I bet that's true about lazy travel agents. We went on a short cruise last November from Sydney and the travel agent said my partner would have to renew his passport as it had less than six months to go. When i told him, he said bother that, I'll go and risk it as we were only going to two ports in the South Pacific and then back on the ship to Sydney. They never asked to see our passports anywhere!

Bruce - I might join you in letter writing. I had to renew my re-enrty visa on my UK passport and they now charge $80 more to do it by post or in the PO than if you do it online. Very un fair for those who can't afford or don't want a computer.