TA Question

[Ampurp85]

I have a question, well sort of more than one...technically a million always in my head. Like my cat totally knows what I am saying...Right? But back to cruising. Has anyone ever....

1. Paid for their deposit by sending the info through an email?

2. Transferred a booking to the TA that they booked on their own?

3. And finally booked a nonrefundable because the refundable deposit makes them seem like wussies who want an out because they booked too many cruises?

I edited for grammar..my "their" was wrong

Edited January 28, 2020 by Ampurp85

[TXcruzer]

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

 

1. Paid for there deposit by sending the info through an email?

2. Transferred a booking to the TA that they booked on their own?

3. And finally booked a nonrefundable because the refundable deposit makes them seem like wussies who want an out because they booked too many cruises?

1. 99.99% of all my correspondence, including payments, are emails to my TA

2. Always book with my TA initially, have never seen any benefit (and often detriment) in doing it myself 

3. I always book refundable, no matter what. 

[SteveinSC]

I have transferred a cruise to a TA that I booked myself. I just told them I wanted to transfer it, and gave them the reservation number. They took care of the rest!!! 

I also have booked a nonrefundable, as my wife said "there isnt a snowballs chance in (h-e-double hockey sticks) we arent getting on that ship." lol Shes an RN, and unless we are, literally, dying......were "fine". 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

1. Paid for there deposit by sending the info through an email?

Not sure what you're asking here....but if you are asking if I would send my credit card information to someone via email, the answer is absolutely, positively NO, NEVER.

 

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

2. Transferred a booking to the TA that they booked on their own?

I have done this many times.  I often book my own reservation and then turn around and transfer it to my TA. I do this sometimes b/c I find a sailing and room that I really want and don't want to take the risk of waiting until she can go in and book it for me.  There have been times when I book a reservation KNOWING that she is going to have to go back in and completely reprice it using the casino discount.

 

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

3. And finally booked a nonrefundable because the refundable deposit makes them seem like wussies who want an out because they booked too many cruises?

I never worry about what someone else might think about my bookings.  If a refundable deposit is what works for you - for whatever reason - book it.  You can always go back and change it to a non-refundable deposit later once you know for sure that you are going to go.  Just be aware, however, that repricing to a non-refundable deposit does not automatically mean that you will get a lower rate.  

[HendersonPhoto]

I've never used a travel agent, what are the benefits to using one?

[Ampurp85]

@WAAAYTOOO Yes my first mind was to NOT send my credit info through an email. I just wanted to make sure I am not crazy for NOT wanting to do that

I also meant I made myself feel like a wussy. I am normally really gung-ho about stuff but I am booking three cruises over a two year period. So my mind is trying to trick me.

[WAAAYTOOO]

3 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

@WAAAYTOOO Yes my first mind was to NOT send my credit info through an email. I just wanted to make sure I am not crazy for NOT wanting to do that

I also meant I made myself feel like a wussy. I am normally really gung-ho about stuff but I am booking three cruises over a two year period. So my mind is trying to trick me.

I think that booking a refundable deposit cruise is a very very smart thing to do.  I sure wish they still allowed you to book a suite with a refundable deposit.

[AshleyDillo]

33 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

1. Paid for their deposit by sending the info through an email?

Yep..I prefer communicating by email.  I even sent my credit card number to my TA in email.  She has several I've used on file and now I just tell her the last 4 digits of whichever one I want something charged to.  I'm using a credit card that has fraud protection where if the number got out I wouldn't be liable for fraudulent charges so I don't have any issues with it.  I check my transaction history on a weekly basis so I will notice any errant charges and act on them immediately.  I never ever use my debit card for purchases online or offline because it's linked to actual real money and there's less protection there.

34 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

2. Transferred a booking to the TA that they booked on their own?

Yup..there's a form you fill out on Royal's site to do this.  I had my TA send me the agency information I needed to enter on the form.  It was simple and easy.  I've also booked through NextCruise while onboard and since I was on a cruise my TA booked, it automatically transferred the booking to her.  NextCruise did verify with me that I wanted to do that when I made the booking.  My TA has told me to text her any time and she will handle a booking for me and she has done so.  She was even able to put a week-long hold on something for me to get my act together and finalize everything.

