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bOB has given you very sensible answers worthy of your consideration.But allow me to add a comment or two. I would respectfully change the wording that travel agents are paid on the side by cruise lines. Travel agents are paid a commission by the cruise lines that do not add to the cost of your cruise. Oftentimes, a travel agent who does many bookings with a cruise line, or who has a group on your particular cruise, can obtain lower fares for a client than the client can obtain booking directly with the cruise line.
bOB has given you very sensible answers worthy of your consideration.
But allow me to add a comment or two. I would respectfully change the wording that travel agents are paid on the side by cruise lines. Travel agents are paid a commission by the cruise lines that do not add to the cost of your cruise. Oftentimes, a travel agent who does many bookings with a cruise line, or who has a group on your particular cruise, can obtain lower fares for a client than the client can obtain booking directly with the cruise line.