Crazy story!

[PunkiC]

Thanks for the update. Are they disembarking in Ensenada?

 

Under the circumstances, they may not have to disembark in Ensenada. The fine for violations of the PVSA can be waived in instances of valid weather related delays, and I think the whole world knows that there were serious weather problems last week

 

When we missed our embarkation on our Hawaii flight, they told us that if it had been related to a weather delay and there had been no other possible way for us to make our boarding in San Pedro, we could have continued from Ensenada back to San Pedro at the end. As it happened the weather was not an issue so we had to disembark in Ensenada. Actually it was a really interesting experience.

[dylandog25]

My friend planned a 15 day cruise to Hawaii. They booked an early morning flight the day of the cruise. They did not get travel insurance. Due to the horrible weather in the northeast there flight was cancelled. They rented a car and drove to an airport in Illinois. That flight was delayed. They missed the boat. They got in touch with the cruiseline and flew to the first port in Maui. The ship never came to port! There were two princess ships heading to Maui. A crew member jumped overboard. Ship #2 turned around to help find the lost crew member. Neither ship made it to maui. They are now trying to fly to the second port. They will miss a few days and spent a whole lot of money on airfare, food, hotel rooms and plane tickets! She thinks the cruise line should reimburse her because they never made it to the first port. I think I will buy insurance and I am glad booked my flight two days before my ship leaves. I never on go day of the cruise.

 

unfortunately the cruise line owes her nothing, you need travel ins for exactly this type of incident

[CI66774]

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

[goldgirl2]

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

 

I totally agree! I think anyone that live in Ohio and cruises in January knows better!

[TravelerThom]

Under the circumstances, they may not have to disembark in Ensenada. The fine for violations of the PVSA can be waived in instances of valid weather related delays, and I think the whole world knows that there were serious weather problems last week

 

When we missed our embarkation on our Hawaii flight, they told us that if it had been related to a weather delay and there had been no other possible way for us to make our boarding in San Pedro, we could have continued from Ensenada back to San Pedro at the end. As it happened the weather was not an issue so we had to disembark in Ensenada. Actually it was a really interesting experience.

I'm not sure who "they" is that told you that a weather delay would have allowed you passage to San Pedro, but I assume "they" was your cruise line. I think "they" were incorrect.

 

Looking at the US Customs and Border Patrol Apr 2010 Publication on PVSA, CBP may allow waiver of penalty for "vessel in distress" (which presumable would include fire on board or weather or other), but the Publication explicitly says that "evacuation for medical or emergency reasons" in a non-PVSA compliant port does NOT get a waiver. Basically vessel in distress is eligible for a waiver, passenger in distress is not eligible. If a medical evacuation for a heart attack does not get a waiver, I certainly hope that a waiver is not granted for "I didn't plan for a snow storm".

 

Thom

[Riocca]

From a UK perspective it's strange that you can book without having Travel Insurance, for UK customers it is a condition of booking that you have adequate travel insurance either through the cruise line or if you have your own insurance (as we do) you have to provide the details.

[PunkiC]

I'm not sure who "they" is that told you that a weather delay would have allowed you passage to San Pedro, but I assume "they" was your cruise line. I think "they" were incorrect.

 

Looking at the US Customs and Border Patrol Apr 2010 Publication on PVSA, CBP may allow waiver of penalty for "vessel in distress" (which presumable would include fire on board or weather or other), but the Publication explicitly says that "evacuation for medical or emergency reasons" in a non-PVSA compliant port does NOT get a waiver. Basically vessel in distress is eligible for a waiver, passenger in distress is not eligible. If a medical evacuation for a heart attack does not get a waiver, I certainly hope that a waiver is not granted for "I didn't plan for a snow storm".

 

Thom

 

Yes, "they" was Princess, as well as the President of the travel agency, which happens to be a large national agency. I realize that not all Princess employees know what they are talking about (witness the half dozens I went through before I finally got to Princess Legal to get approval for my variance) but they all sounded pretty confident that in the event of major weather problems, waivers could be obtained.

 

It will be interesting to see whether the OP's friends are allowed to continue on to San Pedro.

[Blk_Amish]

unfortunately the cruise line owes her nothing, you need travel ins for exactly this type of incident

 

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

 

Why do you guys act as if the cruise line giving a customer something is coming out of your pocket. It's called the hospitality industry for a reason. Princess throws these traveler a bone and they will be cruising with Princess in the after life. RCL, will and always be my favorite line because once they allowed me to cancel after final payment without penalty. I am leaving money in my will for my kids and grand kids to sail RCL at least once. It's hospitality not HOSTILEtality. People cruise and travel for FREE all the time. Its really not a big deal or that a great of a cost.

 

I recommend Princess offer these unfortunate souls a few hundred OBC or FCC, knowing they may never use it but will get a warm fussy feeling for it being offered. HOSPITALITY!

