I want to tell you I watched this RUclips last night and this morning I literally called and saved $1000 on our upcoming cruise in April!!! Thank you so much for all your videos I love watching and learning from yall!
When my daughter was in school we used to cruise the last week of August because up until recently schools in California didn’t start until after Labor Day. Saved so much money. Also shout out to all TA’s. Ours really helped us with a wheelchair rental, shower chair and transportation that I just didn’t have time to do. I know all of you work so hard!
I’d like to see a video on how to choose a travel agent. My first cruise was to Alaska and I feel that I did more than my travel agent. I don’t think she was very experienced.
As a travel agent of 18 years, I would say, be sure to ask about the travel agent's years of experience. Are they full time agents or do they just do it part time around another job? For example, lots of people might only be able to do their travel agent business when they get home at say 5pm from their job and on the weekends, so they aren't going to be available to assist you anytime you need them or spend might time reseaching something for you. What certifications and trainings have they done? For example an agent who has sold at least a certain amount of travel is eligible for their CLIA card (Cruise Line International Association), but many experienced agents will also do a special paid certification that can take up to 2 years to complete theough CLIA, such as their ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor Certification), as well as having completed certifications by the cruise line itself. Same goes with companies like Sandals or Beaches, or Atlantis, just ad an example. If you are putting out many many thousands of dollars for a vacation, make sure your travel agent is well versed. Now we may not have a certification on literally everything in the world because that would be impossible time wise, but if they've been around and have a decent amount of trainings and certifications and have also traveled a fair amount, not necessarily to the destination you want to go to, because again, impossible to have been everywhere, but at least have a fair amount of travel expertise than that is what you are looking for. Also, a good agent will ask you questions when you first talk, such as where did you go on your last trip? What did you like about that trip and what would you have changed. Where did you stay when you were there? This tells us important facts about you. Let me explain, if you tell me, "find me a cheap cruise." Your cheap may be different than my cheap. So if you tell me your stayed in a Courtyard Marriott vs a Ritz Carlton, that tells me what type of vacation I am looking for for you much better than a basic phrase will. Also, you telling me, we loved sitting by the pool sipping cocktails and going to listen to the jazz band in the evening vs we went ziplining and then went surfing the next day on our Hawaii vacation helps me to know that a certain all-inclusive vibe or cruise line will be better for you than another. I hope this helps.
I need to get in the Royal Caribbean Independence of the seas in January 25-30. Western Caribbean fr Miami: can you find me an interior for 2? A birthday celebration!!! What’s your phone number?
Great video!!! Watch the terms and conditions on those Royal Caribbean gift cards. They have very specific terms on how and when they can be used. In fact, it is probably a good idea to know the terms for any line you plan to choose, because the terms can change over time.
Thank you Alisa and Amy! I booked with EECC travels and they have been absolutely fantastic. If you ever have any doubts about booking with a travel agent, please reconsider. It takes the anxiety out of shopping multiple websites. We are looking forward to enjoying our Easter cruise on the Celebrity Ascent next year!
We purchased transportation from our hotel to the cruise ship recently. When we got down to the lobby and saw all those people in line and all that luggage. ....We just kept walking right to the door, went outside and booked an Uber. Very, very definitely worth it.We did not care that we lost the money that we had already paid for transportation. Very, very definitely worth our sanity😊
thanks for sharing your experience. It is crazy to me how often, especially with a group of 3 or more, it is more expensive to book transfers and transports because you pay per person and with taxis, Lyft, and Uber you pay per ride.
Nice video. Very informative. But about booking specialty dining on Carnival. You cannot apply your on-board credit online. That has to be done at Guest service once on-board. Also their drink pkg. has increased to almost $83/day if you pre book. Another tip that I want to share is if taking public trans or rideshare is to drop off at the Queen Mary if sailing from Long Beach. You can bypass the long traffic lines and just walk over to your ship. Hope this helps!
Great Video! We always use our travel agent. We just booked a cruise for September 2025 to the Mediterranean and he actually got us in a Jr. Suite for the same price we were booking a regular balcony! Never stayed in a Jr. Suite before might be spoiled! Also, we have booked a Guarantee Balcony Cabin before and were pleasantly surprised. They actually put us in a handicap room (which we do not need) which was quite large. When our kids (2) were younger (they are adults now), we actually booked side by side connecting rooms or rooms across from each other. The boys in one room and girls in another.
Unrelated... I would love to see the Christmas tree with all your travel ornaments! Maybe a you tube short..zooming in on some of your favorites from around the globe!!
