I note that Reader Offers is a member of ABTA, but that the booking conditions are those of Viking River Cruises, which is an ATOL member. Could you explain which company is responsible for which part of the holiday? William Millar, via e-mail
Times Travel Doctor responds: A cruise is considered to be a package and, by UK law, has to be financially protected. If the package holiday has a flight element, the holiday has to be protected by an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence.
In this case Reader Offers is the agent and Viking River Cruises is the tour operator, both of which are ABTA members. You are travelling to the cruise by Eurostar.
Since you have booked with an ABTA member, your trip will be covered by an ABTA bond and it is not necessary to book with a credit card — your debit card will be fine.
Yes, financial protection regulations for holidays are complex, and ABTA has been lobbying for a simpler, more comprehensive system.