Aussie: thank you for details.

Athlete: it was probably 3 years ago, maybe now they work differently? When I signed up with them and chose a cruise, different agencies e-mailed me, mostly from Florida.

Thank you all who replied, I've decided to make reservations on my own.

I know this is an old thread however after just having a client contact us tonight regarding Direct Cruise Lines free insurance I had to do some research on it. The free travel insurance they offer has very limited coverage. See the website for full details but it basically offers a 24 hour call center assistance and limited cancellation coverage that does not include any cancellation due to a pre existing condition. Of course they do offer an upgrade, for an additional cost. In summary the client that contacted us tonight had a much better deal with our agency. Best bet is to purchase the travel insurance with the coverage you want. Be sure to get the details on what is covered from your travel agent before you purchase.

As for working with a local agency verse a internet agency. There are many internet agencies such as ours that are local agencies offering online services. Do your homework when looking for a good agency to work with. Some things to consider is: Working with an agency that has the cruise line process all the billing and will send you a copy of the cruise lines invoice as confirmation. Consider agencies that do not charge any agency fees to make, change or cancel a reservation. Fees are okay if you need a lot of professional advice but if you know what you want then paying a agency fee may be an unnecessary expense. Many of our cruises come with onboard credits because of the relationship we have with our cruise partners. We don't have any plans to offer free travel insurance because we know the coverage will not offer the coverage clients truly deserve and need.

I use them exclusively for all cruises and I cruise 3 or 4 times a year. They offer free basic insurance and an on-board-credit that is determined by the amount of your reservation. Even if I book a future cruise they get attached to the reservation as the agent of record.

pokojay28, you have responded to a post that is almost 5 years old. I'm impressed that you could even find it.

Probably somebody before pokojay found it - there is a comment removed.

Sailing from Venice you will be near Dubrovnik, Croatia. This small city is limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to disembark so make sure your itinerary includes this jewel.

I did make the cruise I mentioned in the OP - from Venice to Greece. We really, really loved it. Didn't use a travel agent.