I'm glad for the split. I'm not big o your Disney trips, but I'm glad you're still doing them, and they have a dedicated place for them. Also, I'm glad to know where to find them when I want to see them. I truly enjoyed watching both of you, and I will continue to watch your videos. P.S. I'd love it if Jason had a chanle just for his cooking videos and y'alls restaurant / food reviews. I enjoyed watching them.
Great tips Alisa. I have a question. What is the website Jason mentioned for his water shoes? They look great and would make a great Christmas gift. Thanks!
Thank you for such useful information. We are about to cruise in a week and are already thinking about booking our next when we return. I have a couple questions. If we book through you and the prices go down, are we also eligible to get the lower rate or is that only if we book through the cruise line? If we bid on a nicer room, do we lose that money even if we don't get the upgrade or you only pay if you get the upgrade?
Good list. Want a spa room on carnival like interior or balcony be easy save money and think Virgian offers a package for extra 200 that gives u unlimited spa area . Just dont includ treatments. I been looking this way me and wife.
Watch the sales for your pre-purchased on-board experiences. If it goes down, cancel and rebook. I rebooked our RC drink packages and 3 night specialty dining with the Black Friday sale and saved several hundred dollars. On board experiences, you book yourself even when you use a travel agent.
Loads of great tips. I have one - if going on MSC and you intend to "BID" for an upgrade to Yacht club, DON'T buy a drink package until you review what comes with the Yacht Club. If you don't get the upgrade, then buy the drink package. If you bought a drink package before you bid, and you get the bid, you wasted the money.
Just a quick question, have you ever been on American Cruise lines river cruises. My wife and I are thinking about going on one. However I use an ECV and I smoke. I haven’t been able to any information on this. Thanks for your help.
On board credit through shareholder benefits help us pay for gratuities and extras like the occasional cocktail 🍸. It's also been a good investment! NCL and Carnival stocks are up quite a bit since we purchased our 100 shares of each 🎉
Yes we have NCL and Carnival stock as well. I just didn’t mention it here because the cost has gone back up (good for us that already have stock) but a much bigger investment.
I always have a fear that an emergency will arise back home while im on a cruise. Do u know if once ur on the ship and you need to leave immediately if it's possible to do so in the event of an emergency back home?
So, I booked an alsakan cruise out of Whittier. I'm coming in a day early but haven't booked transport to whittier from anchorage. is it easier for an uber to whittier or take the bus?
I get up several times a night sodark Dark cabins Don't work for me. I I have claustrophobia in pitch dark. We have a ocean view on Caribbean princess Starting Monday Definitely for 3 75/76 year olds When 1 is in the pull down bed from the ceiling!!😑
I’m always afraid the guaranteed cabins will end up being in a terrible location, like under the casino! 😮 I bid on an upgrade with Princess for a deluxe balcony, minimum bid was 20.00, I bid 25.00 and got it! I’m also afraid if I bid again, the location might be worse. With Holland, you tell them upfront if you would like an upgrade. If you agree to it, you can’t back out. I was afraid to go for it, but I can still go for it before sailing.
I'm sorry but until Galveston has easier travel to the port from the airports I am not interested. It will just get even worse when MSC opens their new terminal.
Key point for a TA, if they try to charge you something RUN, run far far away. They are NOT good places, it's a scam. I have a TA and I will book my own but I know any that charge you for ANYTHING is a SCAM. There are NOT a lot of them but Buyer Beware that's the first thing to look for.
Let me help you plan your cruise vacation! Click here for a quote: eecctravels.com/lets-plan-a-cruise-vacation/
I want to tell you I watched this RUclips last night and this morning I literally called and saved $1000 on our upcoming cruise in April!!! Thank you so much for all your videos I love watching and learning from yall!
I’m so glad it helped you save some money, happy cruising!
You offer such Great information! I will probably call and book my next cruise with you!
Thanks so much! And I will be here when you’re ready!!
When my daughter was in school we used to cruise the last week of August because up until recently schools in California didn’t start until after Labor Day. Saved so much money. Also shout out to all TA’s. Ours really helped us with a wheelchair rental, shower chair and transportation that I just didn’t have time to do. I know all of you work so hard!
I’d like to see a video on how to choose a travel agent. My first cruise was to Alaska and I feel that I did more than my travel agent. I don’t think she was very experienced.
