GeezerCouple

This is another reason to get *separate* third-party travel insurance. But even then, I have no idea how this is covered. In the Travel Insurance section of CC, there is a discussion about this being a "terrorist" event rather than war, but I am not sure how that has played out... However, if one springs for the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on coverage (yes, it "costs"), then there should be no problem... although at least the type we get only gives 75% back. But at least it is 75% back in *cash*, not in some credits that must be used with a particular company, and probably with a time limit. As for how it works, one just decides they don't want to go. To us, the Cancel For Any Reason is more like Cancel For NoReasonAtAll. I suppose one shouldn't (??) mention that the underlying reason one is "changing one's mind and prefers to do something else or just stay home, and maybe watch the school play or whatever" is actually because of the <event-not-covered-by-the-regular-insurance>, but I'd also want to check with an insurance agent/broker about how to handle this. I haven't read/re-read the specific terms of the CFAR coverage recently (Covid has made all of this moot for too long now, alas), but when I did read it a few years ago, I remember that it would cover situations that would *not* have been covered by the regular policy, and there didn't seem to be any "exceptions" to that. Otherwise, what does CFAR really mean? (Time to check with the experts about this, I think!) Meanwhile, this situation is a mess, and Oceania is making it worse. [Can't a cruiseline get special insurance for "really, really bad events such that they'd want to refund everyone who wants it"? After all, it wouldn't be invoked that often, or so one hopes (!). But yeah, that would cost more...] I'll be very interested in how this all plays out, with Oceania and the other cruise lines. Will they all end up doing pretty much the same thing, or will some lines refund, and others still play hardball? And regardless of the above, making an offer and then rescinding it without notice!?? This all reminds me of a billboard I saw years ago: "People only remember one thing more than good service. BAD SERVICE." GC

It's a real shame, too. It was the only non-stop where we want to go, for just a single event (the eclipse!!). Getting a refund is no big deal. We got the no-fee change tickets in case there is known bad weather heading toward that area then. But there could still be clouds... DRAT - we were in Nashville last time, among the small crowd that watched near the state house lawn area as the eclipse *started*, and then "that cloud over there" drifted into the wrong spot at the very worst time. 😡 We've never been there before, so we had a fun trip anyway, but.....! Do you know if they've published an actual schedule for each of the flights ending? GC

For the future, you might want to concentrate your accumulating, especially if you are getting many of the points by spending, in which case you can just use fewer cards. We have been accumulating points with AA and Amex for quite some time. And that includes some serious sign-up bonuses, which really move things along. And with two of us, we can more easily get "more" new cards, as what one of us gets doesn't affect the other. With the Amex airline partner network and the AA airline partner network, we get access to almost all of the airlines we'd want to use. THIS is where the "awards consultant" has been a real asset. We've occasionally ended up with a nice airline and routing that might not have thought of. Note: Chase seems to be the only card (?) that allows spouses (or other pairs?) to combine points. That means the total can climb faster on a single account, in case that helps. Chase points can be used with a variety of partners. We just started accounts with them when I noticed a 100k point sign-up *plus* 20k points to refer someone. That "someone" was DH, and he then got another 80k points (he missed the 100k offer). Note also that one can purchase points. This is especially helpful if one is falling just a bit short. However, if one flies premium international long-haul (business or first), it's possible to get good value by buying more of the points. We haven't had to do this, but we've kept it in the back of our minds. About the time we were planning a bunch of trips/flights, well, Covid reared its ugly head. So instead, we've accumulated more and not spent any traveling again yet. We wait until we have a large-ish purchase coming up (e.g., tuition or home repair) and then each apply for a new card because we'll easily have enough spending within the required time period. GC

Thanks for posting that link! We aren't heading to Amsterdam, but a JetBlue flight we are booked on next spring appears to have been cut! Ooops. I wonder when JetBlue was going to mention it.... 😞 RGC

It seems that for those like Smitheroo, who are *not* looking for any medical coverage at all, a "low limit" (of any aspect of a medical plan) or "no coverage" of some conditions would not be any problem... if it allowed the policy to be significantly less expensive than a policy that does include medical more generally. Thanks. GC

