We (2adults+small child) would like to go on cruise this December from Tampa (since we live there). We never been on cruise before. I've noticed that most cruise websites (co-branded like USairwayscruises, skymilescruises and united, also cheaptickets) give the same price. The difference is only which miles you'll get (US airways, DL or UA). Since all of you have experience with cruises, is it a really good deal (or practice) to purchase a cruise from airline websites? The reason I'm asking is that I just found out about cruisecompete.com and travel agents give lower prices for the same cruises than airline sites. Are there any 'hidden details/tricks' in the TA's quotes? Is it preferable to book a cruise via travel agent?