As a travel agent of 18 years, I would say, be sure to ask about the travel agent's years of experience. Are they full time agents or do they just do it part time around another job? For example, lots of people might only be able to do their travel agent business when they get home at say 5pm from their job and on the weekends, so they aren't going to be available to assist you anytime you need them or spend might time reseaching something for you. What certifications and trainings have they done? For example an agent who has sold at least a certain amount of travel is eligible for their CLIA card (Cruise Line International Association), but many experienced agents will also do a special paid certification that can take up to 2 years to complete theough CLIA, such as their ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor Certification), as well as having completed certifications by the cruise line itself. Same goes with companies like Sandals or Beaches, or Atlantis, just ad an example. If you are putting out many many thousands of dollars for a vacation, make sure your travel agent is well versed. Now we may not have a certification on literally everything in the world because that would be impossible time wise, but if they've been around and have a decent amount of trainings and certifications and have also traveled a fair amount, not necessarily to the destination you want to go to, because again, impossible to have been everywhere, but at least have a fair amount of travel expertise than that is what you are looking for. Also, a good agent will ask you questions when you first talk, such as where did you go on your last trip? What did you like about that trip and what would you have changed. Where did you stay when you were there? This tells us important facts about you. Let me explain, if you tell me, "find me a cheap cruise." Your cheap may be different than my cheap. So if you tell me your stayed in a Courtyard Marriott vs a Ritz Carlton, that tells me what type of vacation I am looking for for you much better than a basic phrase will. Also, you telling me, we loved sitting by the pool sipping cocktails and going to listen to the jazz band in the evening vs we went ziplining and then went surfing the next day on our Hawaii vacation helps me to know that a certain all-inclusive vibe or cruise line will be better for you than another. I hope this helps.
@@jaimehagadorn1459 thank you so much!!
I need to get in the Royal Caribbean Independence of the seas in January 25-30. Western Caribbean fr Miami: can you find me an interior for 2? A birthday celebration!!! What’s your phone number?
Great video!!! Watch the terms and conditions on those Royal Caribbean gift cards. They have very specific terms on how and when they can be used. In fact, it is probably a good idea to know the terms for any line you plan to choose, because the terms can change over time.
That is great advice, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Alisa and Amy! I booked with EECC travels and they have been absolutely fantastic. If you ever have any doubts about booking with a travel agent, please reconsider. It takes the anxiety out of shopping multiple websites. We are looking forward to enjoying our Easter cruise on the Celebrity Ascent next year!
I am so glad to hear you are having such a great experience with us as your travel agents!!! ❤️❤️
We purchased transportation from our hotel to the cruise ship recently. When we got down to the lobby and saw all those people in line and all that luggage. ....We just kept walking right to the door, went outside and booked an Uber. Very, very definitely worth it.We did not care that we lost the money that we had already paid for transportation. Very, very definitely worth our sanity😊
thanks for sharing your experience. It is crazy to me how often, especially with a group of 3 or more, it is more expensive to book transfers and transports because you pay per person and with taxis, Lyft, and Uber you pay per ride.
Nice video. Very informative. But about booking specialty dining on Carnival. You cannot apply your on-board credit online. That has to be done at Guest service once on-board. Also their drink pkg. has increased to almost $83/day if you pre book. Another tip that I want to share is if taking public trans or rideshare is to drop off at the Queen Mary if sailing from Long Beach. You can bypass the long traffic lines and just walk over to your ship. Hope this helps!
Yes! I used Queen Mary as my drop last year 👍👍
I booked a Carnival Cruise today and right after online I booked my specialty dining and used my on board credit. No issues.
Great Video! We always use our travel agent. We just booked a cruise for September 2025 to the Mediterranean and he actually got us in a Jr. Suite for the same price we were booking a regular balcony! Never stayed in a Jr. Suite before might be spoiled! Also, we have booked a Guarantee Balcony Cabin before and were pleasantly surprised. They actually put us in a handicap room (which we do not need) which was quite large. When our kids (2) were younger (they are adults now), we actually booked side by side connecting rooms or rooms across from each other. The boys in one room and girls in another.
Unrelated... I would love to see the Christmas tree with all your travel ornaments! Maybe a you tube short..zooming in on some of your favorites from around the globe!!
I'm glad for the split. I'm not big o your Disney trips, but I'm glad you're still doing them, and they have a dedicated place for them. Also, I'm glad to know where to find them when I want to see them. I truly enjoyed watching both of you, and I will continue to watch your videos. P.S. I'd love it if Jason had a chanle just for his cooking videos and y'alls restaurant / food reviews. I enjoyed watching them.
He started a channel called Be Careful It's Delicous that has a few videos but he plans on really starting to post in 2025!
@EECCTravels I follow his Facebook page under the same name.
As a travel agent of 18 years, I totally agree with all of these tips and tell my clients the same.
WONDERFUL video!👍🏻😊 Do you have any specials for the brand new Princess ship that is coming out?
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Great tips Alisa. I have a question. What is the website Jason mentioned for his water shoes? They look great and would make a great Christmas gift. Thanks!
