Anchorbuoy
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Posts posted by Anchorbuoy
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2 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:
I may be reading this incorrectly...but I thought the 7-day limit was for "restricted passenger voyages" AKA the "test runs" prior to them getting their certificate.
Simulated Voyages (test runs) are a requirement to receive a Conditional Sailing Certificate (authority to operate). The Conditional Sailing Certificate restricts operations before, during, and after a revenue cruise.
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1 hour ago, greykitty said:
Page 32 of 40 says:
(2) The cruise ship operator must not sail or offer to sail on an itinerary longer than 7 days. CDC may shorten or lengthen the number of days permitted to sail based on public health considerations and as set forth in technical instructions or orders.
That pretty much rules out most current itineraries out of Florida in the near term.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dropped its controversial "No Sail" order in favor for a so-called Conditional Sailing Order.
In short, the "No Sail" order has been lifted and the industry will work with the CDC on a realistic, phased-in return to service.
"The initial phases will consist of testing and additional safeguards for crew members," the CDC said in a statement posted to its website .
"CDC will ensure cruise ship operators have adequate health and safety protections for crew while these cruise ship operators build the laboratory capacity needed to test future passengers. Subsequent phases will include simulated voyages to test cruise ship operators’ ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk, certification for ships that meet specific requirements, and a phased return to cruise ship passenger voyages in a manner that mitigates COVID-19 risk among passengers, crew members, and U.S. communities.
"These phases are subject to change based on public health considerations and cruise ship operators’ demonstrated ability to mitigate COVID19 risk. CDC will issue additional orders as needed that will be published in the Federal Register and technical instructions that will be subsequently posted on CDC’s website."
The framework allows for individual cruise lines to progress through phases at variable paces, according to the agency, and enables cruise lines successfully implementing public health measures to return to passenger operations more quickly while others by necessity may move more slowly.
The framework not only encourages cruise lines that are more successful at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 but provides a realistic timeline that anticipates COVID-19 continuing to be present and affecting cruise ship travel, the CDC said.
The phased-in approach will include: (1) establishment of laboratory testing of crew onboard cruise ships in U.S. waters; (2) 15 simulated voyages designed to test a cruise ship operators’ ability to mitigate COVID-19 on cruise ships; (3) a certification process; and (4) a return to passenger voyages in a manner that mitigates the risk of COVID-19 introduction, transmission, or spread among passengers and crew onboard ships and ashore to communities.
These phases will be further determined based on public health considerations including the trajectory of COVID-19 transmission and the demonstrated ability of cruise ship operators to successfully employ measures that mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
As part of the initial crew testing phases, the additionally contains requirements for: (1) shoreside COVID-19 laboratory screening testing of all crew currently onboard; (2) onboard diagnostic testing capabilities for symptomatic travelers (crew and future passengers); (3) shoreside COVID-19 laboratory screening testing of all newly embarking crew; and (4) continued compliance by cruise ship operators with their complete, accurate, and acknowledged No Sail Order Response Plans.
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3 hours ago, Pcardad said:
You can...call your TA to confirm. This is a very recent change....I got it in writing when I asked for it and was told it is now the correct policy.
My TA received an email from Regent today that had the following quote:
“Can Guests book several sailings with one Future Cruise Credit?
- Effective September 24, 2020, our policy was updated and FCCs earned off one booking may only be applied against another singular booking. For all updated information, please visit Regent Forward”.Regent Forward has a Future Cruise Credit FAQ sheet for travel agents that states: Effective: October 5, 2020
9.What happens if the cost of the booking is less than the Future Cruise Credit?
A new FCC will be issued for the balance which will remain in the guest profile to be used before the expiration date.
10.What happens if the cost of the booking is more than the value of the Future Cruise Credit?
Guests will have to pay for the difference.
11.Can guests book several sailings with one Future Cruise Credit?
No, FCC’s earned off one booking may only be applied against another singular booking.
Please note that item #9 contradicts item #11. Being a mind reader, I believe both items “might” be correct. Item #11 “might” mean that you cannot split FCC’s when one, or both, new bookings have not been paid 100%. i.e., you cannot put half of your FCC on one new booking and the remainder on another.
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8 minutes ago, Pcardad said:
I got it in writing when I asked for it and was told it is now the correct policy.
Great. Maybe you can forward a copy of the "correct policy" to Regent's Webmaster. Then clients who don't read Cruise Critic will be informed.
