Can anyone recommend a travel agent for a Mediterranean cruise....

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Planning on taking a Mediterranean cruise next summer with a group of friends to celebrate our anniversaries. I've been looking on line, but feel a little overwhelmed, not knowing much about cruises. I'm wondering if going with a travel agent wouldn't be a better idea?.........

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I can HIGHLY recommend our own Kathy Q - not only did she get us exactly the rooms we needed/wanted - she has managed by checking frequently to save my family of 17 with 8 cabins $9,000! Another agent would have done the booking and left it at that.
She did the TUG Med cruise this summer so would know the "ins and outs" for you.

I usually do all my own travel arrangements but there are so many "things" with cruises it pays to use a professional.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I can HIGHLY recommend our own Kathy Q - not only did she get us exactly the rooms we needed/wanted - she has managed by checking frequently to save my family of 17 with 8 cabins $9,000! Another agent would have done the booking and left it at that.
She did the TUG Med cruise this summer so would know the "ins and outs" for you.

I usually do all my own travel arrangements but there are so many "things" with cruises it pays to use a professional.

Thanks Pat!!!

I agree. I also do my own travel arrangements, but as you say, there's just too many variables here to deal with.

I'll send her a PM.

[djyamyam Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close djyamyam]

Just as an additional note, there is a professional designation that agents can get if they specialize in cruise bookings. It is a Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) specialist. Agents that obtain a CLIA designation must do a certain number of ongoing education courses and book a certain number of cruises every year in order to maintain their certification.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

DJ - Kathy works with Sandy Lovell who has that designation.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

DJ - Kathy works with Sandy Lovell who has that designation.

I believe Kathy has that designation as well.

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

Hi Angela. I know a travel agent/friend that has been on many of the Mediterranean cruises if you still need a recommendation.

[akparsa Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close akparsa]

Also check out this forum:

Cruise Critic Message Boards

My sister just returned from a Mediterranean cruise and she found this forum very helpful. She was able to arrange private day trips with a small group from her cruise and a guide rather than the large group tours - 1/4 the price for a far better experience.

Anita

[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

Travel agents are usually one of the more expensive places to buy cruises. Cruise discounters have the best prices. There are some European cruise discounters' links in TS4MS Links Directory, as well as many US cruise discounters. You should at least compare the prices with them before buying from a travel agent.

The Links Directory is under Website Navigation on the site's navigation bar at the top, but here is a link:

http://www.timeshareforums.com/links/cruise-ships-8/

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

I second the recommendation for Kathy Q. She is organizing an 18 cabin (48 people total) group cruise for our college reunion coming this Sunday. She is very knowledgeable and works hard to get us the best possible deal. if there is something that she does not know (shocking! ), she gets back to us quickly once she finds out the details. You can't go wrong with someone you trust!

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I believe Kathy has that designation as well.

Yup

And I am very excited for Angela's cruise - it will be a wonderful experience.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Thanks all !!!

I have contacted Kathy, and will look into all the other suggestions, as well.

Getting excited!!!