JDGGG

Headed out on the Star Pride soon. 2 questions:

-Is Windstar a Coca Cola line? I know it sounds funny but my wife can't live without Diet Coke. 

-Does Windstar offer a pillow selection? We prefer foam pillows. 

44 minutes ago, Misty Morning said:

Just got off the ship.  AC was out 2.5 days and people received anywhere from $150 to $225 credit per person.  They also provided us with a fan for the 2 nights it was out which helped.  The whole system was updated during recent drydock where they installed HEPA filters and new fans.  On the cruise from Boston, it was the flow of air that was the problem with hot and cold air coming through ducts. It seems on the San Juan leg, there was some premature wear on the fans which they we trying to understand.  The ship has 3 AC units, with only 2 required to cool the shole ship leaving an extra one in case one has issues or needs to be maintained.  Unfortunately 2 of the 3 units went down which explains why only a portion of the ship was cool.  They had engineering team flown in from the US and they were onboard for the remainder of the cruise to ensure the system was OK.  It was unfortunate but was addressed and explained in detail by the captain and officers and was over after 2 days.  You can imagine how hot it must have been in the staff quarters.  Everyone was committed to getting the problem fixed because grumpy staff and customers is not good for business

Thanks for explaining the situation. I'm sorry that a portion of your trip was uncomfortable but it seems like the issue has been resolved. Besides the AC issue, how was the the rest of the cruise?

Unfortunately I am still concerned. Is anyone on the ship now who can report back regarding the ongoing AC issues?

This is concerning since I am sailing on the Pride two weeks from tomorrow. Can someone please provide an update?

16 minutes ago, minidonuts85 said:

Thanks so much @minidonuts85 this is exactly the info I was looking for. 

Headed out on the Star Pride in a few weeks. Can anyone please share what liquor brands are included in the All In Package? Thanks in advance!

Hello fellow Windstar cruisers! 2 questions:

-Can you pay for excursions with onboard credits?

-If you can, is there a way to do this before your cruise?

I made my final payment last week so I don't think I can cancel. 

I understand that they are trying to fill the boat but I just think its bad business to not make any concessions for those that chose to plan ahead. 

Booked a cruise on Windstar for a December 2022 many months ago. Since then:

• they offered the all inclusive package at no charge (July)
• offered up to $1000 stateroom credit (last month or so)
• dropped the rate by $1000 (this week)

My travel agent had no luck getting any of these incentives/rate reductions added to my reservation. I called Windstar and they are unable to make any concessions. As a first time Windstar cruiser this is not sitting right. I understand there are policies in place but with them not willing to budge at all will make me second guess booking them early ever again. Did anyone have a similar experience? 

Point taken but you are comparing apples and oranges. 

34 minutes ago, Roger88 said:

I dont think your cruising times are over my friend. Just save some money and maybe go on a cheaper cruise. or just find a new way to travel. You can always enjoy the beach,

go hiking etc. the only thing, I hope you get your money back. With cash in your pocket its easier to solve things. Hope pandemic didnt affect you aside from losing the trip 

Yeah I'm sure I'll be back on a cruise at some point. I just wish Royal was a bit more flexible. These are unprecedented times and certain policies can and should be relaxed. 

5 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Sorry for your issues but now we see the real issue. 
 

In my opinion 

I guess time will tell. Lets hope this passes soon. Stay safe.

12 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Are you willing to gamble on that and lose your chance at an FCC?

At this point yes. FCCs might be useless if RCI goes bankrupt.

17 minutes ago, mek said:

I was going to comment on that - Amex offers temporary credits and then, depending on the circumstances, will either confirm it is permanent or the credit will been reversed.

Hoping Amex will be a bit more understanding than Royal was. 

Just now, Ocean Boy said:

Where did the OP bring up his C&A level? This isn't about not liking policy. It is about being in tough times and trying to still find a way to make the cruise work. Isn't it better for both parties for RCI to be a little flexible rather than for RCI to play hardball and lose the $6000 completely instead of getting it a little late?

 

Thanks for understanding Ocean Boy. I wasn't trying to be controversial. I was simply asking if anyone had a similar situation. My C & A status is insignificant. 

Once again, I was not looking for a refund. I asked for an extension due to extreme uncertainty. $6,000 is a lot of money to lay out at the present time. 

Just now, Sherri914 said:

 

Royal's Cruise with Confidence policy was revised yesterday to include sailings thru Sept 1, 2020.  So I don't understand why they'd say no refunds.  I must be missing something.   

 

I can understand them not extending the final payment date.  But I don't understand the no refund response you were given.

Yeah I started this thread out of frustration. Not sure why they won't refund. Amex did the right thing and already credited my account. They can fight it out with Royal. 

1 minute ago, Iamcruzin said:

I guess you booked non refundable deposit? 

I guess so. Didn't think a worldwide pandemic was going to happen. Shame on me 😗.

Just now, Ocean Boy said:

Maybe because a lot of people are out of work and trying to figure out how to spread the money around to pay the various bills that keep showing up in the mailbox?

Exactly Ocean Boy. I don't have a 2.2 billion line of credit like Royal does. 

Just now, Iamcruzin said:

What funds does Royal have if you canceled before final payment. Any pre paid excursions, dining and drink packages  should be refunded automatically.

Almost $2,000 in down payments. 

Understanding that there is a worldwide pandemic and there is so much uncertainty in regards to cruising, I am shocked at the lack of empathy from the reps at Royal. As a huge supporter of all Royal brands (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Azamara) I cannot believe the way I was treated. 

Long story short, I had the 7/3 Alaska cruise on Ovation booked with my family (3 balcony cabins) for a milestone occasion. We were still willing to go as long as they sail. When calling Royal yesterday we simply asked if we could extend our final payment (due Friday) other than laying out an additional $6,000 during these incredibly difficult times. The rep said no and no refunds. We cancelled and will call Amex to dispute the funds that royal has so far. Looks like our cruising days might be over. Sad times for sure. 

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Wow thanks for the info. Do you have a webpage set up with pix and vids of your past cruises?

Looks amazing. Did you rent a cabana?

Jenny, great photos and review. What did you think of Coco Cay?

Was on this cruise & this explains:

Closing the gangway during embarkation as we were about to board. Had to go back downstairs and wait for about 45 minutes. No information was given to us.

Saw about a dozen CBP agents in full gear enjoying coffee with their dogs later in the day at the South Beach Bar on Deck 7.