Is it cheaper to use a travel agent and do travel agents get better deals on cruises?

Travel agents are an incredible resource for planning your first cruise, and yet so many new cruisers miss out on their expertise.

I always use a travel agent to book my cruises, and firmly believe only stand to benefit from using a good travel agent.

Unlike air travel, cruises are very personalized.  Picking the right cruise ship, choosing the right stateroom, deciding when to have dinner, navigating travel insurance and more are all personal decisions that someone who has never cruised before needs to figure out.

A good travel agent is there to not just book a cruise, but be your guide and advocate all the way through the vacation itself. 

If you're trying to figure out if you should use a travel agent to book a cruise, here are my top reasons to try one.

The best agents don't charge you any fees for their services

Let's debunk one myth about travel agents, which is they cost you money to use them.

There are some agencies that have service fees, but most do not. This is because Royal Caribbean pays them a commission for bookings they make, so they're paid in that way.

Moreover, it's in their best interest to treat you right because the way they grow their business (and profits) is to have their clients come back and book more sailings.

Any travel agent you use should not charge you fees to book, service, change, or cancel a cruise.  While Royal Caribbean may charge you change fees (they do that to everyone), the agent should not.

Yes, a travel agent could save you money

A lot of people try a travel agent for one reason: they want to get the best price on a cruise.

The listed price of a cruise is the same if you book with Royal Caribbean or a travel agent, but travel agents sometimes have access to special rates.

Known as group rates, sometimes an agency can negotiate a better price than what you see on the cruise line website because they have a bulk rate set up. 

It's not always the case, but my travel agent routinely surprises me with better-than-expected prices because of group prices.

In addition, a travel agent might have extra booking benefits to offer. There can be bonus onboard credit, complimentary specialty dining, or a free soda package included when you book a cruise.

Perks for booking are a nice bonus, but it's not always offered. What perks travel agents get you when booking cruises depends on the arrangement they have at the time with the cruise line.

At worst, you'll pay no more for using a travel agent. But you might just get a better price.

You're going to have a lot of questions that a travel agent can answer

A lot of people book with a travel agent for the first time because they're chasing the lowest price, but their expertise is why you should really use a travel agent.

Cruises are complicated and there are a lot of decisions you need to make at the time of booking:

• Cruise line
• Itinerary
• Ship
• Stateroom
• Refundable or non-refundable deposit
• Prepay gratuities or not
• My Time Dining or Traditional Dining
• Travel insurance
• Pre-cruise transportation

Sure, you can read all about those things on this blog (thank you!), but a travel agent will make it all easier for you.

Think of it like having a lawyer versus not having one.  You can certainly represent yourself in court, but a lawyer is so much easier.  But unlike a lawyer, a good travel agent costs you nothing extra.

One of the most common problems new cruisers run into are situations they had no idea were a mistake.  Booking the wrong stateroom, choosing a ship that doesn't have the amenities they expected, cruising during the wrong time of year, and more are all situations where a travel agent could have warned them about what they should do instead.

The saying, "you don't know what you don't know" applies very much to a cruise. Cruises aren't difficult, but there are a lot of nuances to figure out.

I find a travel agent makes it all so much easier, whether it's your first cruise or not.

Travel agents can step in if there's a problem

Another you didn't know you needed a travel agent reason is if there's some kind of a problem.

Royal Caribbean isn't perfect, and issues can pop up.  Reservations get accidentally cancelled, ships are redeployed, things break on your sailing, and plenty of other unforeseen circumstances can pop-up. In all of these, a travel agent is the one that will "fight" with the cruise line to get you a resolution.

First and foremost, travel agents are the ones that wait on hold for someone to answer the phone and then pursue a problem.

Unlike you, a travel agent knows how to escalate problems to higher-ups when the solution is unsatisfactory. 

The best agents have resources within the cruise line that can "bend" policies from time to time, when the situation messy.

During hurricane season, a travel agent can assist if you vacation is impacted by changing flight plans or excursions.

They're not just there to book a cruise. Rather, they are "in your corner" until you get home.

They can reprice a cruise so much easier than you can

Want to know my favorite perk of using a travel agent? Taking advantage of a price drop.

Royal Caribbean has a not-so-simply means of repricing a cruise before the final payment date, and there is no doubt repricing is easier for travel agents than someone that books directly.

