Capt Mary Kidd wrote:
> The message
> from "Plasma" contains these words:
>
> > I have HEARD on other boards that there is a legitimate way around this.
> > The way is for you to use a USA agent while you are legally in the USA. I
> > have heard that if you can provide proof you were in the States when you
> > dealt with the agent (i.e. passport stamp and hotel bill) that you are the
> > same as any other USA resident.
>
> I have heard of people doing this, but most people want to know they are
> going on a cruise and don't want to leave it to chance that they are
> going to be able to get what they want by arriving a week earlier in the
> US. One could book on a current US holiday for the next visit, but might
> change one's mind:) Just a little matter of using a UK registered card
> too.
>
> It's not a problem either if the booking is done with a group of friends
> in the US.
>
> Just for the average person it cause a problem & it just doesn't seem
> right that we, in the UK, should pay double for exactly the same
> vacation. So, as there are so many cruises and lines to choose from, all
> going to the sames places playing follow my leader, and many which are
> fairly similar, I for one cannot be bothered to play silly games just to
> have a sea witch on the funnel:)
>
> It's interesting that ex UK sailings [with Princess] are also cheaper
> for US citizens. P make a good job of making us feel unwanted, so I
> won't spoil the pie.
>
> > There are large numbers of people "living" in the USA with UK and other
> > passports who book cruises and travel every day.
>
> There is no problem there, nor for UK residents who own condos in the US.
>
> > I have no personal experience or expertise on this matter, just what I have
> > heard and read.
>
> Earlier this year I wanted to book a Princess cruise only. I was already
> to be in the US through work. P would not take a cruise only booking
> from the UK for sailing exUS, and would not let me book through the US.
> Stuff them. I took HAL instead at half the cost for the same trip. You
> can tell I am a bit anti with P, as this has happened twice now! They do
> not want my business, so I won't be offering it again.
>
> --
> Pam
Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply to my original
message.
I can understand Pam feeling 'anti' I'm feeling pretty anti them
myself. Nobody likes to feel ripped off by seeing something advertised
at one price and then being told that as you don't comply to their
rules you can't buy it at that price. I feel discriminated against for
not being American - surely that's racism!
I wonder what view the Office of Fair Trading here in the UK would take
if it was brought to their attention.
Anyhow, plenty more cruise lines out there, some of them not even owned
by Carnival Corp, so they can have my money instead.
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