loriva

On 8/1/2021 at 9:12 AM, jhenry1 said:

If you choose to deviate and then closer to sailing decide to book your own flights and take the credit is that possible or are you locked in to what Regent booked for you

As a new-to-Regent cruiser, I found this a very interesting question.  What did your TA find out from Regent when he/she asked them?

This morning, RSSC.com is showing Cat E availability for the full WC.  But at least one segment--the one we're booked on, Papeete to Auckland--is showing "Waitlisted" across the board as it has for months.  Not sure how the segment can be full, while the WC is not, but I'm not in the industry so maybe there is an explanation. 

I believe full payment for the WC is due on Friday, 06 August.  I hope for those on the full WC that Regent makes a decision on the cruise or itinerary before then.  Even with six months to go, it appears certain that New Zealand and Australia at least will not be accepting cruise ships.

3 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I presume that this new contract is retroactive to future cruise bookings?  Where would we read this?

That was my question as well.  If you accept the new ticket contract, definitely.  If you booked under the old one, however, not sure.  Since you cannot do the other things on the new on-line check-in until 21 days before a cruise, would it be prudent to hold off accepting the new ticket contract until that date--when you might be more confident on what you are accepting from Regent in terms of itinerary and conditions?

26 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

It is my understanding, as told by multiple Regent employees, that FCC stopped being issued last Jan? and any currently on the books must be used by cruises sailing by 12/31/21....So my understanding is yes, they must be used. I am NOT saying that Regent won't change their policy and possibly refund your money if you have tried repeatedly to use them...who knows. I am not taking that risk.

Sorry for not explaining myself well.  These are FCCs issued for cruises cancelled prior to the change and applied to a segment of the WC for 2022.  Since we took the FCCs, we cannot obtain a refund.  Wondering--and none of us know, I understand--that should that cruise be cancelled or substantially changed if Regent will change its deadline for use of those FCCs beyond the current end of 2022 deadline.

14 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

I have been told directly and repeatedly that FCC will not be extended until 2023....but to be fair, things change. We have a lot of them and currently have them all booked by the end of 2022.

Does that include FCCs for cruises departing in 2022 that have been cancelled or significantly changed?

10 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

Not so sure about that, we had booked a cruise that debarkation was in Los Angeles, got a letter from Regent that would be changed the new debarkation would be Lima Peru.

Thanks, ronrick.  Did Regent give you the opportunity to cancel the cruise--without penalties--with this significant change or did you just have to accept the change or be faced with penalties for any change you decided to make?

Crystal Cruises sent a notice to TAs yesterday that it is working on changing its World Cruise for 2022 into two Grand Voyages.  The announcement includes the statement "We do know with near certainty that many of our planned calls will not be available including those in Australia and New Zealand."  (Full statement is posted on the Crystal board.)

As such, it appears Regent will also need to change its WC itinerary for 2022 significantly--a topic of previous speculation here.  Clauses 11 and 12 of Regent's Ticket Contract (contract of carriage) seem to give the line pretty much carte blanche to make whatever changes it wants to its itineraries due to COVID-19.  Would that apply, however, if you booked your cruise prior to the changes to the Ticket Contract?  I've always understood cruise lines could change ports in any fashion, but thought that applied to the intermediary ones--not the ports of embarkation or debarkation.  But, of course, Regent did just that with its cruises on Splendor before the United Kingdom changed its quarantine policies.

So, if Regent opts to change the WC for 2022 significantly, what do experienced cruisers think Regent will offer if the new itinerary--either the full WC or segments--morphs to something completely different?  Will Regent allow FCCs from any cruises it cancels or changes significantly in 2022 to be used in 2023?  Many here have reported already having had difficulty finding cruises with itineraries or accommodations in 2022 on which to apply FCCs from cancelled cruises.

2 hours ago, Brownie54 said:

I believe the 2022 and 2023 WC’s sold out without creating segments.

Regent created and sold some segments for the 2022 WC (we're booked on one) but I think the 2023 sold out without the need for any segments.  It appears the WC for 2024 may have also sold out completely without the need to create segments.  Although as others have pointed out, until the deadline for deposits is reached there may be hope for some space to open up.

5 minutes ago, PRNole47 said:

I don't know. The response from Hungary's Border Control Police cited the reason for not allowing US citizens to enter Hungary was because "our countries don't have any agreements according that yet," referring to accepting CDC vaccine for entry.  This suggested the agreements were between governments and not between individual cruise companies and the Hungarian govt. The entry requirement is accepting the CDC vaccine card with the proper info on it, which all US citizens would need to have regardless of what cruise line they use. They didn't even ask what cruise line was I using so they could tell me whether or not that particular company had been approved.

None of us know right now--us, the cruise lines, even the governments involved.  As I said only time will tell.  All we can do is what you are doing--checking and double checking.  It is bizarre that the Hungarian Government is not accepting a proof of vaccination (the CDC card) that the EU is--but each member state is allowed to set their own entry rules.  Let's hope things get settled down in the next few months before we are scheduled to sail.

