Celebrity just ruined my cruise leaving tomorrow

[vkb2751]

Most of us on these cruises booked "Holy Land" cruises to go to Israel. It is disappointing if we can't go to Israel. Others can say whatever they want it doesn't change the situation and the disappointment!

[cle-guy]

I'm sure Celebrity is looking at it as a business decision...a good business decision. You have to realize Celebrity is in the business to make money, not lose money, and harm their reputation.

 

Think about it from a loss prevention standpoint - if the ship is bombed or high-jacked when it's in a port that is currently not considered "safe" or passengers are injured while in port, then Celebrity's insurance policy most likely won't cover that loss. All of those passengers who have bought outside insurance probably wouldn't be covered either. Can you imagine the nightmare of issues they'd be up against if they made an unsafe decision? And the tons of money they'd lose?

 

Yes, let's not forget the Achille Lauro Hijacking.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achille_Lauro_hijacking

[Pavovsky]

If you book something and for whatever reason they can't deliver then you should be entitled to cancel. You pay for Israel and you get Greece is not the same holiday you paid for.

 

 

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[cruisemom42]

I'm sure Celebrity is looking at it as a business decision...a good business decision. You have to realize Celebrity is in the business to make money, not lose money, and harm their reputation.

 

Think about it from a loss prevention standpoint - if the ship is bombed or high-jacked when it's in a port that is currently not considered "safe" or passengers are injured while in port, then Celebrity's insurance policy most likely won't cover that loss. All of those passengers who have bought outside insurance probably wouldn't be covered either. Can you imagine the nightmare of issues they'd be up against if they made an unsafe decision? And the tons of money they'd lose?

 

While I believe you are right that Celebrity considers this a business decision, and while I understand perfectly well the cruise contract (see my earlier posts), I do feel this is an instance where the cruise lines need to be guided by State Dept warnings.

 

Absent a "travel not advised" warning, passengers are left high and dry when their cruise completely changes character, as this one has. They cannot make a claim against most types of insurance, and it doesn't sound as if Celebrity is offering anything, at least not yet....

 

It seems the British cruise lines and land tours I've traveled on are guided by UK State Department advice. Why do lines with primarily US passengers not follow US advisories? If the US State Department doesn't deem it unsafe to travel to a country or area, what information is a cruise line using to determine it is not safe?

 

I see no change or update in the US State Department Travel Warning for Israel since February...

[cle-guy]

If you book something and for whatever reason they can't deliver then you should be entitled to cancel. You pay for Israel and you get Greece is not the same holiday you paid for.

 

According to the contract, you paid to be transported form the Embarkation Port to the Disembarkation port. everything in between isn't part of the contract and truly "optional". He THINK you paid for a holy land cruise, but the contract you agreed to says you get from A to B, that's the reality, and why there are such things as "cancel for any reason insurance", to offer such protection to those who have such concerns. But most choose to not pay for that protection, and "self insure" as I do myself.

 

If we expect them to waive these provisions, should we also allow them to waive the fixed fare we booked at and raise them, should fares increase once we contracted our fare?

 

A contract exists for a reason. Choosing to ignore it or say it is a crappy contract, doesn't make it any less a contract, with protections for both sides, and pitfalls for both sides.

 

Yes it sucks when our plans don't come together, but it is a part of cruising, and part of why the contract has such language within it.

 

Mind you, I booked a Suez Canal Crusie, the ended up going to Asia and not thru the canal. Luckily, as per the contract, since the disembarkation port changed, I was able to cancel. But All I wanted was a pass thru the Suez Canal and travel the red Sea. So I have been affected by modified itineraries, and was afforded the terms of the contract I agreed to. I've also had a cruise cancelled 3 months prior to its sailing.

Edited October 16, 2015 by cle-guy

[cruisemom42]

We have been to Corinth, Mycenae, and Napflion on a prior trip and I really enjoyed that day a lot. Unfortunately at this point we don't have a lot of time to seek out tours in any of these ports. We had been considering taking the ferry to Hydra, and that has become much more realistic now. But I really appreciate the constructive suggestions, thank you!

