Booking a cruise from the UK using a US travel agent

[Travelmadoldie]

Has anyone from UK used a US travel agent to book a cruise and, if so, were there any problems?

[john watson]

I did this years ago and booked a Princess Cruise with a US agent that alleged up to 80% discounts etc. The only problems I had was when booking by phone on a freephone number was I needed to phone after 11pm due to time difference but did have a dedicated cruise specialist clerk with a dedicated extension number.

It worked out very inexpensive but the deal did not include the ABTA, ATOL protection etc.  Years later I heard that cruise lines are not generally accepting such bookings so this is something that needs current detailed investigation.  They were accepting according to subsequent information bookings which included UK citizens who had a US address, bookings including a US citizen and bookings through a US TA where the booking is a repeat booking where the TA and Cruise line are as previous. Incidentally I ended up with two different Cruise Line Loyalties which later needed combining. Some cruise lines run a US customer base and a separate UK customer base.

No idea what the current rules are but they tend to be different with each line and careful study is needed with accurate information.

 

Regards John

[wowzz]

Given the current fx rate, I wouldn't bother !

[SiliconCruiser]

It came to my attention years ago that Princess charges different fares based upon where the booking is made from, and the nationality of the passengers.  In Asia where cruises are much more expensive from some countries, you can expect a national of one of those countries to pay more than an American for the same cruise with the same level of accommodations.

[antsp]

I booked for years using US travel agencies, unless you have us earned funds, converting the price from $  back to £ all the cruises are more expensive. In fact the US customers should book here in the UK as its a lot cheaper for them. 

[sandancer]

We have been using a TA in the US for years and even with currency fluctuations have always had a better deal. However, with our Princess cruise later this year the fare was higher than booking here (we always check before booking) and as a result we used a TA in the UK. Right now exchange rates are dire and we wouldn’t book a cruise right now in the USA. 

[hawkesbaynz]

I have only booked one Princess cruise and did so via Quidco direct with Princess as the discount UK TAs offered me was similar to the cash back.

 

However I usually cruise Celebrity and many UK based folk use US TAs. I agree the currency will be a big issue at present.  I always compare the Celebrity US & UK website deals and have purchased my cruises in dollars. The UK military discount is better too. However I like to use Amex for large purchases and the forex charges are another discouragement (I thus pay with Halifax Clarity Mastercard). 

[sandancer]

Ok so who are you and when did you decide to duplicate everything we do haha. I definitely could have written that post. Right down to the cc arrangement. (Apart from the Military discount)