Smokers who have booked?

[Blondie007]

Just wondering whats your contingency plan?

I am facing the dilemna now of making decisions about the two cruises we have booked.

I called X, and my TA called, firstly they have made it clear they will NOT refund any deposits under any circumstances, so right away, do we lose the hundreds of pounds we have already paid in deposits against sky suites and airfares.

Secondly, I asked them , to compromise, if I cancelled the first cruise, could we transfer the deposits we had paid towards the balance of our second cruise..

Answer: NO...

What they said we could do, was transfer the deposits paid to any OTHER NEW cruise booked, but by adding an admin fee:mad:

Lose lose situation!

Our thoughts are , do we transfer to RCI instead ...paying admin fees but cancelling with X.

What have you decided to do?

 

Also, as a note of interest for everyone, in order to make the right decision we asked our TA to find out precisley the smoking areas on board. We wanted to be able to work out, could we still enjoy the ship with the restricted smoking areas:

Here are the positives (if there are any!)

 

Firstly, the ONE lounge indoors is to be on Constellation "Bar at the edge of the earth" which on other M Class ships, is the disco. On Mercury, its again the disco.

The ocean grill bar (sunset bar) and the same on C Class (or similar)

and also all bars on pool decks.

We did kind of predict this, after all, smokers spend big cash late night drinking and as they can no longer smoke in their cabins, it will bring much needed revenue into the nightclubs.

We have worked out all of the "smoking points" etc, and where to go for a cig etc...

Also, smokers have a grear affiliation with one another, and socially, I bet there will be a lot of fun now at the sunset bar before and after dinner! And the disco at night will be full of fun people!:)

Pool deck...well..."they" cant whinge anymore can "they", so it will be fags lit, champagne ordered and let the party begin!

For morning, we are going to get our Butlers to fill thermos flasks for us with coffee and all head to the decks in our robes..yep..in our robes:eek:

And in the evenings ...as we all like to do our make up with a glass of champagne in hand, we girlies are all going to go up on deck with mirrors to do our make up in the evenings... :D

Our other emergency contingency plan, is to bring electric cigarettes for using in our cabins, on balconies and in all restricted areas. If you do not know what an electric cigarette is, do a search on the web and you will find various different brands on the market. The best one we have found is one which looks very much like a long normal cigarette. The "cigarette" is made up of a rechargeable battery unit, a vapour chamber and a replaceable cartridge and fliter. The cartridges come in strengths of nicotine from zero to normal, and it contains no tar or cancer inducing substances. Those of you who smoke at the casino tables will find this extremely useful so do look into it! It does attract major attention as non smokers do actually think its a real cigarette and its NOT! The difference between an electric cigarette and other nicotine replacements is that you can actually "draw" on this, and it produces what LOOKS like smoke, its not, its a harmless odourless vapour. The end even lights up when you inhale! We use them here in the UK in restaurants etc..still very new so still drawing funny looks, but its certainly the best alternative to standing outside in the pouring rain here in the UK! Do your research on the web and you will find out where you can buy one in your country. As I say, choose the one which looks rather like a long filtered cigarette...

THIS will be our contigency plan for early morning late at night etc on our balconies.

On another posiitive note... As we are banned from our bad habits, we are going to now not give a hoot about our other European habits such as topless and nude sunbathing:eek: , wearing thonged bikinis, strings and speedos:D

 

So... we are weighing up the pros and cons.. Celebrity V Other lines, we do all love X, but just have to make up our minds whether or not we want to give them our hard earned cash.

Anyone going with their booking? Not cancelling? Whats your plans?

Anyone been offered refunds?? Transfers at no penalties??

 

Oh and as another note, we reckoned X chose to stop smoking on the balconies from a revenue point of view. If they ban smoking indoors, but not on balconies, people will simply go to their cabins instead of being in the "smoking lounges" such as the casino (big revenue), disco (again late night revenue) and the deck bars... Hypocritical or what!

 

We are still swithering..looking right now at RCI alternatives in Grand Suites going to check out the RCI Board for some comments from their cruisers. RCI IS still allowing smoking on balconies.

Smokers...what you doing??

[JCDeck]

I'm sorry, I don't understand why you cannot have a refund of your deposit. We have cancelled many cruises that we just have had deposits on as long as it was done before the final payment was due, which I believe is 90 days. Has this changed? I'm curious.

