Cruises are undoubtedly my go-to choice for 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 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 Princess 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:
- Princess Cruises sails to more than 100 countries on seven continents, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia (that’s a lot to choose from)
- Choosing whether you want to book specialty restaurants or stick to the main dining room
- Deciding if you want the newer ship – Star Princess and Sun Princess, or one of Princess’s many other ships
- Planning which shore excursions to take (that’s a lot of work)
- Selecting the best deck for your cabin (trust me, location matters—a cabin at the front of the ship rocks more)
- Deciphering the array of drink package options
- Considering the various internet packages
- 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 Princess Cruise
We were doing a multi-generational trip, so I needed some serious help. So, I decided to reach 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 I was shocked when I got a response in I would say less than 15 minutes. Honestly, I thought it was an automated reply, it was so quick, but it turned out to be my travel agent.
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 newest ship (at the time), 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.
Dining Tips That Made a Difference
Our agent got us the Dining option and knew all the amazing restaurants onboard. They highly recommended the American steakhouse, Crown Grill which was phenomenal
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 Princess Cruise Vacation? Absolutely.
While my initial attempts at finding a good agent were hit-or-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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