When you book a cruise, it's best to use a travel agent.
That's true for a number of reasons, but a good travel agent keeps you from making a lot of potential mistakes. Some of those involve booking the wrong cruise line for your needs or booking a cabin in a bad location.
In other cases, the mistakes can be expensive and a good travel agent can save you money.
Related: Carnival Cruise Lines adds new ban families won't like
They will check the price of your cruise and ensure you at least get on-board credit if the price declines before the sailing. They should also do the same with excursions, drink packages and any other area where you might spend money.
But the biggest thing a travel agent can do might be to protect you from being scammed.
Another recent scam has affected some cruisers.
Doug Parker of Cruise News Today has the full story and more.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Virgin Voyages shares news on new scam
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning. Here's your cruise news for Thursday, February 20.
Virgin Voyages is warning passengers about a rising number of cruise scams.
Now, the cruise line has alerted guests [which it calls] sailors about fraudulent offers, including discounted resales and fake social media deals.
Virgin Voyages says to book only through its website, an authorized travel agent, or official sailor services. Passengers should also protect their reservation details, like not posting them on social media to prevent unauthorized charges.
The company said it will never call to request payments or personal information.
Carnival close to opening new destination
[Carnival] Cruise Line is nearing completion of Celebration Key.
Yeah, its first exclusive destination is set to open July 19. The private port will see calls from over 20 Carnival cruise ships.
Carnival executives recently toured the site, which features five themed areas, including an adults-only beach club, a 10-story sun castle, and the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoon.
The company says it's also focused on sustainability, including a desalination system and replanting 1,000 sable palm trees.
Carnival Vista will be the first ship to call at Celebration Key, and bookings are available through 2027.
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Carnival also shares scam news
And a couple's Carnival cruise was unexpectedly canceled by the husband's ex-fiance.
The company booked their trip for June, but discovered a refund had been issued without notice.
Now, after contacting Carnival, they learned that the ex-fiance, still listed as the husband's emergency contact, had accessed the reservation and canceled the cruise.
Initially frustrated with Carnival's response, the couple later received a free room upgrade and a $300 on-board credit.
Carnival advises guests to keep their emergency contact information up to date to prevent similar issues. A valuable lesson in love, trust, and the fine print of emergency contacts.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know, tips@cruiseradio.net.
This week's cruise radio podcast, a review of MSC Lyrica, where you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Have yourself a great day. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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