You'll probably get much better response if you post on the Cruise forum.

(If your TA is competent, then s/he likely knows what s/he is talking about)

Are the single cabins much cheaper in US as well?

mpraete@cruiseone.com

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Your sister should really consult with an Australian travel agent to book the cruise. But there are discount cruise booking sites in Australia, so she could also try one of those if she wants to book it herself.

I failed to see your TA's logic. You call the cruise line, tell them it is a gift for your sister and you want to pay for it with your US money and, of course, your special rate. End of discussion. The cruise line deosn't care where the traveller is from as long as it is paid, and has the proper documents (passport) for travelling.

The court case is just "crap". She flew to the departure port in Europe, went on the cruise, head back to Australia after. What's the problem? What law will say that she must book the cruise in Australia? She could book it last minute while in Europe.

If it is a round trip crusie from Australia, I may see the logic, just a tiny bit. Ships that home port in Australia charges Australian dollar on baord. But for a Med cruise?

Failing that, you book 2 cabins, one for you and one for your DH. List your sister as the second passenger in your cabin. DH going solo.

Once the booking is all done, switch the passengers names, either before departure or at the ship.

I have done this a couple of time when we travel with other people (including our kids). The uninformed TA keep saying your are their repeat customers, you have preferred rates. They don't. (Our adult kids doesn't qualify for the "repeat" customer discount.)

The good TAs will call the cruise line, explain to them just what I explained, and the results would be the same discounted rate for everyone. The cruise line is creatve enough to make something up to give you the discounted rate.

This May, DW's sis went on a 10 day cruise with us (She was going solo). We looked up our rate and told her what it was. She called her TA asd she was told by her TA that she doesn't qualify for the rate and quoted her a rate that was $400 more.

I went to my TA, I was sitting across from her and watching her work the magic. The crusie line first said no, then she went on to say she will book the 2 cabins, one for DW and her sis, then a solo cabin for me. The rates, of coruse, will be our discounted rate for both cabin.

The cruise line staff caught on and quickly offered a one day special discount rate (only good till the end of the day) for DW's sis solo cabin. And look, the special rate is only $1 more than my solo discount! To take advanatge of that rate, we must book by the end of the day and pay a deposit. Problem solved.

The end result was, DW's sis paid for the lowest inside category (solo). She was upgarded to an obstructed oceanview. We were also upgarded to a higher category with balcony,

I think it is time for you to get a new TA.

Why do Australian cruisers pay more for their fares than Americans do?

I'm in Australia and I seem to remember that some time ago there were prohibitions on where you could purchase your airfare - so if I were flying from Sydney to L.A. and the fare were cheaper from the L.A. end, you couldn't buy it there, you had to buy it in Australia. I admittedly never challenge this rule but it tallies with what your travel agent told you. But these prohibitions have been in place for a long time.
I would be interested to hear from other people on this one - anyone bucked the rule?

Lavandula