Response by an American travel agent sent to me by email

<quote>
"This has caused outrage, because most people I've spoken to think that the 
promised 50% or 6 day pro rata amount will be significantly reduced by 
involving a third party."
</quote>

As the owner of a travel agency in the U.S., I can assure you that we would 
NEVER withold a refund due to a customer. In California, there are laws that 
govern how we handle client payments and refunds. Cunard has very few choices 
in the refunding process, depending on the original form of payment:


Cash/cheque payments to a travel agent:
1. Refund via cheque to the travel agent the TOTAL amount of the compensation 
(50% or 6 days), and in doing so protect the travel agent's commission on that 
amount.

2. Refund via cheque to the travel agent the NET amount of the compensation 
(less commission). In these cases, the travel agent has an obligation (in some 
states it is even a law) to refund that portion of the commission via check

Credit card payments to a travel agent (actually charged by Cunard):
1. Refund via credit card TOTAL amount of the compensation (50% or 6 days) 
DIRECTLY to the passenger, and in doing so protect the travel agent's 
commission on that amount.

2. Refund via credit card the NET amount of the compensation (less commission 
already paid to the agent) DIRECTLY to the passenger. In these cases, the 
travel agent has an obligation (in some states it is even a law) to refund that 
portion of the commission via check


If you had some sort of "deal" with your agent where he/she rebated a portion 
of their commission to you - considering the practice is frowned upon by both 
the cruise lines and the industry leaders....well - you certainly will have an 
accounting nightmare to straighten out. Do you get 6 days pro-rated of the 
actual charges or 6 days pro-rated of what you paid?

I have 2 very good clients aboard the ship for the full transit. If you like, I 
will keep you informed of how Cunard handles the refunds (i.e. when, how much, 
what process) - should prove interesting as the itinerary continues to evolve.

Cheers-

Jack Warshaw, Owner
All-Ways Travel/American Express Travel Representative
Upland, Ca.

www.all-waystravel.com