Ngaire - my comments about Radisson were based on how they market in the UK; and i think that this exposes the big difference between the USA cruise market and the UK market. In the UK, once you have booked, that is it - there is no alteration to the price you pay. There is no retrospective reduction of a booked fare to match offers currently in the market. And that is how the cruiselines work, not the travel agents.

The UK market and therefore consumer perception is dominated by P&O. They set their brochure prices and then discount from those prices. The level of discount can literally change from hour to hour depending on how a cabin grade is selling. And whilst it is true that the best discounts are gained on early booking, the key marketing message of all the cruiselines is the amount of the discount. It is even the case that the 2nd or 3rd editions of some cruise brochures will have higher "brochure" fares, so that although the percentage discounts look the same, the absolute price paid has increased. In the UK, Radisson have no choice but to play this game - as this is how the consumer expects cruises to be marketed! Crazy i know.

So my apologies if you think i have maligned Radisson - that was not my intention. I am one of those who is in favour of all inclusive, as my bar bill normally runs at $100 per day. I hasten to add that that is for both Gus and myself.............but even so you can tell we know how to enjoy ourselves!