Jean O'Boyle wrote:
"Ideas Man" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've just been contacted by the online travel agency who I'd booked
my upcoming cruise from Rome to Egypt & the Aegean from October 21.
Apparently, Princess have a new ruling which prohibits US agents from
selling cruises to Australians unless they've previously travelled on
Princess.

They've organised a full refund and were helpful and apologetic in
explaining that they were no longer permitted to sell me the fare.
The cruise is far from booked out, so it was suggested rebooking
through Princess or an Australian travel agent should be painless,
and may even be possible at a reduced rate given that there are many
vacancies on this soon-to-depart cruise.

Unfortunately, it turns out that a balcony class room through
Princess will cost me $2500, compared to the $1,550 price that I was
originally going to pay for the same room. Other online Australian
websites have it available from $2,400 - $2,480 - so it's not much
cheaper. I could get an interior room, but even that would still
cost me $1,750 - $200 more than the original balcony booking, and
would leave a bad taste in the mouth. Can anyone suggest any other
websites or means where value prices are
offered for Princess cruises. It seems very unfair that I could book
this cruise for $1,000 less if I lived in the US. This is getting
very last minute (it departs in 12 days!), but I'm yet to see too
many places dropping their prices. Are price drops truly likely to
occur, or should I just bite the bullet and book a cheaper room
through Princess.com? Any advice or recommendations appreciated.


Hi,
Try contacting:
George Leppla, MCC
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Shreveport, LA 71129
1-800-603-5755
http://www.georgeleppla.cruiseshipcenters.com

He is one of the travel agents that I often use and I know that he has
booked cruises for passengers living outside of the USA.
Perhaps he can help you. I don't know if the 800 number is valid from
Australia, but you might e-mail him if it is not. Good Luck!

--Jean

Thanks for the tip, Jean - that's exactly what I was looking for.

I've just dropped him an email and will cross my fingers for a response.