I always used a travel agent until last year, when covid hit New Jersey required that all non essential businesses close. We had a July 2020 cruise booked, I couldn't get in touch with my agent (agency laid her off) to pay the balance of the cruise and when I called RC, they wouldn't accept it directly. I eventually got in touch with the owner of the travel agency and completed my payment. I have since booked 4 cruises direct. I don't have a problem using an agent, just wasn't comfortable with what happened last year.