I would cry if this happened!

[Amberle3]

Originally posted by BriarRosie
That's IT?? Sheesh! I would think they'd have stricter standards. I guess that's not even an indicator.

Maybe the best thing is word of mouth.

I've never understood why CLIA has stricter standards for individual agents than for agencies. It makes very little sense.

But you have to understand what CLIA is - their role isn't to police, certify or accredit travel agents. They're a coalition formed by the cruise lines in order to encourage people to cruise. Their main goal is to get people on cruise ships. Even on their website they have a search box to find a "CLIA affiliated" travel agent - not certified, affiliated.

They do have a Cruise Counsellor Certification Program - and it is fairly rigorous, time consuming and expensive. So for an AGENT to be CLIA certified means they've put in a good deal of work for it. For the agency itself though, $399 and you're set.

 

[Verandah Man]

The latest I heard on this evening's news is that most of the family members are now in Florida thanks to the help of Delta Airlines (discounted airline tickets) and Disney. DCL has put the family up in hotels and has given the family members passes to the parks, and had has given the family discounted vouchers for a future cruise.

The 76 year old travel agent could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

 

[mostyn17]

That sounds like Disney!! That will truly be a magical vacation!

That lady needs the 5 years in jail with a mate named bubba!! That will strighten her out!! hahahaha

Travis

 

[Amberle3]

Well thank goodness. Every time I see something like this I feel the urge to try and jump in to do something. Same with the poor woman on the Canadian board who was stuck at the Sanford airport for more than 14 hours - I so desperately wanted to call the airline and try and get them to do something!

I'm very very glad that this family is being looked after. It sounds like aside from the park passes they're still having to pay for everything again, just at deeply discounted prices. Hopefully they'll get their money back from that shameful TA now.

Really, 76 and pulling that kind of stunt. Outrageous.

(Not that it wouldn't be shameful if she were 56, or 46, or 36. One just expects a person of that age to act with some sense of honour and decency).

 

[gamom]

Booking a cruise vacation requires alot of coordinating and planning; flights, hotels, etc. I used a very reputable travel agent, and I still called Disney myself to make sure they had booked my reservation correctly. Sure enough, they had my husband listed as a U.S. citizen. He is not, and I know I spoke to the travel agent about this because he gave me the phone number of Bahamas Immigration so that I could check which documents were required for my husband. I then had the travel agent call Disney and have them change the ship's manifest to reflect the correct information. (Disney would not allow me to do this)
BTW, I never could get through on that Immigration phone number. I ended up doing the research on the internet myself!
My case was an innocent mistake by a good TA, but there are people out there who don't lose any sleep at night after they steal your money and your dream! Beware!

 

[rae519]

gamom - I'm in your category - I make sure that I check and double check everything. If it's not in my hands, then I wouldn't trust even my own.....

Rae