meechee341

6 hours ago, hcat said:

Nothing  new from X  on our  credit card!

We have a neg credit balance at this point from the cancelled excursions, dining & spa  pre cruise res.  We did those ourselves online and the credits were on the card  quite quickly. Glad we did

 

Maybe the big refunds will come in our next billing cycle..not optimistic esp when we are left hanging.,.the Celeb way!

Give it some time.  It took about two weeks from the time I cancelled until the refund showed up on my credit card.  I just stopped looking after checking nearly everyday.  The minute I just forgot about it, low and behold, it showed up.  Go figure!

5 hours ago, If only said:

We talked to Celebrity on Sunday.  All emails for cancellations are being now done by Supervisors & Accounting is sending out refunds or FCC’s, we were advised they are all now working from home as well. So it will all take time.  We canc March 11 for our April cruise.  We have still heard nothing but were given amounts etc over the phone.

That's great!  The confirmation emails should come soon.

On 3/21/2020 at 5:23 PM, downsmead said:

Meecheee above said ‘never, ever book a non-refundable trip’ .

Unfortunately here in the UK, we have no other option. All deposits are non-refundable 🤦‍♀️. To that extent CwC at least offers the chance to ‘retrieve’ your deposit albeit in the form of a FCC, better than losing £300.

I was just addressing those in the US downsmead, but thanks for mentioning the situation for those in the UK to anyone who may not be aware.  One of the reasons I stay away from Royal Caribbean is that depending on the room category (suites), your deposit is automatically non-refundable.  In those cases it's so hard to book out ahead to get the best rates because you never know what kind of curve ball life will throw at you.  I do hope X will refund those in the UK their FCC in a timely manner.

On 3/20/2020 at 4:16 PM, WonderMan3 said:

 

As the poster above you mentioned, it is not a necessary industry like the airlines or the auto industry. As they also said, it is likely that if this goes on long enough, one or more cruise lines will go belly up and we will see a consolidation. At the minimum, some of the larger cruise lines may need to trim down their fleet and sell off some ships to help their finances. They need to figure it out without a bailout. I don't see the cruise line industry vanishing so there will still be jobs to be had in the incremental business areas like hotels and restaurants in port areas.

I could even see companies like Carnival dropping some of the cruise lines they own.  Carnival is taking a real beating in all of this through Princess.  

41 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

FCC may not be be worth the paper it’s printed on ...... a promise more or less means nothing.  Cash refund only ..... they’ll give FCC’s all day because they are worthless . 

I agree.  That's why I book refundable and I got my cash back within two weeks of cancelling my June cruise with X.  I'm not interested in credits I may not be able to use.

On 3/20/2020 at 2:11 PM, Loracpin2 said:

There is an old saying.. "a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush." If you take the refund,  you are guaranteed to recoup what you paid for the cruise. If you take the FCC, with the need for the cruise lines to recoup their billions of loss, there is no guarantee you would be able to rebook a cruise similar to what you cancelled even with the increase to 125%.  

Excellent point!  I'd rather have my cash in hand than worry about all the stipulations X could put on how and when that FCC could be used.  I got a full refund last week and I'm happy I got my money back.  I can now wait and see what happens with the prices.  I have a suite booked for next year, so I can apply that money to that cruise.  

1 hour ago, jeremybe said:

Feb 13 Millie cruise out of Hong Kong - Received the 50%. FCC, still waiting on refund - They're slammed, I'm sure it will come through - Giving them time - The agents have been incredibly helpful - They're so overworked and exhausted now..

I cancelled online and received an email from X a few days later.  You'll hear from them.  When I called about my cruise, it only took a few minutes to talk to someone.  The agent was very understanding when I voiced concern about the trip.  He answered all my questions and didn't attempt to rush me off the phone. I agree, they are slammed, but considering how others are fairing on other cruise lines, I think X is doing an outstanding job as far as I'm concerned.  

I cancelled my June 12 night Canada/New England cruise on the Summit.  I got a refund of every dime.  Plus X refunded and cancelled the shore excursions as well.  It took about two weeks from the time I cancelled until I got my refund.  I didn't want any FCC credits, so I'm happy I got all my payments back.  I really hope X and Royal Caribbean as a whole can weather this storm.  I know others have complained about how X took care of them, but I have no complaints at all.  One thing I will say, NEVER, EVER book a non-refundable trip!  I cancelled my trip before the 18th final payment date (right after the State department said not to cruise, but before Canada shut down all their ports until July).  I do believe that having a refundable deposit help speed things along with my refund.  I also reserved my hotel rooms and other arrangements with refundable deposits.  I had no problems getting all of my money back.  

