I also have 3 cruises under my belt, And currently have my 4th one booked. I have always surfed the internet to find out what cruise I wanted and the date. Then call Carnival direct. It is really simple. I have never seen the need for a travel agent. I have done them without airfare, I have booked my own airfare indepently of carnival, and the current cruise I used carnival's airfare due to utilizing there free shuttle service. I could get cheaper airfare independtly, but when I factored in a days motel room and renting cars or taxes it was within a hundred dollars of carnivals price...So we splurged and are going to let someone do all the driving...