time saver.  Partial payments can be made through a TA with no problems and if your TA is nice (like me!) this should NEVER be a issue. 

I would love to add you to one of my Group Bookings or create one around your desired sailing.  Give me a call at 727-644-0023 and let's see if there is a way I can help you save money!

I was able to save quite a few on the Carnival Pride repositioning cruise January 2, 2017.  I booked a group with inside cabins at $2000 and balconies at $3000.  These are now priced much higher and I was able to save the average client over $1000.