michelle

agree - AUS/NZ just are not budging - glad you cancelled ahead too

great point on Royal Up -  - people do not always consider all the factors and some find Big Box agencies serve them well - I value
relationships more - it pays you over an over in the long run - many of my new clients this year simply came to us because their current agent "disappeared" 
rough year for some indeed.

 I have also seen big OBCs given, but client is not able to spend all of it - if this happens the agency not the client gets the refund back (whomever paid it) so if you are promised $300 but only use $100, you really only got $100.

great point on Royal Up -  - people do not always consider all the factors and some find Big Box agencies serve them well - I value
relationships more - it pays you over an over in the long run - many of my new clients this year simply came to us because their current agent "disappeared" 
rough year for some indeed.

 I have also seen big OBCs given, but client is not able to spend all of it - if this happens the agency not the client gets the refund back (whomever paid it) so if you are promised $300 but only use $100, you really only got $100.

Oh interesting - I was wondering if they would make changes at all.  Labadee does make sense, I agree - but San Juan?  Have not seen anything official from our agent side of things

great point on Royal Up -  - people do not always consider all the factors and some find Big Box agencies serve them well - I value
relationships more - it pays you over an over in the long run - many of my new clients this year simply came to us because their current agent "disappeared" 
rough year for some indeed.

 I have also seen big OBCs given, but client is not able to spend all of it - if this happens the agency not the client gets the refund back (whomever paid it) so if you are promised $300 but only use $100, you really only got $100.

great point on Royal Up -  - people do not always consider all the factors and some find Big Box agencies serve them well - I value
relationships more - it pays you over an over in the long run - many of my new clients this year simply came to us because their current agent "disappeared" 
rough year for some indeed.

 I have also seen big OBCs given, but client is not able to spend all of it - if this happens the agency not the client gets the refund back (whomever paid it) so if you are promised $300 but only use $100, you really only got $100.

Another thing to consider...right now Royal is really making good use of RoyalUp.  It seems that many have been successful in upgrading their rooms since capacity is so [intentionally] low right now.  Many of the big box agencies do NOT participate in RoyalUp.  So if you are interested in a chance to upgrade your accommodations at a very reasonable price via RoyalUp, I would recommend that you investigate the Agency to see if they participate.  Many do NOT. 

Thanks to all for your input on this subject.  Although I have enjoyed the OBC on past cruises I have to admit that each time I deal with CruCon it appears I am dealing with a different agent. 
I will take a serious look at MEI for this and future bookings.  Again, I appreciate this forum and your input.

And if my wonderful MEI agent, Emily H, is on here, PLEASE do not give up any of your well deserved and no doubt too small commission for me or my brother.  Just having you in our corner had been reward enough!!!
Gail Dumoulin

Travel agents have really suffered in the last year. How many people have traveled since Mar 2020? I know I have seldom left my house, much less my country. I don't expect to get much in the way of bonus OBCs from my TA for a while. Anything I do get will be a surprise and much appreciated, because I realize the sacrifice my TA made to give me that.

Using a TA is all about piece of mind, at least imho. I know as humans we always want to get the best deal. If you are paying a premium for this service, then I can understand expecting some extra perks like OBC but 10% of cruise fare seems high. I use MEI and my agent has been wonderful and not at all annoying. Some TA's insist on sending you advertisements daily for whatever they are selling at the moment.

This is a practice known as "rebating". Rebating is when an agency cuts their agent's commission and passes the savings on to the customer.
I believe you'll find that while you may get money back or OBC, you will not get a high level of service. 

Thank you !!!!   

@Jill
yes, like Sharla said you can apply early on now, but one thing we have learned is if you apply FCC to booking, then change your mind (like want it on
another one instead) it can take weeks for them to correct it. So be sure which booking you want it applied to if you can.

@Jill
yes, like Sharla said you can apply early on now, but one thing we have learned is if you apply FCC to booking, then change your mind (like want it on
another one instead) it can take weeks for them to correct it. So be sure which booking you want it applied to if you can.

Thank you to all the travel advisors out there. What a difference a year makes, and I hope things bounce back quickly for all  of you!

Here's to all the travel advisors, especially ours who has been a true blessing and help this past year. 

Toast to John at MEI and well all the wonderful TA's at MEI

Cheers to you @Sharla you have been by my side this entire time, when things got tough you got tougher! You're the reason I didn't lose my mind during this time. I hope to sail with you one day and properly celebrate your efforts. You are so appreciated, I hope you can feel that. Happy Travel Advisor Day & Happy Mother's Day too!

I find it no coincidence that National TA Day is also Cinco de Drinko.....er, Mayo. 
Cheers to the best TA there is @krhardy !! 
 

Thanks !  happy to help out anytime ?

Seeing the dates !  woo hoo

Seeing the dates !  woo hoo

Seeing the dates !  woo hoo

Seeing the dates !  woo hoo