 

Cathy, I think you have my email. If you are in need of a driver in Athens, I may be able to help.

[fleckle]

Hi, op here. Read everyone's comments with interest. Especially enjoyed those that said tough, or words to that effect - hopefully they will have a vacation they have waited a year for ruined for them one day soon

 

I do not need a cruise line to look after my safety - i would never have been allowed to go to London for work while the ira were active if they were in charge

 

I would have happily signed a waiver exonerating them while I was in Israel

 

Just as big an issue of missing the whole point of this trip is the fact that it is due to rain in Greece for much of the week they are planning there while Israel basks in 30 degrees

 

I feel for the front desk staff tomorrow - it could be a long day for them

 

I will still have a good time on my med cruise that I have paid twice as much for as if it were advertised as a med cruise, but it's certainly taught me a lesson for future vacation plans

Really sorry for your disappointment, but I would not be at all surprised if they end up offering you and everyone else on your cruise a certificate with a generous allowance toward the cost of booking a future Celebrity cruise.

 

They have done this in the past when they had to change an itinerary at the last minute and had a lot of upset, unhappy passengers proclaiming that they would never book with Celebrity again.

 

It was a very smart move on Celebrity's part as the amount offered was sufficient to incentivize the passengers to book again with Celebrity after all.

 

 

We have been closely monitoring the security situation in Israel, we have decided, in an abundance of caution, to cancel Celebrity Silhouette’s call to Jerusalem (Ashdod) and Haifa, Israel......

Celebrity Cruises, how about coming back on here again and clarifying whether the onboard credit being offered for the cancelled tours is going to be refundable or non-refundable onboard credit?

 

[dodger1964]

There are already 17 dead cruise ship passengers this year in stop with unrest. What should X do..ignore the growing problem??

 

Maybe it's just the way it's being reported in USA, but it seems to me that the problem has gotten worse in the last couple of days(maybe that's why not cancelled earlier).

 

If it really is that important to some, and you have already spent all that money, consider spending a little more and leaving ship mid cruise, flying to Israel for a couple of days, and then rejoining cruise.

[Langley Cruisers]

Karen -- last time I checked, the casino would cash your OBC out, for a 5% service charge. In light these most unusual circumstances, wouldn't it be great if Celebrity offered to waive that fee, on this particular cruise? :cool:

 

And yep, it sounds like these folks really need to vent a little. Were I in their shoes, I would too. :(

 

Thank you for the reply. :) Agree with you.

 

... hopefully they will have a vacation they have waited a year for ruined for them one day soon... I do not need a cruise line to look after my safety...

 

Riiiiight. Gotcha OP. I guess with comments like this, there's nothing anyone can say or do to help you. Maybe just wait until you get onboard, and hope for the best.

.

Edited October 16, 2015 by Langley Cruisers

[uktog]

Sorry but what's happened is unfortunately reality

Of course tour guides might say it's safe, they want to keep business - bottom line, it is not safe

Replacement ports - what do you expect the cruise line to do - magic up berths that do not exist? Take you to ports that have too many other ships in so the infrastructure can't cope?

A default alternative in the past in that area has been to head to Turkey but that too now has limitations

I am sure I would be disappointed too but I would not be selfish enough to blame the cruise line for ruining my situation I would also reflecting on how bad things have got in that part of the world

[need2bespoiled]

I am also on this cruise, and I think all of you who are not on the cruise really don't have any place to comment. Many of us booked the cruise ONLY because of the ports in Israel. I have been to every other port multiple times and three out of the four new ports, the one exception being now the FIFTH stop in Greece. IT'S VERY EASY TO TALK WHEN IT'S NOT YOU WHO ARE BEING AFFECTED. AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CELEBRITY IS "SAVING OUR LIVES". They are protecting themselves pure and simple.

