The only two cruises we have been on were both HAL full ship charters so we had to book with the group chartering the ship so that was a "done" deal.
Now, I would like another HAL cruise for next Thanksgiving for our 25th back to the Mexican town where we married.
I know the ship, stateroom (or close to it), sailing date so don't need help there.
However, like most of us, I am interested in the lowest cost. Also, I would need a guaranty of the stateroom that I want.
I have looked at many, many unline offers, but none seem to offer the "group" of staterooms I want and it is SOOOO time-consuming but Thanksgiving cruises are in demand.
Although I do most purchases unline, somehow I think maybe ??? I should deal with a TA or even HAL directly. Don't need plane tickets because we live in departure port.
Could someone point me to a starting point----keeping in mind the cost and guaranteed stateroom number. We are not travelers, but this is an IMPORTANT trip.
Also, can you give me an idea of what percentage MORE it would be if I did not use an online discounter?

Thanks

Are you going this year or 2010? Thanksgiving is not in as great demand as Christmas. Our online agents are beating our local travel agent's prices now. The cruise line price is no doubt higher also because the bigger online agents deal in bulk sales, so they get incentive discounts such as onboard credit and champagne in your stateroom. At vacationstogo.com. you'll find in the left column a list of special groups they offer discounts for. The site will guide you to pick the cruise you want. Other good prices can be had at crucon.com and cruisecritic.com. Then you can compare prices at cruisecomplete.com. You can even make a bid. Good luck!

I would second the vote for http://www.cruisecompete.com. You'll get a better rate than if you went directly to the cruise line.

You can drive yourself batty shopping for the lowest price...go to a well known on line company...and just DO IT!!! We have booked the exact cabin we want for a cruise next October.. Now you have to see if that cabin you want is still available.

I work with a great travel agent. She is an independent agent, working from home. She always gives me a discount and/or a shipboard credit (pays tips, drinks, etc) that ends up being better than I can get from the online agencies. At least, 95 % of the time she saves me money. I suggest you look around for a good independent agent who can work with you. Sue

You might first do what sueswny says, then check the cost with cruisecomplete.com. We've done this in the past, but then last spring we felt sure we had the best price available with our independent agent. He couldn't come close to crucon.com's $795 ea., port charges included, and $350.00 onboard credit per stateroom for a 14 day transatlantic cruise out of Miami next spring. Any add ons that come about after we booked will be passed on to us. That could mean free shuttles to and from the ship to the airport. That's what happened last spring. Granted, the repositioning cruises might be a different story. Crucon.com had over 500 passengers on that transatlantic last spring.