Cruises are undoubtedly my go-to choice for family vacations. There’s something magical about exploring new destinations by day and returning to a floating home base filled with excellent dining and entertainment options, not to mention the peaceful days spent at sea. For over 15 years, this has been a beloved tradition for my family and me.
However, the booking and planning process can be less than relaxing. Honestly, it’s a massive task, especially if you’re relatively new to cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line—it can be quite daunting.
You’d think it would be straightforward—pick a cruise, select a cabin, and you’re done, right? Not quite. There’s a lot more to consider:
- Deciding on whether to upgrade your dining experience
- Choosing which specialty restaurants to book
- Determining whether you prefer “Freestyle Dining” or set dining times
- Understanding what “Freestyle Dining” actually involves
- Planning which shore excursions to take
- Selecting the best deck for your cabin (trust me, location matters—a cabin at the front of the ship rocks more)
- Reserving times for shows in advance
- Deciphering the array of drink package options
- Considering the various internet packages
- Learning how to navigate the Norwegian Cruise Line app
- And countless other details—it truly feels like a second full-time job on top of my actual career and parenting duties.
A few years ago, I realized I needed help and was amazed to find that travel agents could be enlisted at no extra cost! (though some agents do charge fees, but mine does not).
My First Experience Using a Travel Agent for a Norwegian Cruise Line Vacation
Initially, I reached out to several agencies, but only one responded with just a basic quote. It was underwhelming and didn’t show the value of having a travel agent.
Recommendation from a Co-Worker
Just when I was about to handle everything myself again, a co-worker insisted I try her travel agent, describing the experience as “life-changing.” (She is a bit dramatic). So, skeptical at first, I contacted the agent through their website, and the prompt and personal reply I received that evening was quite promising.
A Pleasantly Surprising Service
From the start, the interaction was different. This agent didn’t just send a generic quote; they inquired about my family, our travel preferences, and our past vacation experiences. It felt like I was chatting with an old friend who was genuinely excited to help plan our trip.
We discussed everything—our interests, cabin preferences, and even dietary restrictions due to my nephew’s severe peanut allergy.
Ultimately, we decided to book a trip aboard the Norwegian Bliss, known for its impressive amenities but not being the newest in the fleet, offering the best value for our money.
By the way, the agency is called “Best Day Ever Vacations,” and they are an absolute delight to work with, use them, you’ll love them.
The Ease of Planning
You know how you book a trip, and then later realize it is a full time job planning the trip. That’s what Best Day Ever Vacations saved me from. They provided a comprehensive guide to our cruise, complete with a detailed itinerary showing sea days, ports of call, onboard dining options, and shows—everything was incredibly organized.
They kept us informed about important booking dates for dining and excursions, and offered insider tips for making the most of our stops, like the incredible experience at Harvest Caye.
Dining Tips That Made a Difference
Our agent got us the FREE Ultimate Dining option and knew all the amazing restaurants onboard. They highly recommended the hibachi for our family which was an absolute hit.
Show Booking Made Simple
With the agent’s reminders, we booked all our preferred show times in advance, avoiding the frustration of last-minute availability or poor seating options.
A Welcome Surprise
Best of all, after booking, the agency found us a better cabin in the Haven suites for just a few dollars more (normally thousands more) without any extra effort on my part. This gesture alone turned me into a lifelong client. Their proactive service was a little ray of sunshine.
In Conclusion – Is It Worth Using a Travel Agent for a Norwegian Cruise Line Vacation? Absolutely.
While my initial attempts at finding a good agent at first were hit-and-miss, landing a great one like Best Day Ever made all the difference. I’ve recommended them to numerous friends who have all had stellar experiences.
And, a little tip—if you mention “rookie moms” when you book, they’ll connect you with one of their top agents.
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