bclinton

14 minutes ago, Susan in Maine said:

 

You do realize that RCL customer service is dealing with thousands and thousands of people in a very difficult situation? Calling them over and over is not helping. I'm sure they are doing the best they can. Take a deep breath!

They also chose to close the customer service center yesterday...the holiday......this compounded the problem.

1 minute ago, GWBonthego said:

Has anyone here been on a shortened itinerary before?  (I'm getting on the Navigator tomorrow)

I'm not too fussed about the $ credits or FCC I believe it will work out in time.  I'm curious though, what to expect as far as dining reservations, shows, activities, etc.  Has the crew been through this sort of thing enough to know how to sort it smoothly or will it be utter chaos?

I'm guessing that the ship will be half empty due to many who just cancel, so this should be interesting...

 

Enjoy...the revised cruise is barely 36 hours which includes 2 nights of sleep. I find it criminal that they are replacing a 5 day cruise with that itinerary instead of offering refunds. Forcing customers to accept a FCC given the circumstances is a raw deal for those that may not be able to use the credits due to having a life that takes precedence...... 

When I read this email there is not a request for us to do anything to choose the credit. We checked in early last week before all of the Dorian impacts started. Anyway, am I safe to assume that if we simply do not show up that we will receive the credit via email as noted in the email below. I tried to call the customer service line and they are closed due to the holiday which is pretty astonishing given all that is happening......

ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS     Dear Guest, After careful review of Hurricane Dorian’s path, our Navigator of the Seas sailing will now depart on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, instead of Monday, September 2nd, 2019. We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change, but made this decision to maintain a comfortable cruise and avoid adverse weather at the beginning of our journey. Please know, your safety is and always will be our top priority; it’s not something we’d ever jeopardize. Although sailing later than we originally planned, we’re looking forward to welcoming you aboard. Below, please find our new itinerary. Day Port of Call Arrive Depart Wed Miami, Florida   4:00 PM Thurs Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Fri Miami, Florida 6:00 AM   While these circumstances are beyond our control, we understand they impact your vacation. To help make up for this unexpected change, we’re providing you with the following:   A refund, which will be added to your Onboard Account as a refundable onboard credit. Plus, a Future Cruise Credit so that you can come back and sail with us. Both amounts will be in the value of the 2 days your cruise was shortened by, and based on the total cruise fare paid, per person, non-inclusive of taxes and fees. In addition, if you purchased an internet, beverage, unlimited dining package, or pre-paid your gratuities, you’ll receive a prorated refund as a credit for the 2 days your cruise was shortened by to your Onboard Account. Any pre-purchased Royal Caribbean International shore excursions for the impacted ports will also be refunded to your Onboard Account.   All credits applied to your Onboard Account can be used anywhere onboard, and any unused credits will be refunded back to your credit card on file about 3 – 5 business days after the sailing ends. Please know, we’re currently working with some of our airline partners, as some have agreed to waive change fees for our guests due to this special circumstance. Please contact your airline service provider for additional details. Unfortunately, if your airline does not waive the change fees, you’ll be responsible for any charges incurred. While we hope you choose to sail with us, if you decide not to sail, we’ll provide you with:    A 100% Future Cruise Credit of your cruise fare paid, in hopes you’ll join us on another cruise vacation in the near future. You can expect to receive your Future Cruise Credit by email by Friday, September 20th, 2019. You’ll also receive a full refund for any pre-purchased items like, shore excursions, beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities, and your taxes & fees. If you booked a non-refundable fare, fees will be waived.   We are truly sorry for the storm’s impact on your vacation. Our guests’ and crew’s safety is our number one priority and while not the itinerary we originally anticipated, we know your time with us will be nothing short of amazing. Sincerely, Royal Caribbean International

16 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Believe me, you wouldn't be interested in what I really think.............................................................................................

You're right........................

2 minutes ago, tface023 said:

 

How about schools not schedule any classes during the winter.  There could be a blizzard after all..

That's not a very well thought out analogy......lol

17 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Wow!  I really feel sorry for you.....hope the rest of your life works out just like you plan it.  Good luck....

I feel sorry for the folks that are ok with getting screwed over and find it perfectly acceptable to pay for something and not receive it......do you really think the cruise lines do not buy insurance themselves for situations like this and are not made whole through the policy?

7 minutes ago, Desert Cruizers said:

Not having sailed during hurricane season, if a cruise is shortened, itinerary changed because of one, it certainly isn't the cruise lines fault. Both they and those sailing will be affected that is the risk one takes so we should try and make the best of the trip. I extend prayers to all who will be affected in FL and hope they will be safe.  

I have no problem with that but changing a 5 day cruise to a 1 day in and out cruise with no stops and calling it even is pretty absurd.

