Most of this chatter about cruises (in general) could have (would have?) been totally avoided IF people would use a good travel agent that specializes in cruise business. People who work 8 hours a day and more at their own jobs or profession cannot simply go "online" and somehow think they can do better than a professional who spends their entire day keeping up on what is and what is not correct about the cruise business. This is where a lot of this confusion and problems come from. Research is good, but there will still be a lot you don't know. As a twenty year professional in the cruise travel business, I can say with certainty, those who think they are getting a "deal" by shopping online are not doing themselves any favors. Those are usually the ones who come home dissatisfied about their cabin location, didn't know about gratuities, shore tours, spa treatments, price of drinks on board, etc. Just get a good agent, stick with them if they are a good agent, and you'll be just fine. Don't nickle and dime them with "I can get it for less online". They put in the time to get to know you and your desires, likes and dislikes, and the website won't. Most do NOT charge a fee of any kind and will keep you informed better than a website. It's worth it.

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