grifdoglover

It’s just tough to swallow unless you have insurance which makes the trip cost more. Reading the policies fine print how much for a leg etc. reminds me of a Woody Allen movie don’t remember which one. He was forced to talk to an adjuster.

Buying the insurance is another messy job looking at companies, plans, prices…

All I know is planning these cruises is stressful! Getting time off, arranging pet sitters, figuring the best cabin, air! Insurance plans alone are work, penalty dates, read the contracts, but then my husband and I hug in our balcony and it all goes away…but wait how are the cookies?!

Also if you want private travel insurance (not from the cruise line) it gets more expensive and has less benefits the longer you wait.

@LHT28 If you are in one of the higher level suites you do not have the $250. fee but your 10% penalty starts at the 180 day mark. The fees are also different for amount of cruise days and special cruises like around the world. This info is in the cruise contract as well as on everyone’s reservation documents.

Depends on cabin category and length of cruise.

@EJL2023You have to pay the $250. Then the 180 day marks the 10% penalty phase.

They usually give you the guest statement showing details with cancellation dates and you need to search their website to find the ticket contract if you want to review it before final docs arrive. Advise everyone to read the ticket contract.

My reservation papers have the cancellation fees. 180 to 91 days prior 10% of fare. 90 to 76 days is 25% etc. Depends on your category of cabin if you also pay the $250. Full payment is still due 90 days prior.

@Classiccruiser777I also find it stressful especially since in order to get insurance that is less expensive and covers pre existing or cancel any reason etc. you have to purchase it at the time of deposit or within days of it. So then you are already in financially for the cost of the insurance. The deposit period is very punitive. Forget the $250. you are quickly in the 10% penalty as well. As far as the Simply More I am a bit disappointed as I prefer to book my own private excursions and don’t drink much. Waiting to see what the increase in costs will be. You will have the choice of switching to Simply More if already booked but many of us understand your angst.

Even if you don’t use or see them it doesn’t mean they aren’t working hard. I have seen butlers run ragged getting things, carrying things, making sure rooms are done properly etc.

They look at your room card

I believe you still must check-in at muster station.

@pinotlovergosh still sounds wonderful thank you!

You are supposed to be back on ship two hours before scheduled departure.

@Hanojwhy is that? I find some items in these ticket contracts shocking and it’s amazing how many people do not read them as they are legal documents.

Has anyone tried Embers lobster rolls?

I read as well they are quite enlightening!

There was a post about having to carry your ticket contract upon boarding…Just curious how many read their ticket contract?

I believe they all have plus and minus’s. For me the bottom line is itinerary, size and age of ship, price. Virgin has the best food but they are geared towards younger millennials, which if you are young at heart may be refreshing.

@PhD-ivaPresently Viking IMO

So let me get this straight you think O is not making enough off of a paying customer at their charged fare? I guess the CEOs salary is a big burden for them then….

@ORVHow are paying customers deadwood? Never heard of a successful business pruning customers….

I am very tired of people saying that taking an OBC is not the way to go or that I may not manage my finances properly. I DO NOT USE O EXCURSIONS! Sometimes they get cancelled or the port changed and you are out of that money. (Most private tours are refundable 24 hrs ahead and I have never had trouble getting refunds when plans change) I don’t enjoy being herded with a bus load of people! ( Or waiting in line to argue with destination/guest services) If I have the OBC amount added to my fare then use it for say gratuities or spa or cooking classes that I will have to pay for anyway it’s a wash. You may see from these forums that needing to use spreadsheets and compare this to that to this to figure the best deal with O excursions and how to book them is very time consuming and IMO ridiculous…but spare me the judgements on how I choose to plan my trip. I truly travel MY WAY not O’s scammed Your way!

@Basor will they give a credit for cancelled excursions?