Is it cheaper to cruise as a group?

I'm looking for ways to save to go on a cruise in 2016 with my family. My mom used to take a ton of cruises, and she used to book really far ahead with a bunch of friends, using a local travel agent (that she sold a house to like 20 years ago, so for all I know, the lady was giving her the best deals she could find as a business contact). She used to say that was the best way to go, but was that just a personal preference thing, or do groups really help with price? How big does a group have to be?

Should I be trying to find a travel agent, or is online better these days?

I have gone on a couple of cruises, but my last one was through Sixthman Entertainment, and the one before that was a business retreat kind of thing with my partner, so I really have no idea how to go about booking from scratch, I guess.

We're a military family, so I considered using the base travel office, but I have heard very mixed reviews in terms of cost efficiency. Plus, if we get a group together, it would most likely be friends who aren't military.

Welcome to cruise critic.

Groups can get a discount. I think that if you book 8 cabins (double occupancy), you get one person free. If spread over the group it is about a 6% discount.

You mentioned military, so lines offer military rates. Check to be sure they are really a discount.

Princess offers OBC to all active to honorably discharged military. Amount is based on length of cruise. 1 to 6 days = $50, 7 to 13 = $100, 14 or more = $250.

Groups can bring down the per person cost on transportation and private excursions as well.

If u are usaa member that's who I now book through. Their travel service was best price I found With costco travel close 2nd. U can call cruise line directly for groups. Good luck.. And thanks for ur service