jennyct

I came down with COVID after landing in Europe for my Mediterranean Cruise. They require an official test, which could land you in quarantine for weeks depending where you are, even if not contagious re US standards. 

Anyway, they say it takes up to two billing cycles to refund your cruise. I've read online that some people wait a year. Anyone else have experience with this? 

I called and they said boosters are only recommended. Even in Europe. The vaccine is not a booster, they are two different things. Then I called my doctor and they said the same ... the vaccine is not the booster.

This is insane really. I am doing a Mediterranean cruise in September. I was "fully vaccinated" in 2021 as well. Subsequent antibody titers (specific quantity testing) show my immunity is increasing! So I would be considered having a "previous infection," which is also acceptable - except I don't have the certificate that Europe uses, just a blood test report.

That's all I need is to be denied boarding. But I did look around at "fully vaccinated" and the CDC in the spring said that means just the original vaccine series and not the booster. In Europe, it's the 270 day rule or 180 for Italians. 

I like to reduce unnecessary risk. So I will not be cruising this year- I was planning on Italy in the fall, and of course, that might not be a good idea either. Too much to worry about. And the prices are still high, even with the chances of limited itinerary. 

We were on that cruise - got off around 8 AM today, Tuesday, Feb 26. 

We had been told a few days ago that the course would be changed to avoid the worst weather. No problem, since we've actually been in a hurricane once. On Sunday, the captain announced that the ship would be late - docking at around noon - later than usual. We were told to leave the rooms by 11AM. So I was waiting with others in O'Sheehans when we realized the ship was turning around. At that point the announcement was that we would  try and wait for the winds to die down. 

Well, not too long after, the announcement came telling us that we would not be docking until the next morning. There were some hooting and hollering, as well as some angry and upset passengers. I overheard one couple lament that they had rescinded their prepaid tips and now had to face the room steward again. Others, like us, had only the clothing on our backs (personally, I like clean underwear). A few of us had important work meetings or kids missing school and we all felt bad for those waiting at the docks. 

The service was good in the restaurants, but I found the extra 'free' day to be bare bones. All the perks we had were non-existant and the unused liquor we purchased on board had been thrown away by then. No replaced soap, etc. unless you asked for it. Not complaining at all, just found it to be interesting. 

Oh, some poor teen had the misfortune of vomiting her breakfast in the disembarkation line in front of us and NO one was around to even clean it up or help her get through the line quicker!

Hi, we are boarding June 25 in Genoa, and are excited to see real pics as well... specifically the Yacht Club rooms (color schemes?) and any shops they have on board. Or even the menus in the restaurants.

Thanks. Maybe at least they swap out the linens with brand new ones every so often!

I heard that only the top two tiers of suites were refurbished on the last dry dock, and that the other suites were a little worn. Being that I have some dust allergies, old carpets and mattresses really bother me. Maybe I should upgrade room on off-season or just cancel. Can anyone give me feedback? At least NCL refurbbed all their rooms last year (DAWN).

thanks Cheryl

The Port Charges affecting your rebate are also known as NCFs to travel agencies. Port Charges and NCFs are the same thing. They are Non Commisionable Fees. The TA gets commission on your booking with the NCFs backed out.

 

 

The $9 you got for missing St Maartin was a refund of a Port Fee that is part of the Government Fees and Taxes.

right. I was only making this comparison as a previous experience, not this current complaint. Thanks for replying.

If I am not being misled, then the fees would be the same as shown on the website. If it says port charges & taxes equal "this amount" on the website, then it should also on my bill, especially when you are making a decision based on final price... which is affected by the rebate (we're talking a two hundred dollar difference). Interestingly, all previous bookings on this site always matched. When I call the cruise line direct, they won't give me any information because I booked with a travel agent. They will only give the breakdown to new bookings. I will definitely be more direct when I book - making my decision based on what the agent charges rather than their website figures. It's just another chore and seems unethical - like a bait and switch.

Thanks for all the feedback.

When I did the booking online, it was different than the final fees. That's why I am suspicious. It is not what is stated on their website. I am given no real answer as to why. They just apologize. Next time I will know to ask before I book. The final price is the same; it's the port taxes and fees. I find it interesting because when we couldn't make it to port one time, guess what our rebate was? $9. Yep. St. Maartin was $9. Even if you multiplied that by 10, it would not equal what I was charged for 4 ports (Bahamas, Tortola, St. Maartin and St. Thomas).

Hi, I purchased through an agency that offers rebates based on your price paid. Well, I found that the port taxes and fees don't count, nor do they match the online amount. This makes a difference in your rebate because they are taking it from the price paid and adding it in the port charges which do not qualify for rebate credit. Does anyone know how to check it? I am thinking of calling the cruise line directly.