How do you choose your travel agent? Should you know them?

A few years ago I booked, and took, a cruise via an agent I found via CruiseCompete.com.  And other than a “how was your cruise” email or two, I never heard from her again.

I arranged and booked a another cruise — a group cruise — via an agent who I found from an online cruise agency—the kind that send out weekly emails listing super deals on cruises. That agent got the commission for several cruise cabins because of me.

And I never heard from him again, either.

I would have expected both those agents to try and curry a long-term relationship with me — a frequent cruiser for whom they could likely book multiple future cruises. But no. Nada.

In both of those cases, price of the cruise was a huge factor—we needed the absolute cheapest rate we could afford.  But I can’t help wondering if it isn’t a case of “you get what you pay for.” Does using a travel agent who you actually know—who may not be the cheapest—pay off in the long run?

I’d like to hear your opinions on this, because it’s one area where I’m NOT an expert. Thoughts?

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