"What can go wrong?" Heh. (Yes, I know you aren't asking seriously, but for others... 😉 ) We wouldn't want to do it then, either, even with a very short flight, not "day of". And the more expensive the cruise... the more important it is to us... we'd especially avoid that. Thunderstorms come to mind. They may not clear in time. And yes, snowstorms! Now, with these, massive storms are usually (not always!) relatively predictable, even if not the exact degree of severity. The problem with that late information is that IF one decides it would be prudent to fly a day or two earlier, there may not be seat availability. And what is left, may not last long as others realize the same thing. When we had cruises departing from cities we hadn't visited, or not very much, we always tried to arrive several days early, and make a sightseeing trip before the cruise. That also gave us a buffer in case of flight interruptions. We also tried to do the same *after* a cruise in a new/less visited area, although this wasn't due to fear of missing the cruise. En route home, there was usually a lot more flexibility in case of travel delays. Chances are good there won't be a problem, but... that ship is leaving with or without us! GC

About you asking about "cruisers from Europe"... How is this different from cruisers "from elsewhere" who need to fly a similar number of hours (including driving time or any connections, etc.) to get from home to port? There are many CC members who live in the USA, including us, who would AVOID flying in the same day, even with a relatively short non-stop flight. It's not worth the relatively low risk of missing the ship, and it's certainly not worth the ongoing worry/stress during the planning, when we should be enjoying the acticipation. GC

www.FlyerTalk.com has a section on these services. Just read the reviews carefully, and select one where there are several positive reviews based upon really getting tickets. We have someone we found there, but it turns out he isn't currently taking new clients, or we'd recommend him specifically. There are other active FT members who seem to do this, and I'd probably choose one of them if we need a replacement. GC

Please check, *before* getting travel insurance, with your travel insurance company or with an agent/broker about this if you are using a cruise certificate/credit as deposit. The timing of "certificate" might affect how the insurance coverage works, IF there are any deadlines involved. And please don't rely upon definitive answers here about what would or wouldn't work. All policies/all insurers are NOT the same, and it also varies by state of residence. GC

What about policies with minimal medical coverage such that the cost for that is also minimal. Do those exist? Thanks. GC

What *used* to be a very positive feature of Oceania is gone: - We almost always plan private excursions. (I think we've gone on 2 "cruise line" excursions *ever*.) We'll do something alone, or sometimes we might do something like charter a large catamaran and invite a few other passengers to join us.) So haviing "excursions included" has *always* been a total waste for us. Note: It's not *only* "wanting something private". I need to stop and rest frequently. That doesn't work well with a group, to put it mildly. Either we'll hold up others or just get left behind. Bad choice, so we avoid the situation. - Also, we don't drink much. And when we do, it's usually "fine wine", and that is never on any "included wine list". So we either bring our own wine (when allowed and practical) or we purchase some of the nicer bottles on the list of bottles. Sometimes there's nothing we care for, or what we do care for is astronomically priced, so... less wine for us. We've been known to get "wild and crazy" and have a sail-away cocktail occasionally. 😉 - And as for included plane fare or credits, we always use awards. Thus far, that is truly *always*, including both cruise or vacations. Full stop. So "bundling" is not going to be a "plus" for us, especially the new price point! 😡 We *loved* the food and the general level of service on Oceania, plus the general "vibe" of the ship (especially the Riviera) and the passengers. It was a good fit. We have a lot of memories and photos/videos..... ... and we may be aging out of some of this extended travel (not to mention general global issues 😱 ), so perhaps we were able to enjoy a sweet spot for our cruises and other global travel. That's not clear yet, alas. GC

His website is www.TripInsuranceStore.com email and phone info is there. He/they are terrific to speak with. Very patient. GC

Er, have you actually *read* the terms and conditions of your contract with any cruise line? It's quite clear what does or doesn't happen with such changes. The main problem here, for most of us (and the *only* problem here for some/many of us) is that Oceania reneged on an offer they made. They may have no control over the ports or schedule (or perhaps they do!). But they DEFINITELY have control over how they handle offers they make to their customers. Backing out of an offer before a stated deadline, a deadline of *their* choice? THAT is the real "NO"! As many experienced cruisers recommend, if there is a port that you really *must* see/do, then schedule that as a land trip! Avoid the vagaries of cruising. And alas, these days, depending upon where those "must see/do" ports are, good luck with the land tour, also, unfortunately. GC

Thanks for the reminder: We *always* tell our Butler that when we have a request, we are almost always quite flexible about time, and if not, we will specifically mention it. That is, if other requests come in that conflict, please schedule those, and let us know about a useful time change. It's never happened yet for dinner service request. GC

Yes! We love the space in the PH (Riviera), but we could easily "make do" (ah, such a sacrifice, to be cruising...!) with a smaller veranda cabin. But we make a LOT of use of the extra Specialty dining with the wonderful assistance of our Butler, and that isn't available in smaller cabins. Those extra dinners, plus a very big breakfast rolled in to wake us up with the aroma of coffee and bacon, and perhaps the gentle clinking of some china. THAT is a vacation! 🙂 GC

