How do i need to book a cruise? Online or use a travel agent or other.?

Book straight through the cruise line.
www.carnival.com


Your invited to Join the best cruise group on yahoo..

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddict/

use the cruiseline directly they are very helpful with first time cruisers

I havenever booked a cruise, so i think it would be wise to learn as much as you can first Go to a travel agent and get all the info you can. Search on-line ttoo But I think you will find the travel agent can give you a lot of insider info you would otherwise miss. If you see wht looks like a good deal on-line, ask the travel agent abot that too

I have done about 20 cruises and my last 5 or 6 I have booked online. When I first started cruising I used an agent but that was back before all of the cruise lines put all of their information right on-line. Most cruise lines have their cruises for this year and next on line so you can shop way ahead of when you want to go. That is the best thing to do to get the best price.

If you are using the internet instead of an agent you should do some research by narrowing your choices to a couple itineraries, like Alaska, the Mediterranean, or the Caribbean. And if you select the Caribbean you need to decide whether you want to do Eastern, Western, or one of the Southern itineraries. Then you need to maybe compare prices on a couple cruise lines for basically the same itinerary so you can see if what is advertised as a deal is really a deal.

I have booked online several times and never had any problems. Everything you need is right on the web sites and if you have any questions about what to do or what you have booked, just call the customer service number on the web site. I have even canceled cruises that I have booked online and had no problem.

Even if you decide to use a travel agent (costs no more to use them) you should still do some on-line research.

A couple thing you need to decide before you start booking on-line is whether you want airfare included, you will be asked that. Then you need to decide whether you want airport transfers included (even if you book your own air you can have the cruise line pick you up at the airport and drop you back there. And finally, you need to decide whether you want travel insurance included. Many web sites will include travel protection automatically. You can decline it and take it out and get your own (I always get my own with Travelux). Sometimes I don't get any because I don't think I need it. But adding it can add a couple hundred or more per person to your costs. So watch that.

Tips for getting the best price:

- Book very early, 9 months or more early
- Look for discounts and specials on the cruise line web sites
- Be flexible with your cruise date; best price may be a week that you did not originally consider.

Use an online agent, they can get you better deals, on board credit, preferred dining times, and sometimes free gratuities--depending on the agency--and I'm not just saying that because i work for an online agency--

I've done it both ways and both were fine. The advantage of going through a travel agent is they may throw in a little something extra like $50 towards your final bill or some flowers or a bottle of champagne. Plus a travel could answer any questions you may have a little quicker then a cruise ship line.Ether way is just fine.

hello,
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http://travel-insurance-cheap.blogspot.com
http://cheaphotels-in-san-francisco.blogspot.com
http://disney-cruise-ship.blogspot.com
http://cruises-carribean.blogspot.com

I never book on-line, too impersonal for me

I book with Carnival using a Personal Vacation Planners and have just booked another too for Nov on the Legend

he is the best, he can compare different cruises (in Carnival) and help with sales and upgrades that are available even after we book. just call Carnival and see for your self there is not commitment to book right away and it dose help to have someone to answer all you questions who knows the facts

For your first cruise, I highly recommend a travel agent. A professional should suggest "the best match" to your interests. There are many cruise lines; they appeal to different "market " groups (i.e. do you want to be on a cruise with college kids on Spring Break when you're part of the religious right OR visa versa)? Do you wish to visit remote or metropolitan spots? You want to be treated like royalty or wish to partake in the sailing?
As I recall, you are a young lady, so express you would like to have the passenger list NOT be an AARP exclusive. Then again, you may not desire a significant number of small children among the guests. Make the travel agent earn their keep! Does NOT cost you extra & may save you $$$.