Planning a cruise is such an exciting experience. But with so many options available - from cruise lines and ships to destinations and itineraries - it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. That’s where travel agents come in.
As travel specialists, we know how valuable it is to have someone guide you through the process. Booking with a travel agent, such as the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist, ROL Cruise, offers reassurance, expertise and personal support from the moment you start planning to the moment you return home. Here are just a few of the reasons our customers choose to book their cruises with us time and time again.
7 reasons to book with a travel agent
You receive expert knowledge and guidance
One of the greatest advantages of booking through a travel agent is the expertise that comes with it. As cruise specialists, we dedicate our time to learning about destinations, cruise lines and ships so we can help match travellers with experiences that truly suit them.
At ROL Cruise, that expertise comes from decades of experience. Our team collectively brings over 1,000 years of cruise knowledge, built through first-hand travel, ongoing training and close relationships with our cruise line partners. Many of our colleagues regularly visit ships and attend specialist training sessions, allowing us to share genuine insights with our customers rather than relying solely on brochures or online descriptions.
Those long-standing relationships also mean we’re proud to be recognised as a leading partner for many of our cruise line partners, something that reflects both the trust they place in us and the strong connections we’ve built over the years.
Whether you’re choosing between two itineraries, comparing cruise lines or trying to decide which ship might suit you best, having knowledgeable guidance can make the process far easier - and often far more enjoyable too.
We offer you personal recommendations
Every traveller is different, and we believe holidays should reflect that. When you speak to a travel agent, you’re not simply making a booking - you’re having a conversation about what you want from your time away.
At ROL Cruise, we take the time to get to know our customers properly. We listen carefully to your preferences, learn about your past travel experiences and understand what you’re hoping to get out of your next cruise. Over time, many of our customers build a genuine rapport with our team - it becomes far more than just a quick call to make a booking.
Some guests look for smaller ships and relaxed itineraries, while others prefer vibrant cities, cultural experiences or scenic cruising. By taking the time to understand what matters most to you, we can recommend holidays that feel truly personal.
Ultimately, we look after your holiday as if it were our own, making sure every detail feels right from the very beginning.
We support you at every stage of your journey
One of the things we value most about being a travel agent is the opportunity to support our customers throughout their journey. From the moment you begin planning your cruise, we’re here to help with questions, provide advice and assist with all the finer details that make a holiday run smoothly.
That might mean helping you choose the right itinerary, ensuring you understand what’s included in your fare, or guiding you through pre-travel arrangements such as excursions, travel documentation or transfers. It’s often the small details that make the biggest difference, and we’re always happy to help ensure everything feels clear and organised before you set sail.
Just as importantly, our support doesn’t stop once your holiday begins. Many travellers find comfort in knowing there’s always someone they can speak to if they need guidance before or during their trip. While we all hope holidays unfold exactly as planned, sometimes unexpected situations arise - and that’s when having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
We’re incredibly proud of the care our team shows in these moments. Mrs Cash shared her recent experience:
“When you book ROL you can rest assured that every possibility has been covered. Connections are just seamless, delivered by cheerful, knowledgeable and committed agents. Wherever you may go in the world, whatever country you visit you can be assured of trouble free journey. This company is one of the best!”
Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. Being able to step in, offer reassurance and help our customers find solutions when plans change is an important part of the service we provide - and something we take great pride in.
We help you navigate the details
Planning a cruise holiday involves several moving parts - from choosing the right itinerary and ship to arranging flights, transfers, pre-cruise hotels and shore excursions. With so many elements to consider, having someone bring everything together can make the whole process feel far more straightforward and manageable.
At ROL Cruise, we’re here to support you from the very beginning of your journey right through to embarkation day and beyond. Our knowledgeable Sales Consultants are often the first people you’ll speak to. They can help answer your questions, guide you through cruise line options, explain the finer details of itineraries and help you find the sailing that best suits you.
Once your booking is confirmed, our Administration Team takes care of the important documentation. They ensure confirmations are sent promptly, details are accurate, and everything you need ahead of your cruise is clearly communicated.
And if you have further questions along the way, our Customer Services Team is always on hand to help. Whether you’re enquiring about travel arrangements, updating booking details or simply looking for reassurance before you travel, there’s always someone available to assist.
By bringing together expert advice, careful administration and ongoing customer support, we aim to make the entire journey - from planning your cruise to stepping onboard - feel smooth, organised and enjoyable.
You receive additional benefits
Another benefit of booking through a travel agent is the added value that often comes with it. Thanks to long-standing relationships with cruise line partners, travel agents are often able to secure additional benefits that make your holiday even more rewarding.
At ROL Cruise, we work hard to ensure our customers enjoy that extra value wherever possible. Depending on the sailing, this could include complimentary car parking at the port, drinks packages, gratuities or other exclusive extras that enhance your cruise experience and help make your holiday feel even more special.
Our customers can also benefit from Cruise Miles, our loyalty reward programme that allows guests to earn savings on future holidays. Over the years, Cruise Miles have become incredibly popular with our customers - and collectively they have saved more than £15 million on their holidays. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to book with us and helping our guests continue to explore the world by sea.
You’ll remain confident throughout
Booking through a travel agent also brings an extra layer of reassurance. Your holiday is handled by experienced professionals who work closely with trusted cruise line partners, ensuring everything is arranged with care and attention.
At ROL Cruise, we’re proud to offer that peace of mind. We are ABTA and ATOL protected, which means your holiday is financially safeguarded and arranged in line with industry standards designed to protect travellers.
We also believe that the experiences of our customers speak volumes. We’re proud to hold a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.9 rating on Feefo, reflecting the service and support our team provides every day. Most recently, we were honoured to receive the Feefo Platinum Award, recognising our continued commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
For many travellers, knowing their holiday is in safe hands - with trusted protection and a team that genuinely cares - is an important part of the booking process.
You’ll speak to real people
Perhaps the most important reason travellers continue to book through travel agents is something simple: the human touch.
We’re proud to be a dedicated call centre of cruise specialists, where every customer has the opportunity to speak directly with someone who understands cruising inside and out. Sometimes it’s simply easier to talk things through with a real person - whether you’re deciding between two itineraries, asking a quick question, or just looking for reassurance before you book.
Our team brings together over 1,000 years of combined cruise experience, meaning there is always someone on hand who can offer guidance, share insight or help you feel confident in your plans.
