•It sounds retro, but consider using a travel agent. "In the internet age, there's a lot of product out there, and it can be overwhelming," says Katie Powell, owner of an Expedia CruiseShipsCenter in Naperville. "When you book directly with a cruise line, you're talking to an order taker. Unless you ask for that $600 shipboard credit, they're not going to offer it. A travel agent knows what to ask for." Companies like Expedia also have search engines that allow agents to instantly compare brands, itineraries, pricing and perks. "We can narrow it down based on what's the best fit for you."