Does anyone know a travel agent or online cruise site that will offer a lowest fare guarantee till the time of sailing? Cruises Only (which was very professional over the phone) told me that their policy changed due to policy changes with the cruise lines. They can offer a lowest fare guarantee until full payment is made to the cruiseline (2-3 months prior?). I remember I got a HAL lowest price guarantee all the way till the time of sailing. Thanks.

I think you are running into the rules of the cruiseline and not the rules of the travel agents.<BR><BR>Many cruiselines have advertised lower specials for "new bookings only". If you are before final payment - you can always cancel your booking and rebook at the lower amount - or cruiselines often will just switch you to the lower amount.<BR><BR>After final payment (60 days or so before sailing), you can no longer cancel. This is when cruiselines often discount their prices to fill the ship. <BR><BR>It is these types of sales that cruiselines reserve for "new bookings" - so even if your TA really wants to help you, the cruise line will not let them.<BR><BR>I know Princess started doing this. I know others are also, just can't remember which ones.

I wouldn't want to touch this one. Since 9/11 things have been too crazy.<BR><BR>Paul

Cruise411 claims that they do. I just spoke to them the other day. The only problem was that the ship was filled. I verified this with the RCC site and it was true.

Ken,<BR><BR>You might try some of the mega internet cruise specalists. They book blocks of cabins to receive discounts from the cruselines and sell them as they can, often at substantial discounts.

<BR>Basically it is this: Once you make your final payment it is up to the cruise line to give you a lower fare if it desires. Your travel agent can help with this.<BR><BR>If the cruise line does will not do this (HAL is one) you can cancel and rebook at the lower fare BUT since you are in the penalty phase it may not be cost-effective.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>Paul

I booked my Princess Cruise through Cruise Locators. They are on the internet under "worldperks". Then go to "worldperks mall". You can see real time prices and cabins available. I did my booking all on-line and within 24 hours an agent phoned me. I have been watching their website weekly. My cruise price dropped twice (after I made my final payment). Both times I called Cruise Locators. They phoned Princess Cruises immediately, and they were able to issue a credit to my credit card. I highly recommend Cruise Locators. Also, if you're a Northwest Worldperks member, you get miles for booking with them.

Times are changing.<BR><BR>Some cruise lines are refusing to do this after final payment when the new lower rates are for "new bookings only".<BR><BR>Expect most cruise lines to follow into suit. This is true with HAL and Princess right now.