Smooth Sailing Ahead: 5 Reasons to Partner with a Travel Agent for Your Cruise Adventure

From insider expertise to personalized itineraries and stress-free support, we’re diving into the unparalleled advantages. Highlighting our commitment to enhancing your cruise shore excursion experience, discover how a travel agent becomes your ultimate advocate on the high seas. Join us as we explore why partnering with a travel agent, especially when booking your cruise shore excursions (with Shore Excursions Group) is the key to unlocking an extraordinary cruise journey. Get ready for a stress-free and tailored adventure!

Using a Cruise Travel Agent

Going on a cruise adventure is always a thrilling voyage into the unknown, where the promise of discovery awaits at every port of call — but it can also bring about overwhelm and indecision as you try to plod through all your travel options, including what to do at each port along the way.

You may be asking yourself: “Should I use a travel agent to book a cruise”?

Partnering with a travel agent (also referred to as a travel advisor or travel expert) adds an extra layer of excitement and satisfaction to your journey. Think of your cruise travel agent as your navigational guide through the sea of possibilities. With their insider knowledge and established connections, they can unlock access to exclusive and memorable experiences. This collaborative approach not only enhances the joy of exploration but also offers you peace of mind, allowing you to savor the adventure without the stress of planning.

When it comes to shore excursions, you can’t beat the options, pricing, or quality of our tours at Shore Excursions Group. The travel advisors we partner with are experts at crafting a shore itinerary that aligns with your interests and preferences. Since 2008, our customers have enjoyed more than 4 million high-quality shore excursions, rating us a 4.7 out of 5 stars out of more than 41,300 reviews. 

We offer three tour sizes, from private and small groups (2 – 20 people) to a standard option (20-50 people) for larger groups celebrating weddings and family events, or attending corporate or other gatherings. Our cruise excursions run the gamut, from culinary and cultural tours to scenic, water, and active offerings.

A travel advisors will cut through all the clutter to help you get the best excursion at the best price — no more hours of online searching and pressure to find and book the “perfect” tour.

Not sure if partnering with a travel agent is the right move for you? Read on to learn how these professionals can save you time, hassles, and money.

Reason 1: Expert Guidance and Knowledge

Travel agents offer unparalleled expertise and insider knowledge that can enhance your cruise experience in a myriad of ways. Their in-depth understanding of the travel industry ensures you receive tailored recommendations based on your preferences and needs, optimizing every aspect of the journey.

From suggesting the cruise line that best matches your preferences to securing priority reservations, today’s travel agents go beyond just booking tickets. They can save you hours of researching and travel planning, and reduce your chances of spending precious port time on an excursion that you might not enjoy.

A travel agent can make sure any transfers, tickets, or other requirements are taken care of so you don’t experience a delay or —  worse yet — miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime experience because it is already fully booked. They can also help you factor in things like travel time so you can guard against overwhelming your day, or running out of time to see or experience the things you truly want to.

And thanks to their contacts, they will be up-to-date on the latest changes so you won’t be surprised once you are on shore. Imagine planning a celebratory dinner at a fabulous restaurant, only to see the “Closed” sign on the door because the hours were not updated on their website.

With over 80 years of collective experience in the cruise line industry, our Shore Excursions Group team ensures worry-free tours for your enjoyment.

Reason 2: Access to Exclusive Deals and Packages

Booking through travel agents often comes with many advantages, as they leverage their wisdom to make recommendations according to your preferences and budget. Access to exclusive discounts is one such advantage, as travel agents are often aware of special rates that aren’t available to the general public.

Time savings, personalized itineraries, and emergency assistance are additional benefits, streamlining the planning process and providing you peace of mind during your journey.

At Shore Excursions Group, we focus exclusively on shore excursions, developing the expertise and connections to bring you the best shore experiences — even some exclusive options not available with the cruise lines.

Travel agents have cultivated a vast network of invaluable connections and relationships, providing you with unpublished deals and off-the beaten-path experiences you would otherwise not easily find. For example, many of our city walking or bike tours will often include a stop or two at a hidden gem that larger tour groups do not visit.

We offer the lowest shore excursion prices in the industry, at up to 40 percent lower than what the cruise lines offer.