 

The most aggravating part of this is that the trouble started several weeks ago, in some cases more than a month ago, and they wait until 12 hours before the cruise departs to let us know? Obviously since we are already in Italy, we have no option except to go forward with the cruise, and also no time to plan what we're going to do in these four new added ports.

 

So we get an overnight in Athens, when in my opinion Athens needs a half a day at most. We have Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini added, as well as a stop in Sicily. Been there, done that, would NEVER have booked that itinerary in a million years. But we are left with ZERO options. Thanks, celebrity. :p

 

"We" get to comment, when the OP gets to post on board complaining how he doesn't like the change.

 

I am sorry this happened to you. I too would be crushed. I've had the same thing happen, last December in SE Asia. 12 hours before boarding (less actually) we lost Komodo and Bali, and while not everyone can do this, I made the best of it and went on my own (to Bali) anyway.

 

You have choices:

1. Use the insurance you paid for in advance knowing you're going to a volatile area and not go on the cruise.

2. Self insure after the fact and fly to Israel.

3. Make the best of it, and enjoy what you have for vacation. Clearly you like being on a cruise, otherwise you would have just flown to Israel.

4. Pout, whine and complain and wish you were back at work or home doing what you'd normally be doing.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[dabear]

According to the contract, you paid to be transported form the Embarkation Port to the Disembarkation port. everything in between isn't part of the contract and truly "optional". He THINK you paid for a holy land cruise, but the contract you agreed to says you get from A to B, that's the reality, and why there are such things as "cancel for any reason insurance", to offer such protection to those who have such concerns. But most choose to not pay for that protection, and "self insure" as I do myself.

 

If we expect them to waive these provisions, should we also allow them to waive the fixed fare we booked at and raise them, should fares increase once we contracted our fare?

 

A contract exists for a reason. Choosing to ignore it or say it is a crappy contract, doesn't make it any less a contract, with protections for both sides, and pitfalls for both sides.

 

Yes it sucks when our plans don't come together, but it is a part of cruising, and part of why the contract has such language within it.

 

Mind you, I booked a Suez Canal Crusie, the ended up going to Asia and not thru the canal. Luckily, as per the contract, since the disembarkation port changed, I was able to cancel. But All I wanted was a pass thru the Suez Canal and travel the red Sea. So I have been affected by modified itineraries, and was afforded the terms of the contract I agreed to. I've also had a cruise cancelled 3 months prior to its sailing.

 

While some of your posts offer good comments, imho this one is insensitive. I don't think that you understand a destination cruise since most of yours are in the Carribbean or ta and two that you cited you may have been disappointed but you also didn't lose money. The pax are both disappointed and lose all of their money if they cancel as it is still same departure port and within 90 days. Also, most of us understand the contract, but a material difference does make a

possible right to resend when the contract is unconscionable or under quantum merawit,(sp) you are entitled to reasonable compensation for what you agreed to.

Edited October 17, 2015 by dabear

[RGallo]

I just contacted a land tour company regarding their trips to Israel. Company rep reports multiple tour groups on the ground in Isrsel and not skipping any sites. All is good to go.

[Bo1953]

While some of your posts offer good comments, imho this one is insensitive. I don't think that you understand a destination cruise since most of yours are in the Carribbean or ta and two that you cited you may have been disappointed but you also didn't lose money. The pax are both disappointed and lose all of their money if they cancel as it is still same departure port and within 90 days. Also, most of us understand the contract, but a material difference does make a

possible right to resend when the contract is unconscionable or under quantum merawit,(sp) you are entitled to reasonable compensation for what you agreed to.

 

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/media/en_US/pdf/passenger-bill-of-rights.pdf

 

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/frequently-asked-questions#faq657

 

Also, sections 6 a) & 6 c) of the Cruise Contract which each passenger should read, possibly, before booking any cruise (read the contract in full).

