Price advice on booking RCCI

[ROSEBASKETS, Yorkshire]

I'd appreciate a little advice or suggestion from the forum members on a pricing issue.

I'm looking to book on the BOTS from Harwich on the 19th August for 3 adults and 1 child. The current price is £3755 for the 4 of us.

On a couple of US travel sites the price is $5008, which when using todays currency rate is over £700 less than their current UK asking price, plus they are offering $500 OBC to the US guests, where UK guests are only being offered $200.

The US sites I've come across do not accept bookings from non US / Canadian residents. Has anyone ever used a US travel agent to book their cruise and if so, did you encounter any problemsonce you'd booked.

Thanks in Anticipation

[annie, Glasgow]

I'd appreciate a little advice or suggestion from the forum members on a pricing issue.

I'm looking to book on the BOTS from Harwich on the 19th August for 3 adults and 1 child. The current price is £3755 for the 4 of us.

On a couple of US travel sites the price is $5008, which when using todays currency rate is over £700 less than their current UK asking price, plus they are offering $500 OBC to the US guests, where UK guests are only being offered $200.

The US sites I've come across do not accept bookings from non US / Canadian residents. Has anyone ever used a US travel agent to book their cruise and if so, did you encounter any problemsonce you'd booked.

Thanks in Anticipation

Hi Rosebaskets

I'll send you a pm.

Annie

[ROSEBASKETS, Yorkshire]

Thanks Annie

[annie, Glasgow]

Thanks Annie

You are welcome.

I also received heads up today that on all bookings with RCI (UK) from 18/4 to 21/4 RCI are giving up to $400 OBC. Maybe worth checking with a CD agent.

Annie

[Wilba]

Never had a problem booking RCI through an American agent and never had a problem after making a booking.

Bear in mind US sites do not show port charges and taxes........Wilba

[ROSEBASKETS, Yorkshire]

A certain cruise specialist TA (BHT) just tried to put me off and tell me it's not possible and I would be breaking RCCI'S rules and they would never allow it! accurate or sour grapes?

[annie, Glasgow]

A certain cruise specialist TA (BHT) just tried to put me off and tell me it's not possible and I would be breaking RCCI'S rules and they would never allow it! accurate or sour grapes?

I can't comment but I know I am not alone on this forum booking RCI cruises through non-UK TAs. In fact I have done it twice with different US TAs for RCI alone.

Annie

[Wilba]

A certain cruise specialist TA (BHT) just tried to put me off and tell me it's not possible and I would be breaking RCCI'S rules and they would never allow it! accurate or sour grapes?

Never allow it...............Maybe I just dream't all those RCI cruises I booked Stateside..........Wilba

[ROSEBASKETS, Yorkshire]

Thanks Annie and Wilba - I'll definitely be booking stateside, saving £700 and getting free extras too!

Balcony - Total of $600 On-board-credit
Oceanview - Total of $400 On-board-credit

Additional Promotions Included:

- Free beverage package for all kids under 17

- Coupon booklet value of $300 in savings for (Free Casino credit, Spa credit, dinner discounts and much more)

- 10/25% off shore excursions

- Free cancellation period before final payment by Expedia Cruise Ship Centers and cruise line

-Free price watch for lower prices and promotions

-7 days a week customer service/ Any service/changes requested guaranteed done same day even on holidays

*Please Advise if paying by AMEX as there may be additional promotions and on board credit available*

[carol, welwyn garden city]

Wow that's a very big difference, I wonder why they charge us so much.............................................. ...........Carol

[M&V, Spain]

We are looking at booking a RCCI cruise on Allure in the next month or two which is cruise only out of Fort Lauderdale, we don't require flights. Anyone recommend any US agents to book through?

[Lobstertan, West Yorkshire]

I booked a cruise with RCCI through a British TA and paid the deposit, then a few days later noticed on another website that the room next door to the one we booked would be £500 cheaper. I contacted my TA who said that they had contacted RCCI but the price drop would not be honoured like it is for US travellers. I contacted RCCI through their UK FB page who initially advised I contact RCCI customer services and they should be able to help, but apparently they weren't able due to booking made through a TA, they then advised via the FB page to cancel the booking with the TA and book direct with RCCI in order to benefit from price drops and offers. Unfortunately this would have resulted in loss of £500 deposit, Catch 22 situation. Needless to say I shall not be using the same TA again. Fair play to ya in using US travel agents, hints and tips on finding one would be gratefully received.

[drewlin, wigan]

Thanks Annie and Wilba - I'll definitely be booking stateside, saving £700 and getting free extras too!

Balcony - Total of $600 On-board-credit
Oceanview - Total of $400 On-board-credit

Additional Promotions Included:

- Free beverage package for all kids under 17

- Coupon booklet value of $300 in savings for (Free Casino credit, Spa credit, dinner discounts and much more)

- 10/25% off shore excursions

- Free cancellation period before final payment by Expedia Cruise Ship Centers and cruise line

-Free price watch for lower prices and promotions

-7 days a week customer service/ Any service/changes requested guaranteed done same day even on holidays

*Please Advise if paying by AMEX as there may be additional promotions and on board credit available*

Hi how did you find out about these offers for US as if I try to log onto RCI's US site it directs me to RCI's .co.uk site?

[Mrs M]

We are looking at booking a RCCI cruise on Allure in the next month or two which is cruise only out of Fort Lauderdale, we don't require flights. Anyone recommend any US agents to book through?

Novel idea, but why not ask an agent from the parent company of this forum. Seems to me, on a forum sponsored by a cruise travel agency, it's really not terribly good form to ask for the names of other agencies on their forum.

[ROSEBASKETS, Yorkshire]

To be honest Mrs M I really don't care about "Bad Form" if it means saving £500+ on a cruise.

What is "Bad Form" is that a multi-national company can charge UK residents far more money than a US citizen for EXACTLY the same product.