1 hour ago, TCBFlash said:

I can tell you that for us to book  for the same week next year equal to what we had (veranda cabin with 4 perks) the cost is an additional $1050 after using the 125% FCC. And that would only be a $300 OBC and we had $500.  

 

So we will be taking the refund. 

Lots of people will be noticing the same thing when they attempt to rebook using FFC.  

On 3/8/2020 at 9:01 AM, niko40 said:

Well MSC haven't stated this anywhere and i dont want a FCC for a  cruise next year with increased prices which we will have ro payvthe difference.  I want the security of knowing if i get denied boarding at embarkation due to their checking i will get a full refund. I dont want the hassle of having to get them to issue me wirh a doctors note for my insurance,which i have doubts they will do anyway.

The big cruise lines are offering full refunds if you are denied at embarkation not MSC.

They seem to be very underhanded 

But lets see what they publish tomorrow 

If you want that kind of security, then you have to be willing to pay a bit more money and go with the bigger, more established American cruise lines.  

1 hour ago, drakes2 said:

I just saw on CNN could be July or August. Personally  I anticipate another 4 to 5 months. 

The UK is saying it may going into 2021.  This isn't going away any time soon.

2 hours ago, Loracpin2 said:

Take the REFUND.  Not knowing what the prices will be when the "dust (more like craziness) finally settles", the cost of a future cruise will like be higher the the 125% FCC.

I agree!  People need to for the cash instead of the FCC.  FCC isn't worth it! They are going to restrict how and when you can redeem that FCC so they can recoup as much money as possible.  Get the money!

3 hours ago, pixiedust777 said:

Cancel and get all your money back while you can.

 

Exactly!  FCC is worthless.  They are going to put a bunch of restrictions and stipulations on those vouchers.  Get your cash and get out while you can. 

41 minutes ago, Bjbilly said:

 they want us to keep the future Cruise credit then they should offer us more than they are and maybe we would other cruise lines are offering a lot more

Cruise lines like Princess have also had much worse publicity over this than Royal and Celebrity.  Princess is going to have to offer the moon to get people to trust them again and forget about the people who were trapped in quarantine on ships.  

35 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!  I was supposed to be on an RC cruise yesterday but they canceled so getting refund they offered 125% FCC or refund. They actually wanted me to rebook cruise for sailing after April 11th stating some guests already did. I'm just not that dumb. I cancelled a cruise for July 5th on Celebrity and getting deposit of $125 as FCC fortunately had not made final payment. I think they're under pressure to get guests to commit to future cruises now. 

Smart move!  People think they are gaining so much by getting FCC.  If and when this virus blows over, the major cruise lines (if they survive this) will be seeking to get their money back.  People have no idea what type of stipulations and restrictions they can put on the holders of FCC vouchers.  The cruise lines will do their best to lure people back to cruising.  Those will cash will be in the best position to get great deals, and not just on cruises.  The travel industry as a whole is taking a beating. Cruise lines could offer excellent deals to those with cash, while telling those with FCC that they can't apply their credit to the new sales.  If you can, get a cash refund and wait this out.  Don't make the assumption that things are going to get better in time to salvage the summer cruise season.  Get your money and wait this out.  

31 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

That's why I opted for refunds. Now with the US closing restaurants and bars for 60 days there is no way ships will sail effective April 11th. There are people who have already booked using FCC.  

I agree!  TAKE THE REFUND!  Don't think you're gaining anything by opting for FCC.  You don't want X or any other cruise line hanging on to YOUR money!  You don't know what will happen in the future.  People are ASSUMING things will get better quickly and go back to normal.  The UK is already suggesting that this crisis my stretch into 2021.  No one can estimate how bad this crisis will be or how long it will last. If you end up out of work because of this, how is a bunch of FCC going to help you?   There is no cure for it right now.  Doctors are saying that even if you do recover from the virus, your lungs will suffer lasting damage.  Being safe and healthy is worth WAY more than some crazy FCC.  If you can get your money to use to pay a bill or get important supplies, get your money from Celebrity.