[marle7]

I would create a huge fuss with your TA and with Celebrity if you are not allowed to cancel, and I would probably make that very public.

 

We have canceled all three Celebrity bookings, all in Royal Suites. We have re -booked with Cunard and with HAL.

[Blondie007]

I'm sorry, I don't understand why you cannot have a refund of your deposit. We have cancelled many cruises that we just have had deposits on as long as it was done before the final payment was due, which I believe is 90 days. Has this changed? I'm curious.

 

Maybe its a UK thing, but absolutely no way will they refund us! Thats always ther case here.

[98Charlie]

I'm sorry, I don't understand why you cannot have a refund of your deposit. We have cancelled many cruises that we just have had deposits on as long as it was done before the final payment was due, which I believe is 90 days. Has this changed? I'm curious.

Yes, the new policy doesn't go in to effect until October 1. If you are booked before then the policy will not bother you. If your cruise is after that, you should be eligible for a full refund less any charges from your TA.

 

Charlie

[Blondie007]

I would create a huge fuss with your TA and with Celebrity if you are not allowed to cancel, and I would probably make that very public.

 

We have canceled all three Celebrity bookings, all in Royal Suites. We have re -booked with Cunard and with HAL.

 

 

Well done Marle! Can you smoke on balconies on both of these lines then? Havent looked at the QM..thats s possibility I guess for us? Needing more info right now on RCI..we can transfer deposits there. TA here..their hands are tied, they still havent even had offical notification yet of the change in policy. And even now, X UK is not saying much about the changes.

[Blondie007]

Yes, the new policy doesn't go in to effect until October 1. If you are booked before then the policy will not bother you. If your cruise is after that, you should be eligible for a full refund less any charges from your TA.

 

Charlie

 

Okay this is obviously a UK thing, which makes me ever madder:mad:

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

It costs us more, we pay up front, AND they wont refund us!

[JCDeck]

:) I have always booked directly with Celebrity and have always been refunded if it's before 90 days from sailing. :confused: 98CHARLIE, are you saying this has changed? I see you are from Hilliard, Ohio.....My in-laws live in Upper Arlington.

[DC2OC]

I would think the UK should pass a law allowing cancellations.I'm sure US law must be the reason for the different cancellation policies in the UK and USA

[98Charlie]

:) I have always booked directly with Celebrity and have always been refunded if it's before 90 days from sailing. :confused: 98CHARLIE, are you saying this has changed? I see you are from Hilliard, Ohio.....My in-laws live in Upper Arlington.

No, the refund policy in the US has not changed. The smoking policy will change after October 1.

 

OP is from the other side of the Pond (United Kingdom). The refund policy of Celebrity there is apparently "We have your money and you're not getting it back. No way, no how."

 

I'm actually off to work in Upper Arlington here in a few minutes. I'm in the restaurant business (35 years now) and probably have met your in-laws:rolleyes:

 

Charlie

[Saveapenny]

Quote the package regulations at them

 

You booked a crusie with airfare so therefore you have booked a package holiday so these rules will apply to you.

 

You booked a product that is no longer fit for purpose. When P&O changed the smoking policy and people were due to travel with them after the change date they allowed people to cancel with a full refund or bring the cruise forward.

 

I would call X and tell them if need be you will take them to the small claims court for the return of your deposit also put it in writing to both your TA and X.

 

The call to X will also confirm that your TA is telling the truth and not just trign to pressure you into changing to another date or to RCL therefore they wouldnt lose thier commision.

 

Next time book with a US TA for the cruise companies that we can use from over here. We brits get ripped off left right and centre so you have to find ways to fight back

 

Good Luck

 

Mandy

[marle7]

Well done Marle! Can you smoke on balconies on both of these lines then? Havent looked at the QM..thats s possibility I guess for us? Needing more info right now on RCI..we can transfer deposits there. TA here..their hands are tied, they still havent even had offical notification yet of the change in policy. And even now, X UK is not saying much about the changes.

 

The refund thing does seem to be a UK thing. I would fight that one loudly and publicly.

 

Yes you can still smoke on balconies for these two lines, as well as in cabins, although I don't smoke in my cabin anyway. The QM2 is going to be a very different cruising experience I think, but we're looking forward to it.

