I still use an internet travel agency for booking but I take the word of hundreds of travelers (by reading message boards) over one travel agent. I also still use a ta for a lot of land travel but the special travel agent kick backs are no longer there. I still book my land vacations via ta more out of loyalty than anything else.

Companies are doing a very good job of keeping travelers from booking through travel agents. For example, on our Disney Vacation in December you can book a standard room via the internet, my travel agent is only allowed to book "view" rooms for an additional $50 per night.

I'm not saying I agree with what the hotel chains are doing, I think it's wrong, and with these policies only the strongest travel agents will survive.

kfusto - I'd be willing to bet that the accumulated knowledge of all of the active CruiseCritic members who both post and answer questions represent millions of cruises on all cruise lines and would know what the current brand of silverware was used on Celebrities' Millenium last week, on Tuesday night, for breakfast, at table 25. Do you know?

Peter

The brand of silverware used for a nightime breakfast is extremely important for a good cruise experience. Thank you, Peter.

Hi: After doing all of your research on pricing, etc. I believe it is a good idea to make a personal contact with a TA of your choice to see if she/he can do better on what you have determined to be your best deal. Often, this is the case, but only with the personal telephone call. My TA has saved me plenty of $$$ in the past - and hopefully into the future. Have a great cruise!!

Peter: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

Now, Now Scarlet. The only way you can get breakfast on the Millenium at night is to use room service and they, unlike the dining rooms use French Renaissance by Reed & Barton.

Peter

Thank goodness we finally have the answer! I can now sleep soundly on my lower berth inside cabin!

To walkintravel: you are not the client; the company you work for is the client. And your company keeps tabs on your travel expenses by using a corporate travel agency.