Yes, but you can do both. Book direct then transfer to your TA. Final booking through a TA will always be your lowest total cost. They share their commission up to a set % of the cruise fare. If not find another TA who will.
No, we get offers after using a TA. But not everyone is invited every cruise. During a B3B in January we were only offered to bid on one week. Friends had 2 out of 3.
Wow, thank you. I always thought most activities resumed after peeps started returning to ship. But, as I said earlier, we spend the days reading on deck and enjoying the quiet time. I will be sure to do more wandering to check things out on our next cruises.
I did not realize you were saying that's what you would do. I thought you were saying the OP should. When the ship is empty walking on deck is easy. So no need to go into terminal.
We have not left the ship on port days since before covid. After 50 cruises we have seen all the ports. B3B in January... look over the side. Take a pix, but find a shady spot on deck and read. Restaurants are open. Bars are open. What more do you need?