Question from somebody who has never cruised.

I've got a wedding cruise in March where everybody calls in to join into the group booking. The cheapest rate for the interior stateroom is $336 (per person, double occupancy) on the main level, which includes a $25 onboard credit but not taxes, fees, or tips. I put down a refundable deposit.

I look online at Orbitz or Kayak, and I see the same cruise, interior stateroom for $199 (per person double occupancy), no taxes,fees, or onboard credit.

Is there something I'm missing in terms of the difference in prices or amenities? How do group bookings on cruises work? Is it likely to go up if I wait?(Orbitz says the price is good until 2 days from now) Is the main level exclusive and more expensive? Would they give Orbitz the worst rooms or something? Whenever I check wedding hotels against the same prices on the same dates, the group rates are nearly always better in my experience.

I was just really surprised at the difference in prices for the same cruise, and I'm wondering if I'm missing something. Or do the cruise lines charge people more who don't shop around, even for group bookings? I'm a very experienced traveler, but never took a cruise before.

You need to make sure it's an apples to apples comparison. Group bookings often include a cocktail party or a special dinner or something, and you need to make sure you are comparing the same category of cabin.

If the category of cabin is different, it's possible you can contact whoever is handling the group booking and see if they can extend the discount to you on the other category of cabin.

You should also speak to whoever is organizing it, they may have guaranteed them a certain number of cabins and if you book through another channel it may not count.

Good point on the number of guaranteed rooms, but I'm almost certain that's not an issue, as all the "wedding rooms" were booked, but they put us in a cabin nearby.

Looked up all the details and it mentions that the group booking allows 60 days to get a full refund (though that's still 4 months before the cruise), and it will allow the group to sit together during dinner -- but they also told everybody to request the 6:30 dinner slot separately. I assumed you sit where you want, space available, as long as you're at the proper dinner time. Is that correct? (Cruise newbie, just not familiar). Although I believe the happy couple are also new to cruising and may just not know all the details/restrictions, if any. That's really why I'm asking here first.

Would asking a travel agent help? Or would they tell me it depends on the group booking? I went through several of the websites recommended here, including cruisecompete, but they were anywhere from the same price to $60 higher than Orbitz/Kayak.

It's a Carnival Cruise with 8 decks or so, big ship.

Just a biased opionion , but I'd call Amy at Vacations To Go and ask her what they can do on the cruise. She's been amazing with the bookings I've done through her. Her contact infor is 800-338-4962 ext. 7836, [email protected]. PM me if you go through her, as I'd like to let her know I referred you. She really has been great fo the 5 cruises I've booked through her.

Groups USUALLY (depends on cruiseline) of a minimum of 16 passengers in 8 cabins. The group will get a free bed/berth (of most category booked), amenities (depends on ship, sailing, desperation of cruiseline, etc.) of onboard credit and/or cocktail party, photos, etc. You can form your own (usually best through a travel agent (no charge to you) or buy into an existing group (in which case you have no control over amenities). Absent the value of the goodies, there is no benefit to forming a small group over booking a cabin(s) on sale.

forgot . . . each cabin in the group will have to put down a deposit. Line up passengers and deposits first (EVERYONE wants to go, NOT everyone will shell out), then pick a cruise. Your group will drop out if your people do not pay within a certain time period.

The way I understand the group concept is that there will be a "free cabin" given to the organizer of the cruise. There may also be special activities that only the group can partake in, and maybe special perks. Many times these prices are cancellable within a certain timeframe.

The prices you are getting from Orbits is usually for the lowest level room with the most restructive fare with no refunds if cancelled.

OK. I'll bite. Can you give some examples of your agent's amazing greatness?