Ngaire and all:

When I refer to a "full service agency", I mean only one where the client can call and speak to a "real person", and the same one each time to assist if the client has experienced a problem concerning a cruise, or needs information. I was unaware that any TAs handled air anymore, as there is no commission in it.

There is some suspicion that RCI/Celebrity are doing this as a first step to stop doing business through ALL TAs, so the line can save the commission. Unfortunately, RCI is somewhat of an "industry leader". They started several things that soon spread to other mass market lines, like the infamous crackdown on bringing liquor or beer aboard, extra charge alternative restaurants, and several other abominations. If a line needs a fare increase to cover costs plus a profit, that's fine. Fuel costs must be astronomical. Radisson has had some general increases since we've been cruising them ---- and the cost of everything else has gone up too. OK. But cutting TAs "out of the loop" is not OK, IMO!

Thanks,
Richard :) :)