 

Pauline

Edited January 11, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[akeasley]

That sounds terrible. I'm way to nervous about booking flights in the winter. Snow, etc is always a factor which means I'll probably never cruise in the winter unless I end up driving to the cruise port.

[tubasteve]

LOL :rolleyes: offer someone a few hundred bucks or a free cruise for neglecting to buy the item that would have mitigated the entire bad situation... Good business model! Nothing is free and the rest of us would wind up subsidizing that "hospitality"

 

Why do you guys act as if the cruise line giving a customer something is coming out of your pocket. It's called the hospitality industry for a reason. Princess throws these traveler a bone and they will be cruising with Princess in the after life. RCL, will and always be my favorite line because once they allowed me to cancel after final payment without penalty. I am leaving money in my will for my kids and grand kids to sail RCL at least once. It's hospitality not HOSTILEtality. People cruise and travel for FREE all the time. Its really not a big deal or that a great of a cost.

 

I recommend Princess offer these unfortunate souls a few hundred OBC or FCC, knowing they may never use it but will get a warm fussy feeling for it being offered. HOSPITALITY!

 

Pauline

[TFM70]

I always buy insurance and if airline travel is involved, I buy the tickets thru Princess, but I arrive on the day of departure. Am I wrong?

[Happy2cruise]

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

There was a story on our local news a while ago where a family from NYC were going on a family cruise. They were strongly advised to purchase travel insurance but said "they did not want to spend the extra money" Fast forward week before the cruise one of the parents had a heart attack so family cancelled the cruise. When finding out Princess would not refund the cruise money, they went to the local media complaining how bad Princess was.They were upset because Princess would not make an exception in their case and they were out a lot of money and Princess was being cruel and heartless!

 

While a very unfortunate situation why is this the fault of the cruiseline:confused:. Family chose not to protect their cruise investment. If cruiselines made "exceptions" for everyone with no insurance, why would anyone need to purchase it.:confused:

IMO, bottom line is take responsibility for your actions.

[reney313]

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

 

I may have missed it, but I didn't see where the OP was stating their friends were blaming others or the cruise line. I also didn't see where they communicated the friends were expecting compensation. These are experienced cruisers and I'm sure they are aware of the cruise lines liability (0) in this scenario and that they took a chance that caught up with them (both flying in same day and no insurance).

 

I still maintain that while it is the cruiser's "fault" for not purchasing insurance -- that a goodwill gesture from Princess would not be out of line for the additional flight when the first port of call was missed. I certainly wouldn't expect it and it is not Princess's responsibility, but I think it would show some class to do so as missing that port was also not due to weather or something the cruiser's could foresee occurring. If they were able to board when they flew to the port after missing the embarkation, I would feel a little differently.

 

Regardless, a good story to have on CC for all those that ask "should I fly in the same day?" or "should I buy insurance?".

[Blk_Amish]

I may have missed it, but I didn't see where the OP was stating their friends were blaming others or the cruise line. I also didn't see where they communicated the friends were expecting compensation. These are experienced cruisers and I'm sure they are aware of the cruise lines liability (0) in this scenario and that they took a chance that caught up with them (both flying in same day and no insurance).

 

I still maintain that while it is the cruiser's "fault" for not purchasing insurance -- that a goodwill gesture from Princess would not be out of line for the additional flight when the first port of call was missed. I certainly wouldn't expect it and it is not Princess's responsibility, but I think it would show some class to do so as missing that port was also not due to weather or something the cruiser's could foresee occurring. If they were able to board when they flew to the port after missing the embarkation, I would feel a little differently.

 

Regardless, a good story to have on CC for all those that ask "should I fly in the same day?" or "should I buy insurance?".

 

I AGREE. I guess with a month to go I should buy coverage for my trip. A big chunk is free, so I have to see how that goes.

 

Now, I can't ever figure out the hostility some have about others getting a break, in a case where there is clear usual circumstance. Yes, I think it's pretty selfish to think any act of kindness or generosity has to come at someone's expense. I have all the confidence in the world that Princess will provide a goodwill gesture, not out of obligation but generosity. We still live in a world where that exist, my neck of the woods anyways. After all, being a heart patient, I got a real (human) heart value for FREE. Forget about Princess, I would be the first one to offer a helping hand if these people needed it, passing it on! If you are not getting anything for free (Salvation, travel) you are not living or doing things right.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Mommypig]

I always buy insurance and if airline travel is involved, I buy the tickets thru Princess, but I arrive on the day of departure. Am I wrong?

