12 Cruise Booking Tips from VAX Agents

Who knows the industry better than travel agents? No one. That’s why we turn to you to get your most useful cruise knowledge. New to selling cruises? Get the basics here. A seasoned cruise seller? Maybe you’ll glean some inspiration for your next cruise clients.

1. Research! Make certain the cruise fits the clients. Older or younger? Do they want to party or rest and relax? Adventurous or not? Luxury or price conscious? Matching the right ship and cruise line to your client is key.
   Gretchen D., Far Far Away Travels in Michigan
2. Always find out if there is anything important to your client before quoting them a price – they may really want a room on the lido (pool) deck, or may really want peace and quiet (lower decks forward), or may have special bedding needs (a child who cannot climb into a pull-down bunk, for example). Making sure you understand before you give the quote allows you to be more accurate and avoid having to raise their price later to accommodate a need or request.
   Heather W., Off to Neverland Travel, LLC in Texas
3. Don't forget to ask the customer if they are interested in spa, Wi-Fi and other packages that the cruise line may offer. I always ask about if the customer is celebrating anything special so that they can be recognized on the cruise.
   Phylicia E., It’s Yours Travel in North Carolina
4. Group cruises are a lot of fun to sell. Not only is the commission worth the effort but it's very rewarding to create an event to create a lifetime of memories!
   Candice M., QC Travel in North Carolina
5. New agents should complete the cruise supplier's certification training before selling cruises. Be patient and learn one cruise line at a time. Utilize the cruise supplier’s special customer service agent for travel agents when booking your first cruise. Please do not rely on their service as a tool to book your cruise. Training is the best key to being independent and taking charge to be the cruise expert. If you have never cruised before, arrange a ship inspection or sail on a cruise. Experience, passion and knowledge are the road to success.
   Carletha M., Dreams Cruises in Texas
6. Try to cruise yourself as much as possible; nothing is more authentic than your own experience!
   Nicole M., AAA Travel in Florida
7. An agent should also know enough about ports and itinerary to differentiate between the ABC Islands and the Hawaiian Islands.
   Scott W., Go Away Often Travel in New York
8. A good question to ask is if they view the cruise ship as the destination or as transportation. Their answer will help direct the conversation.
   Lee A., Travel World in Texas
9. Cruises are a great way for new travelers to experience several different countries without changing hotels or having to fly there. Many of my cruisers have booked all-inclusive resorts after they got a taste of traveling. Cruises are very economical since they include meals and entertainment and many people live within driving distance of a port.
   Kristy C., Azure Premier Travel, LLC in Georgia
10. Always prepay the gratuities so that your cruisers don't have to worry about money for anything but souvenirs and drinks.
    Yolanda M., Divine Planning & Travel (What A Trip Vacations) in Ohio
11. When booking always take a look at the location of your clients’ cabin. Try to book midship for first time cruisers to prevent feeling movement.
    Lynn S., Travel Planners International in Florida
12. Selling is more effective if you actually know the destinations you're selling. So try the popular destinations yourself and spend some time studying those places/ports. Once you get the opportunity, you want to be prepared helping your clients with all the details....from choosing a cruise to various excursions available.
    Jessica A., Cruise Planners in California