1 hour ago, Frenchkona said:

I have to make a decision by Wednesday regarding our June 16th Cruise to New England and Canada. I need to choose from these options. Any advice would be very much appreciated. 
 

1.  Pay the final payment, hoping that the cruise actually happens. 
2.  Pay the final payment, and have the option of canceling later and taking the future credits. 
3.  Pay the final payment and staying with it and if it is canceled then taking the whole payment and possible additional credit

4.  Just cancel and look into something next year. 
 

one option gives me my deposit immediately and my money is not tied up. The others have various other stipulations. So your help would be appreciated. 

I was on this 12 night cruise and I canceled long before Canada shut down all its ports until July.  This cruise is not going to happen.  Canada is shut down and New England is a hot zone with increasing upticks in the new virus patients.  Cancel before the 18th deadline and get your money back if you booked a refundable ticket.  My booking was refundable and when the State Department announced that US citizens should stay off cruise ships, that's when I canceled.  I don't want to be stuck with a bunch of FCC and Dr. Fauci is predicting that this is only going to get worse.  People are making the assumption that somehow their summer cruises will be running.  I don't think that's a good assumption to make.  You don't know what the future will hold, but you can get your cash back and have it in your pocket in case you need to pay a bill or stock up on toilet paper or food.  Get the cash and leave the FCC.  

4 hours ago, Host Anne said:

I'm going to ask that we give Celebrity (and all the cruise lines) a little bit of a break from being so critical here on Cruise Critic.  This is an unprecedented situation that is changing faster than anything I've seen in my lifetime (and I'm on the older end of the spectrum :-)).  The cruise line employees (stateside and shipboard) have been working endless hours to make decisions, revise them, make new decisions to protect passengers and crew.  They are in a no win situation.  People are upset if the don't sail; people are upset if they do.  Phone lines and websites are inundated.  It's easy for us to sit here at our computers, likely at home, and be critical.  But that's doesn't do anyone any good right now.  These are unusually challenging times for all.  The last thing we need is second guessing and negative comments about Celebrity.  While I am certain that frustrations on many fronts are high, keep in mind how stressful the situations are for those that work for the cruise lines, the ports, hotels, airlines, etc.  There are so many things at stake.  Let's all be a little more cautious in what we say here on Cruise Critic.  We all want to get through this together.

 

 

 

 

Well said!  Thank you for a moment of clarity.  X and any other cruise isn't cancelling cruises, missing ports, having longer than usual phone wait times, and shutting down service completely for several weeks just to annoy people.  These companies are seriously hurting right now while trying to find a way to keep customers happy.  It's a great idea to just take a deep breath and realize that this too shall pass.

6 hours ago, smogfarmgirl said:

So we are still leaning toward taking our 5 night Caribbean cruise in a couple weeks. If it gets cancelled that’s one thing, of course, but we are young and healthy. 
 

Here’s my complaint with X....we got a great deal on this cruise. $1950 total for Aquaclass and 3 perks. Looking through their site, prices are soooo high! For us to get anything close to what we have now would cost us an extra $1500 or so, which just can’t happen. Will they hold prices high to make it so people like us will end up with a junky room and no perks, but have to spend the money with X anyway??

 

Doesn't seem fair. 

Fair isn't defined by what works best for you.  I'm sure the cruise line employees don't think it's fair that a virus has shown up out of nowhere that is spreading around the world and throwing a monkey wrench in the travel industry.  Now that the State Department has warned against traveling on cruise ships, I'm sure they think it's not fair that they might lose their jobs because of something completely outside of their control.  Cruise lines have employees to pay, ships to maintain, ships to build and all the other costs that go into running a business like this while still trying to eek out a profit to keep investors happy.  Plus they have to find a way to keep customers happy and wanting to cruise (while trying to give customers a chance to cancel if necessary) without bankrupting themselves in the process.  It makes logical sense that they would want to stabilize their income as much as possible.  Not everything is about corporate greed and "fat cats getting over on the little guy".  After all, how many cruisers would be willing to put their health at risk if the cruise lines offered rock bottom prices and full free perks, taking advantage of a bad situation for the cruise lines?

