Ann,
I was thinking, about your current situation and wanted to present to you an alternative to hiring a TA.
Depending on cruise line I normally buy directly from the home office. I just prefer dealing with the people that are providing the services and guarantees.
I use Orbitz Travelocity etc. to do power searches so I can see what ships will be where, at what time, and at what ball park price.
With that information I choose and deal directly with the brands own TA.
I get everything we discuss sent to me in an email with in 2 days of my initial deposit. Thus the paper trail, documentation.
And as Judge (fill in the TV blank) would say “did you get it in writingâ€Â.
I just like to do more hands on than most tweaking and refining up to the date of departure.
Is this an option for you in the future?
Here’s to a surprise Holiday!!
Hugs