Normal
No, you just put down a deposit. When you get home, you notify your TA on the cruise that YOU want to sail on. You have to inform the cruise line(at least with Princess) to transfer over the booking number to your TA. Depending on the line will depend on the perks. For Princess the deposit was 100.00 and I was given ship board credit upon booking with my TA. I hope I didn't confuse you more.
