I received one of those click on links for an internet special that offered 7-day Carnival Sensation cruise from Tampa in November for "from $599." Carnival also sails from New Orleans (7 day cruise, virtually the same route as from Tampa) but the cheapest rate I've been able to find is about $1200! I can't understand the huge disparity in price of cruises. I've checked with local travel agents and Cruise Brothers on line. Anyone know of other links to try to get a better rate? <BR> <BR>I even tried Priceline -- but at the moment they don't do cruises. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Geo

Geo, <BR>There are so many cruises leaving from at least 4 different cities in Fl, I'm sure that's why they have the cheaper prices. There are very few out of New ORleans or Houston. Try calling Carnival direct, I just did that and got an Alaskan Cruise for $800. last minute. I leave tomorrow. The airfare was $649 so I'm using my miles and going a few days earlier and staying 1 day after, booked those days on my own as the cruise packages are alot more. Good Luck

<BR>Hi Geo, <BR>I am a travel agent and you are correct that the Sensation has the best prices this year (I just sailed her last week). Great ship, great everything. <BR>There is something wrong with your price for the Celebration out of New Orleans. Your travel agent is not offering you any discounts. Sounds like someone gave you the Destiny's price, and that would still be high. <BR> <BR>Contact a "real" travel agent. Too dangerous booking the internet. <BR> <BR>Paul

My husband and I just booked the same cruise departing Nov. 28,1999. We begged and begged the travel agent (at a cruise specialty store) for the cheaper price but she could not find one. Finally my husband went in and sat with her and they "found" the low price. It is out there keep looking and maybe I will see you on the cruise. The rep at Carnival had said that that is a slow time and hard to book so that is why it is so cheap. Let me know. <BR>We booked 4 people and my 18 month old son and it was just about 2400 not including air fare.

the opinions not to purchase travel products thru the internet expressed by some travel agents who visit this forum are unfounded and dare I say related to a genuine fear of any new technology or way of doing business. If you deal with a reputable company that uses state of the art security for their e-commerce, one should have no problems. Like it or not e-commerce is here to stay and will produce significant savings to the consumer.