CRUISE LINES ARE at their busiest and priciest this time of year. And whether it's booking a trip or evaluating shore excursions, they're also becoming more complicated, especially given new wrinkles like higher fuel surcharges or Alaska's $50 "head tax." We talked to some experts about how to take some of the hassle out of the high seas.

Secret agent plan

This is a rare situation in which the Internet probably won't get you the best deal. Travel agents, who are responsible for 90 percent of cruise bookings, can find better bargains, upgrades, group rates or blocks of cabins to fill. Many agencies specialize in mainstream cruises; ask for referrals from fellow travelers.

Spa deals

Ships generally drop their spa rates by 10 to 30 percent at some point during a cruise to boost business, says Carolyn Spencer Brown, who runs CruiseCritic.com. If your cruise is seven days or shorter, incentives should start after the second day into the cruise or the first port of call after a string of sea days. On longer cruises discounts often begin after a few days, when the spa tries to bring in repeat customers. But if you're taking a short cruise, book spa treatments in advance.

Shore excursions

Book day trips ahead of time; onboard rates will be no different from the rates your agent provides, and trips tend to fill up. Independent tour operators, however, often offer better deals and can be booked in advance. Make sure the tour stays on schedule (your ship won't wait for you) and that there's a reasonable cancellation policy, in case your ship arrives late or unexpectedly bypasses the port.

Travel insurance

For more SmartMoney Magazine features, turn to the August issue.

When it comes to cruising, travel insurance is a must, says Brown, adding that it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to be evacuated from a cruise ship for a medical emergency. Opt for a policy from a third-party insurance company. "Cruise lines' coverage just isn't as good," Brown says. The big players in this arena: CSA, Access America and AIG Travel Guard.