Great Vídeo !
Congrats
Thank you for such useful information. We are about to cruise in a week and are already thinking about booking our next when we return. I have a couple questions. If we book through you and the prices go down, are we also eligible to get the lower rate or is that only if we book through the cruise line? If we bid on a nicer room, do we lose that money even if we don't get the upgrade or you only pay if you get the upgrade?
Good list. Want a spa room on carnival like interior or balcony be easy save money and think Virgian offers a package for extra 200 that gives u unlimited spa area . Just dont includ treatments. I been looking this way me and wife.
Watch the sales for your pre-purchased on-board experiences. If it goes down, cancel and rebook. I rebooked our RC drink packages and 3 night specialty dining with the Black Friday sale and saved several hundred dollars. On board experiences, you book yourself even when you use a travel agent.
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
Loads of great tips. I have one - if going on MSC and you intend to "BID" for an upgrade to Yacht club, DON'T buy a drink package until you review what comes with the Yacht Club. If you don't get the upgrade, then buy the drink package. If you bought a drink package before you bid, and you get the bid, you wasted the money.
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
EECC saved me thousands when I took the Icon!!
Glad to help!! We had such great rates for that ship!!
Did EECC call you about the cruise or did you call EECC? Just wondering how you found out about the cruise.
@@robintranchina6588 they posted about it in Facebook so I emailed them directly. Very quick response.
Just a quick question, have you ever been on American Cruise lines river cruises. My wife and I are thinking about going on one. However I use an ECV and I smoke. I haven’t been able to any information on this. Thanks for your help.
I do the guaranteed cabins, but keep in mind, especially on Royal Caribbean... they will cancel your cruise if they over book.
Great information 👍 what would be the maximum you could put on the cruise gift card? Or can you get a discounted visa gift card?🤔
They usually are set denominations. I have seen $50 and $100. There may be higher. I don’t think you will find a discounted Visa card.
What ship were you guys on that there were only 770 capacity or so & you went to a private island in Belize?
On board credit through shareholder benefits help us pay for gratuities and extras like the occasional cocktail 🍸. It's also been a good investment! NCL and Carnival stocks are up quite a bit since we purchased our 100 shares of each 🎉
Yes we have NCL and Carnival stock as well. I just didn’t mention it here because the cost has gone back up (good for us that already have stock) but a much bigger investment.
AARP discounts are now 8%, with some %10%
I always have a fear that an emergency will arise back home while im on a cruise. Do u know if once ur on the ship and you need to leave immediately if it's possible to do so in the event of an emergency back home?
So, I booked an alsakan cruise out of Whittier. I'm coming in a day early but haven't booked transport to whittier from anchorage. is it easier for an uber to whittier or take the bus?
@@connielowe1111 it is a long way from Anchorage to Whittier so I would book the transportation. This is one place where it is better.
The spa will discount its prices towards the end of the cruise… You'll save lots of money.
Nice tip is to pocket $10-$20 bucks a week/paycheck to have a couple of hundred of bucks spending money on vacation or to even pay for it.
No more cheers discount when buying early
The pre-cruise cost went up but that means the onboard cost is going up too 👎
Book as soon as possible for best deals! Consider a repositioning cruise - much cheaper! Book a longer cruise - less kids.
I get up several times a night sodark Dark cabins Don't work for me. I I have claustrophobia in pitch dark. We have a ocean view on Caribbean princess Starting Monday Definitely for 3 75/76 year olds When 1 is in the pull down bed from the ceiling!!😑
I hear you! I do love the balcony for the extra space.
I’m always afraid the guaranteed cabins will end up being in a terrible location, like under the casino! 😮 I bid on an upgrade with Princess for a deluxe balcony, minimum bid was 20.00, I bid 25.00 and got it! I’m also afraid if I bid again, the location might be worse. With Holland, you tell them upfront if you would like an upgrade. If you agree to it, you can’t back out. I was afraid to go for it, but I can still go for it before sailing.
We have been lucky and never had a bad location but it can happen.
I'm sorry but until Galveston has easier travel to the port from the airports I am not interested. It will just get even worse when MSC opens their new terminal.
There are a few shuttle services but check out Galveston Saltwater Moms.
Key point for a TA, if they try to charge you something RUN, run far far away. They are NOT good places, it's a scam. I have a TA and I will book my own but I know any that charge you for ANYTHING is a SCAM. There are NOT a lot of them but Buyer Beware that's the first thing to look for.
I as a TA have never charged a planning fee and never will.
Too many people being scammed by fake travel agents, i would never use a travel agent. Maybe a bit of a micromanager.
There are also great, legit TAs out there who really do a lot for their clients.