Is it really the BEST price and are they LEGIT???

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I have been reading about some things in the news and speaking with other Cruise Planners agents and I have 2 main points I’d like you to consider when shopping around for travel.

You may find a great price somewhere online, but…do they tell you what all the fees are? Be sure you get a FINAL price including service charges the company may charge (which I do not). I will always give you the final price including a breakdown so you know what the taxes, etc are.  There are some companies out there who advertise an outrageously low price, but they most likely will charge you a service fee for booking as well as fees for any changes you make to your booking thereafter. Also, you may not be able to get back in touch with the agent that booked you.

Does the company charge your credit card? Be very careful about this one, especially in this economy. We do not charge your credit card. Charges will always be directly with the cruise line. There are many fly-by-night agencies out there that will take your money and then close down. Suddenly, you are out your money and out your vacation! That’s just not right. Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company, one that has been around for many years. Cruise Planners has been around for nearly 20 years. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. We are members of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), NACOA (National Association Of Cruise Only Agencies), and ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Also, Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative agency, so you know you can rely on us.

As a side note, I get a lot of questions about passports. We all know that things have changed since 9/11 and that now we all need to get passports if we travel outside the US. But when is it going to be mandatory? My advice to you is to be sure you have your passport. Any number of things could happen while you are on your trip. If someone in your party gets sick…sick enough that the doctor on board can no longer help you, you will be asked to leave the ship to seek further medical attention. You must have your passport in order to get back to the US. {And yes, this has happened.}  If something should happen while on an excursion during your cruise causing you to miss the ship, you will need a passport. There are so many unforeseen scenarios – it is best if you have your passport.