When you search over to a cruise win or cruise giveaways agency's Web site, or dial up their 800 number, you may be dealing with one of the top cruise-only wholesalers in the country, a local franchisee of a large full-service travel agency, or a very experienced cruise expert at a small vacation agency. Or, it may be a novice operating off of his or her kitchen table.
So, how can you tell the difference and find a great, reputable travel agent or agency -- and avoid a bad booking experience?
Unfortunately, agents tell us that the travel business is not well-regulated, and just about any individual can just print up company cards, hang out a shingle and start advertising travel. The majority of states do not necessitate any type of registration, certification, licensing or consumer protection measures for travel agencies, although this is beginning to change. Bottom line: It is crucial to know who you are dealing with.
Your best bet is to discuss to buddies, co-workers, family and associates and ask them if they know of a good, legitimate, local agent who specializes in cruise sweepstakes. But here are a few more tips for avoiding cruise travel scams -- and spotting a less-than-reputable agency and guarding your expenditure before it's too late.
Payment with a credit card. For your correct protection against either a dishonest seller of travel or likely supplier bankruptcy, always pay for your cruise fare -- both the initial deposit and the final payment -- with a major credit card such as Mastercard, Visa or Amex. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to safety (via a chargeback of disputed fees to your account) if a dealer fails.
Important note: This security may not apply to those using debit or check cards; it's important to confirm rules with your issuing bank just before you charge.
Make certain your money is in the appropriate hands. After you've made a payment, review your credit card or bank records and make sure that any applicable charges originate directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency. That way, you'll know that the cruise line has certainly acquired your money. If you will need to make payment by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line -- not to the business or to an individual.
Get proper confirmation of your booking. Ask on getting the true cruise line's verification numbers, not just a confirmation number from your agency. Not only will you then know that your data and money is in the right hands, but you'll also be able to preserver shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line's Web site.
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