Experienced cruisers become inexperienced...

Often, passengers on a cruise ship are repeat guests, having been on multiple cruises, often with the same cruise line, as people become very brand-loyal and extremely knowledgeable about that brand. However, Covid-19 is likely to have changed that level of knowledge. Previously, you may have known every aspect of a particular cruise line or the cruising experience, but many things have had to change as a result of Covid-19. Many of those changes are quite complex too. Travel agents have spent the past year having extensive training in these changes for every cruise line they sell and they are the absolute experts in those cruise lines right now. So even the most frequent of cruisers will benefit from using a travel agent for their next cruise, rather than taking the DIY option. This is particularly true in cases where you also require an airline to get you to your embarkation port.

Cruises are regularly booked years in advance. I’ve actually taken bookings recently for several 2023 cruises, departing 2 years after booking. The nature of the pandemic and the nature of cruising, both mean that there will be many changes for years to come, and some changes could affect some destinations, but not others. Travel agents are being kept at the forefront of all changes that are taking place. So whether you need to know the on board and local regulations for mask-wearing and social distancing, right through to the rules of each port you visit, and more, travel agents will have the answers. There are also health requirements for boarding, procedures for Covid-19 outbreaks, and procedures for shore excursions. Again, travel agents are trained in these areas, and will have ongoing training as further changes are made.

"The situation changes so rapidly, it's hard enough for a professional to remain well-informed and we deal with all this every day, multiple times a day," says Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise + Travel in Chicago, "There really isn't any advantage to booking directly with a cruise line." A passenger may book a few cruises per year at the most. Travel agents could be booking a few per day. They have much greater experience and knowledge of what’s happening, as well as first-hand experience of the cruise lines, though extensive training and familiarisation trips on the cruise ships. Based on the fact that many travel agents have price parity with cruise lines, are able to apply loyalty discounts, and many are also willing to throw in added extras, it is most certainly worth booking via a travel agent. In addition, we can expect the pandemic to cause an impact worldwide for several years to come. This will affect the ability of cruises to visit certain ports and nations, the capacity of passengers which can be on board, how shore excursions can be taken and what is offered on board in terms of food, leisure, entertainment and shopping. Inevitably, some cruises won’t be able to proceed, and at this point, a travel agent really becomes a valuable asset. Travel agents will take over and deal with everything to get you re-booked on an alternative cruise or to get you a full refund.

The vast majority of cruise lines are bookable through Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays. Your booking will benefit from ABTA protection, and will have added ATOL protection if it is a flight inclusive booking. You will be well looked after from initial enquiry, through to return home. Get in touch for a free personalised quotation.

Created by: Julie @ Worldwide Explorer Travel Holidays, May 2021