Cruising through Costco Travel?

Question

I'm debating to buy my alaska cruise package through Costco for my family as it would save us about $600-1200. I am wondering if anyone else has booked through Costco travel for cruises before and whether or not they had a good experience using Costco as a travel agency. Thank You.

Answer 1

The biggest thing is that costco is not a travel agency. They are simply selling discounted rooms that they are able to buy in bulk and then offer at a lower rate. More than likely they are not included taxes, or some other fee to make the price that much lower. But, they will save you some money, in some cases. Just make sure you read over everything to be sure of what you are getting.

I don't usually recommend Coscto. For two reasons, one, most people think they are getting a travel agency. But really you aren't. A real agent will have tons of information and help you through the process. Costco pretty much books the vacation and that is it. If you ask them questions and things, they may or may not know. I've never personally worked with them, but from what I have heard they really don't know much about the travel they sell, and some of it is pretty obvious even if you have only worked with that type vacation one or two times.

Second, Coscto can cause a lot more problems then they are worth. I've read really bad stories online about peoples experiences. For instance, someone booked a vacation with Coscto, gave them the check for the vacation, etc. They have proof that they booked the vacation, but they realized a few months later they hadn't received confirmations or anything and that final payment would soon be do. They called Costco, they had no record of them booking and never booked the vacation. The people showed them the returned check, etc. but Coscto did basically nothing. They called the cruise line hoping to get the vacation booked anyway, but the only rooms available were suites and increased the price by thousands. They weren't able to take the vacation, they had air, insurance, pre-nights, etc. that they were penalized for and some things they were not even able to get their money back and they took off of work for a vacation they weren't able to take.

Personally I would only book my vacation two ways. Either through the cruise line directly or with an actual travel agent that specializes in cruises and will really help you with your vacation. That is the best way to go. You may not save quite as much money, but there is a peace of mind that really makes the whole process go smoother, which makes the vacation that much more enjoyable. I always book with an agent and I couldn't be happier, in my opinion it is the way to go.

If you still choose to go this way, just be sure that you read everything over and over and keep good records to be safe.

Good luck, Alaska is a great cruise, one of my favorites!

Answer 2

Costco Cruise

Answer 3

Be sure that the quote from Costco includes cruise fare, port fees and taxes. Are there additional charges that you should be aware of such as air transportation, ground transportaion and pre-paid gratuities?
The major cruise lines have standardized the cruise rate. Public discounting of cruises is frowned upon by the industry. If a vendor is publicly discounting the cruise they may lose the contract they hold with the cruise line. Vendors such as Costco, Travelocity, Expedia purchase a large group amount of space at a discount as soon as the sailing is published. The cruise rate is confirmed at the time Costco negotiates the purchase of the group space. As the market demands increase, so does the price. Costo is reselling this group space later at a perceived discount to the customer.
Since vendors are normally held to a standardized rate they will remain competitive by offering the guest incentives such as on board credit, free shore excursion or adding mileage to a frequent flier program. Go with a reputable company. A talented agent should get to know you first and ask you a LOT of questions--have you cruised before? when? where? what type of vacations do you normally take? what hotels are your favorite? what are you looking for in a cruise? how do you enjoy your free time? This way they will use their product knowledge of the 30+ cruises in alaska to be sure you are on the right ship for your money. Maybe not the least expensive, but the one that will fulfil all of your expectations at a good value.

Answer 4

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RE:
Cruising through Costco Travel?
I'm debating to buy my alaska cruise package through Costco for my family as it would save us about $600-1200. I am wondering if anyone else has booked through Costco travel for cruises before and whether or not they had a good experience using Costco as a travel agency. Thank You.

Answer 5

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I've honestly never had luck with a real live person travel agency, they all have the same prices I can find online and seem to push add ons such as insurance and upgrades. They are great if you really need someone to talk to but I always feel comfortable in what I'm doing so its not nessecary for me. Yahoo and Expedia are great to give me ideas and search but they have the same prices you can get from the cruiseline directly so I usually just book directly with the cruiseline after I find what I want. Yahoo and Expedia might have occasional promotions like free upgrades and $50 room credit so that might be worth it but if you sign up for the cruiseline you like's email list you'll get those kind of offers ALL the time. I've had excellent luck with Costco travel. I would have never thought to use them but I was checking prices and they were the lowest I could find! They are about 5% lower than what everyone else can offer and it doesn't cost anything other than a membership I already had. The ywere super nice and easy to use. They are my favorite travel agent for cruises. Any other vacation I just book everything myself.

Answer 6

I am surprised you mentioned a big savings through Costco travel. I thought their prices were high compared to other online cruise discounters. Make sure you check out port fees and taxes.

Answer 7

Costco Travel Review

Answer 8

i agree check for the bottom line ...and if you haven't cruised before, a travel agent is the way to go...works if its true, and you know what to do

Answer 9

Hi there, just wanted to mention, I enjoyed this discussion. inspiring replies

Answer 10

Maybe so