I booked directly with Carnival about 45 days ahead. The booking agent was great and we got an excellent discount for veterans, had to fax my DD Form 214 to verify.
This was my 6th cruise (Carnival Jubilee in 1986, 2 Big Red Boat cruises in 1995 and 1997, Disney Magic and Norwegian Majesty).
Overall the worst cruise I have taken and will never cruise with them again.