Some sites advertise prices “discounted by 80%.” That number is measured against an inflated brochure rate nobody actually pays.
Base fares on most big travel sites (Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline) are essentially the same as the cruise line’s own published rate; they compete on perks, not price. When another site shows a much lower number, it’s usually a different product: a restricted fare with a non-refundable deposit or no promotions, a guarantee cabin, a residency-restricted rate, or a closed-group rate.
What we do is simple: we start with the cruise line’s lowest available rate and take a discount off it that comes out of our own commission. Ask any agency whether their price is a specific cabin, what promotion is attached, and whether the deposit is refundable, then call us at 866-964-5482 and we’ll compare like for like.