 

I have lost days of vacation many times due to flight delays. Snow storms, thunderstorms, fog, mechanical problems, can all conspire to cause one to arrive later than planned. Often it is not disastrous. But when you are talking about cruises or weddings, it could be. We always leave a minimum of 2 days early. This year we are leaving Jan. 20 on a cruise from FLL where the first port is in Equador, after the Panama Canal. So we are leaving the 16th and chilling on the beach for a few days. We will have time to buy full size bottles of shampoo and sunblock, and a couple 12 packs of diet Pepsi. We have plenty of time to react if a bad storm is brewing, to even drive if we had to.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[windsor26]

From a UK perspective it's strange that you can book without having Travel Insurance, for UK customers it is a condition of booking that you have adequate travel insurance either through the cruise line or if you have your own insurance (as we do) you have to provide the details.

 

Not sure this is actually quite correct Insurance is strongly recommended particularly as deposit is not refundable without a good reason but from 65 years living and travelling from UK I did not find it forced upon one

[alexspepa]

Why do you guys act as if the cruise line giving a customer something is coming out of your pocket. It's called the hospitality industry for a reason. Princess throws these traveler a bone and they will be cruising with Princess in the after life. RCL, will and always be my favorite line because once they allowed me to cancel after final payment without penalty. I am leaving money in my will for my kids and grand kids to sail RCL at least once. It's hospitality not HOSTILEtality. People cruise and travel for FREE all the time. Its really not a big deal or that a great of a cost.

 

I recommend Princess offer these unfortunate souls a few hundred OBC or FCC, knowing they may never use it but will get a warm fussy feeling for it being offered. HOSPITALITY!

 

Pauline

 

this may be the post of the decade...well played madam...

 

it seems more people are worried that the cruisers in question might get something "extra"; perhaps a good resolution for all parties involved might be just that.

Edited January 11, 2014 by alexspepa

[Riocca]

Not sure this is actually quite correct Insurance is strongly recommended particularly as deposit is not refundable without a good reason but from 65 years living and travelling from UK I did not find it forced upon one

 

If you check the UK terms and conditions you will find that it is a condition of booking, and TA's usually ask if you have your own. On the cruise personaliser you also have to enter insurance details, not sure if Princess would ever enforce this but should anything go wrong they would certainly be able to to point out that it is a condition that you are covered and that any liability is yours.

[RickEk]

I always buy insurance and if airline travel is involved, I buy the tickets thru Princess, but I arrive on the day of departure. Am I wrong?

 

Not at all... if you purchase air through Princess, they will get you to the next port if you miss the ship. Not sure how it would have worked out here because of the PVSA...

[Cruisin' Chick]

My friend planned a 15 day cruise to Hawaii. They booked an early morning flight the day of the cruise. They did not get travel insurance. Due to the horrible weather in the northeast there flight was cancelled. They rented a car and drove to an airport in Illinois. That flight was delayed. They missed the boat. They got in touch with the cruiseline and flew to the first port in Maui. The ship never came to port! There were two princess ships heading to Maui. A crew member jumped overboard. Ship #2 turned around to help find the lost crew member. Neither ship made it to maui. They are now trying to fly to the second port. They will miss a few days and spent a whole lot of money on airfare, food, hotel rooms and plane tickets! She thinks the cruise line should reimburse her because they never made it to the first port. I think I will buy insurance and I am glad booked my flight two days before my ship leaves. I never on go day of the cruise.

 

Okay, I'm not going to try to quote the most recent posts I find relevant, especially as somehow CC doesn't let me multi-quote more than two posts at a time, but I highlight a few phrases/sentences from the OP's first post.

 

For those of you who are saying the friend isn't asking for compensation: She thinks the cruise line should reimburse her because they never made it to the first port.

 

The poster isn't saying she knows her friend will insist on it, but apparently the friend is thinking she is somehow entitled to some refund because the ship didn't make it to the first Hawaiian port. We all know that the cruise contract we agree to before every cruise says that the captain can change the itinerary. Which means we are agreeing that the cruise line does NOT have to deliver us to each port.

 

Even the OP admits that her friend may some mistakes here. And this is a veteran cruiser who has. And if her friend has been living in Ohio for some years, knows the folly of expecting nice weather in January.

 

Now if it was me and I was traveling across the country, I would have suggested to hubby (and I believe he may suggest this even before I do) that we pad in a couple of days before our cruise. We did not accept a same day flight LAX to Miami when we bought cruise air, and since then hubby's given me the task of finding flights or trains that get us to our embarkation city early. If we ever do one of the cruises on our dream list -- Australia, South America, Baltic -- I would be doing a lot of figuring to get us to our destination more than a day ahead. If you're going to spend money for a nice vacation that has a timed element (such as catching a ship), rather than just arriving at a hotel for a stationary stay, isn't it worth some extra bucks to make sure you'll actually be able to go on the trip.

