We booked a March Icon cruise last August. The group rate was 3500, buying through RCCL was 11,000+. Now that we're past final payment... I just checked on RCCL and it's 'down' to 4500. A lot of the extras such as DBP, Hideaway Beach, etc. have been trending down as well.. I guess it's worth a shot to see who pays the outrageous rates and then play the numbers and profit game after final
The way to go is to try to find a travel agency that buys blocks of rooms to get a good price..and of course to remain vigilant and cancel, rebook, reprice as needed... I hate the game, but that's where we are