Many years ago, planning and confirming a cruise vacation often started with going through the glossy brochures that cruise lines created to market their brand an individual ship features. Then there would be a discussion with a travel agent or cruise line reservation specialist to narrow down the search and confirm actual sailing dates. This would require a series of phone calls before knowing which cruise lines had which sailings available. Not to mention the different types of cruises available or numerous choices in ships and cabin categories. Are your clients interested in cruising the islands of the Caribbean? Or maybe they are looking for a cruise tour visiting Europe or exploring Alaska. The cruise lines have done a great job in developing cruises that fit the unique destinations they visit and travel agents have always been the experts at matching the passenger with the right cruise line, itinerary and type of cabin.
The online revolution has changed how cruises are researched and booked, so today's cruise reservation software makes it easy for just about anyone to research and book their cruise vacation online. Cruise line websites may provide customers the ability to research and book their cruise vacations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many include a vast amount cruise line, cruise ship and cabin descriptions linked to media files & rich content such as cabin photos, ship images and deck plans to assist in the shopping process. Consumers can go online and view pictures of a particular ship including sample guest cabins, shipboard restaurants and gyms. In some cases they can quickly view where a specific cabin is located on the ship and determine whether it is in the right location. As a result, many consumers now prefer to research and book their cruise vacations online, allowing them to research and book a cruise when they want from the comfort of their own home.
But are some of these consumers getting the best deal? With so many cruise lines offering so many different deals, keeping track of price adjustments and special promotional offers can be overwhelming for most looking to book a vacation. This is where the services of a professional travel agent can be invaluable in getting the best deals available and today's online booking engines make it easy for travel agents to include cruise reservation software on their website.
Quite often, a travel agent will have access to special deals with cruise lines and they can often ensure V.I.P. treatment onboard. Their help and expertise can certainly make a cruise vacation easier to research plan as well as more enjoyable overall. Who doesn't like extra cash to pay for onboard services like Spa treatments or specialty dining? The best travel agents ensure their customers get the best possible value and options when booking a cruise vacation.
So while technology has made it easier for consumers to research and book their own cruise vacations online, travel agents continue to be a great resource to sort through the different options and get the best deal. Finding cruise reservation software with right combination of content and product features can be a critical decision for your travel business, finding the right technology partner can be just as important.
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