36 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

3. And finally booked a nonrefundable because the refundable deposit makes them seem like wussies who want an out because they booked too many cruises?

I book so far in advance that I've never done a nonrefundable deposit...the difference in price hasn't been enough to deter me from keeping my options open.  The price has never been cheaper for me to convert right before final payment either, so at least I feel good about that.  Only exception is for the Star Class bookings as those are nonrefundable..but those are usually booked at such a low price point that I'd be stupid to cancel out on them (or mommy dearest is paying for me anyways).

25 minutes ago, HendersonPhoto said:

I've never used a travel agent, what are the benefits to using one?

They do all the work in communicating with the cruise line for me.  If there are any issues, they will fight that fight for me.  They handle any repricing if there's a lower price between when I book and final payment.  They have handled getting my luggage tags reissued when I won a RoyalUp.  I've been lucky that I've gotten to meet mine in person too and she and the others with her agency (MEI Travel @StephanieH @AnnetteJackson) have been a blast to hang out with!  

Then there are also some booking incentives they may offer which differ between agent, agency, sailing date, phase of the moon, etc.  I've seen prepaid gratuities, onboard credits, free specialty dining meals, and bottles of wine from various bookings.

[Ampurp85]

@AshleyDillo I prefer communication through email as well but have never shared my credit card credentials in an email. My Reserve credit card only purpose is travel/vacation and dining, it has fraud protection. However I have decided to call John at MEI and give him my information over the phone. That way I can transfer the two cruises I booked before over to him and have better piece of mind.

[AshleyDillo]

1 minute ago, Ampurp85 said:

@AshleyDillo I prefer communication through email as well but have never shared my credit card credentials in an email. My Reserve credit card only purpose is travel/vacation and dining, it has fraud protection. However I have decided to call John at MEI and give him my information over the phone. That way I can transfer the two cruises I booked before over to him and have better piece of mind.

Totally reasonable.  I am very phone averse so I make my poor TA do everything via email or text message   I don't even like to call and order pizza..I do that online or through an app too.

[Ampurp85]

@AshleyDillo I hate being on the phone too, if there is delivery to be had I make whomever is around do the ordering as well. Thank god for the internet because now I can be a faceless bot. Don't worry I am not one of those who troll people. I literally have no social media, this blog is as close as it gets.

[SpeedNoodles]

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

@WAAAYTOOO Yes my first mind was to NOT send my credit info through an email. I just wanted to make sure I am not crazy for NOT wanting to do that

 

The way that I sent credit card information to pay with M.E.I. the first time was via fax (she sent me a form). Now my card is on file and I just have to email her and ask her to put whatever amount I want on the card toward a particular sailing.  I suppose I could have called with it, but I'm on the phone so much at work that I simply avoid it when I'm not at work.

[Ampurp85]

@SpeedNoodles See that's my issue, I spend a lot of time either on the phone or IRL with randos. Most are nice randos but I spend my "fake" life making small talk.

[SpeedNoodles]

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

@SpeedNoodles See that's my issue, I spend a lot of time either on the phone or IRL with randos. Most are nice randos but I spend my "fake" life making small talk.

I answer 911 calls (but for only 10 more shifts!!!!!), so I'm burned out by dealing with drunks and disturbed people.  I probably use my "phone" feature of my cell phone about twice a month, lol.

[Ampurp85]

@SpeedNoodles Thank you for your service. I do accounts receivable...and I also waitress a few times a month because I am trying to retire early and enjoy my retirement. I also deal with drunks and all the potheads because its legal in Chicago. Imagine having to take the same order 20 mins straight because this guy is detracted by your purple hair. I don't want to physically talk to anyone for days at a time.

[SpeedNoodles]

Just now, Ampurp85 said:

@SpeedNoodles Thank you for your service. I do accounts receivable...and I also waitress a few times a month because I am trying to retire early and enjoy my retirement. I also deal with drunks and all the potheads because its legal in Chicago. Imagine having to take the same order 20 mins straight because this guy is detracted by your purple hair. I don't want to physically talk to anyone for days at a time.

Yeah, there's no way I could deal with people in person. I'll take stoned over drunk any day - they typically don't get aggressive.

