Has anyone used AAA for cruising?

[cliptix]

We were shopping for insurance and when I looked at the AAA website, I noticed that they offered cruises. Has anyone ever done anything with AAA when dealing with cruises or any sort of travel?

[Goguinness]

Their prices have always seemed high to me.

[JacquieP]

I have used AAA several times for cruises and they were always able to match or beat prices I had seen somewhere else. They rarely offered perks like some of the independent agents do, but I certainly can't complain about that. In fact, one of my favorite travel agents worked for AAA and I booked all our cruises with Donna until she had to take medical retirement.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have used a TA at AAA for over 24 years -- she is great. We have booked many, many cruises through her. Also have booked land trips through her as well.

Her prices are the same as the cruise line prices. If their office is running a special -- she makes certain that we get it as well.

[maw]

booked our first cruise with AAA the agent knew less than we did abt cruising and I think she got way more than brochure price from us. Then I found board and read a lot -seem I learn more each cruise abt saving on price of a cruise. Do a lot of checking around on the price-lots lower available just make sure you are compareing apples with oranges.

[Gayle V]

We've used AAA for other kinds of travel, but not cruises. The prices were pretty good, and the agents helpful.

But the few times I checked with them when searching out a cruise, we had the same experience as Maw, in that I knew way more about cruising and the itineraries and ships than those agents did. And their prices on the cruises weren't any different than direct with the cruise line. And like Jacquie said, no perks or extras offered.

Now I don't even bother to check with them. We just stay with the same TA that we've booked with for the past 15 years.

[gram]

Just recently we stopped in at our local AAA office and was looking into cruises. LIke Maw, we knew more about cruising than this agent did. I too find that their prices seem much higher than other places to book. We lost our fantastic TA and now we have to try and find a new one.

[iluvcruzin]

I used AAA many years ago when I first started cruising (80's). If you are a first-time cruiser, and it's the only brick-and-mortar travel agency in your area, I'd say go for it. I personally do all my own research and can do better pricewise. As a FYI - the travel insurance sold at AAA - you can do better in pricing through insuremytrip.com.

[Alan]

I agree, AAA has been the same as cruise line or more. We've delt with 4 travel agents over the years and Elona Egershberg at Vacations to go has got us the best deals on cruises and their insurance as well.. Dean and Sally

[GloBug]

Our first cruise was booked with AAA, and the person who assisted us seemed more a clerk then a TA. She didn't know much, but since it was my first cruise, I didn't know how much she didn't know. She took days to return phone calls, etc. But I did like the fact that I could have my passport pics taken at AAA. That was a big plus! After that I used a real TA.