D

7 hours ago, PROCRUISE said:

This is a personal decision that each individual, who is scheduled on a cruise in the near future, must decide for themselves.

I am 74 yrs old, have no major health problems, do CrossFit Masters classes three days a week and walk an additional 7-10 miles a week with two Siberian Huskies (walking me) and attempt to eat well. I also survived 30 years of nursing in a Level One Trauma Center/ER and was probably exposed to everything possible. Hand washing and its importance is hardly a new concept to me as it seems to be to the world now.

I am schedule on the Equinox, out of FLL, next Saturday, March 14th, on my 35th cruise. Unless X cancels this cruise, I'm going. My choice, my risk, my decision based on my common sense. I respect the choice of those who were scheduled on this cruise but have decided to cancel, per our roll call.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security that because you do all these activities and consider  yourself "fit", that you are somehow impervious to getting ill and/or death.  

3 hours ago, Yertiz1883 said:

We were also on this cruise and totally agree with the very positive remarks. Simply put the crew were outstanding in every aspect. 

So glad you had a great cruise!  

On 2/12/2020 at 7:51 AM, Rustyman said:

We’re just home from this cruise and want to thank Celebrity for making it such a great one. The crew, officers and everyone we met on board were happy and could not have been more helpful. After 3 stops at Vietnam ports the cruise hit the buffers with intended ports changing daily and on one day the ports were changed twice. As it turned out either Celebrity cancelled ports for our safety or countries refused us entry. The cruise was ultimately cut short by 5 nights and we terminated at Singapore rather than Hong Kong.

The compensation offered to all passengers by Celebrity was very generous and in addition they covered all flight changes and hotel accommodations on touch down at Singapore.

We ate every evening at the MDR and the food was all delicious. We usually have a couple of nights in the speciality restaurants but no need as MDR was the best. The Oceanview food was all so good. Service on board was excellent maybe better than usual as the ship was far from full.

The cruise was probably the happiest we’ve ever taken due to every interaction with crew and passengers alike and we can’t wait to do it all again.

So nice to hear someone give Celebrity praise where it is deserved.  So many people complain about the furniture down to a lack of pens being offered on board.  It's so nice to hear from someone who appreciates how hard the crew worked to help everyone on board have a great cruise.  I was worried about my up-coming cruise on the Summit.  News like this makes me more confident about traveling.  This is why Celebrity is my favorite cruise line! Thanks for your post!

17 hours ago, Oville said:

Your above highlighted statements are untrue.  Luminae is open for breakfast and dinner everyday and closed for lunch on port days.  There is a beef dish offered everyday at dinner, a 4 oz filet.  We are currently on a 7 day Celebrity cruise and beef is on the menu 5 of the 7 days.

I second that.  That statement about Luminae is completely untrue.  Even if steak isn't featured on the menu, you can ask for one and they will gladly provide it.  Even the kids menu features a smaller steak option each evening.  You can download the X app and choose an available ship and current sailing.  From there you can check out the menus and the open hours for Luminae.  Luminae is open for breakfast and dinner EVERY day and open for lunch on sea days.

Based on what you said you like, it sounds like X is right up your alley.  It's a really laid back "chill" atmosphere.  You won't find lots (if any) kids running around wild.  No one decorates their stateroom door.  I've never seen anyone leaving dirty dishes in the hall.  It's a more refined ship and atmosphere without being snobby.  You'll love the coffee shop (look for the big yellow "Alice in Wonderland" chairs by the windows on the S class ships (my favorite spot for an afternoon iced latte).  I think X will hit all of your high points.  Hopefully you'll enjoy your first cruise!

If you go to Harrison's Cave in Barbados, I'd recommend booking this excursion through the ship.  The tour is set up where they take you around through the cave on a tram.  The cruise will sell just the number of tickets to fill up a tram (I think they had two times you could choose from).  The cruise also provided a smaller bus that fit the exact number of people who'd be on the tram (The cave is pretty far away from the cruise port.  The added transportation made this worth the cost if you catch the excursion on sale).  If I'm not mistaken, if you show up to the Visitor's Center for Harrison's Cave and you aren't part of a cruise ship excursion, I think they'll make you wait until they have enough people to fill a tram.  This is a GREAT excursion and well worth it!  Book it ASAP if you're interested since it filled up quickly and when people asked about booking it once on the ship, there were no seats left.