Travel agents have self-service tools to allow them to reprice a cruise, and if there's a problem, they reach out and speak to their reps to get a resolution.

When people that booked directly try to reprice, I have seen far too many situations where one phone rep doesn't know the rules and gives the guest incorrect information.

Not to mention all I have to do is text my travel agent to reprice and that's it.  They do the work and I do nothing else and do not waste my time on the phone.

Reality check: not all travel agents are the same

Just like there are bad Italian restaurants, not every travel agent is the best.

I recommend using a good travel agent, which means you need to find the right one.

I'm certain someone in the comments will say something like "I used a travel agent and it was terrible." But do you swear off all Italian restaurants after one bad meal? No, you find a great restaurant.

The same logic applies to travel agents. You should ask friends and family for recommendations on who to use.

Since you're wondering, I recommend and use MEI Travel to book all of my Royal Caribbean cruises.  

Full disclosure, MEI Travel is a sponsor of this site. But I have used them for many years before they were ever a sponsor, and I refer my parents and siblings to them when they need to book a cruise, because I trust them that much.

MEI Travel are experts in Royal Caribbean cruises and have agents that have seen just about every crazy situation and gets results.  Plus, they go an extra step and will actually proactively check for price drops so I don't have to (although, I still do anyway)! 

Best yet, MEI Travel does not charge any fees for their services.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

I've found the best way to find a travel agent is to ask for a recommendation from family or friends that one that they love.

No matter which agent you find, I'd ask the cruise travel agent a few questions before you book anything.

• How long have you sold cruises with Royal Caribbean?
• How many cruises have you taken with Royal Caribbean?
• How will we communicate if I have questions or changes (phone, email, text)?
• What can I expect in response times to questions I have?

Establishing expectations and lines of communication are critical with a travel agent. I find establishing what you and the agent can expect initially reduces the chance of problems later.

If you prefer phone calls over emails, you'll want an agent that's available for phone calls. Some are, and some aren't.

There's a travel agent out there for everyone, but you need to find one that meshes well with your style.

While you might be thrilled to receive a “free cruise” through Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program, it's not always good news for travel agents.

During a recent Q&A session aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, multiple travel agents expressed their concern and frustration with the cruise line’s casino offers. While many gamblers are happy to accept a free (or "comped") cruise, travel agents are finding that Royal Caribbean’s current system is cutting into their business.

Essentially, some travel agents find that clients will first reserve their cruise at retail pricing, earning the agent a standard commission, but later receive a complimentary offer for the same sailing through Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale.

When this happens, most guests will cancel their original reservation with the travel agent and rebook under the casino offer to take advantage of the savings. For example, an agent might have a $5,000 booking lined up at full commission, but if the client switches to a comp casino offer, that income drops significantly - sometimes to just a small percentage of the original amount.

Travel agents are still able to book casino-comped sailings for clients, but their commission is virtually nonexistent. These reservations also don’t count toward an agency’s travel revenue or group booking totals, which can further impact benefits and perks. For many travel agents in the industry, this is especially frustrating because it directly cuts into their income and undermines the value of relationships they’ve built with loyal clients.

Several agents also noted that Royal Caribbean appears to be sending out more casino offers than before, meaning the issue is cropping up more frequently. As such, it became one of the most talked-about topics during the Q&A session aboard Star of the Seas.

Travel agents were quick to bring up the casino issue on Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is currently hosting travel agents aboard its newly-built Star of the Seas. In a Q&A session with some of the cruise line’s top travel partners, Royal Caribbean’s top leaders were present to answer questions from travel advisors in the audience. This included Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Michael Bayley; Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support, and Service, Vicki Freed; and Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

At the beginning of the Q&A, Freed first praised the travel agents for their hard work and business collaboration with Royal Caribbean. 

She stated, “I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you. Your success is truly our success. You are the people that really guide the consumer into making the right buying decision. And we really depend on you to help us, bring us the best clients, the best guests. And we thank you for from the bottom of our hearts.”

Following these opening statements, the first question asked by travel agents involved the ongoing dilemma with casino comps.

The travel agent stated, “I've been a travel advisor specializing actually, in Royal Caribbean, 75% to 80% of my sales are with Royal Caribbean because I love it very much. My husband and I escort group [cruises] a couple times a year. A lot of our passengers are now casino comps, a lot of them, and they don't bother to come through me.”

