I also use a real live breathing travel agent. First, though, I do my research online, find the cruise I want at a price that sounds reasonable, then I take all this information to her for the final arrangements. She can usually wrangle an upgrade or a perk not usually included by talking person to person with the cruise line. She's also pickier about cabin assignments than I am, making sure we're not stuck with a window blocked by a lifeboat and getting our preferred table assignment in the dining room. I have found her services to be invaluable. I don't think you can get that sort of personalization from a faceless online website. I tried it once. Didn't much like it.