Unfair to change ports three weeks out.

[CntPAcruiser]

23 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

Well, I love Aruba, and I love Bonaire (although I have not been back since we were there for a week back in 96).  Bonaire is a wonderful port if you are a scuba diver, great easy scuba diving.  However, there is not much else there to do.  Shopping is limited.  It is a desert island (like its sisters in the ABC Aruba and Curaçao), and there is not much there other than a few small parrots and wild donkeys.  There is a big salt lake / marsh that can have a ton of flamingos and a slave buildings nearby, but not really a great spot if you are not into scuba.  

 

That said, Nassau is not awesome.  I am sorry for the change to your itinerary.

 

jc

 

We were back to Bonaire more recently, and I can report that there is much more in the way of shopping than there used to be. This may not necessarily be a good thing, but ports change and develop. There was an artists' market going on the day we were there as well.

 

Regarding the original topic, I agree that it is frustrating to have port changes, and Nassau would certainly be undesirable. Last year, our cruise was in November, and we were affected by the storm damage on several islands. Instead of a great itinerary we'd been looking forward and had made plans for, we were left scrambling to find things to do on a western itinerary with several port stops we weren't thrilled about. Not to mention we had paid for the more expensive itinerary but got what we got without any compensation. Naturally we made the best of it, and at least we knew why our original itinerary had been canceled and replaced entirely.

Edited December 29, 2018 by CntPAcruiser

[HBE4]

1 hour ago, Ourusualbeach said:

 

 

Yes an explanation would be nice however if one was not offerered I’m certainly not wasting any time in calling multiple times to try to find out why.  The cruise line certainly isn’t going to reverse their decision. 

 

You can either accept that they made made the decision for reasons beyond their control or you can stew about it and have it ruin your vacation before it even begins.

 

If you really are going to be that upset on any cruise if a port gets changed then purchase insurance that allows you to cancel and get a full refund if a port gets changed prior to sailing.

 

 

Um, okay.

 

All I said is that it would be nice if I had an explanation.  It's good customer service, some people are okay with less than good customer service.  

 

It won't ruin my life or your life. 🙂

 

EDIT: after rereading the thread, I see the reason for the change was due to port congestion in Aruba. Totally outside Royals control. *Phew*, I can sleep easy tonight. 😉

 

 

 

Edited December 29, 2018 by HBE4

[HBE4]

32 minutes ago, The Fun Researcher said:

I'm confused by the varying information in this thread.  What is the actual "final" itinerary change?  The one just above posted by blisswife?

 

Dan

 

Yes!

 

In the first post, the OP was misinformed by their travel agent that a port day (Labadee) was replaced by a sea day. The OP then found out that Labadee was actually replaced by Nassau so the amount of port days and sea days remain the same.  Blisswife also confirmed this change.

 

Also, to add to the confusion, someone else posted an itinerary change for a different sailing (7 night Freedom) that also went to the ABC islands. The OP was on a 9-night on the Jewel.

 

[The Fun Researcher]

2 minutes ago, HBE4 said:

 

Yes!

 

In the first post, the OP was misinformed by their travel agent that a port day (Labadee) was replaced by a sea day. The OP then found out that Labadee was actually replaced by Nassau so the amount of port days and sea days remain the same.  Blisswife also confirmed this change.

 

Also, to add to the confusion, someone else posted an itinerary change for a different sailing (7 night Freedom) that also went to the ABC islands. The OP was on a 9-night on the Jewel.

 

 

Thank you HBE4.

 

So, not nearly as bad as originally thought. The main draw in my opinion for their cruise are the ABC islands which are still part of the itinerary. I also do not feel that Nassau is a suitable replacement for Labadee but I would  just stay on the ship which would make another relaxing day. The more we cruise, the more I appreciate sea days.  Love Labadee though.

 

Dan

[HBE4]

51 minutes ago, The Fun Researcher said:

 

Thank you HBE4.

 

So, not nearly as bad as originally thought. The main draw in my opinion for their cruise are the ABC islands which are still part of the itinerary. I also do not feel that Nassau is a suitable replacement for Labadee but I would  just stay on the ship which would make another relaxing day. The more we cruise, the more I appreciate sea days.  Love Labadee though.

 

Dan

 

Labadee is one of my favorite stops. Not sure why they chose Nassau over Coco Cay as that would have been a more even swap. I guess Coco Cay was already at capacity.

 

The biggest issue with Nassau is that food is not included when you're on the beach. And neither are drinks if you have bought the beverage package. 

[Ocean Boy]

2 hours ago, HBE4 said:

 

 

 

EDIT: after rereading the thread, I see the reason for the change was due to port congestion in Aruba. Totally outside Royals control. *Phew*, I can sleep easy tonight. 😉

 

 

 

That is the part that I really don't get. Itineraries are set well in advance. Three weeks before a cruise someone realizes that there is no room at the inn? I could understand if a pier had become damaged but I am sure if that was the case there would have been talk about it here on CC.

[Illbcruzn4life]

oops

Edited December 30, 2018 by Illbcruzn4life
mispoke

[DeputyDawg46]

Currently on the Serenade of the Seas and scheduled for Bonaire at 0700 in the morning. Can update after that as to status of port. Have not had any changes to that port in our schedule. Finishing up with ABC and then back to FLL. 

[SRF]

20 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

You don't think that when someone has thousands of dollars invested that an explanation might not be appropriate?

 

Become a major stock holder and ask. 🙂

 

Does your car maker tell you why they made every change in your car model over the life of that version?

[DeputyDawg46]

Just ported in Bonaire without any problems this date 30 Dec 18. Looking forward to a busy day here. 