1 minute ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

Bottomline...You should not be cruising the Caribbean in the months of August/September. When one books this type of cruise in these months, one should fully expect issues w/ weather. Hurricanes did not just sufdenly start happening this year. They happen every year and if one books a cruise during this time frame, one should fully understand the refund/cancellations reprocussions when it occurs. 

 

Live and learn.  

How about the cruise line not schedule anything during hurricane season? You put all the responsibility on the traveler. The traveler pays for something...if they don't receive it they should be refunded their money. How is that such a stretch?

1 hour ago, BecciBoo said:

 "How can they drastically change a cruise by knocking off 2 days and not give the guests refunds?"

 

  "They"??? Don't you mean Dorian drastically changed your cruise! And they are giving refunds, just not in the way you want. There are still passengers who want to go, so the ship has staff to pay, provisions to pay for and port fees/taxes to pay.  So the best scenario for the line is to offer some OBC/reimbursement or a voucher.  How is this not fair under the current situation?

 

Why do people not see this as a natural disaster and that the cruise lines...all of them...make their decisions based on what's best for all involved.  It's amazing how entitled and "It's all about me" people have become... unwilling to reason.  I would be glad of these decisions if I were on any of the impacted cruises.  We will be fine on Sept. 7.  But if it were me on 8/31 or 9/3, I would cut my losses and take the voucher, plan my next cruise for April.  Simple.  We didn't have a honeymoon till 6 months later when I got married...no problem.  Life's an adventure...savor it.

They make their decisions on what is best for the bottom line of the cruise line and only the bottom line. We are not stupid.....now the only stop the cruise line had is now closed. It's a one day cruise now......that is supposed to take the place of my paid for and non refundable 5 day cruise.......ya ok.....

10 minutes ago, Coralc said:

 

It's a honeymoon. But just take it later. Have a mini honeymoon for now, take the 100% credit and book another cruise sometime in the future. 

That's easier said than done......circumstances are not all the same. 

1 hour ago, smplybcause said:

 

It's not a full refund. Sounded to me like the poster wants a full refund for the cruise and to not go on the shortened version. Not just refunded for the days missed but still go on a shortened cruise for days you wouldn't get refunded. 

That's exactly what I want. A full refund should be a given when a hurricane impacts a cruise. How in the world are people supposed to even get to Miami? Giving FCC to folks that have no idea whether or not they will be able to use it in the coming year is ridiculous. Missing out on the cruise is bad enough but having it stuck to you with no refund just salts the wound....

18 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Seriously, you think it's just RCCL??????  Go on over to the other lines threads and see what they are doing.  It's weather dude...shlt happens.  We're holding our breath for our 9/7 Symphony sailing, but there's no way I am going to second guess a company who has been doing business in Hurricane alley for almost half a century.  And it's not just about profit.  They are trying to do the best thing for the most people.  All of whom have different ideas on what they would like.  It's not easy bein' green.

I get your point but......RCCL is the cruise line I am dealing with now. To send me a revised itinerary for what is barely over 36 hours long that is supposed to make good for a 5 day cruise is insulting.......to only offer credits when I paid in cash just tops it off.......pretty terrible way to do business even with the beyond their control hurricane......

23 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Trying to run a 2 night cruise so that they don't "cancel" absurd.  Cancel now, give guests who haven't come to FL a chance to avoid the whole mess.  Get your current guests off safely...assess any damages to CocoCay, give your crew a day or two or downtime as you run from the storm.  This 2 night itinerary is ridiculous.  

 

Even the 2 night Bahamas cruise ship from West Palm runs away. 

 

I agree! Doing nothing but creating a whole group of potential customers that will never consider Royal Caribbean CL again. 

24 minutes ago, bclinton said:

 

I agree that natural disasters are not their fault but it's not the travelers fault either. Issuing a refund for a future cruise and letting the traveler decide what to do with THEIR money is a reasonable request. They can cancel their airline because it was bought with points. 

Here is the revised itinerary offer......this does nothing but slap the consumer n the face........pretty unbelievable. 

Day Port of Call Arrive Depart Wed Miami, Florida   4:00 PM Thurs Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Fri Miami, Florida 6:00 AM

3 minutes ago, Cel_cruise said:

 

 

Your travel insurance may offer a refund but the Weather is not Royals fault for the weather.    A future cruise credit so that they can enjoy a delayed honey moon or a one year anniversary cruise such that no money is lost due to this act of Mother Nature is perfectly reasonable and likely above and beyond what was in the T&Cs that you signed.   

 

Im sure it’s hugely disappointing to have a honeymoon impacted but cruising out of Florida on Monday just isn’t gonna be an option.   

 

Were they flying into Florida for the cruise?   Has the airline offered change options?   

I agree that natural disasters are not their fault but it's not the travelers fault either. Issuing a refund for a future cruise and letting the traveler decide what to do with THEIR money is a reasonable request. They can cancel their airline because it was bought with points. 