 

This information can be found at X's website. This is from the U.S. site, I Am sure other countries have their particular Contracts which X has to abide by.

 

Just info. Bon Voyage...

[AtleeH]

X didn't do that. The Palestine terrorists did that.

 

How would you like it if X had continued to do those ports, and you had been attacked by a terrorist?

 

Would you have been one of the first people to sue X for insisting on going to the Israeli ports?

 

I booked months ago because my trip spent three days in Israel

 

I have just been informed 12 hours before I leave that it is going to some boring stops in Greece instead

 

Nothing I can do of course, but I would never have booked this trip if I had known

[cle-guy]

While some of your posts offer good comments, imho this one is insensitive. I don't think that you understand a destination cruise since most of yours are in the Carribbean or ta and two that you cited you may have been disappointed but you also didn't lose money. The pax are both disappointed and lose all of their money if they cancel as it is still same departure port and within 90 days. Also, most of us understand the contract, but a material difference does make a

possible right to resend when the contract is unconscionable or under quantum merawit,(sp) you are entitled to reasonable compensation for what you agreed to.

 

There is nothing wrong with being disappointed. This thread is just a good point to ensure people understand that there are no guarantees when booking a cruise, folks need to understand the contract they have entered into, and be aware of the risks of that contract as compared to ones expectations. When one spends thousands of dollars, one must be cognizant of all these factors.

 

And material differences are important as you say, but for the fact that the contract says nothing about specific ports, they are not in the contract. Also the contract expressly addresses situations such as that in this post going so far as to describe specific situations where refunds and adjustments will be made, thus again, ensuring it is enforceable as it is.

 

I have to assume that if the contract were not enforceable due to such changes and rescindable, then avery time port change or charter came up everyone would use those rights. That not a single person has successfully done so in the history of RCL means the contract is secure in its language to me.

So be disappointed, but learn the lesson that one needs to keep expectations reasonable, and accept that a contract has meaning on both parties involved.

Edited October 17, 2015 by cle-guy

[ShawninFL]

Wow. All I can say is I'm so sorry for your rotten luck. I completely understand how disappointed you must be. I know how much time I spend planning a trip like the one you were expecting to take. And now all that planning was for nothing. And for some people to say you shouldn't plan a cruise around an itinerary is a ridiculous statement. Very few people plan a trip as such without taking the itinerary into consideration. I do understand why the Israel stops were cancelled, but if I was supposed to be on this cruise, even understanding and accepting why the stops were cancelled, I'd still be terribly disappointed and possibly "pissed" at my luck for all the money shelled out to ultimately not receive what I thought I was going to get. I do hope you can move beyond your disappointment and make the best of your cruise.

[Christine Frances]

After watching what has been going on there over the last week I can reluctantly understand X's decision and if we were on this cruise we would have been disappointed but would have anticipated a change in itinerary. Our country as well, is concerned about it's citizens being in Israel during this time

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/israel-the-west-bank-and-the-gaza-strip

 

I don't know about the US, but my travel insurance would be null and void if all of a sudden there was a more serious alert ie "avoid all unnecessary travel"

[AtleeH]

Since visiting Israel is so important to you, why didn't you just schedule a land vacation there. That way, no wasted days on board, adn lots more time visiting the Israeli sites.

 

Really?? Tell me what you would do for two days and a night on your fourth stop in Athens? Once you have been to the Acropolis, there really isn't much else of interest. Shopping for junk in the Plaka?

 

If the State Department have issued a warning against traveling to Israel, I would take Celebrity's position more seriously!

 

I have had ports of call changed on almost every cruise I've ever taken. It's never been a big deal. But this IS a big deal, this is a very unique itinerary and the only thing different about it is the Israel ports. That's what makes it so disappointing. And to add insult to injury, they waited until the very last minute to make the announcement. Obviously they have been planning this for a while, since they have had time to add these additional ports, and it would really have been nice if they would've alerted us before we left home!

