Can I call around cruise companies to get prices or should I call only if I am sure?

All the cruise companies have websites. Just check their prices on the web. Stay away from thrid party travel agents. Just check prices and book direct with the cruise line.

Why not go to a site like Travelocity or Expedia, and look there? The initially quoted prices are not-quite-final; taxes and fees are still added on. But it would give you the base prices (and if you follow your choice through to right before pushing the "Book It" button, you'll see what the taxes and fees are). You're not going to get a better price from the cruise line itself by calling them. The people who work at the cruise lines work on commission; if you're just calling for a quote, you're taking time that could have been spent on a caller who was really booking.

I was surprised to discover that you don't always get the best prices when you purchase directly from the cruise lines. I know it doesn't make sense, but that has been my experience. I would look at some of the websites that specialize in cruises where you can compare all of the different cruise lines and ships and prices for the cruises in one place. Then you can always check to see if you can get a better price by looking at the cruise line's website or call them on the phone. Here is a link to my favorite websites that I use to get info and compare all of the cruises: http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3894293-9950288 They give a lowest price guarantee so I usually find their prices to be the lowest when I go to book, too.

I disagree with T.J. in stating to stay away from 3rd parties if he is referring to a competent travel agent. A good travel agent could take your information and come up with several options for you. The price they charge is the same as the cruise lines website. If, however, you enjoy surfing the web you can easily go to each major cruise lines website and look at the various costs for cruises. You can compare dates, cabin location and type, and other features without having to commit to a cruise. You can call them however the price they will quote over the phone will be the same as the price indicated on their website.

Yes, you can it is the most fun of cruising, the preparation. You can choose the boat that you like, and choose the better routes. It's great.

I was able to research US cruise options at www.ShipOuts.com. I could see final prices, pictures, reviews, itineraries, etc before committing to anything and I was even able to get a free excursion :) Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Whos calls these days? You can check rates by going to their websites. The best website I've found is www.cheaptickets.com to search all cruise line prices at one time.