Your cruise vacation is an investment and a need to enjoy to rejuvenate from the stressful job environment, regardless what profession you are in. The best thing to plan and book before asking a price is to interview the agent to make sure what you are getting your money worth, value, and security your cruise vacation will not be ruined from the beginning to your welcome home.

With the recent demise of an online cruise agency where the customer’s payment were not forwarded directly to the cruise line, leaving the customer high and dry and their confirmation doubtful with the cruise lines.

Following are important questions you should ask the agent when interviewing for a cruise vacation before you book and plan: If the person you are talking to is hesitant, won’t answer or doesn’t know the answer to these questions, say thank you, walk out or hang up the phone. You cruise vacation is important for a competent agent to shortcut and caused problems down the line.

• Is the agency a member of Cruise Line International Assoc. (CLIA)?
• Is the agency insured and bonded?
• Does the agency have a CLIA Master or Accredited Cruise Counselor on staff? If not, does it have a cruise specialist? (If the agent is an Accredited or Master Cruise Counselor you can skip the next question.)
• How many cruises has the agent taken? (Should be more than 5 with at least 3 different cruise lines–the more the better!)
• When I book my cruise will the agent provide me with a direct confirmation from the cruise line and a cruise line booking number? (Very important!)
• When was the last time the agent cruised? (Should have cruised within the past 2 years.)
• Will the agent be the only person who will be handling my cruise transaction from start to finish? 
• Will the agent help me select my shore excursions?
• Will the agent be available to answer any questions and concerns before and after my cruise?
• If the agent suggests a particular ship or itinerary, ask why they are recommending this particular cruise line, ship or destination.
• Will the agent monitor my booking and honor any price reductions or newly added promotions (reduction in airfare, upgrades, etc.) that may occur from the time of deposit until I cruise?
• What other hidden charges will I incurred for using the service like booking/service, cancellation, rate adjustment/rate monitoring, name change before/after final payment, membership, prepaid insurance to cover agency’s cancellation fee, paper document delivery, travel, and consulting fees?  

Again, one of the most important points I want to make is that it is extremely important to have the official acknowledgement from the cruise line. This, along with the cruise line’s booking number, is the only proof that you are booked on a particular ship on a particular date. If any catastrophe or bankruptcy of an agency should occur, you will be able to take your official acknowledgement, along with the official booking number, and contact the cruise line or take it to another agency–either should help retain your hard-earned vacation. Keep in mind that an acknowledgement from a travel agency means nothing to the cruise line or tour operator. Only the official faxed or mailed paperwork from the cruise line is what matters.

An important note: many agencies charge fees or have hidden terms such as an extra cancellation penalty. This is something that you should find out before booking your cruise vacation. Never ever buy the excuse that the agency will not give you the booking number and acknowledgment for security reasons. If they don’t want you to have it, there is a hidden agenda.

Remember, I have 2 part time delivery jobs besides being a Certified Cruise Counsellor creating great vacation dreams a reality, I have not interest in taking customer’s money to float and spend on things does not belong to me.

Please blog your opinion on other fees agencies may hit you and I will thanked for posting these reminders to let others know these hidden charges to avoid and seek a competent certified cruise counsellor who does not charge these hidden fees.