The travel agency you use makes a huge difference.

I've been using Interline Cruise Connections for years. [airlinecruise.com]. I have to laugh at one agency that brags about having "over 100 years experience" across their 15-person staff. Interline Cruise Connections has been doing Interline cruises for 20 years, under the same owner who has been everywhere you can think of.

Any time I have had a problem, they have taken care of it for me.