Beware of the agency affiliated with AARP. Each time you speak with them, you will receive a different response. You can do just as well , if not better, on pricing and/or benefits, perks, etc. with other agencies. AARP membership does not provide any additional discount or benefit that you don't get with other agencies, or directly with the cruise line, and , in some cases, you are actually receiving less than if you work with someone else.  Do not lock yourself in months ahead with the promise you are receiving the best "value". In our case we would have done much better, had we waited and booked through someone else. The cruise costs themselves are pretty standard across the board, but additional benefits and perks are much better elsewhere. Be sure to take the most detailed of notes (date, agents name, extension, notes about conversation), etc), however; in our case the notes, with promises of resolution and correction were not honored. The customer service is very poor quality. They could care less about any inconvenience caused to you due to errors or misrepresentation of information provided to  you by their agents. They will not honor what an agent has told you.  Trying to speak to the original or subsequent agents again is vitually impossible, and they do not return calls when you leave them voice messages.. You then have to go through the exact scenario once again with another agent, they will review notes, concur with you, provide you with different information, and promise to call back, or assure you that they, or a supervisor will get back to you no later than the next day. Never Happens! We spoke with 3 supervisors, who were rude and nastier than the customer service representatives, and basically told us - Their answers are basically  - Too Bad - You were told wrong - End of Story! The whole experience has left  a bitter taste with us, and we (and other's in our group) will never work with them or their affiliates (which you would recognize marketed under different names). Once you work with a travel agency, at least this cruise line, will not work with you, and will respond back that because you worked with a travel agent, you need to resolve any problems with them. In return, the travel agency tells you their hands are tied, and you must speak with the cruise line's guest relations.
Posted by csk56