Travel Agents for Liveaboards

[Cavein]

Hi, all:

My wife & I are looking to do the fly/dive trip on Mike Ball's Spoil Sport next May. In reading the board, I've heard good things about Diversion Oz, a dive-specialist travel agent in Cairns.

Is there any benefit to going through a broker/agent vs. going direct to the operator?

Kevin

 

[silent running]

Hi, all:

My wife & I are looking to do the fly/dive trip on Mike Ball's Spoil Sport next May. In reading the board, I've heard good things about Diversion Oz, a dive-specialist travel agent in Cairns.

Is there any benefit to going through a broker/agent vs. going direct to the operator?

Kevin

Hello Kevin, if you are dealing with one of the bigger liveaboard operators like Ball, it probabaly doessn't make a difference. With an owner-operated boat, there probably will be a benefit to the boat operator in that they would not have to pay a commision to the travel agent if you deal direct with them. I have had good experiences dealing directly with owner operators in PNG and Indonesia and gotten better day rates this way. Most boat owners are easily reachable by email and may even have a small office of their own, so it's not such a big deal to set things up. I give them a deposit, and pay the rest when I get there-Andy

 

[dolphin adventures]

Hi Kevin:

I own a South Pacific wholesale travel company who specializes in liveaboards. Since we have such a high volume we get a really good discount. I would love to give you a quote on this trip.....I can also give you information and suggestions. If you are interested in pricing just send me an email;
dolphinadventures2004@yahoo.com

Mary Jane