We have used Costco multiple times and been really happy. Great customer service. I’ve had bad experiences with Expedia etc in the past and now only book direct or through Costco. Not sure how it works with 3 kids, though.

The cost of the travel agent is hidden in the packages they offer you.

With these broad parameters, hiring a travel agent may be useful. It's free anyway

Anonymous wrote:We want a vacation: cruise or resort is fine but would prefer the cheapest option, but also the nicest.

How to book cheaply? Costco? Travel agent?

To where? Why are you being so obtuse if you want actual help. Book your own trip to somewhere in the world on a nonspecific cheap budget.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The cheapest option is very rarely the nicest.

Ok, so within the nicest one, the most affordable one.

I realize I’m on DCUM but I’m a normal person. Royal Caribbean might be the best for us, not Beaches Turks and Caicos.

We cruise with Royal Caribbean frequently, OP, Loyal to Royal, as they say. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

It looks too costly now to cruise as a family of 5.

Are your kids old enough for a room of their own? Two rooms are often cheaper than one larger room.

You usually have to book it with 1 adult and 1 child in one room, and then 1 adult and 2 children in the other room.
Now at night, no one is checking, so the 2 adults take 1 room and the 3 kids share the other room.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The cheapest option is very rarely the nicest.

Ok, so within the nicest one, the most affordable one.

I realize I’m on DCUM but I’m a normal person. Royal Caribbean might be the best for us, not Beaches Turks and Caicos.

We cruise with Royal Caribbean frequently, OP, Loyal to Royal, as they say. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

It looks too costly now to cruise as a family of 5.

Are your kids old enough for a room of their own? Two rooms are often cheaper than one larger room.

I haven't had luck using Costco for our family of 5 in one room or suite. Booking two rooms is fine but you're never guaranteed that the rooms will be near each other, which is a bummer.