A report posted on NYTimes.com, from the newspaper's Cruise Issue, is headlined "How to find cruise line deals." The first recommendation?

Use a travel agent.

The report goes on to say:

"Unlike the airlines, which have been severing ties with travel agents and online agencies in recent years, cruise lines still rely on outside travel sellers. In some cases they offer special promotions through agencies. In others, the agencies buy up blocks of rooms in advance to secure the best rates for their clients."

Another suggestion is for would-be travelers to consider "an older ship." Our first thought was that the writer would recommend something akin to the Song of Norway, but it turns out an "older ship" is much newer than that: A 5-year-old Freedom-class ship, it is pointed out, is older than the Oasis of the Seas.

What do you think of the tips? Are there others you would add?