The agent continued, “Their reason is, well, we don't want to bother you. We know you don't get much commission on it. We don't want to bother you. But, since we have group [cruises], I'm still doing the work. I have a pre-cruise party at my house, I pre-arranged excursions, I pre-arranged dining, I do all that stuff and now I feel like I've lost them.”

“And as travel advisors, I think we would really love to partner with you on this and so that everybody's happy. I don't want to continue to lose my passengers. I have passengers that [have] sailed with us for 30 years and now they're not. So again, we love everything that you do, but if you could help us partner with you on that, we would really appreciate it. Thank you,” concluded the travel agent.

The topic continued to surface throughout the discussion with multiple travel agents bringing their concerns to Royal Caribbean’s leadership team. While the cruise line was receptive to feedback provided by the travel agents, it’s an issue that’s clearly becoming more prevalent for advisors.

Royal Caribbean’s casino program is still an important revenue stream for onboard spending.

It’s no surprise that Royal Caribbean’s casino program is an important component of the company's income, as gambling is a massive source of revenue for the cruise line. During the Q&A, Freed noted, “Casino [spending] is an important revenue source for us. So, it's something that we do need.”

Royal Caribbean’s casino operates its own loyalty program that is separate from its Crown and Anchor Society. Unlike the traditional loyalty program, your Casino Royale tier is determined by the number of points you accrue within a single gaming year.

Gamblers who meet a certain spending threshold can earn annual cruise certificates, along with other perks and discounts. While onboard, higher-tier members may also enjoy perks such as free drinks in the casino, discounts on internet access, and complimentary casino play money. In addition, some players may receive targeted offers or promotional mailers for complimentary cruises.

For many cruisers, Royal Caribbean’s casino rewards can offer excellent value, allowing them to take advantage of enticing perks. However, gambling carries inherent risks and can be addictive, so it’s important to gamble responsibly. It’s also worth noting that there’s no guarantee your gambling will result in a complimentary cruise.

Why travel agents find casino comps frustrating.

Travel agents primarily earn their income through commissions, as most do not charge clients any fees for booking their cruise. For many travel agents, the commission compensates their hours spent working with clients, managing payments, answering questions, comparing itineraries, and troubleshooting when plans change.

Losing existing reservations to Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale is a direct hit to a travel agent's income. For instance, many cruisers sail multiple times throughout the year with numerous bookings under the same travel agent. Clients benefit from the services and perks that come with booking through a travel agency, while the agent earns commission as compensation for their time, expertise, and industry knowledge.

Unfortunately, if a loyal client starts receiving ongoing promotions for comped cruises through Casino Royale, it can have a long-term negative impact on a travel agent’s business. Each time the client books through one of these offers, the agent loses another commission opportunity.

Moreover, if the guest was originally part of a group booking, rebooking under a casino offer can also remove that cabin from the group’s total count. This not only creates logistical challenges for the agent when managing group arrangements, but it can also affect their ability to offer extra perks or amenities tied to group size. The casino reservation would also likely deduct from the agency’s revenue, as casino offers do not have an associated cruise fare.

Not to mention, that travel agent might be the reason the client was introduced to Royal Caribbean in the first place. Advisors that work with Royal Caribbean are often the ones who introduce new clients to the brand. They may have spent years building trust with their client and recommending Royal Caribbean as their preferred cruise line.

As mentioned, travel agents earn only a minimal commission for booking comped cruises through Casino Royale, and many find the process frustrating. For example, agents must call Casino Royale directly to make the booking, and several have reported that Royal Caribbean makes this process cumbersome.

As a result, some travel agents choose not to handle casino-comped bookings at all, feeling the effort isn’t worth the low payout. However, other travel agents continue to book these offers as a way to maintain long-term relationships with their clients.

Multiple travel agents voiced their frustration with casino comps during the Q&A.

After the first travel agent raised the issue of comped casino bookings, others quickly spoke up. 

Another travel agent stated, “On a recent Allure of the Seas Mediterranean cruise, I had 300 people in my group, and about 30% of them, including my husband, received a casino certificate during the sailing. While I was promoting my next group cruise, I realized many of those same people might rebook through Casino Royale.”

“If there’s any way to flag guests who are part of a group or booked by a travel agent, that would help. And if that’s not possible, can you at least give us credit for those casino bookings? Right now, we can’t move them into the group, so they’re not recognized, and it would make a big difference if we could get that credit," the travel agent requested.

