When you search over to a cruise win or cruise giveaways agency's Web site, or dial up their 800 number, you may be speaking with one of the top cruise-only wholesalers in the nation, a local franchisee of a large full-service travel organization, or a very reputable cruise specialist at a small cruise agency. Or, it may be a novice working off of his or her kitchen table.

So, how can you tell the difference and find a decent, reputable travel agent or agency -- and keep away from a bad reservation experience?

Unluckily, agents tell us that the traveling enterprise is not well-regulated, and just about anyone can just print up small business cards, hang out a shingle and start marketing travel. The majority of states do not demand any kind of registration, certification, licensing or customer protection measures for travel businesses, although this is beginning to change. Bottom line: It is very important to know who you are doing business with.

Your best bet is to talk to close friends, co-workers, relatives and associates and ask them if they know of a good, trustworthy, local agent who focuses in cruise sweepstakes. But here are a couple of more tips for preventing cruise travel scams -- and spotting a less-than-legitimate agency and conserving your investment before it's too late.

Paid with a credit card. For your better protection against either a dishonest seller of travel or probable supplier bankruptcy, always payoff for your cruise fare -- both the upfront deposit and the end payment -- with a big credit card such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to security (via a chargeback of disputed fees to your account) if a retailer fails.

Important note: This security may not carry out to those who are debit or check cards; it's very important to check guidelines with your issuing bank before you charge.

Be certain your money is in the correct hands. After you've made a payment, review your credit card or bank records and make sure that any applicable charges come immediately with the cruise line, not with the traveling agency. That way, you'll find out that the cruise line has absolutely received your money. If you have to pay by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line -- not to the organization or to a person.

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

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