Originally Posted by Blue Skye

change fees no different than if you went through the cruiseline or travel agent. typical cancelation fee structure, etc.

for me, that $25 fee is worth earning UA miles for cruising. there is no other way to make cruising count aside from credit card spend, or cruise loyalty rewards in their program. some agencies do participate in frequent flyer programs, but i switched when mine longer did. fwiw, my current travel agent does participate with Amtrak rewards but those points aren't quite as valuable to me right now. YMMV