ali38,
While I love Carnival when I am on ship and during the entire experience, I can honestly say I've never booked directly with them. I usually spend a couple months researching online different TAs and fares and consistently find MUCH (like a couple hundred dollars if not a lil more) cheaper prices through TAs. One thing I do though, when researching TAs is make sure they are in good standing with the BBB. If they so much have one blemish on their record that I can read, I find a new TA. One reason.. the TAs I find are out of state for me
I founf a very good TA in Florida, their website is
www.bestpricecruises.com and they have treated my wife and I and the other couple that are going with with nothing but respect and a great deal!
I guess my suggestion boils down to this. If you are considering a cruise, through whatever line, research and compare online fares and TAs to the lines themselves. I doubt you'll ever consider booking through the line again.
Rembrant