 

 

[Ampurp85]

@SpeedNoodles True

At least you are close to a cruise. I don't have one until April. It not on RC but Carnival for my brothers 37th birthday.

[PRebecca]

3 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

...  I am very phone averse so I make my poor TA do everything via email or text message 

Same, the TA I ended up with (still not sure how it happened) tries calling me every now and again but NOPE, I avoid phone calls.

I emailed him my credit card number once knowing full well it was not wise nor safe, that's how much I don't like talking on the phone.

Twice now I have booked my own and transferred to him, I just sent him the booking ID and he did the rest.

[Zeashore]

1 hour ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I answer 911 calls (but for only 10 more shifts!!!!!), so I'm burned out by dealing with drunks and disturbed people.  I probably use my "phone" feature of my cell phone about twice a month, lol.

 

Thank you for your service SpeedNoodles, my DH is retired 31 years from law enforcement and holds dispatchers in high regard. Your retirement is well deserved!

Enjoy your cruise.

[SpeedNoodles]

1 minute ago, Zeashore said:

 

Thank you for your service SpeedNoodles, my DH is retired 31 years from law enforcement and holds dispatchers in high regard. Your retirement is well deserved!

Enjoy your cruise.

I wish I was retiring!  I'm being promoted to supervisor - different set of problems, but no more taking phone calls (yay!)

[Zeashore]

1 minute ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I wish I was retiring!  I'm being promoted to supervisor - different set of problems, but no more taking phone calls (yay!)

Ohhhh,  you are correct; a different set of problems.   Good luck!!

[USCG Teacher]

1 hour ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I'll take stoned over drunk any day - they typically don't get aggressive.

Oh yeah, can absolutely confirm.

 

56 minutes ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I'm being promoted to supervisor - different set of problems, but no more taking phone calls (yay!)

Congrats!  Mo' money, mo' cruises!

[SteveinSC]

5 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Totally reasonable.  I am very phone averse so I make my poor TA do everything via email or text message   I don't even like to call and order pizza..I do that online or through an app too.

Me too... I will ALWAYS opt for e-communication, or face to face. I hate talking on a phone. 

[SpeedNoodles]

@SteveinSC  kudos on the Mitch Hedberg quote

[SteveinSC]

3 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

@SteveinSC  kudos on the Mitch Hedberg quote

One of the greats....

[ChessE4]

On 1/28/2020 at 12:01 PM, Ampurp85 said:

I have a question, well sort of more than one...technically a million always in my head. Like my cat totally knows what I am saying...Right? But back to cruising. Has anyone ever....

1. Paid for their deposit by sending the info through an email?

2. Transferred a booking to the TA that they booked on their own?

3. And finally booked a nonrefundable because the refundable deposit makes them seem like wussies who want an out because they booked too many cruises?

I edited for grammar..my "their" was wrong

Most e-mail isn't secure, so unless you have a special encrypted system, don't send payment information, SSNs, and other PII through e-mail.  (And if you do, tell recipient to double delete as you will do.)  Best to use a landline and talk to your agent by phone.  Landlines less likely to be hacked.

Can you survive e-mail?   Probably, but hackers are everywhere.....

Regarding deposits, one factor is whether you have travel insurance of some sort that will protect you in case of a cancellation. 

[AnnetteJackson]

On 1/28/2020 at 2:27 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

The way that I sent credit card information to pay with M.E.I. the first time was via fax (she sent me a form). Now my card is on file and I just have to email her and ask her to put whatever amount I want on the card toward a particular sailing.  I suppose I could have called with it, but I'm on the phone so much at work that I simply avoid it when I'm not at work.

Thank you so much for supporting Matt by using MEI-Travel to book your travel.  Many people hate to get on the phone so we totally have many ways we can get that number from you.  Some elect to Fax, some a quick phone call one time, and some clients will send part in an email and part in a text message.  Its amazing as a person that LOVES to talk on the phone to see how many people avoid it like the plague.  Our agents will also work with the client with what they are most comfortable with.  And yes, once we have your card on file, we can ask you with the last 4 digits if its ok to use that card.  It makes the next bookings and final payments much easier for everyone.