Reason 3: Personalized Itineraries and Customization

Travel agents excel at crafting personalized experiences to suit diverse preferences and tastes. Picture a travel agent meticulously curating a shore excursion for a family who seeks adventure, making sure to incorporate thrilling shore excursions, water sports, and family-friendly activities. Contrast that scenario with a couple desiring a romantic getaway; the travel agent might arrange a cozy wine tasting under the stars or an intimate excursion to a secluded beach.

Moreover, when catering to solo travelers craving a mix of relaxation and cultural immersion, the travel agent may suggest the intimacy and ease of a small group city walking tour or a private excursion to see the highlights. This ability to customize makes for a more memorable and rewarding adventure for you.

Travel agents who know a destination well, will know what (short) tours go best together, as well as what you can realistically do in a day. They will also know the best times of day to visit the landmarks when considering crowds, travel logistics, and goals. For example, if you are a photography buff visiting Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, the look and feel of your photos will vastly differ depending on what time of the day you get there. 

We are proud to offer many private or customized tours that will ensure you are spending your day visiting only the sites that you want to see, for as long — or as little — as you want. Additionally, many of these tours transport you around in a comfortable vehicle, and some include skip-the-line access to the top attractions, so you can spend the time you would have stood in the ticket line on enjoying the Baroque architecture and ornate furnishings at Versailles Palace instead, for example. 

And consider this: the more you use a travel agent, the more they get to know you, your likes, your dislikes, and your preferences. As your relationship develops, they can alert you to upcoming deals you may be interested in, and help you make the best decisions for your trips.

Reason 4: Stress-Free Booking and Support

Going on a cruise often involves detailed planning and decision-making, so make it easy on yourself by using expert travel agents to help you make informed decisions.

From recommending ideal travel dates to suggesting hidden gems, cruise travel agents add a personalized touch that travel websites may lack. Furthermore, they are a valuable resource when it comes to complex travel arrangements, such as multi-destination itineraries or coordinating group travel. For instance, travel agents can smoothly handle the organization and logistics for large groups, attending to individual requirements while ensuring seamless coordination among the group members.

They will save you time and headaches trying to decide on the best excursions to take, help you avoid any surprise fees, or even guide you away from vendors or excursions that may pose issues for you.

Reason 5: Assistance and Advocacy During Travel

Stuff happens; when it does, wouldn’t it be great to have an experienced representative with important connections in your corner, working on your behalf?

With today’s potential travel landmines — such as weather events, civil unrest, natural disasters, strikes, disease outbreaks, changes to visas, travel restrictions, and passport issues — a travel agent can truly be your best ally.

When you book your shore excursion through us, you get 24/7 support. You’re free to enjoy your adventure, knowing we are a toll-free call away, anywhere in the world, should you encounter any issues.

You can also rest easy with our unique return-to-ship guarantee. In the very unlikely event that you miss your ship during your shore excursion with us, we will arrange your accommodations, and transportation to the next port of call, all on our dime. Plus give you $1000 USD for the inconvenience.

To Sum it Up

Unlocking the full potential of your cruise experience requires the expertise of a cruise travel agent who acts as your indispensable partner. Their expertise guarantees a smooth experience, providing valuable insights into destinations and cruise lines that align with your preferences. Additionally, travel agents have the inside track to exclusive deals, maximizing your trip’s value.

Personalization takes center stage with carefully tailored itineraries, transforming your cruise into a bespoke voyage. Stress-free booking lets you anticipate the excitement ahead without the hassle of logistics. Finally, the support extends beyond booking, as travel agents provide invaluable assistance during your travels, assuring you a smooth and enjoyable journey from departure to return.

For your next cruise, consider the unparalleled benefits of partnering with a travel agent – your ticket to a worry-free, personalized, and expertly guided adventure on the open waters.

Ready — Set — Go

You are investing valuable time and money into your trip, so make the most of it by enlisting the expertise of seasoned travel professionals.

When it comes to booking your cruise shore excursions, remember us. Our dedicated team of travel experts and travel agent partners are standing by, ready to transform your cruise dreams into reality. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea veteran, our experts are equipped with the insider knowledge to craft the perfect shore experience for you. Reach out to us today.