[Blondie007]

Quote the package regulations at them

 

You booked a crusie with airfare so therefore you have booked a package holiday so these rules will apply to you.

 

You booked a product that is no longer fit for purpose. When P&O changed the smoking policy and people were due to travel with them after the change date they allowed people to cancel with a full refund or bring the cruise forward.

 

I would call X and tell them if need be you will take them to the small claims court for the return of your deposit also put it in writing to both your TA and X.

 

The call to X will also confirm that your TA is telling the truth and not just trign to pressure you into changing to another date or to RCL therefore they wouldnt lose thier commision.

 

Next time book with a US TA for the cruise companies that we can use from over here. We brits get ripped off left right and centre so you have to find ways to fight back

 

Good Luck

 

Mandy

 

 

Mandy, this is interesting.. Small claims court, I know how to do that so can handle that easility but what the "package holiday" regs? Is it with trading standards?

Thanks!

[Blondie007]

OH...and NOW I am beginning to understand why its a totally different scenarios for US citizens and how X can easily change their policies. IF US citizens can get full refunds, then new policies and "changing the rule books" dont have nearly the same impact as they do on us here in the UK. Perhaps if US citizens forfeited their deposits, there would be much more of a stink kicked up.

Oh well now...I AM armed now and ready to do battle!!!

Human rights... racism... mmmmmmmm interesting....

Any legal advisors out there willing to give free advice;)

[Saveapenny]

Here you go http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/uksi_19923288_en_1.htm

 

Find the part that says you have to get what you paid for and as you booked a balcony becuase you smoke and now it will be no longer any good for that use

 

I am pretty sure the travel regs cover cruises but not 100% so give it a good read

 

 

Just having a quick look through...One of the first sections is

 

"Circumstances in which particulars in brochure are to be binding" this might be one of the sections to quote

 

 

Mandy

[Addict]

Blondie, we are in the UK and the rules definitely are different to the US. Check out the terms and conditions of booking on both websites and you will see. We have just gone through that - we wanted to cancel a cruise - they would only transfer the deposit over to another cruise (which starts a few days after the rules change). And we have another cruise booked for April 09 with Celebrity. The problem is that, since we booked both cruises, the prices have gone up lots so we are in lose, lose situation. I think we will probably stick with these two cruises but doubt we will cruise Celebrity again (unless all cruise lines follow suit in which case it won't matter who you book with unless you give up cruising altogether).

 

I love your statement about smokers being more fun people - that is so true!

 

I am going to look into your suggestion of the electric ciggies. Can you tell me where you got yours?

 

Thanks

 

Sue

[EJNutz]

In the UK all deposits for cruises or any other kind of vacation are non refundable at any time.

[Blondie007]

Blondie, we are in the UK and the rules definitely are different to the US. Check out the terms and conditions of booking on both websites and you will see. We have just gone through that - we wanted to cancel a cruise - they would only transfer the deposit over to another cruise (which starts a few days after the rules change). And we have another cruise booked for April 09 with Celebrity. The problem is that, since we booked both cruises, the prices have gone up lots so we are in lose, lose situation. I think we will probably stick with these two cruises but doubt we will cruise Celebrity again (unless all cruise lines follow suit in which case it won't matter who you book with unless you give up cruising altogether).

 

I love your statement about smokers being more fun people - that is so true!

 

I am going to look into your suggestion of the electric ciggies. Can you tell me where you got yours?

 

Thanks

 

Sue

 

 

Sue, cant post link but if you search "electric cigarette" theres a company in UK sells them online. The licenced trade news are promoting them to bars and clubs just now.They are really super for smokers:rolleyes: (you'll find it)

Thats it, think all of us who have to change our plans need to go on ONE big cruise, bring our nighties with us for running up to the deck in the morning, booze club at 6pm along with mirrors and make up...

ROLL CALL FOR SMOKERS???:D You not on my cruise are you Sue?

Anyone coming on the smokin cruise???

[claud925]

Blondie, so sorry to hear of your troubles regarding a refund of your deposits. Fight for it, and I hope you are succcessful. Please keep us informed.

 

As for my plans, I will take my last scheduled cruise with X next month, after which I will sell my RCL stock. I will follow-up with a letter to the Board of Directors to express my displeasure with the course of action they have chosen of failing to accommodate a significant portion of their patrons.

