When you surf over to a cruise win or cruise giveaways agency's Web site, or call up their 800 number, you may be dealing with one of the top cruise-only wholesalers in the country, a local franchisee of a large full-service travel business, or a very reputable cruise professional at a small traveling agency. Or, it may be a novice running off of his or her kitchen table.

So, how can you expose the difference and find a good, reputable travel agent or agency -- and steer clear of a bad booking experience?

Unfortunately, agents tell us that the traveling enterprise is not well-regulated, and just about any person can just print up corporation cards, hang out a shingle and start retailing travel. The bulk of states do not require any form of registration, certification, licensing or purchaser protection measures for travel agencies, although this is beginning to change. Bottom line: It is most important to know who you are doing business with.

Your best bet is to converse to associates, co-workers, family members and associates and ask them if they are aware of of a good, reputable, local agent who concentrates in cruise sweepstakes. But here are a some more tips for avoiding cruise travel scams -- and spotting a less-than-worthy agency and conserving your expense before it's too late.

Paid with a credit card. For your finest protection against either a deceitful seller of travel or possible supplier bankruptcy, always pay out for your cruise fare -- both the first deposit and the final payment -- with a primary credit card such as Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to security (via a chargeback of disputed fees to your account) if a distributor fails.

Very important note: This protection may not come into play to those using debit or check cards; it's important to ensure guidelines with your issuing bank just before you charge.

Be sure your money is in the proper hands. After you've made a payment, examine your credit card or bank statement and make sure that any applicable charges establish directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency. That way, you'll be aware of that the cruise line has absolutely obtained your money. If you need to make payment by check or money order, it should be made out payable to the cruise line -- not to the agency or to a particular person.

Get correct confirmation of your reservation. Request on getting the real cruise company approval numbers, not just a confirmation number from your corporation. Not only will you then know that your information and money is in the proper hands, but you'll also be able to preserver shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line's Web site.

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