[ericftaylor]

"Hi, op here. Read everyone's comments with interest. Especially enjoyed those that said tough, or words to that effect - hopefully they will have a vacation they have waited a year for ruined for them one day soon."

 

 

What a terrible thing to say. It's very disappointing to have travel plans change last minute but to wish that others will "hopefully" go through the same thing is abominable. CC is not a place to wish your vile thoughts upon other members of this incredibly helpful and well informed online community.

Edited October 17, 2015 by ericftaylor

[BubMunkeyBles]

I'd be bummed out bad too. :( especially with no time to replan for the new ports easily. Hope you find a way to have a great time regardless. I was grouchy when missing a Caribbean port and I'd be really upset if I spent thousands on European airfare to go to places I'd already visited a ton (I lived in both Germany and Italy for a couple years and have been all over Greece too).

[Fouremco]

Since visiting Israel is so important to you, why didn't you just schedule a land vacation there. That way, no wasted days on board, adn lots more time visiting the Israeli sites.

A lot (most?) of us choose a cruise based on its itinerary and are disappointed when changes are made to port stops. You should check the threads resulting from Celebrity's decision to drop ports to accommodate overnight stops in others if you doubt how important port selection is to passengers. IMO, suggesting that the OP or others switch to land vacations displays a lack of understanding of why we cruise.

[emileg]

Very disappointed that our three days in Israel are cancelled. We have been to other ports now offered. Very disappointed in Celebrity stating it would not refund the excursions in Israel that we booked and paid for before we left home. They are only offering a ship board credit. The least they can do is refund the celebrity sponsored shore excursions scheduled in Israel in full. We already have a large ship board credit and would prefer our money back!

 

Lasr Celebrity cruise in April through the Panama Canal had norvo virus. embarkation delayed by 7 hours, library closed.

 

Although we realize these events are not their fault, it seems they could do a better job by at least refunding our shore excursions that we cannot take. Years ago, we were on Carnival and unable to go into the port city for Florence because of high waves. Our prepaid shore excursion was refunded in full!

Shout out: Congratulations on your first Cruise Critic post.

[GottaKnowWhen]

The recently escalating and violent conflicts between the Palestinians and the Israelis caused the port realignment... There was another report this morning...

 

I loved Israel--and hope to someday return--but, in my opinion, this is clearly not the time for a visit from a safety perspective...

 

I'm sure you are disappointed but this is a case in which Celebrity ought be applauded--and not criticized--for the itinerary revision... I am certain that they did not make the decision without careful consideration and acted in the interest of the safety and well-being of their guests, their crew, and the ship itself...

 

With those thoughts in mind, enjoy your cruise...

 

We were in Israel for a few weeks in the spring a year ago. Part of the time there we were hosted by an Israeli friend who was constantly fretting about the dangers. He may have been in danger, we never felt that we were. I think Celebrity is correct to avoid such "hotspots"; there are many moral and legal reasons why you should not put your clients into harm's way. But I suspect that the main "issue" tourists will have is inconvenience and delays from restrictions imposed during the current crisis. We have a friend on a land-tour with a group there now; I am looking forward to her report when she gets back next week. So, in short, you probably woulda been ok, but when you sign for a cruise you takes your chances on what the management is going to do. Buy a new guidebook and figure out how to enjoy your new opportunities.

 

By the way, 3 weeks is about right to skim the surface of travel in Israel. Be happy that you didn't get your three port stops - you would have been very frustrated. I totally get it that people like to cruise and like to see new places and like to combine the two (been there, done that, will keep doing that) but if a given destination is that critical to you, why not book a land tour as an add-on to a cruise somewhere else in the region?

Edited October 17, 2015 by GottaKnowWhen

[disneyneighbor]

Jerusalem and the West Bank(where the Terrorists are rioting) are not near where the cruise ships dock ! I do not understand why the cruise to Israel was cancelled :mad: