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I have used Cruise Compete, but it was not a TA. It was a web site that contracts with independent travel agencies to offer quotes on a specific cruise. After registering, fill in the ship, date, cabin category and they distribute the information to the different travel agencies. They in turn offer a quote and you have the option of going with the one that is most appealing or none at all.
I used this method for one of my cruises and it worked quite well.
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Darlene Mariner of the Seas Carnival Magic Bloggers Cruise 5 Mariner of the Seas
HAL Statendam Alaska Cruise Tour - 09/09/12; Disney Magic - 12/01/12; Allure of the Seas - 05/26/13
Ready is right! I've used CruiseCompete at least 5 or 6 times, with excellent results each time. The good thing about it is that the agents don't know who you are, unless you contact them, so they won't be bugging you. If you like the quote, you contact them, and if you don't, you simply ignore them. Works great! (I've learned about a couple of outstanding agents through CruiseCompete also!)
Have no fear,,,you have nothing to lose.
Cruise Compete is actually just a central base, where various agencies see
your request and submit bids.
I'd have to know which agency offered you the best bid before I could even
try and comment.
I am interested to see if there is any difference. I think the big variable is when you cruise. Everytime I check different sites, the prices are exactly the same for same date and category of cabin. I submitted a request to see if it is any different than what I already see for my upcoming Mariner cruise.
I got 6 quotes and they are all the same as each other and the same as what I already booked with my TA and the same as the RCI website
November 8, 2006, 4:12 pm
Agent: Cruises-N-More Agent, Cruises-N-More. Agency Information and Ratings
Contact:
Outside: $2,631.00 (Category I; $877.00 average cost per passenger)
cat F 211 SF: $2,771.00 (Category F; $923.67 average cost per passenger) Lowest Quote!
Special offer: Canadian Residents use:
A VALUABLE FREE GIFT THAT CAN BE USED ONBOARD SUCH AS A SPA, CASINO OR SHORE EXCURSION!
Comments: Dear Cruiser,
We were named CruiseCompete agency of the Year for 2006!
Our price should be very good, since we are one of the leading Discount Cruise Brokers in the US. Earlier this year, MSNBC and Frommers both named us one of the top 15 Cruise Brokers in the USA. Best of all, you do not have to sacrifice great customer service for lower prices. Still not convinced we are the best agency for you? Go to Âwhy you can trust this agency¸ and check out the BBB report on us.
Your price includes all port charges and Government taxes. If the price of your cruise drops prior to sailing, and cruise line rules permit, you can even get a lower fare! Also, do not hesitate to call or email me if you want rates on any other ship or sail date.
If our quote is not your lowest price contact me and let me see what I can do to earn your business.
Thank you!
You must mention this CruiseCompete request ID to get this price: WaveDave-419909
Agent: Ask for a Cruise Broker, eCRUISES.com. Agency Information and Ratings
Contact:
Outside: $2,510.23 (Category I; $836.74 average cost per passenger) Lowest Quote!
cat F 211 SF: Not available
Special offer: Travel Insurance Special Offer - 3% of cabin cost. Just $30.00 for every $1,000.00 in coverage.
Our rates include everything: Cruise, Port Charges, Govt taxes & fees. Absolutely NO HIDDEN EXTRA COSTS OR SERVICE FEES. Rates are subject to change and availability.
Comments: The cat F 211 SF you have requested is not available. Thank you.
You must mention this CruiseCompete request ID to get this price: WaveDave-419909
Agent: John Haislip, Cruise Vacation Outlet. Agency Information and Ratings
Contact:
Outside: $2,771.43 (Category F; $923.81 average cost per passenger)
cat F 211 SF: Not available
Special offer: That cabin is not available on this sailing. Cat-F is waitlist only.
Comments: Dear fellow cruiser;
Cruise Vacation Outlet is CruiseCompete.com Agency of the Year! We want to earn your business. At this time Cruise Vacation Outlet can confirm the fare as listed and your total includes port charges, taxes, and fees. Rates are subject to change so we recommend holding space on the ship and date you requested. There are no hidden charges, unlike most other agencies, we do not have a cancellation penalty, shipping or handling fees! We will gladly honor lower rates and coupons from the cruise lines if they become available later and you qualify. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you need rates on any other ship or sail date. If you get my voice mail please hit 'zero' and one of my co-workers will track me down or assist you if I am off for the day.
Looking forward to hearing back from you soon,
You must mention this CruiseCompete request ID to get this price: WaveDave-419909
Agent: Cathy Ireland - 2, eCruiseStore.com. Agency Information and Ratings
Contact:
Outside: $2,631.43 (Category I; $877.14 average cost per passenger)
cat F 211 SF: $2,771.43 (Category F; $923.81 average cost per passenger)
Special offer: FREE CRUISE INSURANCE (FULL COVERAGE)
Comments: We can do pre/post hotels free or at a discounted rate when taking our air fare. Included in my quote for you are all taxes and port charges.
Royal Caribbean is one of my favorite cruise lines, they really know how to treat their guests well with their 5 star service. I am sure you will enjoy this wonderful itinerary! Prices and availability for this particular voyage have been changing rapidly, but we have direct access to all remaining inventories with reduced rates and amenity packages.
Book with Visa/MasterCard and receive an additional 5% discount on eligible sailings.
I am not here just for competitive prices; I am at your service! I am looking forward to assisting you with your booking! I can also provide rates or info on other sailings; I work with all cruise lines!
Best Regards,
Cathy
Full Service with Savings!
You must mention this CruiseCompete request ID to get this price: WaveDave-419909
Agent: Jameson Slaney, Cruise Vacation Outlet. Agency Information and Ratings
Contact:
Outside: $2,631.43 (Category I; $877.14 average cost per passenger)
cat F 211 SF: $2,771.43 (Category F; $923.81 average cost per passenger)
Special offer: The above price is inclusive of Free Travel Insurance or Casino Credit. Thank You.
Comments: Dear fellow cruiser;
These prices are subject to change unless we put a hold on a cabin. I only need your names, birthdates and a mailing address to do a courtesy hold. Your total includes port charges and Gov't taxes, no hidden charges. Unlike most other agencies, we do not have cancellation penalties, shipping or handling fees! We will gladly honor lower rates and coupons from the cruise lines if they become available later and your booking qualifies (certain discount restrictions apply). Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Let my 17 years of experience work for you on this cruise and your future voyages.
Regards,
Outside: $2,631.43 (Category I; $877.14 average cost per passenger)
cat F 211 SF: $2,771.43 (Category f; $923.81 average cost per passenger)
Special offer: Cabins and prices are based on availablity and subject to change. Price includes all port and gov't charges. You can secure this cabin by putting a deposit down, if the rate were to change before final payment we would honor it
Comments: Dear fellow cruiser;
Cruise Vacation Outlet is CruiseCompete.com Agency of the Year! We want to earn your business. At this time Cruise Vacation Outlet can confirm the fare as listed and your total includes port charges, taxes, and fees. Rates are subject to change so we recommend holding space on the ship and date you requested. There are no hidden charges, unlike most other agencies, we do not have a cancellation penalty, shipping or handling fees! We will gladly honor lower rates and coupons from the cruise lines if they become available later and you qualify. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you need rates on any other ship or sail date. If you get my voice mail please hit 'zero' and one of my co-workers will track me down or assist you if I am off for the day.
Looking forward to hearing back from you soon,
Wade Adkins
Senior Cruise Consultant
These are the results I expected.
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Dave the Wave AKA- Diamond Dave
Song of America Dec '90
Starship Majestic May '89
Sovereign X 5
Majesty Jul '01
Enchantment X 4
Regal Empress Dec '02
Sensation '04
Mariner May '07 April '08
Grandeur Feb '08
Inspiration Oct '08
Radiance of the Seas Oct '10
Thank you for your input, I've learned that CruiseCompete is not a Travel Agency.
When you submit a request, you will probably have several Travel Agencies responding for your business.
As Dave the Wave mentioned, there's not much difference in the price coming from the Internet. However, there could be a substantial difference with a local agency.
In my case, there is a 20% difference for the same category of cabins. We are taking our two grand-daughters for a cruise during their March break and 20% does represent quite a reduction.
I've used CruiseCompete several times and been pleased. While the prices did not vary drastically, some were enough to cover tips (or at least my bar bill for one night!). Several did offer premiums such as free travel insurance, OBC or other goody. If nothing else, it gives you a basis for comparison to prices you may have gotten from your TA or other site. My TA retired a while back so I've been shopping around for her replacement and CruiseCompete has given me some good leads.
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