Refunds from loosing group booking in RCI

[DYKWIA]

Apologies for the auto text error in the title.

 

admittedly it was on RC ship (but Celebrity also takes big group bookings)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/passengers-receive-refunds-after-party-ruins-cruise/

 

Would be distraught if I travelled to the other side of the world to have this happen. Bit more digging reveals that this was a 3 night mini cruise from Singapore, which doesn’t make it right, but does indicate there was perhaps an increased risk

Edited October 4, 2018 by DYKWIA

[Orator]

admittedly it was on RC ship (but Celebrity also takes big group bookings)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/passengers-receive-refunds-after-party-ruins-cruise/

 

Would be distraught if I travelled to the other side of the world to have this happen

I've been preaching for years that the cruise industry should be required to inform non group passengers if the ship has a group that would be more than 10% (the number is negotiable) of the total passengers and that non group passengers could cancel without penalty.

That being said: I was on an NCL cruise where at least 50% of the passengers were in an Irish Group. Lots of fun since I was able to get into some of the programs, but they did control the ship. Many public venues were closed and even the dining times were adjusted to accommodate the group's programs.

[Mike981]

From the article:

“Royal Caribbean operates with the safety of our guests and crew as our highest priority. While we have had a long history of successful group bookings in which all guests have enjoyed their cruise, we are looking into this incident, including all guest feedback to ensure our group booking policies are suitable and that our guest conduct policy is applied appropriately.”

 

 

Okay a ship with the capacity of 3,144 and a group of 1,300. I don't know how it couldn't effect other cruisers negatively.

 

I also like this one:

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Telegraph Travel: “During Voyager of the Seas’ three-night sailing from Singapore on September 6, a group onboard caused complaints from some of our guests who raised their concerns with us after they returned to Australia. We were able to quickly provide them with a satisfactory solution.

 

 

'Satisfactory' according to whom?

 

 

I agree there should be a notification to non group passengers on what is going on. Even if the notification is based on a percentage or total number in the group.

[DYKWIA]

 

I also like this one:

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Telegraph Travel: “During Voyager of the Seas’ three-night sailing from Singapore on September 6, a group onboard caused complaints from some of our guests who raised their concerns with us after they returned to Australia. We were able to quickly provide them with a satisfaction

 

 

'Satisfactory' according to whom?

 

 

.

 

I suppose that if you make a complaint and you accept an offer to put an end to that complaint then the company will claim that complaint has been resolved to your satisfaction. If they make you an offer and you refuse they are not entitled to make that claim.

[jagoffee]

From the article:

“Royal Caribbean operates with the safety of our guests and crew as our highest priority. While we have had a long history of successful group bookings in which all guests have enjoyed their cruise, we are looking into this incident, including all guest feedback to ensure our group booking policies are suitable and that our guest conduct policy is applied appropriately.”

 

 

Okay a ship with the capacity of 3,144 and a group of 1,300. I don't know how it couldn't effect other cruisers negatively.

 

I also like this one:

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Telegraph Travel: “During Voyager of the Seas’ three-night sailing from Singapore on September 6, a group onboard caused complaints from some of our guests who raised their concerns with us after they returned to Australia. We were able to quickly provide them with a satisfactory solution.

 

 

'Satisfactory' according to whom?

 

 

I agree there should be a notification to non group passengers on what is going on. Even if the notification is based on a percentage or total number in the group.

 

I suppose that if you make a complaint and you accept an offer to put an end to that complaint then the company will claim that complaint has been resolved to your satisfaction. If they make you an offer and you refuse they are not entitled to make that claim.

I read that it was a full refund.

 

It is clear to me why Cruise lines do not inform you when they have a large grouped book. Many of us would change cruises.

I cruised with a large group (50% of the passengers). Although I still had a good time, my cruise was negatively impacted. I try to find out if a large group is scheduled to be on board. I consider 20% to be a large group.

[awhfy]

We’ve cruised with two large groups. One was great, first responders ❤️. One was American Girl Doll, insanely awful

 

 

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[Elusive_Cruiser]

I found out that on one of our cruises, there was going to be a 'biker group' onboard. I was a little concerned about this. Called Celebrity, who, of course, would tell me nothing.

 

I googled and found out who they were, and emailed them. A very kind fellow responded to me, gave me the size of the group (around 60 members on 40 bikes) and promised me that our cruise would not be affected. Well, it kinda was... we got to watch, from our balcony, the group get off the ship (pre-disembarkation), round up, and very quietly leave the port area. It was very fun to watch! We also saw some members around the pool, and they were a very fun group, who were enjoying themselves, but very respectful of the other cruisers. We spoke with some, who told us about what was all involved for them to be able to bike around the islands. In fact, one of the islands, they were not allowed off the ship with their bikes. Another island, they had to pay for police escort throughout their tour.

 

I'm glad I found the information about the group prior to the cruise. I tend to worry about that for which I do not have facts. Knowing they were a very small group, I thought nothing more about them until on the ship, and then, it was just fun.

 

Having said this - a larger group would totally p**s me off if it took over venues, like the dining room, martini bar, pool area, etc. I'm not sure what % would be realistic, but I feel it is fair that Celebrity let us know when larger groups could potentially affect our vacation, so that we could make an informed decision if we want to stay.

 

P.S. I've heard about the American Dolls - and not anything positive! Seriously... dolls taking up a dining room seat, or a pool lounger? Did the darling dolls pay as a pax? :)

[patty1955]

We’ve cruised with two large groups. One was great, first responders ❤️. One was American Girl Doll, insanely awful

I've heard the stories about the American Girl Doll cruise. You have my sympathy.

[4774Papa]

Apologies for the auto text error in the title.

 

admittedly it was on RC ship (but Celebrity also takes big group bookings)

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/passengers-receive-refunds-after-party-ruins-cruise/

 

Would be distraught if I travelled to the other side of the world to have this happen. Bit more digging reveals that this was a 3 night mini cruise from Singapore, which doesn’t make it right, but does indicate there was perhaps an increased risk

Three night cruise, need I say more?

[wendychloecruiser]

OMG. I was on a a cruise that was taken over by Amway. Every time you sat down you would accosted by someone wanting to sell you vitamins. It was awful.

[panoramaofthepast]

My granddaughter had a dance competition on a RCI out of San Diego - 1500 girls from 8-18! The remarkable part was that they were so focused on their competition that most people weren't even aware of them until the last day of the cruise! But I imagine that some folks were concerned.