How to avoid being directed to the Cruiselines Australian websites?

[Australian family]

I am searching for some prices for some cruises, and are trying to look at the American sites, but when I search it directs me to the Australian sites. I use Google Chrome.

[goodycruising]

The only way I know is to subscribe to an unblocking ISP service. Be careful though as your information may not be secure. It makes you look like you are in another location. Geo blocking is a huge issue that the government is looking into but it seems to be unable to do anything about. Otherwise you may find some overseas online TAs are where you need to look.

 

Sometimes it is VERY frustrating to be blocked from just looking for information. Maybe others will have more ideas.

[christodan]

Or try using TOR browser which will relay you through other people's computers around the world.

[cruisermsoon]

Cruise lines will always direct you to the Australian site; there is no easy way to get round this.

Your best bet is to try a US based cruise specialist; unfortunately Cruise Critic will not allow them to be named, because they have their own preferred agent, however ask around your cruising friends, and they should be able to come up with a couple of recomendations [one starting with V, another with A].

Usually fares on these sites do not include taxes and charges, so check with the local sites as well, convert the US quote, add the charges plus the 3% bank conversion charge, and you will have a truer comparison.

[cassamanda]

Some web sites such as RCCL will allow you to change Country from within there own pages. Rccls is at the top of the home page.

[gek]

Some web sites such as RCCL will allow you to change Country from within there own pages. Rccls is at the top of the home page.

 

RCCL and Celebrity both allow you to select your country. I've never had any problem accessing Carnival's US website either.

[fishtaco]

RCCL and Celebrity both allow you to select your country. I've never had any problem accessing Carnival's US website either.

 

Yes but once you proceed to book with RCCL you are directed to the Australian site:)

 

Carnival USA is a separate cruiseline to Carnival Australia and the reason you do not get re directed:)

[fishtaco]

I am searching for some prices for some cruises, and are trying to look at the American sites, but when I search it directs me to the Australian sites. I use Google Chrome.

 

Two easy to use browsers "Pale Moon" and "Oprah" they do have their downfall though as they do not recognise paypal.

 

You need to purchase a Personal "VPN" which stands for Virtual Private network with a VPN your isp (internet service provider ) cannot be traced thus they cant tell which country you are from so just think its USA;)

 

You can download free trial VPN,s but they slow down your internet to the old dial up speed.

 

VPN,s will block all Geo Blocking and governments are trying to stop them.

 

Go forth and VPN there is a whole "old world" of internet out there just like years ago:D

Edited March 24, 2014 by fishtaco

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

Google "TunnelBear". It will allow you to pick which country you want to be shown from. I use it all the time to check the US prices. :)

[jland]

If you decide to book with a USA travel agent (we always do, cannot beat the service) make sure you use a credit card which has no conversion charge. The 3% charge is a huge amount.

 

Same goes for using ATMs overseas, never use a card which charges fees.

 

I have not mentioned the cards by name as I am not sure if the rules of cruise critic allow me to.

[Cruise_me_Crazy]

Great advice peeps! Thank you!