We have booked a lot of cruises through several different agencies and yet to find a hands-down winner. I would prefer to book everything myself online, but usually have to use a person in order to get to connecting cabins. Easiest for searching different cruises and figuring out I want is definitely the Vacations To Go website. Several times we have booked through crucon as their specials include extra perks, prepaid gratuities, and more obc than I have seen offered through anyone else (best for NCL and most other non-Disney cruises). I tried two separate years with the sponsors of this board, both times gave up after days waiting for a response, but others have reported much better experiences. (Both eventually responded after I had already booked, but the special I booked under was over by then, so hard to know how their cost would have compared.) My best luck has been with personal recommendations for a specific TA. Someone once pm'ed me the name and contact info for her favorite Disney Vacation Planner, and she has been life-changing for all resort stays! Cruises are still trial and error. If we had a Costco, I'd probably book most through them, especially Carnival which doesn't give TAs much leeway for extras.