We have used VTG a few times, and they are excellent. Regarding Princess, we did receive an e-mail from VTG a couple of months back to say that certain lines would not allow bookings via the USA to non-USA citizens!! Disappointing, but there we are. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL and Carnival, amongst others, are the popular lines which have not introduced this restrictive policy, so you could look and see what they have to offer.

Regarding timing, it is impossible to say, you just need to move when you think the price is right. Sometimes VTG will honour any price drops between booking and final payment, but get that in writing. Sometimes the prices will drop after the final payment date for booked cruises as many Americans book more than one cruise, then decide which to take and cancel the others!

Hi Janer
Just returned from a cruise booked with vacations to go they were great
to deal with and very helpfull,booked in March for our August cruise the
price stayed the same and the cruise was sold out by early July,hope this
helps. Our cruise was on the Carnival Liberty and was first class.
ann

We have booked two cruises through VTG, both of them with operators that do not like US agents booking for UK citizens, though you do have to have a very good relationship with your TA, as it would mean that they would lose there commission if the cruiseline got funny, the cruise wouldn't be cancelled though, as the cruiseline need your money, I have looked around and have found a couple of US based agents cheaper, but I enjoy the personal service we get from our agent at VTG, she phones us when there is a change etc, also when she could get us a better deal.

They are very professional.

Thank you to all who have posted advice. We will look at VTG over the next few weeks to see what they have available.

We have been with Carnival before, and although it wasn't the best trip we had, it wasn't the worst either. If we could book with with Princess this would be a bonus.

many thanks.