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jmf123

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Posts posted by jmf123

    St. John on Your Own

    in St. Thomas/St. John

    Posted

    jd99, paddle boarding didn't exist on St. John when I spent three weeks there either, haha! It would be awesome though, and I think you'll find this article helpful: http://www.sup-stjohn.com/paddleboard/where-to-paddleboard-on-st-john/. Beaches for beginner, intermediate, expert. There are a few outfits that offer 1/2 day and full day board rentals. I'd recommend looking at tripadvisor reviews and googling paddle boarding st. john usvi. Have fun! :)

    La Marguerite

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    Hi stat\, you will likely find more info/response by checking out CC's River Cruise forum and posting your questions there. Also see if there is a River Cruising Roll Call for your cruise, to meet others sailing with you. And if you Google La Marguerite you'll find reviews, including some on the tripadvisor site. Enjoy your cruise! :)

    Cruise Booking Nightmare and advice

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    We have not spoken directly to the CruiseLine (Celebrity Cruises) ourselves seeing as our booking was made by our local Travel Agent (who is a cruise specialist according to the website) and have left it to them to deal with that side so we are only taking the TA's word on what they have said and done.

     

    Seemingly this has went as high as director level at Celebrity and they have pretty much said no chance of it getting changed and to either pay or cancel! I guess they can/will get someone very easily to pay full price for the cabin if they get rid of us rather than giving it to us at a discounted price.

     

    We are still planning on the TA meeting tomorrow and going to bring along our solicitor to at least try and find out how this got messed up so badly and to at least try and get some decent compensation for all the of the hassle/stress and tears that have been happening over this. Right now not sure we will even be looking at Celebrity again after this nightmare. :(

     

    Chanman76, you can still speak with Celebrity Cruises even though you have booked with a TA. If you need to escalate this situation and speak to Celebrity after the meeting tomorrow, here is the contact info for the cruiseline: https://secure.celebritycruises.com/contact-us/contact-us-domestic?cS=Footer&ICID=Cel_11Q4_web_hp_ftr_custsupport#footer_page_contact_us_international_tab/contact-us/contact-us-international?subtab=true.

     

    This contact info is contained in the link above:

    UK (Waybridge Office)

    Phone: 0844-493-6011

    Local Times: M-F 8:30 a.m.- 8 p.m.

    Sat. 9-5 p.m.

    Sun. 10-4 p.m.

     

    email address: CustomerServiceUK@CelebrityCruises.com

     

    This phone number will get you to Celebrity's Customer Service, and you can escalate from there and ask to speak with the Resolutions Department if needed. I believe in working your way up the hierarchy, and not going to the CEO first with an issue. But failing all else, ask for the email address for Celebrity's CEO (Lisa Lutoff-Perlo) and be sure to present your case to them at that level. I believe it is: lLutoff-Perlo@celebritycruises.com (note: address begins with a small case L).

    Wishing you all the best! Btw, good post above (#49) by cherylandtk. I would love to see the Celebrity booking confirmation. :)

    Cruise Booking Nightmare and advice

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    Right now NOBODY has actually said a mistake has been made or who made the booking error, which is the most annoying thing. :(:mad::eek:

     

    I still believe that the booking confirmations hold the key to who is at fault here. If you haven't yet received a copy, I would make sure to request the cruiseline's Passenger Copy of your booking- not just the confirmation created by the travel agency (which could be just a Quickbooks statement, etc.). I'm not in the UK, but I'm sure a TA there receives an email or fax from the cruiseline straight away when a booking is made. This will have an Agency copy and a Passenger copy, outlining ALL the details of the booking.

    The other thing is, did you book an actual two week cruise, or a Back-to-Back (b2b) cruise? I believe that booking a b2b works a bit differently when booking it, and could be the reason for just one week being booked in error? Perhaps someone that has booked a b2b can chime in. Personally, there is no way I would allow either a TA or cruiseline's error to ruin my honeymoon cruise (or any other trip planned). Particularly when the error was made in plenty of time to sort out, prior to a cruise taking place in 2017. If you aren't satisfied with the TA's explanation, please escalate with the cruiseline, some seek assistance by emailing the CEO for results. You deserve answers and the dream cruise you thought was booked.

    Butchart Garden Tour on Our Own?

    in Canada (Alaska/Pacific Coastal)

    Posted

    The ship's excursion makes things VERY easy in Victoria. We had a great driver & guide, and learned a lot on our way to and from the Gardens. You are free in the Gardens to do and see whatever you want. Just return to the bus before departure time.

     

    I agree, we booked the excursion thru the cruiseline and really enjoyed seeing a bit of Victoria and then spectacular Butchart Gardens on our own. And as a great bonus we also enjoyed a stop at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, which is only a few minutes from Butchart. :)

    Cruise Booking Nightmare and advice

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    I am sure your TA received some sort of confirmation from the cruise line. It would make me very suspicious if they were not showing you this confirmation. When I use a TA, they immediately forward me all the booking details, and it comes straight from the cruise line.

     

    Absolutely, this is the proof I stated in my post- the Passenger Copy of the booking confirmation that is provided by the cruiseline. The OP said he "received the booking confirmation with full itinerary and Cruise booking reference from the travel agent." He should have received his copy of the cruiseline's confirmation, not just the TA's statement. More details about what he received would help (me) understand the issue.

