Special Rates?

Do Cruise Lines Offer Special Rates to Military, Law Enforcement, etc…?  Yes, they do.  Sometimes in the form of a reduction in price, other times in the form of a gift of onboard credit.  Some cruise lines extend these offers to law enforcement, fire fighters, etc.  Almost every cruise line offers special rates for various categories of travelers.  In addition to the ones noted above, there are also special rates for returning cruisers too.  Just ask us when you call to book your next cruise!

What Should You Ask Your Travel Agent at Team Edwards Travel?

Whenever you talk with your travel agent about a cruise, you need to ask a couple of questions.  First of all, always ask about special rates for any special group that you are a part of; Seniors, AAA members, AARP members, Military, Law Enforcement, etc…  Secondly, always ask the agent if they or their agency already have group rates available for the cruise you want to take.  In fact, if you check out Team Edwards Travel right now, and click on the Specials button on the main page, you will see several cruise specials.

Group Rates???  Do I have to be a part of a special group to qualify for group rates?

Not Usually. Generally, the best rates you will find are for group packages created by your travel agent or the travel agency.  Let me tell you how that works.

Your travel agent at Team Edwards Travel is always planning ahead at least a year.  When the new cruise itinerary comes out, the agents within the agency will set up groups that usually consists of setting aside 10 inside cabins, 10 outside cabins and 10 balcony cabins.  They can use other quantities and they can accommodate other types of cabins, but that is the basic setup.  Oh, and don’t let the “group” identifier worry you.  All that the agents are doing is locking in the rates for their customers.  Sometimes, the “group” is for a particular set of customers, but usually it is just an effort on the part of your travel agent to hold some cabins for their regular clients.

For example, one of the agents in our agency set up a “group” several months ago for an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise.  I asked him if he had the cabins sold yet because I had a client looking for such a cruise. He said that he had not yet sold any of the cabins and that I was welcome to book my clients into his “group”.

So, in conclusion, don’t forget to ask your travel agent about any “groups” they or their agency have that will save you money on your next cruise.  When you realize how much money you have saved, you will be happy you did. Also, don’t forget to ask your agent about tours and excursions as well as any special air fare rates that are available for the cruise you want to book.  Some excursions will be sold out if you wait until you get on ship.  Also, some sites will tell you that you can get a cheaper excursion if you wait till you get to port and talk with one of the locals looking for business.  Yes, it may be cheaper, but is that person licensed and bonded. Is their vehicle insured.  And most importantly, will they get you back to the ship on time.  If you are on an excursion arranged by Team Edwards Travel through the cruise line, the ship will not sail without you.  If you are booked with Fly By Night tours or someone you meet at the dock, and you are late returning, you have to arrange for your own transportation to the next port.  Hope you took $$ and your travel documents with you when you left the ship because you cannot travel without them. This may be a time where saving a few dollars is not really worth it.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

• Packing Checklist
• Parent Authorization Letter For Unaccompanied Minors
• Medical Treatment Authorization Letter
• Travel With Minors – Permission Letter

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel