I have use cruise compete several times. The first two times I got OK service but opted not to use the agencies again. On the third time I booked with another agency. I have used that agency for several years now. I book enough cruises that when I call, the agent knows who I am.

I have found that I get the best deals on RCI, Celebrity and Princess. It all depends on which category I am booking. The higher the cabin (price of cruise), the higher the onboard credit. I recently booked a cruise on Celebrity with their 123 promotion. I transfered it over to my agent and got an additional $450 onboard credit. Sometimes they have "group" space that lowers the cruise price.

Bottom line, compare the offers. Check to see if the agency charges to cancel (beyond what the cruise line may or may not charge) and if when you use your credit card to pay deposits and final payments it is charge by the cruise line, NOT the agency.