Making your own air reservations

We have made many cruises but have always gone through the cruiseline for air reservations. Heading to Europe with a party of 10 and Carnival does not seem interested in the "air portion" of the reservation. Can anyone give us some input in their experiences of making their own air plans. Also what is the best way to make reservations if you have a stop over such as Amsterdam and want to spend the night and go on to Barcelona the next day. Any help would be wonderful

First off, if you have a group of 10 you may very well do best by going to the group sales department of an airline.

As for the "stopover". Be very careful with your use of language. A "stopover" on an international trip is when you flight connection is more than 24 hours. On an international trip, you can have a normal "connection" up to that amount.

So, let's say you arrive in AMS at 10am. As long as you depart before that time the next day, you have not incurred a "stopover". In general, having a stopover may incur an increase in the price of your ticket. Sometimes the published fare rules allows for a stopover, sometimes not. Only by checking the individual fare rules can you determine if adding one ups your pricing.

Unfortunately, a bit busy today, so can't do a lot of research or more detail.

I would certainly call up the airline and ask about a group rate. And in that context (booking over the phone), it's much easier to ask about a long connection where you will have some time on your layover to get in to the city.

Group rates have some advantages, but almost always, price is not one of them, especially on international itineraries!

Book my own travel all the time. Worst experience was when I did it with an on-line agency and not through an airline. There is often a box to click if you are booking for a group. Try some dummy searches with different airlines on your route. What route are you looking at?

Thanks to everyone - really good advice and we so appreciate it.