How to get the best rate on a cruise?

[CRUISELOVER94]

Do I use AAA, cruiseinc.com or another site or travel agent?

[f-mattox]

I have had good luck with AAA on several occasions; their prices are good when they have a special sale. But to get the best price you really have to shop around. If you haven't cruised a great deal, my advice would be to get with a good travel agent the specializes in cruises; don't worry so much about price right now--get someone that guide you through the selection process.

[SD Cruiser]

In another area of this site, or another site (cannot remember which) someone who had booked with them several times mentioned low prices and free insurance at SmartCruiser.com. I checked them out on several cruises I am considering, and they are lower and offer free insurance as well to members (free membership). It is probably worth your while to check them out.

A question for f-mattox: Do you have any experience with them?

[f-mattox]

Hello SD Cruiser;
no, I have no experience with SmartCruiser.com but I will surely check them out.
I've used three sources: AAA (good when they have special sales); a brick and mortar agency in La Habra that specializes in cruises when I need international flights and hotels; and mostly, Princess.com.