Sorry for the delay! CDNPolar's question is very important: Is "cross-contamination" a concern, or, especially, a serious danger? We'd be far more worried in general if this was the situation, and also, probably specifically with this type of cruise. Assuming you are *not* at risk of anaphylactic shock from cross-contamination, then I think you'll be fine, but DO tell Hurtigruten well in advance. We always have our travel agent make note of such important details at the time of reservation. He then double checks later. AND then, we also double check about a week before sailing. AND THEN again, almost immediately upon arriving on the ship. (That could be with a special dietary liaison person, or even the executive chef, depending upon ship, etc.) We found Hurtigruten (we were on the Trollfjord for a RT Coastal Cruise) about 2 years pre-Covid. We each had a [different] dietary restriction. They were terrific about all of it. Lunch was a buffet, and since minimal cross-contamination is not a problem for either of us, that went well of course. For dinner, they asked about substitutions, and if something arrived that was a problem (or even something "disliked"), they offered other choices and were very quick to return with it. We were very impressed. As with any dining out, we ALWAYS double check when food is served: "This IS the <whatever version> of X, correct?" if that is relevant. Not everything was seafood. There were always other choices, and of course, by arranging in advance, such as earlier in the day, they were happy to provide "something else" that would be preferred. However, we'll never forget the one night there was a buffet with unlimited king crab legs. They kept bringing more. And more. And yet more! 😁 It was one of our favorite cruises ever! Enjoy! GC

Well said! ... unfortunately. Trust is a very, very big deal. (I wonder if anyone actually got any FCCs at all. One should NOT need to question that!) GC

Double check carefully about the cruiseline's rules about changing passengers in cabins, which can mean simply changing names of a passenger who will replace another. There are usually time limits before departure date, after which no changes are allowed. And before that deadline, there may be fees to make name changes. Just be sure whether your plans could work, or what time limits would apply. We have had to cancel a major trip due to MIL's health emergency. Fortunately, we had (and always try to get) travel insurance that does *not* have exclusions for pre-existing conditions. (That's for other family members or for for someone who is traveling.) Note: Once onboard, it's usually very simple to have adults "change cabins", as there are no nightly "bedchecks"! 😱 However, I don't know if that would work if the passengers for one cabin simply didn't show up so the ship thought that the cabin would be unoccupied... Good luck! GC

I think you have already answered your own question. IF you get a "guarantee", you (or anyone) risk getting a cabin that you DO NOT LIKE. For that "risk", one (usually, but not always!) gets a discount. So if you are worried that you might again have a "horrible experience", then chances are it's a good idea for you *not* to get a "guarantee" (regardless of whether there is a discount). But other people report that they don't use their cabins enough ("just to sleep in"), so saving money on the cabin type or location is an excellent choice for them. We are among those those who spend more time in our cabin/suite, so for us, the type and location can make a major difference. And VERY importantly, as CruiserBruce mentioned above: [emphasis added] That is, some passengers might prefer "more space"; others may prefer specific locations on the ship (higher, lower, middle, etc.); or whatever matters to them. Because the cruise line can't read your mind, they can't know that someone might prefer a smaller cabin in a "better" location, and they may well assign someone accommodations that *others* would prefer... but maybe not the person with that particular new assignment. We carefully select where we'll be on any ship, and then stick with that, so we know we can look forward to the cruise, and that we'll be happy where we stay during it. And we would not select a guarantee even if that were the only way to get on some specific cruise. My first cruise back in then1970's was a 3-generation cruise, and a first for all of us. My parents were clueless (no surprise; we all were back then!), and I guess they didn't specify anything other than cabin category/location (or maybe price?). Suffice it to say that we heard the band - and the DRUMS in the band - way into the wee hours. Every. Single. Night. None of us were night owls or band music enthusiasts... 😱 My parents wanted to do the same thing the next year, so I spent a LOT of time with the travel agent and those glossy brochures and deck plans, carefully selecting a group of cabins that would be ... "just right"! 😀 GC

