Truth: Travels agents offer tremendous value to travelers, because they have insider access to deals, group space and upgraded amenities, can customize a cruise experience, and will be your advocate if any issues arise. Travel agents have a large buying power since they are searching and purchasing travel year round, and have strong relationships with each travel brand, which is a benefit to travelers. What’s great about travel agents is that consumers don’t pay them – the cruise line or tour provider does – so it doesn’t cost any extra money for travelers. In fact; it can be less expensive to use a travel agent.