As very experienced travelers, I tend to always look for the best value and usually book directly with airlines, hotels, etc. I found that the price of the cruise we booked was no cheaper booking online vs using a travel agent so we found an excellent local TA who had personally been to all of the ports we went to and had been on many cruises as well. We felt if you can get that level of expertise without additional expense it was the best way to go.
Positives-
The overall cruise lived up to our expectations and far exceeded them in some numerous areas.
We were in cabin #9017 and picked it because the first 5-6 cabins on decks 8-10 (both port side & starboard) have larger balconies(40% larger)at no increase in price. You are farther away from most of the public areas but the forward elevators seemed to be the least busy which allows fast access to the deck you want to get to. It also seemed like the shipped docked with the port side facing land so that side gives you a better view from your cabin.