Yes, Oceania should have included a "good until..." date with the original offer, or some other way for passengers to know about such limitations. However, if they did not, then they absolutely should have notified EVERYONE who received such an offer (and posted wherever the original offer was posted) a NOTICE that there would be a deadline of <some date that was NOT almost immediately out of date or such>. It's unthinkable otherwise. What about those who, knowing they could make a switch, cancelled some current plans or reservations (planes? hotels? whatever!)... and then perhaps couldn't get them back (or not at the same price?) such that they could still use the original cruise!? That's the absolute minimum they should have done, if they messed it up when they originally made/announced the offer(s) without the proper notification. We have greatly enjoyed Oceania (the Riviera - love it, er, "loved it"?), and we don't expect perfection, etc. But treating guests/customers like this is simply inexcusable. They didn't have control over the political situation, obviously. But they DID have control over "how they handle it". Full stop! This certainly does give us pause about future reservations. If we can't trust the notifications or offers they send us... what next!?? They could "do it again", in a similar or different way, any time in the future when they thought it would be profitable... That's NOT the way to rectify a "goof", not at all. GC

If you have submitted all of the required documentation, are waiting a long tim, and it's still "under review" (!), then contact your state's Insurance Commissioner's Office and ask that they help. Insurance is regulated by each state. Hope that helps move things along! GC

If any of you have travel insurance including the CFAR coverage ("Cancel For Any Reason"), please see this section on CC about travel insurance and the "terrorism vs war" question. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2967678-terrorist-attack-or-war/#comment-66312545 This was posted a few days ago, and I don't know if the actual website has been updated. We *always* get travel insurance with CFAR even though it costs extra (and not a trivial amount). But we've always felt it gives us the decision, to get 75% back in *cash* (not a credit with a time limit) in the worst case. This type of insurance now also includes "Interrupt For Any Reason", once the trip has started. Yes, we did think about terrorism, but we had (and still have) some questions about how the insurers define terrorism, especially when it is a smaller episode, such as the truck in Nice on Bastille Day several years ago. We were almost heading there about that time, but our route might not have included Nice itself, so the regular coverage might not have applied. Or a major storm, such that nothing is cancelled, but WE (who can be a bit wimp-ish at times!) don't want to go there, not then... Or if very elderly MIL was feeling "funny". She NEVER complains, but at her age, even if a physician didn't "see anything" that "should" cause us to stay, IF *she* thought something was wrong, we would not be leaving her. She *always* said, about anything when we were considering travel: "Go! GO! Enjoy!! Don't worry about me! GO!" 🙂 Again, 75% cash back would be terrific to take the sting off of that decision. But we have more reasons than average to want to get "travel insurance"(assorted medical issues), and yes, we've had enough claims, including a few large ones, to completely recover all of our premiums in addition to the insured costs. Not everyone is in that situation, with enough "concerns" to worry about cancelling. And about 99% of our claims were for cancellation or interruption (or re-routing), with almost nothing for medical, which would be the "Big Concern", of course. (The medical care was provided before departure, so our regular insurance covered it.) We consider CFAR useful for the SWAN effect: Sleep Well At Night! We've never actually used the CFAR coverage! Not for reimbursement purposes, anyway, It gives us a LOT of reassurance about that 75% "just in case". I don't know if the insurers have updated how they are handling the Israel situation, if it is still considered "terrorism" - as I asked in my first post in the linked thread? GC ETA: As for Oceania *revoking* any credits already offered or announced? That is such a severe NO! Some people may have already made plans, incurred costs, and might not even be able to "get back to" the original plans if they wanted to. That's just.... NOT okay! 😡

I'm now guessing this is a troll. WHY should others living here in the USA (aka "America") move someplace else in this situation?? Really!? GC

I'm guessing this thread gets taken down, for at least one reason, OP's language! My goodness. But back to the Ugly American. Yup, when in the USA, things tend to work the way they do in the USA. In France, like in France. In <name of country>, like in <name of country>. That's, um, sort of WHY there are "different countries": there are differences in the cultures, and that includes, yes, LANGUAGES. How would you (or others) feel if someone from France (or any other country with another language) came here and starting ranting and raving that we - GASP! - spoke ENGLISH! Double gasp! You really go to other countries and get upset when they speak their OWN language? 😱 GC

It would probably help in the future if you make your title more specific to your question, which is "concerns about sailing in the Med given the current conflicts". Or do you mean there is some special concern for your particular sailing ship/date? If the former, you'll get more eyes reading with a better title. (And there's a chance someone will suggest that your post/thread should get moved to the Princess cruise line section... which I'm guessing isn't actually what you want?) As for "concerns given the conflict", yes, many are very concerned about that. People are canceling their cruises. Cruiselines are also changing itineraries. And unfortunately, I don't think this will end soon. NOTE: We have dear friends who moved to Israel over a year ago. DH has a Zoom call once a week. Today, just minutes ago, he had barely connected, said "Hello", and he could hear the sirens go off in the background. His friend will obviously reconnect later. ... or so we hope! 😟 GC