Carnival rep

[Joie]

Can anyone recommend the best ( to you) Carnival sales person to book with.........
Any help appreciated

[LoveBoat'n]

Thomas Roberts, hands down. This is the 2nd cruise he's booked for me and when I call in I don't even have to tell him who I am. As soon as I say hello he comes back with "Hi Lonni" Now that's pretty good.

***edited to remove phone number***

He will work with/for you. Just let him know what you want. He knows his business.

Tell him I told you to call.

Lonni

[Bob M]

Shay Hartman for 3 times, great personality & will work with you....
I believe that Carnival has a computer/phone system that bring your account on their screen before they answer their phone though....

[Joie]

Have always worked with a travel agent before....but they don't seem to be very attentive and this is after 5 cruises in the past 6 years....
Some were for 6 people and others for 4....that's a little business to just fluff off........

[Denny]

Eugene Perez is our man at Carnival. Have booked over a dozen rooms with him. Follows up on all questions and nothing falls in the cracks with him. Best agent I have ever worked with. That includes cruise lines and T/A's.

[Chris M]

I have been going through Carnival for the last few years and have never had a bad experience, however, it seems like they turn over a lot so it seems like I'm always speaking to someone new. They have always been very attentive and professional. I can't provide a name, but it in all cases it's been better than going through a Travel Agent (in my opinion). They do work on an incentive basis (not necessarily a commission structure) so if you start to deal with someone give them the common courtesy of a call back after making your final decision.

[AKcruiser]

I agree with Denny...Eugene Perez is great. We've booked our last 6 or 7 cruises with him and he has taken very good care of us.

AKcruiser Tell him Dena from Alaska ssays Hi

[Joie]

So does everyobne agree or dis-agree that it is better to go thru Carnival now that all things are equal in the price department.....than to use a travel agent.........

[David West]

Originally Posted by Joie

So does everyobne agree or dis-agree that it is better to go thru Carnival now that all things are equal in the price department.....than to use a travel agent.........

Joie, that will depend on how well you like your TA or your PVP. If you have a good TA, and he or she, are doing you a good job, stay there. And the same with a PVP. But... If there not doing you a good job, and your not satisfied with there performance. Take the names that you have been given here and give them a call. Feel them out. You'll know if you'll like doing business with them, probadly by the time your phone call is over. I'm actually going to do the same. I've wrote down Bob's and Denny's names they have suggested. Because I'm in the market for a new TA myself. ( or PVP )
Thanks guy's for the information;
Happy Sailing to all;
David

[Donna]

I'd still stick with a good travel agent, they are worth their weight in gold if they do their job for you. There are times when a travel agent can add some perks that the PVP can't.

Also, if cruising on different lines, you'd still have the same great agent.

[macntpa2]

I must agree with Donna, a good travel agent is worth their weight in gold, especially when an unforseen problem arises.

That said, I always book direct and have found Tamara Matulonis to be absolutely great. From reading the remarks already made, it sure sounds
like Carnival has a lot of great agents.

Whichever you feel the most comfortable with is the way to go.

I retired after 35years as an airline agent, so I feel comfortable booking direct.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Originally Posted by Joie

So does everyobne agree or dis-agree that it is better to go thru Carnival now that all things are equal in the price department.....than to use a travel agent.........

when you say that all things are equal in the price department are you saying that booking directly with Carnival they will discount as much as a travel agent? Or are you saying they'll match a travel agents price?

Bill

[JamesRT]

Gayle Hayden has been GREAT for us!

[macntpa2]

I've always found that when I book directly with Carnival they give me the same price as a travel agent.

Again, it depends on your travel agent and the kind of service they provide, the price will most likely be the same, but a good, personal travel agent who cares and takes the time to go over everything, and is more like a friend than one who just wants the money, is priceless in my opinion. Another plus is they can take care of all your travel needs, all cruise lines, hotels, air, etc.

I've really enjoyed dealing directly with Tamara Matulonis at Carnival, and would most certainly recommend her to anyone thinking of a Carnival cruise.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Originally Posted by macntpa2

I've always found that when I book directly with Carnival they give me the same price as a travel agent.

Again, it depends on your travel agent and the kind of service they provide, the price will most likely be the same, but a good, personal travel agent who cares and takes the time to go over everything, and is more like a friend than one who just wants the money, is priceless in my opinion. Another plus is they can take care of all your travel needs, all cruise lines, hotels, air, etc.

I've really enjoyed dealing directly with Tamara Matulonis at Carnival, and would most certainly recommend her to anyone thinking of a Carnival cruise.

OK cool. Good information to know. Maybe next cruise I'll use www.cruisecompete.com get the best discounted price and call a PVP to match the price. Sounds like the best of both worlds.

Bill

[outdoors27]

We use Alison Dorfman for our PVP. She's booked 5 cruises for me 4 since 2000. I thinks she's the best hands down as she takes the time to get to know you. ex 82399

[Dorothy]

A PVP and a TA are apples and oranges, IMHO.

A PVP works for the cruiseline. A TA works for YOU. And as Donna pointed out, in addition to a good rate, a competent TA will also get those perks that a PVP can't offer.

I know that many people swear by a PVP and if that's working for you, then continue. But (again) as Donna said, a TA can help you book your next cruise on another cruiseline and can be a valued part of your future vacation experience for life!

Happy Sailing.

dorothy

[HMY624]

I have booked my last 3 cruises through Best Price Cruises online. They used to be cheaper than booking directly through the cruise line but now they are usually the same price but offer incentives.

This time, I got free travel insurance and coupons (for use in the gift shops, etc onboard). A few days after booking, Carnival sent an email about a one day sale they were having. I called Best Price Cruises back and asked if they could match the deal. They did... $100 off per person and the best available upgrade.... we moved up two decks and saved $200. Not bad!

[popsec]

Originally Posted by S.S.Oceanlover

when you say that all things are equal in the price department are you saying that booking directly with Carnival they will discount as much as a travel agent? Or are you saying they'll match a travel agents price?

Bill

I booked our Feb cruise from cruises'nmore and it was abt $200 less than what the Carnival rep told me for a military discount.

[ms_fireworks]

I lucked up and got the BEST personal vacation planner when i called carnival. Her name is Ann Saintnactis. Her # at Carnival is 1-888-438-6744 ext 41023. She def went above and beyond. Tell her Lisa from South Carolina told you about her. I asked her to mail me her business cards and have given many out. I will never deal with anyone else when booking through Carnival. Hope i never have to book with anyone else. Leaving Saturday 11-25-06 on 1st cruise on the Inspiration out of Tampa. Snowed here yesterday so it should be a treat just to get some warmer weather. Planning on making the best of our week as this is a new adventure for both hubby and myself. I highly recommend Ann @ Carnival.

[sweetbamabelle]

Allison Dorfman!!!! She has booked the BEST rooms & rates than anyone! We made the mistake ONCE going with someone else - We were VERY disappointed!!! She goes out of her way to make EVERYTHING perfect and at a price that you can cruise often with all the extras! She's GREAT - You WON'T be disappointed!!