How to find a TA that knows river cruises - and not just in Europe?

We are considering our first river cruise. We have cruised on mass market lines many times, and I do all the research, then go to one of the super big online TA's and book an inside guarantee. Each and every time, we've been happy with that arrangement, and have never found a better price. I do my own hotels pre and post cruise and airfare, when necessary.

But this river cruise thing is different. For example, I don't think they discount, do they? And I don't think there's anything like an inside guarantee, so we're going to have to pay more for a fancier cabin than we really want, correct? And if that's what it takes, we're okay with that, but I think I'd like some help sorting through all of this.

So - how do I find a knowledgeable, honest agent to help?

We too use one of the big internet companies and I know that they have TAs that specialize in river cruises. (we use a specialist)

Ask for one when you communicate with your travel company or go online to that company and request a quote for a river cruise and notice the name of the person who responds, then communicate back and forth with that person.

We cannot recommend agents.

Try asking people you know who have done river cruises if they have someone they would recommend.

Keith

Try searching local travel agencies and see who specializes in river cruises. We have several travel agencies that specialize in cruises, be they river or ocean. I always ask friends who they use for a TA and as a result have found one that is very good and have been dealing with her now for several years.

Our TA also credits any discounts upfront. As far as cabin choice, since the river ships are smaller, there is a much smaller range of categories of cabins. "Aquarium class", is the least expensive, which are the cabins on the lowest deck, but which still have a (small) window. Also, because of the size of the ships, they fill up quickly, so if you have your heart/mind set on a particular sailing, you will want to be looking at 2014 or later.