In other words, this travel agent is asking Royal Caribbean to either link casino-booked passengers back to their original group or at least give the travel agent credit for those cabins. Without this credit, the agent loses the group booking recognition, which can reduce perks for everyone in the group.

Another travel agent echoed this sentiment, commenting, “I won't belabor the point, but the casino comp issue, it's really, really important to us. We need your help with this, guys. And we're counting on you. You've been good to us since day one. Don't let us down with this. We need your help.”

Finally, another agent shared to the leadership team, "Now real quick, that casino thing is why I'm here. The team in the Casino Royale is horrible. They don't like agents. They put other people's names on your reservations and it takes forever to fix it. And I'm really sorry, but that's the truth."

“You have our commitment”

Despite multiple travel agents expressing their frustration with casino comps, Royal Caribbean's leadership team was very receptive to their feedback. First, Freed assured travel agents that the casino program isn’t meant to pull business away from them.

She explained, “We are in no way trying to take your clients and bring them to us via the casino. If you run into a problem, please let me know, I’m always available to help you. I hear what you’re saying, and we’re looking at programs right now where we can partner with travel advisors to bring both of us clients, including casino players. We're not trying to take these clients away from you.”

She also noted that Royal Caribbean has acted on agent feedback in other areas, citing the recent change to make the Swim & Tonic bar an adults-only space.

“It was because of the feedback we received last year that we made the decision not to allow children in that pool. You asked if this policy would be in effect on Star of the Seas. Yes, it’s now 18 and older in our swim-up bars. You have our commitment.”

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley also addressed the concern, noting that adjustments to the casino program will take time but stressing that travel agents’ feedback is being taken seriously.

“As Vicki mentioned, it’s a journey and a learning process. We value your feedback, and we’ll work to refine this so we can find win-win solutions. It will take a little time, but we’ll work to find the right balance. We value you, and we don’t want to harm your business, so we’ll keep working on it and provide updates along the way," stated Bayley. 

As the Q&A session wrapped up, Freed reiterated Royal Caribbean’s commitment to addressing and improving the casino comp program. She stated, “You have our commitment. We are really going to take a hard look at the casino. We are going to start from scratch, I promise you. Your comments are very important to us. We will figure it out. And we promise you, you have our commitment."

It's not too late to start booking your future cruises with a travel agent. 

Royal Caribbean recently announced their top-performing travel agencies of the year. The list includes both newcomers and repeat winners from previous years who proved their dedication, passion, and ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations. 

• Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Travel Leaders Network
• President's Award for Overall Achievement: World Travel Holdings
• National Account Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
• Southeast Partner of the Year: Travelmation
• Northeast Partner of the Year: Cruise Brothers
• Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner

• West Partner of the Year: MEI-Travel
• Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door
• Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
• Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners
• Charter Partner of the Year: Entertainment Cruise Productions
• Caribbean Partner of the Year: Travel Planners / Expedia Cruceros
• Automation Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International

“These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean International.

“I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry. Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”

If you don't utilize a travel agent, here are 6 reasons why you should consider making the switch when booking your next cruise vacation. 

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Travel agents have a strong understanding of the cruise industry

Travel agents will be able to help you understand all of the nuances of a cruise, as they're unlike traditional vacations. If you're debating between booking a suite or not, you might want expert advice on the benefits that you'd receive, especially if you're cruising on a ship with the Royal Suite Class, as some suites have perks that others do not. 

Perhaps you cannot decide between two itineraries and want a little insight into what the ports offer; a one-way cruise in Alaska, for instance, is different from a roundtrip one from Seattle. 

Travel agents can also advise you on cabin selections. If you aren't familiar with the ship, you could accidentally book a room in a location that you find undesirable, such as near the nightclub or with an obstructed view. 

In essence, an agent will help guide you through all of the decisions that you have to make. 

They will save you time

Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, so you should let a travel agent do the majority of the work! Rather than spending your own time pricing out different itineraries and cabins, you can request a quote for all the options you're considering. 

Once you're booked, they'll check to see if your rate has decreased before final payment, so you do not have to. If they notice that the price dropped, they'll contact the cruise line to get them to honor the lower rate. 

Additionally, if you don't know how you want to spend your day ashore, a good agent will give you some ideas based on your personal preferences. If there are multiple highlights that you don't want to miss, they can help arrange a private tour for you and your travel party, as cruise line shore excursions can be pretty limiting. 

