aaannnthony:

Originally when this matter was made public, it was thought to apply to advertising only and not pricing. Reportedly Carnival is restricting advertising but not pricing as of 1/05. But as RCI released further info, it became apparent that they were also fixing the PRICES that TAs could charge, and preventing the TAs from adopting any sort of "free hotel" or free air" promotions to get around the restriction. RCI has further announced that it will use employees to call the TAs, and act as the "cruise cops" to insure that there is no discounting (direct or indirect).

In this light, I'm still wondering whether TAs are agents for the lines, for the customers, or are independent retailers.

Not that I'm waiting with baited breath to book RCI! Been there, done that, ain't going back. I just did a little anti-trust litigation in my legal career, so the matter is of academic interest to me.

Thanks,
Richard :) :)