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15 minutes ago, Pcardad said:
You can split it once.
And yet Regent says you cannot, on 2 different newly released web pages. Apparently, you need to be a mind reader to know the terms and conditions. Or have a TA who is one.
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20 hours ago, Anchorbuoy said:
Can the Future Cruise Credit value be applied toward more than one reservation?
Yes, the value of the Future Cruise Credit can be applied toward multiple reservations made within one year of the Future Cruise Credit issue date on voyages sailing before December 31, 2022.
The above was yesterday.
Today:
Can the Future Cruise Credit value be applied toward more than one reservation?
No, Future Cruise Credits earned off one booking may only be applied against another singular booking.
https://www.rssc.com/RegentReassuranceFAQ
So basically, the new policy is such that if you take FCC instead of a refund, you must buy a replacement cruise of the same or greater cost. Or, forfeit part of your cash.
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24 minutes ago, Pcardad said:
Please ask your TA for a definitive answer.
Better yet, ask Regent why the official inconsistency.
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For those of us who have FCC’s to spend, here is today’s discrepancy in policy. I wish Jason O’Keefe was available to say which one is correct.
Can the Future Cruise Credit value be applied toward more than one reservation?
Yes, the value of the Future Cruise Credit can be applied toward multiple reservations made within one year of the Future Cruise Credit issue date on voyages sailing before December 31, 2022.
https://www.rssc.com/RegentReassuranceFAQ
Q) Can Future Cruise Credits be applied to multiple reservations?
A) No, Future Cruise Credits earned off one booking may only be applied against another singular booking.
https://www.rssc.com/sites/default/files/2020-10/RSSC_VoyageSuspensionFAQ_100520.pdf
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With COVID-19 impacting communities and ports around the globe, and after collaboration with local, state, federal and global agencies, we extended our voluntary temporary suspension of voyages worldwide to include sailings embarking through November 30, 2020.
Active reservations on these canceled sailings as of October 5, 2020:
Seven Seas Splendor™ – November 3, November 13, November 28
Seven Seas Explorer® – November 6, November 28
Seven Seas Voyager® – November 2, November 14
Seven Seas Navigator® – November 15Guests with active paid in full reservations on these cancelled sailings have been provided with a 100% Future Cruise Credit* of the amount paid plus a Bonus 25% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to an existing reservation or any new reservation made within one year for a Regent voyaged departing by December 31, 2022.
Or, if eligible guests prefer a refund rather than the Future Cruise Credits, we will provide these guests with a 100% refund of the amount paid. Refund requests can be submitted via the form below and will be processed within 60 days.
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15 hours ago, mrlevin said:
You get 1.5 nights per night for solo.
A slight correction:
*Single guests earn double nights when traveling at 175% or higher single supplement.
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As of today, Regent appears to be releasing SSS loyalty program night credits for terminated cruises.
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52 minutes ago, Pcardad said:
If you want to spend these FCC now, Regent will process them in a day or two. Simply tell them (or your TA). I have seen it happen many times...not an issue.
I have asked that exact question over 5 times in 90 days. Each response was an unambiguous "no, the booking must be audited first before you get your credits back". I have 2 bookings in limbo for that very reason.
Perhaps the left hand doesn't know the procedure of the right hand. I would still like to know if other passengers are experiencing the same delays that i have had.
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On 5/9/2020 at 8:06 PM, SusieQft said:
This thread is simply and ONLY to track how long it is taking to get refunds from Regent. I will transfer the data from your posts into a spreadsheet that you can see at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10N3mC_RBiyaAFQnYNdDg4h1DAmwel3-C0rzTSH_XL9c/edit?usp=sharingSusieQft:
There is another situation of "refunds" that Regent is dragging their corporate feet. If you feel so inclined, this may be an opportunity to add another Tab to your wonderful database.
For those of us who had cruises terminated early this year, Future Cruise Credits (FCC) were issued quickly. Regent pressed you to "spend" those FCC's right away. In some cases you had to make a replacement booking by the end of this year. The new problem is that when those replacement cruises were also terminated, Regent appears to be taking the 90 days to release the FCC's back to your account so that you may book something else.
As an example, we had the following:
scheduled sail date 9/23/20 (paid 100% by FCC's)
cruise terminated 6/16/20
FCC released 9/10/20I am assuming this is not unique to me. If not, it will become a continuing issue for others who cannot spend their own credits. It seems illogical that this is a policy or procedural issue.
