I'm trying to book a cruise for 4 people in October.
I've called a couple of travel agents out of the phonebook.
They take my info, tell me they have to call the cruiseline to get pricing,
then I never hear from them.
Should I just book it online through a web service or will a travel agent get me a better deal?

Here's the cruise info:
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Mexico-Round Trip
8 Days
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Star
4 Adults

Thanks -

- Cesar -

You can contact NCL directly. Any reason you want to use a travel agent?
Otherwise, CSAA or American Express have some decent travel agents.
Get local recommendations.

Travel agents are as useless as tits on a bull.

Book directly with the line or an internet consolidator - you'll be much better off.

Went through 4 travel agents when I booked my Hawaii trip. All completely useless! Did it myself and saved almost 2 grand and had a perfect trip!

Or go to Costco, they have a program for cruises.. saves you money too. Depending on your cruise trip, you can search it on the Net yourself and save money. Pleasantholidays is one such idea.

I have no idea why people even go to Travel Agents unless it's a complicated trip with multiple stops and transfers. If it's one simple trip, just do it yourself.

Hey, in defense of travel agents -
a good travel agent will do all the legwork for you.
They should also be able to contribute helpful advice - what to see, what to avoid.
The cost nothing. Their salary is paid for by agency/commission on sales.

However, there are a lot of flakes and bad agents out there.
We had some nightmares dealing with a travel agent and NCL last year.
I won't use that travel agent again.