NEW- ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO 2021 SUMMER CRUISES

[sandebeach]

3 minutes ago, Vera/Lee said:

No, do I need to? The email said "we're automatically moving you to the corresponding Independence of the Seas Sailing".

I just got off the phone with the casino, he checked with the supervisor and right now they are not doing anything because they have not been told what the process will be. So he said to call back in 24 hours. We shall see!

[gerelmx]

So No British Isles cruise and No Amsterdam home port

[jholzhauser]

The overnight is crucial to me no matter how it shakes out. But what a bummer on all of the tours and such! I’m sure a ton of work went into getting it exactly right!

[jholzhauser]

55 minutes ago, TinkBellaMom said:

We were on the July 27 sailing of the Jewel out of Amsterdam.  We thought about moving to a shorter cruise as long as it included overnight St. Petersburg.

Two problems, we have booked private tours with other couples at a significant savings and they might not rebook and we are worried RCCL will require that we only do ship excursions.  

The overnight is crucial to me no matter how it shakes out. But what a bummer on all of the tours and such! I’m sure a ton of work went into getting it exactly right!

[kwokpot]

And that's why people should not be booking tours so far in advance .

 

[TinkBellaMom]

2 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

And that's why people should not be booking tours so far in advance .

 

I understand that point of view now, post virus.  We booked this 2 years in advance, so as to have a chance of seeing everything we have dreamed of seeing.  This was to be the trip of a lifetime.  Who knew even when this nightmare began it would affect plans made 18 months in the future.

[kwokpot]

3 minutes ago, TinkBellaMom said:

I understand that point of view now, post virus.  We booked this 2 years in advance, so as to have a chance of seeing everything we have dreamed of seeing.  This was to be the trip of a lifetime.  Who knew even when this nightmare began it would affect plans made 18 months in the future.

The pandemic has changed everything about traveling. I've said it in another thread and I'll repeat it here. Anyone booking and/or lifting and shifting cruises now should not be booking and tours until the cruiselines have given us the information as to what will and will not be allowed with regard to touring at the ports of call. 

People also should not be booking overseas airfare for spring and summer cruises simply because airlines have no idea what their flight schedules will be. 

 

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, TinkBellaMom said:

Wow, we are very disappointed.  We booked our Baltic 12 day on Jewel when they were first released.  Planning is done, booked private excursions, hotels for before and after cruise.  It was what I did while stuck in home trying to do something productive.

We didn’t get a letter yet.

Wondering if we could do a L&S for 2022?  I know it doesn’t fit the rules because they cancelled but hoping they might offer an incentive if we let them keep our money in exchange.

Sorry.  I know how you feel.  The only thing with that is the 2022 summer cruises not yet announced/posted so nothing to l&s too, yet

Edited September 24, 2020 by Sunshine3601

[TinkBellaMom]

I just have to vent.

RCCL publishes a press release a few days ago “in error”.  They remove it.  

Many people call in to confirm and it is denied or another vague answer is given.

They send out emails to some—we haven’t received one—- but virtually the same wording as the “error”.  Offer nothing in the way of compensation, no 125% , no L&S because they cancelled it.  Then give you 5 days to decide.  I am disgusted by this.

[TinkBellaMom]

3 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

The only thing with that is the 2022 summer cruises not yet announced/posted.

I know☹️.  I don’t think it would be allowed anyway because is showing as cancelled not rebooking.

[Sunshine3601]

6 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

The pandemic has changed everything about traveling. I've said it in another thread and I'll repeat it here. Anyone booking and/or lifting and shifting cruises now should not be booking and tours until the cruiselines have given us the information as to what will and will not be allowed with regard to touring at the ports of call. 

People also should not be booking overseas airfare for spring and summer cruises simply because airlines have no idea what their flight schedules will be. 

 

I have also made these same suggestions just one difference.  If you do book a private tour or airfare/hotel make sure it is refundable.

I can tell you refundable airfare I booked to europe next summer is currently half the price of what I paid for this past summer that got cancelled.

[firefly333]

9 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

The pandemic has changed everything about traveling. I've said it in another thread and I'll repeat it here. Anyone booking and/or lifting and shifting cruises now should not be booking and tours until the cruiselines have given us the information as to what will and will not be allowed with regard to touring at the ports of call. 

People also should not be booking overseas airfare for spring and summer cruises simply because airlines have no idea what their flight schedules will be. 

 

They booked 18 months ago. If we all had esp about prices and this virus, we all might have booked differently. 18 months ago the person you are responding to had no idea.  I've been thru so many changes and dont know if I got great deals or they will go lower next year. And that's after over 6 months of this. All these hopes and dreams dashed, not the time to say 18 months ago you shouldn't have done this or that.

[NancyIL]

20 minutes ago, TinkBellaMom said:

I just have to vent.

RCCL publishes a press release a few days ago “in error”.  They remove it.  

Many people call in to confirm and it is denied or another vague answer is given.