6 minutes ago, BND said:

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but it says a refund given as refundable onboard credit and a future cruise credit.

I hope and wish but reading it sure sounds like no cruise cost refunds....only on repurchased items.....

• You’ll also receive a full refund for any pre-purchased items like, shore excursions, beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities, and your taxes & fees. If you booked a non-refundable fare, fees will be waived.
•  
• A 100% Future Cruise Credit of your cruise fare paid, in hopes you’ll join us on another cruise vacation in the near future. You can expect to receive your Future Cruise Credit by email by Friday, September 20^th, 2019.

My son is getting married tomorrow and I purchased a cruise for them leaving out of Miami. Paid in full months ago. They received an email below from the cruise line.....from the looks at it they are telling my son that his four day cruise is shortening to 1 day. Leave Miami late Wed....stop at one port thursday....return back to miami Fri. His only option is to receive a credit for a future cruise. NO REFUNDS? The problem is it was his honeymoon and the money for it is in the cruise. I purchased the insurance. After reading that it appears that it doesn't refund our money either. How can they drastically change a cruise by knocking off 2 days and not give the guests refunds? If this is in fact true and we have no recourse this will certainly be the last cruise for anyone in our family with Royal Carribean. I certainly realize that a hurricane can happen but not offering refunds for something like this is beyond me.....

Any suggestions?

A refund, which will be added to your Onboard Account as a refundable onboard credit. Plus, a Future Cruise Credit so that you can come back and sail with us. Both amounts will be in the value of the 2 days your cruise was shortened by, and based on the total cruise fare paid, per person, non-inclusive of taxes and fees. In addition, if you purchased an internet, beverage, unlimited dining package, or pre-paid your gratuities, you’ll receive a prorated refund as a credit for the 2 days your cruise was shortened by to your Onboard Account. Any pre-purchased Royal Caribbean International shore excursions for the impacted ports will also be refunded to your Onboard Account.   All credits applied to your Onboard Account can be used anywhere onboard, and any unused credits will be refunded back to your credit card on file about 3 – 5 business days after the sailing ends.     While we hope you choose to sail with us, if you decide not to sail, we’ll provide you with:    A 100% Future Cruise Credit of your cruise fare paid, in hopes you’ll join us on another cruise vacation in the near future. You can expect to receive your Future Cruise Credit by email by Friday, September 20th, 2019. You’ll also receive a full refund for any pre-purchased items like, shore excursions, beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities, and your taxes & fees. If you booked a non-refundable fare, fees will be waived.

Thanks!! It's much cheaper to get the car for the short period of time and be able to go where ever we want when we are there :) Only 1 week until we leave, so excited

Yes, plus you can stay longer at the Glacier than the tours do. That is what we did. We got it for $58. Check online for codes.

Yes, we left the car at the hotel. That will not be a problem. They will tell you where to park it.

Yes, I just read his review... and it leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn't explain anything really. He complained about an external service, he complained about the gambling and shops. Yet for some reason food and shore excursions were rated as 2... with absolutely no explanation. Apparently he went to shows since he rated them as a 3, but no mention of that either. Same with the spa. This is a perfect example of a review I wouldn't take very seriously. But hey, he did point out to us how generous of a person he is since he felt he needed to mention he tipped the room attendant $100. :)

You said complain? I said ripoff! A big difference. If you have money to throw away I fully recommend sailing on the Norwegian Pearl.

No, they are the real thing.

 

We sailed two cruise lines and I wrote two reviews and submitted them shortly after we returned. Each one took about one week to post and I got an e-mail informing me of that.

 

Keith

Okay, thanks. I was hoping it was that :)

I have to ask? I submitted my NCL Pearl Alaskan cruise review 3 days ago. It has yet to be posted. My review was not good.

We just rented a car from Avis this week and it worked really well. We were at A dock on the other side of the tram and it took us 15 minutes to walk to the Goldbelt Hotel. It's a nice walk all along the dock. We were there at 8 AM and got the car right away. We paid $57 total. I think the AJ dock has a free shuttle into town.

Good info. That is my rate too. We went with the small SUV model which was a bit more.

What areas do you suggest we visit?

Whatever the price quoted is, be sure to add FedEx shipping. When we went a few years ago, the processing and shipping charges for the six of us on the charter was close to $300.00! for about 36 fish.

Wow. That is probably more than the fish cost in a store. Maybe not as fresh but still very pricey. I think I would have thrown mine back :)

Please let me know if you contact these companies and how it goes. I'm booked on Princess in July through Vacations to Go. Right now, the rates I paid are still what is being charged. However, if they come down, I'd love to know I could get OBC.

Well I got back on the NCL site today and the mini suite is sold out. Yesterday ir was available a cheaper. Guess my time frame to ask is probably a mute point now.