[Paulxyz2004]

12 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

That is the part that I really don't get. Itineraries are set well in advance. Three weeks before a cruise someone realizes that there is no room at the inn? I could understand if a pier had become damaged but I am sure if that was the case there would have been talk about it here on CC.

 

Overbooking happens at the inn all the time.

[Ocean Boy]

3 hours ago, SRF said:

 

Become a major stock holder and ask. 🙂

 

Does your car maker tell you why they made every change in your car model over the life of that version?

What do I care what they do to production after I take the car home? I got what I bought. Your post is senseless.

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, Paulxyz2004 said:

 

Overbooking happens at the inn all the time.

Yeah, so the ports do it just in case there is a no show?

[molly361]

2 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Yeah, so the ports do it just in case there is a no show?

Maybe the ports need to start a Royal Up program😇

[HBE4]

6 hours ago, SRF said:

 

Does your car maker tell you why they made every change in your car model over the life of that version?

 

The car maker is not changing the actual car I bought.

 

A more appropriate example would be if I took my car to the mechanic for an oil change and instead he washed it. I think most people would want to know why.

[SRF]

19 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

What do I care what they do to production after I take the car home? I got what I bought. Your post is senseless.

 

No, you really don't know what is different about your car, versus the one you test drove.

 

Businesses make changes all the time. And don't tell you.

[SRF]

16 hours ago, HBE4 said:

 

The car maker is not changing the actual car I bought.

 

A more appropriate example would be if I took my car to the mechanic for an oil change and instead he washed it. I think most people would want to know why.

 

More like you take your car for an oil change, and the mechanic uses a different brand of filter and a different oil than the last time.

[sr4mjc]

On 12/30/2018 at 6:15 AM, DeputyDawg46 said:

Just ported in Bonaire without any problems this date 30 Dec 18. Looking forward to a busy day here. 

 

Thanks, looking forward to hearing about this port.  We will be going there next year on Celebrity.

[LMaxwell]

5 hours ago, SRF said:

 

More like you take your car for an oil change, and the mechanic uses a different brand of filter and a different oil than the last time.

Not at all.  Filters and Oil have to meet certain standards; there is very little difference between major brand names other than additives.  As long as they meet basic specifications for sale and is the right spec for your car, your car doesn't care if it is brand A, B, or C.  Not a good example at all.  It makes no material difference and no negative impact to your car. 

 

Now Nassau for Labadee is a pretty significant material change...

[LMaxwell]

5 hours ago, SRF said:

 

No, you really don't know what is different about your car, versus the one you test drove.

 

Businesses make changes all the time. And don't tell you.

Who on Earth would test drive one car and then buy a different one?  Even if for demonstration purposes to order a car to spec, you still drive the one ordered and do an inspection to make sure no issues, changes, or discrepancies.  You're making it sound like this change is one the consumer should be accountable for when it is the cruise line that changed the itinerary for operational reasons.  I think many would agree Nassau is a poor substitute for many, if not all, other Caribbean ports. 

[xpcdoojk]

On 12/29/2018 at 2:47 PM, Milwaukee Eight said:

We had a blast there. A group of friends rented golf carts and we road around the island. 

 

No doubt it is a lovely place to visit, spent over a week there, and while it is desert lovely, if you don’t like to scuba or at least snorkel, it would be a yawn fest after a few days.  As a diver, I can heartily recommend a week long dive visit.

 

jc

[Grandma Dazzles]

18 minutes ago, xpcdoojk said:

 

No doubt it is a lovely place to visit, spent over a week there, and while it is desert lovely, if you don’t like to scuba or at least snorkel, it would be a yawn fest after a few days.  As a diver, I can heartily recommend a week long dive visit.

 

jc

 

Would never consider Aruba a yawn!  Have spent several week-long vacations there.  The island is definitely very much a desert.  However, beaches are beautiful and because of the lack of rainfall I have never found Aruba to be humid like many Caribbean islands. No late afternoon thunderstorms to spoil plans!  There are lots of excellent restaurants.  The people are wonderful - friendly, educated, and I have always felt very comfortable there.  Have not been hassled by beach vendors, drug dealers, etc. compared to other islands.  

[Ocean Boy]

I love exploring the far side of Aruba. The topography is amazing.

[SRF]

On 12/31/2018 at 9:15 AM, LMaxwell said:

Who on Earth would test drive one car and then buy a different one?  Even if for demonstration purposes to order a car to spec, you still drive the one ordered and do an inspection to make sure no issues, changes, or discrepancies.  You're making it sound like this change is one the consumer should be accountable for when it is the cruise line that changed the itinerary for operational reasons.  I think many would agree Nassau is a poor substitute for many, if not all, other Caribbean ports. 

 

Manufacturers make changes all the time.

 

That is why, for most parts, you need the VIN from the car to make sure you get the right part.

 

Heck, I know of cases where mid year they changed the manufacturer and model of the transmission in a line of vehicles.  Did you check if the car you bought had the same transmission as the one you test drove? 

[HBE4]

On 12/31/2018 at 11:29 PM, Grandma Dazzles said:

 

Would never consider Aruba a yawn!  Have spent several week-long vacations there.  The island is definitely very much a desert.  However, beaches are beautiful and because of the lack of rainfall I have never found Aruba to be humid like many Caribbean islands. No late afternoon thunderstorms to spoil plans!  There are lots of excellent restaurants.  The people are wonderful - friendly, educated, and I have always felt very comfortable there.  Have not been hassled by beach vendors, drug dealers, etc. compared to other islands.  

 

My favorite of all the Caribbean islands.  When not cruising, I can often be found on the beaches or in the casinos.  Love exploring the "wild side".

 

Some of the most amazing meals I've ever had have been on Aruba.