[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Avista

Bonny and Others, We have done about 5 cruises, so are not completely new, but do have some questions.
The first 4 cruises, we went through a travel agent. With the cruise we currently have booked, we went through Royal Caribbean's web site and bypassed the TA. Those you you who are very experienced cruisers--do you always use a TA or book your own cruises? What are pros and cons?

Second question is concerns insurance. First 4 cruises we purchased insurance. This last cruise is only a couple months away and so far have not purchased it. Our Medicare Medigap Insurance covers out of country illness, but that is all. Do you ever take a chance and cruise without cruise insurance, or do you always purchase it. If you purchase it, do you get it through your cruise line or some place else? Thanks.

A lot of times I book with the cruise line, then turn it over to my TA at AAA. Either way is good. Just make sure it's a TA you can contact at any time if there's a problem. There are some companies where you don't have your own TA. Always someone different when you call. Much better using someone you can talk to directly or book with the cruise line.
I don't always get insurance. If it's an expensive cruise, I always do. Definitely with my 12 nights on The Oasis, I got insurance. Also alot of people that are taking care of elderly parents, etc, might want to get insurance. Some times we get the cruise ins., sometimes we get it through AAA.