Travel agents have access to better rates

The first time I booked a cruise with a travel agent, I was genuinely surprised by how much money I saved. When I booked a cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas, my agent had access to group rates, meaning that I was able to secure a balcony cabin for the same price as an interior! 

Additionally, when I was considering a cruise on the brand-new Celebrity Ascent for July 2024, Celebrity's website was advertising a Prime Edge Infinite Veranda cabin with drinks and Wi-Fi for $6,490.18. My travel agent booked the same stateroom category and perks for $5,440.32. 

While they may not always be able to offer jaw-dropping savings, they'll usually give you some onboard credit as an incentive to book with them. 

They'll provide peace of mind during emergencies 

While not super common, cruise lines will sometimes make changes to your sailing. Dry dock maintenance, for example, might require Royal Caribbean to change your ship. Once onboard the ship, the Captain might deem it unsafe to dock at a certain port of call due to weather. 

While unfortunate, a travel agent is advantageous in these instances, as they'll act as your advocate and liaison, meaning that you won't have to worry about communicating with the cruise line. Before any changes are made, they will ask how you'd like to proceed and then work with the cruise line to honor your specified wishes. 

If you book your flights when an agent, they'll also be able to assist in rebooking them in the event that your original flight was delayed or cancelled. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Travel agents can help you book unique staterooms or get onboard special sailings 

When Icon of the Seas' bookings opened, the inaugural cruise sold out within 24 hours. Those who worked with travel agents didn't have to worry about logging on and securing a reservation themselves, as the agent was on the ball the second itineraries were released. 

Additionally, if you're hoping to book during a sale, cruise lines will often notify travel partners in advance, so your agent can alert you of when the best time to book is. 

Read more: Start here to plan your Royal Caribbean cruise

They'll work with you to create a payment plan

One of the best aspects of a cruise is that, unless you're booking a last-minute cruise, you have time to pay off the vacation; the full amount isn't due upfront. 

After placing your deposit, you'll have until a specified date to pay the remainder off. While it's unlikely that you'll forget the date, if you book with a travel agent, they will help you create a plan and make payments on your behalf. 

They will give you other friendly reminders, too, such as helping you remember when your check-in opens. If you want an earlier arrival time, it is imperative that you make your selection as soon as possible. 

Read more: Final payment change for long cruises

Which cruise ships are people booking the most right now?

Among Royal Caribbean's fleet of ships, there's quite a few choices to consider, and plenty of attention given to Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

With 2024 on the horizon, I was curious which ships people are gravitating towards and booking the most.  So I reached out to Jenn Greene, who is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel.

I've known Jenn for years, and wanted to get a sense of among her clients, which Royal Caribbean cruise ships are the most popular in terms of bookings for the coming year.

Here are which Royal Caribbean cruise ships her clients are going to sail on in 2024.

Big demand

It’s no secret that cruising has made a huge comeback. Gone are the days of last-minute bookings, and rock bottom pricing. Cruisers are planning their vacations up to a year or more in advance. By doing so this secures the best rates and stateroom locations for them. 

As a travel agent with MEI Travel, 80% of my business is with Royal Caribbean. I have been booking into 2024, and noticed that cruisers are gravitating toward the same ships and sometimes booking them multiples times.

I have also noticed that the top five ships are geared towards family fun and adventure, as opposed to the smaller ships that offer a more laid-back cruise. Which makes total sense as Royal Caribbean markets itself as a family brand.

Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships
 
Here are the top six Royal Caribbean ships being booked for 2024 travel by my clients.

Wonder of the Seas

It comes as no surprise that the newest ship in the Oasis Class is number one.

Wonder of the Seas has all the bells and whistles that cruisers love along with some favorites specific to this ship. The Mason Jar is a popular onboard restaurant, while not included in your cruise fare, I think it is worth the extra cost to dine here. 

Read more: What a room on Wonder of the Seas looks like

Icon of the Seas

Coming in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will take cruising to a brand-new level.

Touted as the ship that will bring the World’s Best Family Vacation, Icon will be taking cruisers on 7 night Eastern and Western itineraries, with each including a stop at Perfect Day at CoCoCay.

Read more: Icon of the Seas sneak peek: Inside Royal Caribbean's next new ship

The demand for this ship from it’s initial launch has not slowed down. 

Harmony of the Seas

While not the newest ship in the fleet, Harmony of the Seas is a favorite among families and couples.

