Its up to you whether you want to book thru the cruise line, a Canadian travel agent or a US travel agency. But here are some thoughts based on personal experience, as I have done all three.
First if you go with a Canadian travel agency you will be covered by TICO in case the cruise line or agency goes belly up. Check on the cruise line website to make sure they are covered by TICO. You won't have this protection if you book thru a US agency.
Canadian travel agencies and cruise lines charge in Canadian dollars so no exchange rate.
Canadian travel agencies and cruise lines in my experience have not had any or as good as US on board credit levels if any at all. Where the US cruise agencies like CruCon.com and Cruises.com typically offer $50 and up depending on the cruise, cruise line. I have asked and gotten on board credit when calling the cruise line directly to book (RRCL, Holland America).
Some Canadian travel agencies like Expedia.ca offer points you can use for future travel. I have gotten money off hotel bookings so it may be worth it.
Base cruise prices are similar if you take into account the US exchange rate and the surcharge on your Canadian credit card. Note however the US cruise agencies often have group booking rates and for those the prices are much better (I have saved several $100s)
Customer Service seems better at the Travel agencies (US and Canadian) as it takes forever to get thru to the Cruise line and they don't promptly answer email enquiries if at all.
Whoever you choose make sure you have travel insurance that covers everything including cancellations and COVID.
Hope this helps
Marcia
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