Subject: {FIRSTNAME}, here's A Word About Travel Agents ...

Hello {FIRSTNAME},

Thank you for subscribing to my Vacation Cruising ecourse! In this ecourse you'll learn all about:

1. Part 1 - A Word About Travel Agents. 
2. Part 2 - Doing It On Your Own.
3. Part 3 - A Simple Plan.
4. Part 4 - To Insure Proper Service.
5. Part 5 - Getting Your Drink On!

Let's go ahead & get started today with "Part 1 - A Word About Travel Agents".

Part 1 - A Word About Travel Agents
============================
If you decide to use a travel agent, know whom you are dealing with! Some cruise agents are very competent; others may have been selling stereos or aluminum siding over the telephone six months ago. The problem is, for the most part, you will have no real way of discerning which is which. 

Local travel agents or otherwise self-appointed cruise experts frequently read the cruise ship line PR veneer right out of the catalog. Often this turns out to be nothing more than selling you the standard discount for booking that is available to virtually anyone off the so-called brochure rate.

The result is that you think you're getting one of Kathie Lee's fantasy cruises.  What you find yourself on is a garish neon nightmare of a ship filled with people whose idea of a good time is drinking, partying, and then waking you up at 3AM as they boisterously announce their arrival back to their room--all right outside of your cabin. 

For sure, this is the idea of a roaring good time for some--but the point is KNOW WHAT YOU ARE REALLY BUYING! There are many significant points and nuances that can differentiate between an OK trip, and one that falls short for the money you spend. 

Many travel or cruise agencies often offer "special discounts". This is a common travel agency ploy to offer promotional deals that frequently focus on a special "cruise night." You may get a mailing or perhaps there is an ad in the local newspaper.  You go in, are met and greeted, enjoy punch and free cookies, and view a dreamy cruise video. 

Keep in mind that this is intended to appeal to a strong emotional purchase decision. Experts about the Psychology of selling relate this experience to what any top car salesperson knows.  In the dealer's showroom, if you can get the potential customer behind the wheel to experience the "smell of the new car" and the fantasy of pulling it into the driveway--you've likely already made a sale!  

Next time we'll be discussing alittle about "Doing It On Your Own".

For more information about this part of A Word About Travel Agents, please refer to my definitive guide to Vacation Cruising at <YOUR WEBSITE URL>

Take Care,
<YOUR NAME>
<WEBSITE>