I'm hoping to take my first cruise in May/June of 2018...

[adSimba]

when when/how should I arrange this with a travel agent?

(also, probably the first Alaska trip, but I'd rather do Hawaii... If only it would come back)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

when when/how should I arrange this with a travel agent?

(also, probably the first Alaska trip, but I'd rather do Hawaii... If only it would come back)

It wouldn't hurt to start talking to a TA now. The itineraries for summer 2018 won't be out for a while, but you can discuss preferences in room, dining, transportation. They can then be on the alert for when the itineraries come up and be ready to book for you.