ISS

Last month I posted about my unwillingness to confirm a reservation made summer 2020 for late summer 2021. It had been made in the hope that Covid would be behind us - but whilst things are improving it is clear that cruising will continue to be abnormal for some time. However, I delayed contacting Fred Olsen until today. 

Before contacting them I checked out their FAQs regarding port calls. Last month they were vague as to whether one would be able to "do your own thing". It has now been replaced by "So that we comply with requirements set out by the UK government and our governing body CLIA, guests will only be able to disembark in a port of call as part of an organised shore excursion."

So that finally decided it for me and I sent an email asking to cancel and hold my deposit for future use. 

I was phoned back within the hour by someone telling me that they could only hold deposits for three months - which would give me time to make another booking. But I really don't want to book anything until normality resumes.

I am not asking for any money back as I realise that things have been difficult BUT really if I choose a cruise for next summer at his stage there is no guarantee I won't be just kicking the can down the road until this time next year and find myself in the same situation. 

Why a three month limit - given the uncertainty?

If I had known that as far as cruising is concerned normality wouldn't have returned by this summer I wouldn't have made the booking in the first place. 

In the past year I have had to cancel / reschedule a number of hotel based holidays and have found those to be so much more flexible.

Any thoughts?

Any one found themselves in the same situation?

John

1 hour ago, marylizcat said:

I expect Fred Olsen will either let you cancel with a refund or if not, cancel and keep the monies paid so far as a credit for future cruises. 

Well I hope so., I had done quite a few cruises over the years with Fred Olsen, but due to family circumstances I had to stop.

I have had too much of rules in the past 12 months, some of which I have deliberately ignored, I just don't see what is on offer is worth it when I can have a shore based holiday without the hassle. I love travelling by sea on cruise ships, ferries and pleasure steamers - but this isn't my idea of fun. 

Far from being afraid of a test I am just opposed to the principal of it. I have always worked on the basis if I feel well I am well. There are quite a few people out there who have similar views to myself and one doesn't have to look hard to find this strategy of testing wrong. 

After a number of years being unable to sail due to family commitments I had looked forward to renewing my acquaintance with Fred Olsen. Hoping Covid would be done with last year I initially booked a BLACK WATCH cruise. When the replacement ships were announced I didn't like the substitute itinerary (which wouldn't have happened anyway as it had been April 2021) and asked to be transferred to the Orkney / Shetland Itinerary from Liverpool on August 28. The alteration was made in early September 2020. 

As time is moving towards the payment of the balance I was wondering what restrictions / rules would be imposed as I had ascertained that Carnival group companies were insisting on organised shore excursions.

This morning I went looking on the FO web site and found the Safe Sailing Charter. 

Well, it doesn't sound like a holiday. 

I have so far refused to have a Covid test and they want two before the cruise and one at the terminal.

They are a bit vague on vaccines at present but I don't intend to have one.  

I certainly don't like the idea of being tagged whilst on board either. - It isn't prison its a holiday! 

It is also not clear if free movement at ports will be permitted rather than being forced on to excursions. That I do not want as part of the plan for the Orkney call would be to avail myself of the local ferries - which I did on a previous cruise years ago on Black Prince.

Basically as there is a lack of clarity and the potential for coercion I am seriously wondering what to do now. 

Has anyone else found themselves in this dilemma? 

At present I have only paid the deposit and would I have grounds for claiming a refund as I find the Safe Sailing Charter unacceptable. 

Any thoughts?

Thanks

John

Thanks for posting the pictures taken on your recent cruise. She looks pretty much as she did when we were on her in 2001. It's good to see that the old girl is still out there cruising, especially since more and more of the older ships are rapidly disappearing in Alang or China....I'm thinking Oceanic.

ATHENA will be operating several trips for Shearings again next year in the UK - in September.

Glad I got my trip in this year as I don't have any time off in September.

However, if anyone wants a trip on a real ship rather than a floating holiday camp give ATHENA a go.

Just been for a short cruise on this interesting old ship which has been doing several cruises out of the UK for the British coach holiday company Shearings.

Very nice old ship, very well maintained too for her age.

Crew were excellent infact they were very attentive. I am a bit of a Fred Olsen fan but would rate crew performance as better than Fred.

Click here for views posted on my web site:

http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/cic/athena_ob/athena_ob.htm