American Cruise agents are they protected

**jas72** · 16 Feb 17, 02:29 PM

How does it work for travel agents in America are they protected by ABTA or such like UK?

What if they go belly up between us paying and them paying the cruise line?

Given than cruises cost 4-5000 Euro and have to be paid well in advance I wouldn't like to see my money disappear.

CC71 · 16 Feb 17, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by jas72

How does it work for travel agents in America are they protected by ABTA or such like UK?

What if they go belly up between us paying and them paying the cruise line?

Given than cruises cost 4-5000 Euro and have to be paid well in advance I wouldn't like to see my money disappear.

My understanding is that there is not a US equivalent of ABTA, however many Dibbers have used several of the reputable US agencies and prefer to use them due to the more advantageous booking conditions compared to UK agencies, e.g. the ability to cancel without penalty before the paid in full date etc... I have traditionally either booked with the cruise line myself or used a large UK cruise agency but currently have an option on an MSC cruise booked with one of the American cruise specialists, it gives me the freedom to amend my booking, change my cabin, plus I have the expertise of an agent who really knows the cruise market and is prepared to work with me to ensure I am happy rather than just losing interest after my deposit has been paid as has been my experience with some of the UK agencies. Obviously with the poor GBP to dollar rate it is always worth checking if you are better off paying sterling/Euro or dollars.

Omega1 · 16 Feb 17, 06:32 PM

CC71 is spot on. Just to add, several cruise lines don't allow UK residents to book through US agents - regional pricing they call it.😡

CC71 · 16 Feb 17, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Omega1

CC71 is spot on. Just to add, several cruise lines don't allow UK residents to book through US agents - regional pricing they call it.😡

Yes, I think the Carnival group of companies is the biggest culprit of this! However MSC, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean seem to allow it.

**jas72** · 22 Feb 17, 01:25 PM

So the short answer is I'd be taking a risk that the travel agency remains solvent but could save money.

16 Feb 17, 06:32 PM	#3
	16 Feb 17, 06:32 PM Omega1 Imagineer
Omega1 Imagineer Join Date: Jan 08	CC71 is spot on. Just to add, several cruise lines don't allow UK residents to book through US agents - regional pricing they call it.😡