Many cruisers say “Harmony feels like home”, yet they can’t explain why. From ziplining across the Boardwalk, to catching Grease in the main theater, Harmony continues to be a fleetwide favorite. 

Read more: Trying out the free activities on Harmony of the Seas

Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas will be cruising 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral. This will be the first time an Oasis class ship will be visiting Perfect Day at CoCoCay on short cruises, which has driven the demand for it even higher.

The fact that this ship has yet to be amplified also keeps pricing a little lower than other in it’s class. 

Freedom of the Seas

Next on the list is Freedom of the Seas. This amplified Freedom class ship continues to be in high demand sailing 3- and 4- night itineraries from Miami. Waterslides, mini golf, a Flowrider and ice shows make this ship perfect for a weekend family getaway. 

Read more: Guide to weekend cruises

Ovation of the Seas

For the bucket list Alaska cruise, Ovation of the Seas is the ship of choice for cruisers. This ship offers the Northstar, which gives epic views of glaciers and beyond during your cruise. On sea days you can enjoy iFly skydiving, or enjoy bumper cars in the Sea Plex. 

Read more: 50 First Time Alaska cruise tips

No matter what ship you sail on, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. From the more laid back Radiance Class ships that can sail to smaller and more unique ports of call, to the mega Oasis and Quantum class ships offering non stop thrills and fun you are sure to have an epic family vacation. 

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean announced today it is creating RCL Cares to show support of the travel agent community that aims to assist thousands of travel professionals in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories dealing with the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis.  

RCL Cares will roll out in a few days, and offer variety of services to help educate travel partners as they navigate the myriad of government benefits, including those in the newly signed U.S. economic relief measure—the CARES Act.

These services will include one-on-one assistance and access to key resources and the latest information pertaining to recovery benefits available under the act.

Travel partners can find educational material about the new law beginning today, and they will soon have the opportunity to receive more assistance through a resource desk the company is setting up. The program will not provide legal advice.

The sales teams from Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea will guide travel advisors through the information about the CARES Act as they consider their options for economic relief. 

Travel professionals can get started with RCL Cares at CruisingPower.com, where they can access highlights of the CARES Act, FAQs, Small Business Association resources and tips. The support program will introduce new services and tools in the near future to continue helping travel partners during this difficult time.

Royal Caribbean has told its travel agents any cruises that are canceled and converted to a future cruise credit will have their commission protected on both the canceled booking and the future reservation where the FCC is redeemed.

Royal Caribbean made headlines when it announced a "Cruise with Confidence" policy to ensure passengers worried about the Coronavirus outbreak will have far more flexibility in being able to cancel up to 48 hours before the cruise. However, this policy created a cash flow issue for travel agents, whom would have their commissions deferred until the passenger actually went on a sailing.

Traditionally, when someone books a Royal Caribbean (and most cruise lines) cruise with a travel agent, the agent receives the commission once the passenger actually goes on the cruise.  If the passengers would cancel and take a future cruise credit, the agent would not be paid by the cruise line until the subsequent cruise was taken.

After doing some rethinking, Royal Caribbean changed their policy so that guests who take advantage of the Cruise with Confidence program and are opting for a Future Cruise Credit in the full amount paid, will have earned commission to the travel agent protected on both the canceled booking and the future reservation where the FCC is redeemed. 

Royal Caribbean announced today its 17 top-performing travel advisors for the 2018 Travel Partners of the Year Awards of North America and Puerto Rico. 

The winners for the coveted awards include 2017’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative, securing the coveted spot once again; Expedia Group, chosen for the President’s Award, and first-time honorees throughout North America: Cruises & Tours Unlimited (Southeast Partner of the Year), Magical Vacation Planner (Central Partner of the Year), MEI Travel (West Partner of the Year) and The Travel Agent Next Door (Canada Partner of the Year).

“Each year it is an honor to recognize our partners who have consistently shined with their skills, tremendous knowledge and passion for Royal Caribbean,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “As we gear up for another memorable year with the May 2019 opening of our new Perfect Day at CocoCay private island in The Bahamas, it is exciting to see a mix of new and familiar faces in our lineup of winners. This not only shows the strength among our longtime advisors but also the great growth we continue to see in the industry overall. We thank the travel advisor community for their support, and many congratulations to our 2018 winners.”

