Screasy

We hope to try Tamarind, and were hoping to use our shipboard credit, but have learned that we must be onboard to use that. Are there usually reservations still available if we wait until after we board, or should we bite the bullet and pay? We depart January 14th on the Nieuw Statendam.

Question about reservations. We hope to try Tamarind, and were hoping to use shipboard credit, but have learned that we must be onboard to use that. Are there usually reservations still available if we wait? We depart January 14th on the Nieuw Statendam. Thanks!

I know TA recommendations are not allowed, and I am NOT asking for that. I would just like to understand what is meant by "Big Box" TA. I understand local or regional, but what are some examples of what you all are referring to as "Big Box" companies? I'm guessing it would be fine to refer to Carnival as a "Big Box" cruise line, so I am hoping someone can prove some examples for context.

Anyone?

OK, so I have been on one cruise which I booked myself a few years ago. Plain vanilla Carnival. It was good, but I am retired now and after boat-loads of research I am thinking of upgrading to more premium-type lines. (HAL, Oceania, Viking etc) I have contacted a recommended TA from a very popular Youtube channel, and have found the person to be very unresponsive. Although they are specifically recommended, I have corresponded with them on occasion for over two months, have never gotten a call (which they first recommended, and I later requested) and when I email them, it is always a few days or more before I am answered. It may be that they are busy, which is fine, but I am wanting to find a good TA. I am seeing a lot of jargon on here (big box TA etc) that is totally lost on me. How do I go about finding a "big box" company and know who is good, or if I even need a "big box person"? I am guessing the forum does not allow specific recommendations? If not, this is unfortunate. Where could I go to begin this process? Thanks in advance!