 

The one thing that would be out of your control are physical accidents, deaths, last minute medical conditions. I would think that's what the travel insurance is for. Not to cover your rear when you make a boneheaded mistake like trying to fly during the winter to get someplace for certain in a few hours.

 

The reason we need to get everyone health insurance is because in many cases (other than a smoker stubbornly puffing away to the point he gets sick), you can't do anything to prevent many health conditions (my eye specialist has assured me that I couldn't prevent my glaucoma, for example). We need to make sure people can get treatment.

 

But when it comes to travel, that's a luxury. You can do common sense things to make sure you get to your cruise on time. But if you're not going to even do that, that you are not entitled to any compensation. It's not a matter of Princess being nice, and it's good PR for them. Any money that compensates this couple for their stupidity or obstinacy does come out of the pocket of other cruisers and out of the stockholders' dividends. Sorry. Now, if a couple has something happen to them that's on the level of personal devastination and not of their doing, and Princess comes to their aid, then that's when I applaud them.

 

I have worked in public relations, both at the agency side and the client side, and I think it's pretty naive for anyone to feel that Princess should "do something" for this couple. Better if all the extra money (flights, hotels, etc) and much shorter cruise by half serves as a lesson to them.

[Blk_Amish]

I think it's pretty naive for anyone to feel that Princess should "do something" for this couple. Better if all the extra money (flights' date=' hotels, etc) and much shorter cruise by half serves as a lesson to them.

[/color'][/color]

 

Call me naive, but I am willing to bet they will, as they did in a lesser case on my cruise. I would rather to be proven naive than post in a selfish way they should do NOTHING. I at least want to wish them the best outcome. Not many share the goodness of the company because of the negative vibes towards those who get a break. We may never know how truly hospitable the company is because we would rather believe they always allow people get whats coming to them. No, that the job of the posters, not necessarily the company. This is not about entitlement or obligation but goodwill. It should not take much to wish goodwill when things go wrong, regardless of fault.

 

On this one I will own naive or faith in a company:D Yes, I believe the line should reimburse her as a goodwill gesture.

Pauline

Edited January 11, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Cruisin' Chick]

I certainly wouldn't call Princess selfish if they choose not to give them anything. Again, they should have known better than to fly in the day of the cruise during winter. That alone should seal the deal. It was a gamble that they lost. Just like in that Albert Brooks movie "Lost in America."

[donaldsc]

Why do you guys act as if the cruise line giving a customer something is coming out of your pocket. It's called the hospitality industry for a reason. Princess throws these traveler a bone and they will be cruising with Princess in the after life. RCL, will and always be my favorite line because once they allowed me to cancel after final payment without penalty. I am leaving money in my will for my kids and grand kids to sail RCL at least once. It's hospitality not HOSTILEtality. People cruise and travel for FREE all the time. Its really not a big deal or that a great of a cost.

 

I recommend Princess offer these unfortunate souls a few hundred OBC or FCC, knowing they may never use it but will get a warm fussy feeling for it being offered. HOSPITALITY!

 

Pauline

 

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

[san diego sue]

Well said Donald.

 

I was about to post similar.

All of us acting responsibly, purchase insurance, are loyal to Princess,

get rewarded by our status with them. We don't expect anything extra.

Why should Princess reward someone being irresponsible. And why would anyone think Princess should do so.

[PunkiC]

I won't even tell you all of the amazing FREE travel that we have enjoyed, and how much FREE money and stuff we have been given by Princess, for fear of being lynched. :p The sad but true reality is that the more you travel and the higher your status, and the less free stuff you need, the more they will give you. That's just the way of the world.

 

From the number of cruises they have done it sounds that the folks in question may very well be Elite. By way of apology for their inconvenience in Maui, it would be nice if Princess gave them a couple of free dinners at a specialty restaurant and a bottle of wine, or $100 OBC. It would be a nice gesture and, I am sure, very much appreciated.

 

With regard to health insurance, Crusin' Chick writes:

 

The one thing that would be out of your control are physical accidents, deaths, last minute medical conditions. I would think that's what the travel insurance is for. Not to cover your rear when you make a boneheaded mistake like trying to fly during the winter to get someplace for certain in a few hours.

 

The reason we need to get everyone health insurance is because in many cases (other than a smoker stubbornly puffing away to the point he gets sick), you can't do anything to prevent many health conditions (my eye specialist has assured me that I couldn't prevent my glaucoma, for example). We need to make sure people can get treatment.

 

The vast majority of illnesses from which people suffer are self-inflicted and exacerbated. Some medical professionals estimate as high as 85% of health care costs could be eliminated if everyone was smoke-free, exercised regularly, and ate a healthy diet. It's really not rocket science. While I don't care if Princess (and I am a stockholder) gives these folks a boon, it really upsets me that I am paying in high health care costs for other peoples poor judgment, bad habits, and laziness.