They send out emails to some—we haven’t received one—- but virtually the same wording as the “error”.  Offer nothing in the way of compensation, no 125% , no L&S because they cancelled it.  Then give you 5 days to decide.  I am disgusted by this.

The main difference with today’s press release is that Rhapsody’s itineraries didn’t change, and Brilliance isn’t going to Europe. 
 

You have until October 31st to book a new sailing to get the additional OBC.  

Edited September 24, 2020 by NancyIL

[kwokpot]

1 minute ago, firefly333 said:

They booked 18 months ago. If we all had esp about prices and this virus, we all might have booked differently. 18 months ago the person you are responding to had no idea.  I've been thru so many changes and dont know if I got great deals or they will go lower next year. And that's after over 6 months of this. All these hopes and dreams dashed, not the time to say 18 months ago you shouldn't have done this or that.

My advice is for bookings and rebookings going forward. Obviously no one knew a pandemic would be upon us 17 months ago. 

For the record I had six cruises booked that were cancelled; one departing November 14th

On the Celebrity Apex is still in limbo. I had a cruise in March on the Quantum from Singapore that was canceled which resulted in a myriad of international flights, hotels,tours (including a 9 night land tour of India) to be cancelled and managed.

Also a family Greek islands Cruise in July that was canceled which involved 4 cabins and 8 people traveling,so I myself have been involved with the heartache of cancelled plans. 

At the same time I've made four new bookings for next year yet following my own advice I have not made any air line reservations, hotel or tour reservations. 

[lr657]

22 minutes ago, NancyIL said:

The main difference with today’s press release is that Rhapsody’s itineraries didn’t change, and Brilliance isn’t going to Europe. 
 

You have until October 31st to book a new sailing to get the additional OBC.  

 

For some reason I'm not feeling confident that today's changes will be the last of the Summer 2021 changes. 

 

Edited September 24, 2020 by lr657

[firefly333]

25 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

My advice is for bookings and rebookings going forward. Obviously no one knew a pandemic would be upon us 17 months ago. 

For the record I had six cruises booked that were cancelled; one departing November 14th

On the Celebrity Apex is still in limbo. I had a cruise in March on the Quantum from Singapore that was canceled which resulted in a myriad of international flights, hotels,tours (including a 9 night land tour of India) to be cancelled and managed.

Also a family Greek islands Cruise in July that was canceled which involved 4 cabins and 8 people traveling,so I myself have been involved with the heartache of cancelled plans. 

At the same time I've made four new bookings for next year yet following my own advice I have not made any air line reservations, hotel or tour reservations. 

And I'm struggling with should I lift and shift one of my feb 2021 b2b cruises, even though my schedule for that time frame is tight. I've had my share of cancellations and my ta really went thru a lot to book that b2b. Now the talk of having to have to have a test 5 days before has me worried about a b2b. My ta has already done so much. Lift and shift is probably ending, as rcl tightens their belt. 2022 is bound to be better than 2021 though. Feb 2021 is starting to feel iffy and people say the vaccine will take longer than anticipated. Turning 70 soon so that's a factor. 

 

Afterwards its so easy in hindsight. Wish I knew what to do. We say in duplicate bridge hindsight is always 20/20 what card should have been played. Other than biker who says take the money and run, not many I listen to on here. 

 

Wish rcl would tell us, is lift and shift being extended. .. as a for instance. I'm not giving anyone advise. Just feeling bad their cruises ruined. Changes just seem to keep coming.

[Merion_Mom]

4 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Couple of 2 bedroom GS's I think

 

Plus some 2 bedroom OS's

 

I mightbe fine with one of the ultra spacious OV's and a little OBC. Really don't need suite perks other than dbl points😉

 

I have never heard of a 2 bedroom owner's suite.  Can you give me a cabin number so that I can see it on the deck plans?

 

[Russ Lomas]

5 hours ago, sandebeach said:

I just got my email, I am sad that Indy is moving from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami, but glad I am booked on a Brilliance 8-day cruise that will now be on Independence!

Me too.  Unfortunately our original 8 day sail date is now a 6 day sailing.  Hopefully RCCL will give us a choice of the 8 day sailings to the same islands to choose from.

 

5 hours ago, sandebeach said:

Sorry that your drive will be a little longer. We will have to drive to Miami instead of taking an Uber to Port Everglades. But I have my fingers crossed that our itinerary does not change, this cruise was going to Antigua (never been there and St. Lucia (only been there once), so I was really looking forward to it.

Looks like they shuffled a bunch of the 6 and 8 day cruises around.  Guess we have to wait to see where the dust settles and what RCCL offers each of us for changes.  It appears from other posts that Antigua is being replaced by Romano, DR.

 

5 hours ago, kands6191 said:

My only concern was about where we would be moved to on the new ship.  I'm not sure if the agent linked our reservations when we booked but I went in as soon as I got the email and added the reservations on the Royal site.  I hope that is enough to keep us together as we had 3 cabins in a row.  Anyone have any experience with this who has an idea of how it works?