 

I have two cruises booked with Seabourn, and look forward to them. I will look to them for future bookings, as well as to other lines such as Cunard and HAL. Whoever has the policies that accommodate my requests for an enjoyable and pleasant cruising experience will be getting my business.

 

I will also look into those electric ciggies.:)

[dkjretired]

Here you go http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/uksi_19923288_en_1.htm

 

Find the part that says you have to get what you paid for and as you booked a balcony becuase you smoke and now it will be no longer any good for that use

 

I am pretty sure the travel regs cover cruises but not 100% so give it a good read

 

 

Just having a quick look through...One of the first sections is

 

"Circumstances in which particulars in brochure are to be binding" this might be one of the sections to quote

 

 

Mandy

 

I hate to see the OP get their hopes up but you should be aware that somewhere in the brochure and the contracts there is a clause that says something like the cruise line reserves the right to make changes.. That would pretty much negate anything your might be trying to achieve in small claims court.

[excitedofharpenden]

Blondie, I too wish you luck. I have always hated the non-refundable deposit thing here even if it is only £100 pp, but you would seem to have a good case to get it back from your TA. Keep your cool and call them again next week. If I didn't have any joy there I'd be putting it in writing to Celebrity.

 

Phil

[oshawa]

I am sailing on the Sept.9/08 transatlantic sailing on the Constellation and will not be affected by the new non smoking policy commencing October 5th. However this will be my last sailing with Celebrity even if I do stop smoking. A general principle of mine is that no group should be permitted to reign over another group. I have always been a considerate smoker but I feel that the non smokers have really gone over the top with their comments on these boards. I cannot understand why Celebrity did not have smoking and non smoking cabins as they do in most hotels. I would not enjoy my vacation cruise if I felt obliged to don a housecoat and run around looking for a place to enjoy a cigarette! Good luck to you in finding a refund and if not, do go on deck with your housecoats or better still go naked. That would certainly get attention!

[Blondie007]

Not only would we forfeit the deposits, we made bookings direct with hotels online and paid in full for nights pre cruise..

There are eight of us paid up for the Jan cruise deposit...thats £800 deposit!

 

Thanks all for kind comments..

 

Oshawa...yep..you can bet your bottom dollar we will be making it loud and clear when we go up on deck for our morning coffee.. We dont bring "nightwear" ;) so it will be robes and our birthday suits..

OH MY GAWD... how will I do my mascara before 7am:eek:

 

Gonna be one heck of a party I guess through the day on pool deck, evening drinks at sunset grill...and hope the DJ is prepared to stay up LATE!...mmm...thats a thought... duvets in the disco..anyone for a pyjama party:D

[Addict]

I hate to see the OP get their hopes up but you should be aware that somewhere in the brochure and the contracts there is a clause that says something like the cruise line reserves the right to make changes.. That would pretty much negate anything your might be trying to achieve in small claims court.

 

You are correct, they always cover their backs!!

 

Blondie, I too wish you luck. I have always hated the non-refundable deposit thing here even if it is only £100 pp, but you would seem to have a good case to get it back from your TA. Keep your cool and call them again next week. If I didn't have any joy there I'd be putting it in writing to Celebrity.

 

Phil

 

The decision for refunding deposits HAS to come from Celebrity. The only way we could sort out our recent problem was getting Celebrity to agree to send the TA a "zero" invoice, then the money came back directly to me from the TA (otherwise Celebrity would still have invoiced them for that money). I then had to pay the deposit to the new TA that I booked the new cruise with. Complicated, but they definitely would not have agreed to do that unless I had booked a replacement cruise. You cancel, you lose, and the TA can do nothing about it.

 

Blondie - when are you cruising? Dates of mine below in the countdowns. You're right we should start a new thread to get as many smokers together on a cruise as possible. Make it widely known and I bet no anti-smokers would book it. We could fill the ship!!! LOL

[cruisequeen10]

Remember when Carnival had the non smoking deal when they were building their "non smoking cruise ship" and then after they had the whole ship non smoking. Well that didn't last long and now they are able to smoke on that cruise ship. I don't think that this will last long on Celebrity. I am not a smoker, but they are taking this too far.