As a follow-on to steamboats, this is what Crystal said in a press release on 02 July 2021:  "Plans are well underway to resume river cruising in August thanks to recent positive news from the European Union allowing entry for vaccinated passengers with all countries on Crystal River Cruises’ itineraries now open for river cruising."  Since most of their Danube cruises start or end in Budapest, it would appear Crystal has reached some agreement with the Hungarian Government on entry to passengers (many of whom would be flying into or out of Budapest).  Or hope to do so--Crystal's river cruises are not slated to begin until 29 August.  While Hungary is a member of the EU, states are allowed to make independent policies on entry.  Only time will tell.

Hmmm...

The press release describes 35 cruises and that they are open for booking.  But a search for river cruises in 2021 returns only 32 cruises--which all look the same as Crystal has had posted for awhile.  Any idea where the difference lies--are there three new itineraries or sailings not yet posted on Crystal's website?

The full press release does include this:  "In preparation for the resumption of service, Crystal River Cruises’ devoted crew are prepping the vessels, will complete a refresher training program as well as implement new Crystal Clean+ protocols that address the unique challenges of COVID-19.  New measures include mandatory vaccination for guests and crew; COVID-19 testing at embarkation; HEPA filters; and more.   Because of the mandatory vaccination requirement, guests will be able to explore ashore independently.  As a reminder, Crystal Clean+ protocols are under continual review based on scientific data and evolving recommendations from local and global authorities."  The ability to tour independently--if conditions remain suitable--is hugely welcome news!

https://mediacenter.crystalcruises.com/crystal-river-cruises-announces-complete-2021-deployment-2/

Since we're all left in the tea-leaf reading business these days, I throw in one that may be a POSITIVE sign.

Yesterday, Crystal sent me an email that a shore excursion we had reserved for our sailing on the Danube with Ravel in late October had been cancelled as the place where the tour was to take place (a brewery) is not offering tours this year.  This gives me hope that someone in Crystal is reviewing their shorex program, reaching out to the sites to ensure they are on track.  At least I'm going to be optimistic and hope this is what that means!  (Conversely, I used lack of updates to shorex--tours that read "Details coming soon" in the run-up to final payment date--as a sign the cruise line was going to cancel the sailing.  And they did.)

On 6/17/2021 at 8:17 PM, wishIweretravelling said:

The regular pouring coffee in the restaurants is swill. I always ask for Cafe Americano (I like my coffee black--you can also ask for something like a latte). It takes a little longer to get (and to get refills), but is worth it.  You can get these in either dining room or the Coffee Connection

So, if we order coffee from Room Service, will it be the "regular pouring coffee"?  Or can you special order a Cafe Americano or a latte from Room Service?  Or do I need to visit the Coffee Connection and carry them back to the stateroom?  (Ah, to have the luxury of such "problems"!)

Many thanks,

On 6/18/2021 at 1:46 PM, J80crew said:

I spoke to Crystal’s Customer Care and learned that they will provide complimentary transfer from debarkation in Vilshofen to the Munich airport. We are not flying out that day, but will rent a car at the airport to explore some of Bavaria from our hotel in Munich. Hope this helps, Loriva and Coral. 

Excellent news!  We are also remaining in Munich for a few days.  Will need to decide if we want to take Crystal's shuttle to the airport and then onto Munich city center or the train from Vilshofen directly into Munich.  Let's hope this itinerary goes--Crystal has cancelled all its Bach and Mahler sailings for 2021--and we have this to worry about!

Take care,

We are booked on the Papeete to Auckland segment of the 2022 WC.  Unlike BBWC, we have received NO communications from Regent reassuring us that the cruise is sailing, with or without changes in ports of call.  So maybe BBWC's suspicions that it will sail with only those booked for the full WC has some merit?

I'm beginning to get a complex, however.  If the WC or just our sailing on our selected segment is cancelled, that will make us four time losers in the quest to sail with Regent for the first time.  Maybe everyone should check with us on cruise plans first and then book something DIFFERENT!

Take care,

20 hours ago, J80crew said:

Thanks for your responses. I’ll check with Crystal and if necessary, I’ll pursue other options, including the train.  

Please post what Crystal says, J80crew.  We are on that same itinerary only later.  We planned to spend a few days in Munich after the cruise and it would be good to know options.

Thanks,

On this topic, I recall this article from SeaTrade Magazine, published on 28 May 2021:

"Crystal River Cruises said plans are well underway to resume service in Europe starting Aug. 29.
Anne Kalosh | May 28, 2021

'"We are cautiously optimistic about the recent news from the European Union allowing entry for vaccinated travelers,' said Walter Littlejohn, SVP and managing director, Crystal River Cruises.

Individual member states impact multi-country itineraries
He called the EU's recently approved protocol a 'necessary and welcome step toward the resumption of unfettered European river cruising,' adding: 'It is important to note the adoption of these protocols by the individual EU member states that impact our multi-country itineraries is a critical next step, as the member states ultimately control the borders.'

Littlejohn said Crystal is assessing its final deployment for fall/winter 2021 and will communicate further details when completed.