We are excited about the possibility of the shuffle to the Indy like you are.  We too have 3 inside cabins side by side since our kids need to be in cabins next to us due to their ages.  Fingers crossed the transfer process goes smoothly for both of us.

[John&LaLa]

5 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

I have never heard of a 2 bedroom owner's suite.  Can you give me a cabin number so that I can see it on the deck plans?

 

 

Decks 7-9 aft

Starboard corner

 

Edited September 24, 2020 by John&LaLa

[klfrodo]

I was booked on the Vision of the Seas to sail out of Barcelona next summer. This was a 12 day sailing. Booked in a 2 Bedroom GS.

Not sure what my options are now.

Harmony is sailing out of Barcelona but only a 7 day cruise. They want $5K more for a CL than what I paid for my 12 days on the Vision.

The other option will be to do a B2B on the Adventure of the Seas which is doing short 4 and 5 day cruises out of Barcelona. However, the sail dates and pricing won't be release for the Adventure until Oct 1.

[John&LaLa]

Truth be told, I wish there were two of these on Jewel

 

 

Our Adventure cabin is 1854

 

[julesbeara]

Our Jewel on September 23, 2021, has been cancelled.  It was a 12 Night Greek & Mediterranean cruise.

 

Dear Guest,

We hope this email finds you and your family healthy and well.

Over the next few weeks, we will be making schedule and itinerary adjustments to some of our 2021 summer sailings for five of our ships. These changes are being made after tapping into market research and listening to feedback and input from guests and trade partners on opportunities for adventure for this upcoming summer, as we work to apply the best available public health, science and engineering insights to deliver a safe and healthy cruise vacation. Regrettably, as a result of these shifts, our September 23, 2021 Jewel of the Seas cruise has been cancelled.

We know this news is disappointing, and we're sorry for the impact to your vacation. As a result of this unexpected change, we'll be providing you with the following:

• A full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form(s) of payment, including any non-refundable deposit.
• Any pre-paid amenities will be refunded to the original form of payment.
  • You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after we cancel your reservation. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on your financial institution.
• And, if you booked your airfare through Royal Caribbean International, it will be automatically refunded to you. However, if you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

Understanding how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, it's important to us that we make it up to you. So, we also have a special offer just for you. If you rebook an alternate European itinerary departing in 2021 by October 31^st, 2020, we'll provide you with and Onboard Credit valued at a $100 USD for interior and ocean view staterooms or $200 USD for balcony staterooms and suites. You must decide to move to a new sailing by October 31^st, 2020. Once you find a new sailing, just call your Travel Advisor or contact us to rebook your next getaway. The Onboard Credit will be automatically applied to your new reservation 72 hours from the date you rebooked your new cruise. So, there's nothing additional for you to do!

If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor or contact us at:

• 888 281 9344 in the U.S.
• 1 800 754 500 in Australia
• 0344 493 4005 in the U.K.
• All other countries, please visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contactus for your local Royal Caribbean International office phone number.

Thank you for understanding. We look forward to welcoming you onboard for a great adventure. In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Aurora Yera-Rodriguez

AVP | Guest Experience

Royal Caribbean International

[Hoopster95]

2 hours ago, TinkBellaMom said:

I just have to vent.

RCCL publishes a press release a few days ago “in error”.  They remove it.  

Many people call in to confirm and it is denied or another vague answer is given.

They send out emails to some—we haven’t received one—- but virtually the same wording as the “error”.  Offer nothing in the way of compensation, no 125% , no L&S because they cancelled it.  Then give you 5 days to decide.  I am disgusted by this.

 

I empathize. I posted this on the other thread just now, and I believe it fits in this thread perfectly as well.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2760799-new-summer-2021-itinerary-changes/page/15/?tab=comments#comment-60390532

 

This is the perfect time for everyone to pull out and re-read the cruise contract with regards to cancellations, ship changes, cabin changes, weather/itinerary/act of God changes, all changes. 

 

[OHCruisinDad]

3 hours ago, TinkBellaMom said:

I just have to vent.

RCCL publishes a press release a few days ago “in error”.  They remove it.  

Many people call in to confirm and it is denied or another vague answer is given.

They send out emails to some—we haven’t received one—- but virtually the same wording as the “error”.  Offer nothing in the way of compensation, no 125% , no L&S because they cancelled it.  Then give you 5 days to decide.  I am disgusted by this.

 

You have until October 31st to move your booking to a new sailing.  The 5 days (September 28th) is the date by which Royal says they will complete moving all impacted reservations to new sailings.

 

The original press release was a preliminary release and someone screwed up and inadvertently released it.  They then pulled it down as the backup arrangements weren't yet completed and all in place.

[firefly333]

At least people who booked adventure seems like they can move to jewel. I'm in a jewel group because I originally started off thinking I was doing jewel. Seems like they are all getting cancellation emails. One gal said it might be a long long time before she books a cruise again. Some are first time cruisers. 

 

Sad and upsetting to read how disappointed they are.