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3 hours ago, Anchorbuoy said:
Yes. You may have 3 different fees to do so.
1. .....
2. Non-gateway city fee. This is typically $249 pp, each direction. Austin is not an included gateway in Regent's air program.
3. ........
1 hour ago, Texas Duck said:It looks like - pending a conversation with Regent - that it will be a IAH trip (just don't want to pay at least $1,000 for use of Austin).
A correction to myself: The non-gateway charge is typically $249 ROUND TRIP, not each direction. Or, $124.50 each way.
Sorry !!
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Air/Sea Department (US): 877.722.7772
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36 minutes ago, rallydave said:
You .......have to initially go thru your TA to talk to Regent Air. That said, your TA can give you permission to talk direct to Regent Air but, has to communicate that to Regent at which time they should provide you contact information.
That is no longer the case. I have talked to the Regent Air Deviation department directly, many times.
From Regent: /www.rssc.com/experience/personalized-options/air-program
air concierge desk
We offer you and/or your Travel Agent the opportunity to speak to an Air/Sea Concierge Representative when making changes to your flight itineraries and/or travel dates. This service is available on all deposited bookings. Guests who make changes to their assigned flights will be charged a non-refundable fee, plus any applicable service charges and/or airline imposed fees. These charges do not apply when requesting an upgrade to First or Business Class Air*. -
21 minutes ago, Texas Duck said:
Will Regent allow flights from Austin and, if so, should I expect BIG increase in cost along with the $175 deviation fee?
Yes. You may have 3 different fees to do so.
1. Air deviation of $175 pp that covers both directions.
2. Non-gateway city fee. This is typically $249 pp, each direction. Austin is not an included gateway in Regent's air program.
3. Air differential charge. If the ticket cost is greater than the contracted rate between Regent and the airline, the extra fare is charged to you. Most times this is zero.
There is no charge to ask the air department for a quote. If you like the terms and prices, you can accept. Otherwise simply decline.
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1 hour ago, Portolan said:
It's not like they could or would send a bill for 50% of the full cruise fare for which we hadn't yet paid.
I have never personally encountered the situation in which the cancellation penalty exceeds the deposit that they hold.
However, the Ticket Contract from Regent states:
"If the cancellation charge is more than Your advance payment, You agree to be liable to Us for the difference."
They also have your credit card data on file.
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5 hours ago, SusieQft said:
This is very helpful, and hopefully they will also modify the cancellation penalty schedule to start at 60 days also. Otherwise, you can delay payment but not cancellation for a cash refund. I guess that if you are into the penalty phase you would still be able to get an FCC for the amount you have paid under Regent Reassurance, but some might prefer a cash refund. When those revised invoices come out, it would be really nice if someone would post if they changed the penalty schedule on them as well as the final payment date.
No, the penalty period starts at 120 days on the replacement invoice, even though final payment is at 60 days. The penalty at 61-90 days is 50%. The penalty at 60 days is 75%.
This will likely trap some guests who don't read between the lines like you did, and who expect to be able to simply cancel 60 days before their cruise. I would think the only option if you wait to cancel at 60 days (and not pay the penalty) would be to pay in full, invoke Regent Reassurance, and take the Future Cruise Credit.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR UPCOMING CRUISE
DATE OF ISSUANCE: AUGUST 26, 2020
Dear Valued Guest and Travel Advisor,
Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 coronavirus situation and the global health environment. To address feedback from guests and travel partners, we are modifying our payment schedule for voyages departing through March 31, 2021 — for any reservations that have not yet been paid in full, final payment will now be due 60 days prior to cruise departure date.
An updated invoice will be issued today reflecting your new final payment date.
If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact us using the phone numbers below.
Sincerely,
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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SusieQft:
I updated my refund status on Portolan's thread.
Thanks for keeping these records !
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On 4/3/2020 at 8:00 AM, Anchorbuoy said:
Reason for refund: Cruise cancelled by Regent/world events (Explorer, 3/24)
Type of refund requested: 125% FCC, but refund of port fees/taxes
Dated requested: March 16
Date that refund received: crickets
Refund received to my credit card (finally) June 15.
Refund processed by Regent on June 12.
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CDC releases Conditional Sailing Order
in Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Posted
October 30, 2020 Update:
On October 30, 2020, CDC issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. This Order is effective upon signature and will soon be published in the Federal Register.
This Order shall remain in effect until the earliest of
*The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
*The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
*November 1, 2021
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/index.html