'We are readying the fleet as well as our devoted crew members in advance of resuming service to refresh their skills, ensuring the six-star standards for which our award-winning river ships are known,' he said.

"Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.  Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited."

While the rollout of this final deployment seems to be fraught with a lack of transparency and the customer service to be expected of a luxury line, what is happening DOES seem to be in line with the CEO's statement.  We are booked on the Ravel itinerary departing on 27 October and all categories are showing "Call for Availability" except the lowest two.  A quick check of other sailings show similar status.  Not having anything to do with the cruise industry beyond as a client, I wonder if it would it be deleterious to make a public statement that Crystal is consolidating cruises in fall 2021 to two ships and the rationale (staffing, efficiency, whatever?)  People fill in vacuums of information with their own theories--which tend to be negative.

I'm also hoping that communication will extend to what testing will need to be done for the cruise--beyond whatever is needed for entry to the first country visited prior to embarkation--plus what Crystal has planned for U.S. citizens who will need a COVID-19 test before flights home.  We realize this is all a moving target, but will be watching for experiences of those on Ravel sailing 29 August and Debussy shortly thereafter.

Until Regent has a ship sail, isn't a global change of the final payment to 60 days prior to sailing a reasonable plan?  Yes, it's nice for the company to have cash in hand.  But aren't they burning more cash by having to pay staff to calculate and process refunds or FCCs (for those who went down that path when it was offered) than simply holding off those payments until a date when Regent can be reasonably certain a sailing will occur?  (Didn't FdR say in early May that Norwegian would not be able to sail from a U.S. port by the 4th of July because the CDC didn't issue guidance in a timely enough fashion--which was 60 days out from those projected July sailings?)  And isn't there the opportunity cost of potentially losing customers who feel left in limbo of having to choose between cancelling before final payment at the usual deadline or waiting out a refund if Regent cancels? 

3 hours ago, Pcardad said:

It will run but they will alter some of the stops...

We will continue to think positively!  I'm beginning to get a complex, however, and think Regent doesn't want us to sail with them--three cruises booked as new-to-Regent clients and three cancelled.  I don't want to extend that record to four and hope this one goes!  We are only on a segment of the WC, and really looked forward to our post-cruise extension in New Zealand, a country on our bucket list.

And there goes the Mariner WC for 2022?

As much as it is an important industry--I live within 20 miles of Port Canaveral so feel for the many affected by the port's loss of 80 percent of its business due to the cruise shut-down--cruising is not essential transportation.  Airlines, trains, and buses are needed to get medical personnel to work--many hospitals have depended on nurses and other personnel from out of state during the pandemic.  Hotels and motels have been needed to house these essential workers. 

Cruising is for pleasure.  I do not believe one can fault the CDC (and DOT) for having different rules for cruise ships than other means of transportation.  Even within the CDC, the Maritime Division had to have shipping as its first priority--ensuring the health and safety of crews bringing essential goods to the United States.  Until recently, the CDC had issues of higher priority than bringing back non-essential activities such as cruising.  Now they have issued the guidance necessary to restart cruising from U.S. ports, so hope we can all move on. 

On 4/28/2021 at 5:16 AM, ShropshireCritic said:

What we need now is for RSS to bring out the 2023 itineraries to soak up demand from existing clients who have a stack of cancelled credits to us up.......

Be forewarned that Regent is saying FCCs must be used on sailings departing by 31 December 2022.  The FAQs associated with yesterday's cancellations do not carry this condition, but this is what they are telling our TA.

22 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

That leg is legit waitlisted...I grabbed the last 3 cabins a couple weeks ago. I think it will sail...

From your lips to FDR's ears!

3 hours ago, pingpong1 said:

Hey Army - Interestingly enough, I just noticed that every "Mariner" cruise from yours, starting on Oct 31, right on through the end of the year, including my "Mariner" cruise from Miami (through the Panama Canal) to San Francisco....and right up through May 5 in the Pacific is now completely waitlisted.  Hmmmm??  Any thoughts from anyone??

3 hours ago, Pcardad said:

 

At this point, they are probably deciding what % capacity to run at....but I also expect them to cancel by destination as we move forward.

Mariner from 05 Jan through 05 May is the 2022 World Cruise.  Many segments of it have been completely waitlisted for months.  (I'm not sure what the availability of the full WC was prior to the last batch of cruises Regent put on "Waitlist" status.)  Hoping we will finally get to experience Regent on the Papeete to Auckland segment of the WC on Mariner after our first three bookings have been cancelled.

40 minutes ago, ohmark said:

RSSC has now extended final payment on Vancouver/Tokyo, and is keeping administrative fee as the penalty until final payment date.  From RSSC:  

 "We are modifying our payment schedule for the upcoming September 22, 2021 cruise on Seven Seas Explorer  for any reservations that have not yet been paid in full, final payment will now be due 60 days prior to cruise departure date.

Cancellation penalties will remain at their current level until the new final payment date."

Interesting.  Our Med cruise on Voyager, departing nine days before yours, is still showing the original final payment date of 16 May.  Like the other August and September sailings, it went from availability in all but one category to waitlisted across the board on Tuesday.