The 2018 Royal Caribbean Travel Partners of the Year: (*First-time winner)

Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative

President's Award for Overall Achievement: Expedia Group

New to Cruise Partner of the Year: World Travel Holdings

Southeast Partner of the Year: Cruises & Tours Unlimited*

Northeast Partner of the Year: Crown Cruise Vacations

Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner*

West Partner of the Year: MEI Travel*

Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door*

Home-Based Partner of the Year: CruiseOne/Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc.

Online Partner of the Year: WMPH

Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group

Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea

Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group

Marketing Partner of the Year: ICE Enterprise

Top Overall Producer – Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network

Top Independent Producer – Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia CentrodeCruceros

Automation Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go

Royal Caribbean announced it has reevaluated its commissions structure for Future Cruise Certificates.

SVP Sales and Trade Support & Service Royal Caribbean International Vicki Freed announced to its travel partners that the cruise line is implementing a permanent policy to ensure travel professionals will receive the full value of the booking's commission when clients redeem their Future Cruise Certificates. 

Effective April 1st, 2018 and beyond, travel professionals that have a client redeem a Future Cruise Certificate will receive the full value of that booking’s commission.

According to Freed, the change came about as a result of last year's hurricanes that impacted so many reservations.  Because of this, Royal Caribbean protected the full value of commissions on bookings which included the redemption of a hurricane related Future Cruise Certificate.

Royal Caribbean celebrated its valued travel agent community with its annual Travel Partners of the Year Awards for North America.

The awards recognize travel agencies that do show a commitment to selling Royal Caribbean cruises, and this year's accolades recognized more than 10 top performers.

“These are extremely exciting times for the cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to planning inspiring vacations on our ships,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. Congratulations to the returning and first-time Travel Partners of the Year award recipients.”

Royal Caribbean’s 2017 Travel Partners of the Year winners are as follows:

Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement     
Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative

President's Award for Overall Achievement     
Expedia CruiseShipCenters

National Account Partner of the Year               
World Travel Holdings

Host Agency Partner of the Year                       
Travel Planners International

New-to-Cruise Partner of the Year                    
International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE) *First-time winner

Home-Based Partner of the Year                       
CruiseOne, Dream Vacations & Cruises Inc. *First-time winner

Online Partner of the Year                                  
Cruise.com

Rising Star Partner of the Year                          
Cruises-N-More *First-time winner

Consortia Partner of the Year                            
Virtuoso

Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year          
Buy the Sea

Marketing Partner of the Year                           
Travel Leaders Network

Southeast Partner of the Year                           
Tourico Holidays *First-time winner

Northeast Partner of the Year                            
Autism on the Seas

Central Partner of the Year                                
KHM Travel Group

West Partner of the Year                                    
Morris Murdock

Canada Partner of the Year                                
Maritime Travel – LeGrow’s Travel *First-time winner

While the word, "secret" usually refers to a bit of information that is supposed to be kept under wraps, when it comes to Royal Caribbean cruises, a secret is really just a lesser-known tidbit or trick that many others may not be aware of yet. These "secrets" are really about improving and enhancing your cruise experience, and we love to share tips on this blog.

There are many wonderful travel agents that specialize in Royal Caribbean. If you have read other posts on the blog, you might be aware that I use MEI-Travel for booking all of my Royal Caribbean cruises, and I can personally attest that they are fantastic!

If there is one suggestion I give to first time cruisers above all else, it is to use a travel agent to plan their Royal Caribbean cruise. Many cruisers are unaware that the services provided by many good travel agents are 100% free of charge. They are paid a commission from Royal Caribbean, and there is no extra cost to you for their services.

Since many first time cruisers are often surprised to hear that a travel agent is free to use, it got me thinking, what other helpful bits of information might Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew about?

My friends at MEI Travel helped me come up with a list of suggestions.

1. Many travel agents are free to use  

Many travel agencies do not charge you a fee for their services because Royal Caribbean pays them a commission. This means there are no cancellation or change fees charged by the travel agent. 

It should be noted that some travel agencies do charge fees to their clients, although it is not the norm. Be sure to inquire about any fees for using a travel agency prior to working with them.

2. Travel agents specialize and focus on Royal Caribbean

Did you know a good travel agent that specializes in Royal Caribbean can work with you every step of the way, not just when you book the cruise?

