How to Book a China Cruise?

[kimchee1212]

Hi all,

 

I just found out from reading a different thread that Princess doesn't sell its China voyages directly on princess.com. How does one go ahead and book one of these voyages? And what would be there business rationale from taking it off their website and restricting it to Chinese travel agents? Are these ships even selling at full occupancy/higher price points?

[kimchee1212]

I think I found the answer to my question reading a different thread - the ships get chartered by CNTA. Does anyone know why Princess would charter out the ships rather than sell directly like they do in Japan? Or if they plan to ever start selling them in a more traditional way without charters?

[Thrak]

I would imagine it has to do with the Chinese government...

[WupperAV]

We booked thru our travel agent. Had no problems getting the cabin we wanted. We booked Princess Tours thru her too but the Chinese drive like they own their vehicle and they have no fear of death.

http://www.princess.com/excursion/exlistfordestination.do?portid=TSN&exType=S&t=O

[kimchee1212]

I would imagine it has to do with the Chinese government...

 

I was thinking this too, but RCCL goes direct to consumer on their website. Hmm..maybe Princess is just trying to play it safe with charters until the market develops more.

[Gwendy]

Booked both my China cruises through local TA. One to China, one from China. Booked shore excursions for China on Princess website. Found boarding in Tianjin from Beijing the most seamless ever. Great place to visit but for land tours don't underestimate how large this country is.