    Cruise Booking Nightmare and advice

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    1. All documents we have from tour company is for a 14 day cruise. Lists dates, full travel schedule and cabin number

     

    Hi Chanman76, I'm sorry to read about the issue with your honeymoon cruise. I imagine that all the documents you have from the tour company don't include an official Booking Confirmation statement- provided from the cruiseline. At least in the US, that confirmation is provided to the travel agent, along with a Passenger Copy that you would have received. It contains your booking number, passenger names, date of booking, travel dates, cabin category/stateroom number, detailed charges, deposit, etc. (Btw, with that coveted aft cabin, you may want to have your booking noted 'do not upgrade').

     

    And whether or not you received the cruiseline's Passenger Copy from your TA, the agent will have received a booking confirmation from the cruiseline, along with documentation of your deposit. That deposit amount should also provide a clue, as it is likely for a larger amount than just a one week cruise?

     

    Definitely have this escalated beyond a cruiseline rep, cruiselines have Resolution Departments to contact, etc. At least you aren't sailing until next year and can have this sorted out one way or the other. In the meantime, you can check for other dream cruise ship/itinerary options. Wishing you all the best! :)

    Radiance JS 1100 or OS 1062

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Having experienced JS 1100 on the Radiance, and a midship JS on the Jewel (with the overhang), I would keep JS 1100 for the location and amazing balcony. As we know, it is a coveted stateroom that is tough to book! You could put the $600 toward a helicopter or floatplane excursion, etc. Have a great cruise! :)

    Healthy eating do's and don'ts

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    4) What are your go to meals in the MDR that are low carb? I'm not a picky eater at all so I don't have that to worry about. Lol!

     

    There are nights where I have just requested a 'house salad' for dinner. I am picky on dressings (only like a bit of French if available), so otherwise I eat it 'naked'. Then for dessert I usually request a dish of berries, mmm. Pretty low carb, other than a roll that sometimes sneaks onto my plate! :D

    Anyone stay in gs cabin 1600-radiance class

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    benzygirl, I have stayed in JS 1100 and love it. Personally, have not had noise issues from the Windjammer, and it's a spectacular stateroom and location. You can only be seen by those above you if you are standing at the balcony rail. GS 1600 has an irregular shaped balcony. Here is a post with photos that may be helpful:

    Ship – Brilliance of the Seas

    Deck - 10

    Stateroom # - 1600

    Stateroom Category – Grand Suite

    Starboard or Port Side - Aft

     

    Quiet Stateroom?– Very quiet. Never heard anything from the Windjammer directly above.

     

    Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - No

     

     

    Balcony View - Beautiful. No obstructions and more private than I expected.

     

    Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? – Odd shaped' date=' but average size. This balcony has a small wrap around.

     

    Was wind a problem? - No

     

    If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - No

     

    Any specific problems with this cabin? - None

     

    Any other comments? – The cabin is very oddly shaped. We loved the shape and the feel of the cabin.

     

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    What aids are available to disabled?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    chris_kelowna, just want to mention this, as your friend is considering an Alaska cruise... Royal Caribbean may very well be able to offer the experience that is desired, but I would suggest also checking with Princess to compare what is available. I met a girl quite a few years ago, whose mother was confined to a large, motorized wheelchair and had the dream of going on an Alaska cruise. Certainly a challenge, as they lived in Wisconsin and her mother didn't fly. It happened though, by them taking Amtrak across the country. The cruise was everything she had dreamed of, and the Princess crew was amazing and absolutely treated her like a Queen! I had the opportunity to meet this woman and she had had the trip of a lifetime.

     

    Has your friend considered speaking to a travel agent that specializes in cruises? The TA could handle many of the details and provide advice to make sure things go as smooth as possible. Again, I'm just mentioning Princess, as the w/c bound woman had such a wonderful cruise. Wishing the best for your friend to experience a memorable cruise with his family.

    Disappointed in RC so we cancelled and booked Carnival

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    I'm just curious. I haven't purchased insurance for my cruises in several years. Hopefully that won't come back to haunt me. Back when I did, pre-existing illnesses were covered if they had been under control for at least 60 days. Maybe it was 6 months, it's been a while. That meant if you hadn't had an episode where you had to go for treatment you'd be covered. I guess if you had a claim your doctor would have to say in writing that it was under control for the required period.

    Does it still work that way?

    I have a feeling OP never checked into anything but just jumped ship.

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

     

    Regarding coverage for pre-existing conditions, the Lookback Period varies by policy (typically 60, 90, or 180 days). As an example, Travel Guard Gold (our choice) has a 180 day Lookback Period, while their Platinum policy has a 90 day Lookback Period. Both policies require purchase within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit.

     

    Also, when purchasing insurance through the cruiseline (e.g. Royal Caribbean Travel Protection) guests should be aware that coverage begins when the (insurance) policy is paid in full:

     

    When Coverage Begins

    All coverages will take effect on the later of: 1) the date the plan

    payment has been received by Royal Caribbean International; 2)

    the date and time you start your Covered Cruise Vacation; or 3)

    12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your

    Covered Cruise Vacation.

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