Prices can change many times, but a good travel agent is willing to work with you to watch for discounts when you book and keep track of small changes that can benefit you. Perhaps they can save you some money, or offer you a means of upgrading.

Read more: Travelers want cruise deals. Here's where to find them

3. Travel agents will sit on hold with Royal Caribbean

One of the best reasons to use a travel agent is they will save you time. They will be the ones to sit on hold with Royal Caribbean and work with the cruise line to sort out any issues, questions, or discrepancies.

This means you do not have to, and that results in more time for you to do something...anything else!

4. You get one person to work with instead of someone different every time you call

Don't you hate it when you have to explain the backstory of your current issue to someone each time you call?

When you use a travel agent, you get an agent who works with you from start to finish. This means they are aware of your needs, remember the reasons why you chose what you booked, and are locked into assisting you with your cruise plans.

5. Travel agents can help pick out shore excursions

Often we associate travel agents with just being able to help plan our cruise and onboard experience, but travel agents are a great resource on shore excursions too. 

Just like you, travel agents take cruises and have visited many of the ports you may be cruising to. Moreover, they are not just aware of what Royal Caribbean offers, but also third-party options. They can research the options in port and assist in picking out the perfect plans.

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursion questions answered

6. Gifts of appreciation

Do you remember the Stevie Wonder song, "I just called to say I love you"? Travel agents love to show their appreciation for your business, and that often comes in the form of small gifts.

It is great to walk into your stateroom and see a thank you note, a little extra onboard credit for spending onboard, or a bottle of wine. For travel agents, they want you not to just book one cruise with them, but many more. So they work very hard to ensure you have a great cruise, and want you to know they appreciate your business.

7. They can help you arrange groups

If you are thinking of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise with friends, family, coworkers, high school classmates, random people from the internet, or anyone else and need to get a few cabins together for a group, then you really want to use a travel agent.

Organizing a group is no simple task. Everyone has their own needs, and by working with a travel agent, the agent can assist everyone in the group take care of stateroom choices, prices, payments and answering the usual first time cruise questions. This means you can focus on getting everyone excited for the cruise itself!

8. A travel agent is there to fight for you if something goes wrong

Of all the benefits a travel agent provides, this might be the least known, yet most important benefit of using a travel agency. If you encounter a problem, either before or during your cruise, a good travel agent will be the one to contact Royal Caribbean and not only rectify the issue but make things right again.

Unfortunately, mistakes can occur before or during a vacation. It does not happen very often, but occasionally an error occurs that is not your fault. If that occurs, a travel agent is the one to sort it all out and get you back on track. Equally important, they are great advocates for you to be reimbursed for the inconvenience, especially when the fault is with the cruise line.

Read more: 9 incredible easy cruise mistakes to avoid

9. Travel agents are trained and educated about Royal Caribbean (all the time)

A really common excuse for not using a travel agent is, "Can't I just do it myself?" Of course you can, but travel agents spend a lot of time learning about all aspects of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Beyond being knowledgeable about the basics of cruising, they take tours of the ships to learn what makes each ship unique. In addition, they are educated on what other cruise lines offer so they can better inform you as to how Royal Caribbean stacks up against its competitors.

Essentially, they never stop learning about cruising, and that results in being able to provide you an informed and complete look at all of your options.

10. They learn what you like

A good Royal Caribbean travel agent works with you cruise after cruise, and they learn about what you prefer on a cruise. They will know your likes, dislikes, and what is important to you when it comes to making vacation plans.

The benefit to you in all of this is it means a faster and simpler booking process. Unlike when you call a call center and have to explain everything to them, your travel agent already knows you and remembers what kind of stateroom categories you tend to book, which dining rotation your family enjoys, etc.

Like so many of the other reasons to book a travel agent listed earlier in this post, the result is time saved and value added for you!

Bonus secret: You can transfer your reservation to a travel agent within 60 days of booking

Did you read all of this and realize you now want to transfer the cruise reservation you made directly with Royal Caribbean to a travel agent? Good news, there may be time for you to do so!

Anyone can transfer a Royal Caribbean cruise reservation to a travel agent as long as you are within 60 days of the initial booking.

By transferring the reservation to a travel agent, you are entitled to all the same services outlined in this post, and the agent can work with you to double-check the price of your cruise reservation and keep track of price changes.

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Your thoughts

Have you used a travel agent before? Are you thinking of using a travel agent, but still have questions? Share your experiences or concerns in the comments!