How do you book your cruise usually?

We usually determine the voyage by #1 itinerary, #2 line and ship, #3 price. We generally have a ballpark idea where we want to go, so we sort out itinerary's that are similar and ones we like by using the websites of cruise lines, pertinent brochures and their special offerings. If we find a number of itineraries, with lines and on ships we like, that are comparable then we start looking at the price. I do that by referring to respective literature and talking to the cruise line agents. If the prices are close then we go back at decide which line and ship we go with. If the prices aren't close, we go with the best offer. Sometimes I put a little heat on to get a better deal.

We always book directly through the cruise line. We use an insurance broker for trip insurance, not the lines. Years ago you had no choice but to use an agent. Nothing against TAs, used to be in that game myself, however we had some not so good experiences that were the direct result of our agent's screw up. When they opened things up so we could book directly it was like a breath of fresh air. Since then, no middleman equates to no grief and stress particularly when we are on the other side of the globe and can't get in touch with the agency.

I have booked through Cosco several years ago and everything went well.

I will check with the Cruise line and a couple of on line web sites. I have used Vacations to go so often I have a cruise counselor there that I work with. I also have assigned agents with Celebrity and Carnival that I have worked with.

I still find it surprising that I can get a better deal with a web site then I can directly with the cruise line.

I usually book through the lines' webpage.

I did go through an agent on my last cruise -- he treated me well and provided some on-board benefits, however I felt (not justifiably so, though) that I had no control.

For now, I will continue booking directly with the lines.

I shop around between the actual Cruise line (NCL for us), and various cruise travel agents. Take the base price of NCL and then contact the agents asking what their best price can be. Usually manage to take up to £100 off the base price and then we have the security of letting the agent deal with any potential issues

I booked through a few websites, the cruise lines. Lately,we have been using Costco.

I'm lucky if I even get off the ship before my next one is booked. But I do it through the line when I do book from home.