Cruise Planners Difference
We live in a stressful society. You already have your hands full with your job, family, and household, so why add more stress by planning your vacation by yourself? This is especially true if you’re looking to purchase a cruise, escorted tour, or resort vacation. If you’re like so many other people, you probably hire a professional to maintain your car, provide legal advice, do your taxes, or provide financial planning for retirement. The difference between you hiring these professionals and hiring a Travel Professional to plan your vacation is that you actually have to pay these individuals whereas a Travel Professional won’t necessarily charge you a fee since they get paid a commission by the cruise line or tour company.
At Cruise Planners, we plan every aspect of your vacation, so all you have to do is show up, relax, and have fun. We take the stress out of the planning process by saving you hours of frustration, saving you time, and saving you money.
Here are the top 10 reasons (in no particular order) why you should always use Cruise Planners when making your vacation plans:
1) Saves you time and money – We know the deals and itineraries, and are very familiar with the ships, resorts, or tours so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel by trying to figure it out on your own. As an American Express Travel Representative, we have competitive rates and access to sold-out inventory. Also, if you're an American Express cardholder and enrolled in the Membership Rewards program, you can pay for your cruise and land-based vacations with your points when booking your vacation with us.
2) Offers you choices – Travel is not a one-size-fit-all experience. What is a great cruise or resort for your family may be a not-so-great cruise or resort for another family. The resort you choose for a romantic getaway is probably not the same resort you’d want for your whole family. When you are able to voice your needs, wants, and expectations to us, we will be able to offer you the best choices based on the information given.
3) Customer Advocacy and Updated Information – If and when something unexpected happens with your cruise, resort, or tour, Cruise Planners is available to make things right or provide an alternative for you. While situations like this are rare, they do happen, so it’s better to have someone in your corner who can work for you on your behalf than to be disappointed in the long run.
4) Best value – Prices for cruises and tours are similar to airline tickets in that the rate will fluctuate over time. Working with a us will help you get the best price and promotions based on your situation. There may be special rates for senior citizens, residents, military, repeat client, police/firefighters, teachers, or groups that are available through Cruise Planners that may not be available when booking your travel online, direct with the cruise line or resort, or through another agency.
5) Professional Advice – A travel planner that has extensive experience is invaluable when it comes to getting advice on planning your vacation. This is true for not only novice travelers, but seasoned travelers as well. For example, someone who has traveled the world but has never been on a cruise will need guidance in choosing a cruise line and ship that will fit their needs and expectations. A professional will explain that a cheap cruise isn’t always the best cruise for you. We are CLIA Certified Cruise Counselors which means we have gone the extra step to attend training, classes, and personal cruising experience to be certified by the Cruise Line International Association - the authority in the cruise industry.
6) Up-To-Date Policies, Procedures, and Requirements – One person cannot possibly know everything about the travel industry. Policies change rapidly. Cruise Planners can advise you of the latest announcements, policy changes, and other important information that you may need to know. Up to date passport, visa, and inoculation information are just a few of the important items that can make or break your vacation plans.
7) Personalized Service – Unlike the large online travel agencies, we get to know you over time and are able to give you personalized service. No longer a luxury of days gone by, a good Travel Professional will give you the personalized service you expect and deserve.
8) One-stop Shop – Cruise lines specialize in cruises only and although they offer some of the ‘extras’ such as ground transfers, airfare, and excursions, working with Cruise Planners offers you a variety of other services that will add value and enhance your overall travel experience. Train tickets in Europe, off-the-beaten-path shore excursions in Alaska, inter-island airfare in Hawaii, and affordable pre/post hotel packages are just a few of the options making your Travel Professional a One-Stop Shop.
9) Group Rates and Amenities – Depending on the number of people traveling, your group may qualify for discounted rates or added amenities on your cruise or at your resort. When everyone traveling works with the same travel planner, it increases the chance of your group receiving ‘perks’ whereas purchasing several rooms online, through different agencies, or direct with the cruse line or resort will not allow you this option. Cruise Planners wants you to get the most for your money while offering every option available to you. As an American Express Travel Representative, we also have access to sailings onboard premium, deluxe, and luxury cruise lines that offer extra free amenities such as a Cruise Host, Shoreside Event, and complimentary specialty dining (these benefits are available to everyone and not just American Express cardholders).
10) Peace of mind – When you have someone working on your behalf, there’s a sense of security compared to when you do everything yourself. Knowing someone is in your corner by helping you plan a vacation of a lifetime will definitely put your mind at ease. Here at Cruise Planners, we plan your vacation as if it's our own. Without Cruise Planners, you're on your own.
