I just went and looked. Standard outside cabins with accommodations for five - the usual two beds (can't be joined), two pull-downs, and a single sleeper sofa.
Ah yes, the "Quirky Quints" on the Carnival Dream. A perfect example of having a TA looking after you. Just make sure you have one that is up to date about the particular cruise line you are booking. They'll know about these types of things. Sometimes these details can get lost in translation on the internet booking sites.
I realize I'm bringing back a fairly old conversation, but I have a question. How do you guys find your TAs? What I mean is there are at least half a dozen in our town that boast about being "Cruise Specialists", but whose to know which agent would be preferred over the rest of the group? Is there a criteria you used when first looking for a TA?
Look for CLIA and/or NACTA membership. It isn't a guarantee that they will be a great agent but both organizations have standards and provide training to their member agents.
In addition to CLIA and/or NACTA membership, ask around for recommendations. If you are looking for an Agency that sells Carnival cruises this is a good place to start for a list in your area.
We went in to the 3 TA in our area. Talked to all of them, told them up front we were not booking yet, just checking out the TA's in town. We ask all of them the same questions. One of them gave us better answers, or made on the spot calls to get the answer. That is the one we used.
She has always asked us to surf the net and if we find a better deal bring it in. Many times the on line ad did not have any more cabins at the price, or had other small print. A few times she made calls and got the same price for us.
She always made sure we had her office and cell phone just in case something happened at port or on the cruise. we never needed it.
Well, I started with the agent listed on Carnival's site but unfortunately they're not in business anymore. I checked with the two agents in my area listed with the CLIA which had an actual office. One was the same price as advertised on Carnival's site with higher airfare than I found on the airline's website, the other had a higher cruise rate than advertised with airfare at the same price available to everyone. I'm really not sure how to proceed, I'm afraid my area isn't large enough to find quality TAs. To emphasize my point, the other three "agencies" listed with the CLIA were based out of what appeared to be personal homes. I could really use some guidance. Thanks again for all the suggestions!
Linear Mode
