cindivan

22 minutes ago, Heymarco said:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/more-than-5-000-international-air-travellers-positive-for-covid-19-since-february/ar-BB1gjJFr
 

cheers!

I’m under no illusion thinking no one on a plane is positive. But I will take that if everyone is (mostly) wearing masks over a potential cruise bar/restaurant where it’s much more difficult to enforce.   
 

We live in a hub city so it would be harder to nix one airline over our hub airline if one said vaccines are required. Cruise lines are different. I fly or drive to the cruise port, so many more options are on the table. I wonder if a cruise line declared all but one ship required vaccines just how busy that one unvaccinated ship would be.  (I know that’s not legally possible.   It would be super interesting though).  I am so sick of hearing people say they  hope enough other people get vaccinated so they don’t have to.   

1 hour ago, Heymarco said:

That makes zero sense. Why draw the line about 100% vaccinated cruises and not flights? 
 

Any flight I have taken recently has pretty good enforcement of mask wearing. Controlled environment, easier for steward to keep an eye on everyone. Minimal eating and drinking. Very different environment and much tougher to enforce these restrictions on a cruise. 

4 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

Well,I took the vaccine Jan.13 and still have a headache that I left the hospital with.Yesterday my blood pressure spiked to 210/100.While high blood pressure is not a side effect of the vaccine ,a very painful headache can cause the BP to raise. I went to a hospital ER and the doctor treating me did not take the vaccine,neither did the nurse.I am wondering if they know something we do not know.

Doubt it. Not sure anyone knows the answers. Maybe they recently had it and feel secure. Who knows. 
 

I have multiple family members who are medical and have had both doses and are fine. And my 84 and 87yo parents are anxiously awaiting to get it. As am I but it will be a while for me. 
 

I’m sorry your are having problems and hope they resolve.  

We had a cruise out of venice June 13. We canceled before final payment. It was to be our sons college gradation trip with all 3 of our kids. Because of our kids schedules I’m not sure we could use the FCC before end of 2021

We lose the $250 deposit per person, but I think we have a year and if we rebook we have $150 each towards our deposit after the $100 penalty. 
 

If I was pretty sure we would be able to use the FCC we might have held on. But we weren’t willing to make that big of a gamble. 

We were supposed to be on the 2-1 Millenium cruise out of Singapore. We got a call from Celebrity about 36 hours before we planned to board there was a change in itinerary. Ok, so we changed our flights home and a couple thousand dollars poorer we were set. Or so we thought. 
 

Celebrity sent our TA a letter which stated that those who had been on Hong Kong, even for a layover, in the last 14 days would be denied boarding. The celebrity concierge‘s hadn’t bothered to tell us that when they told us about the change in itinerary. They assumed our TA (or celebrity, who knows. So much going on in such a short period too tjme) had told us. Our TA assumed that celebrity had told us.

So less than 24 hours before we supposed to board our TA called us and said didn’t we see the letter that we would denied boarding because of our 2 hour layover?

So we tried to change our flights again, but because we had changed them once it got too complicated and we had to book totally new flights. 
 

We are supposed to be on a cruise in Venice leaving June 13. Our final payment is March 15, and based on our last experience I think I’m just going to take the 1250 loss for the five of us on our deposit.  Strangely for us we haven’t booked our flights because I’ve been waiting to figure out our kids schedules. So that makes it even easier to cancel it. I’m just not confident the cruise lines are reacting in a timely manner. And if we get stuck a second time then it will be my fault for being stupid thinking the cruise lines will make a good decision.  
 

An aside - Adding insult to injury, for those sailing on the 2-15 cruise they got full refund (which we did, but no FCC) but they also got 50% FCC. Anyone booked 2-29 and beyond got full refund plus 25% FCC.   Multiple calls and being told no one but those that sailed on 2-1 got anything but a full refund. I provided links to letters sent to passengers on those cruises from the Celebrity website stating passengers got refund and FCC and no movement on celebrity’s part.   So crazy and frustrating. 
 

Just a forewarning/foreshadowing for those that might be able to cancel and cut their losses. I might be outvoted by my family, but if we do go I will definitely book flights through RC so we don’t lose that amount again!

2 hours ago, Miaminice said:

 

The difference in our case (Millennium 2/29) was if you canceled or if they canceled.

 

The passengers who canceled after being offered to do so received a refund (some received a cash refund, some received FCC, also depending on which country you booked in).

The passengers who were still booked on the cruise when Celebrity canceled (like us) receive a refund of the cruise plus 50% FCC.

Therein lies the rub!  We were in Singapore and planning on boarding.  We never canceled. 

We were told we wouldn't be allowed to board because we had a 2 hour layover in HK on the way there.  This was a complete surprise as nothing about this had been said even prior to us rearranging our flights while in Singapore to accommodate the (first) new itinerary.   (The letter stating this went to our TA and he didn't forward it to us until after we rebooked our flights for the new itinerary.  However in his defense, the stateside concierge called us about the itinerary change and our TA assumed she had also informed us of the HK issue, which she didn't).  

Another passenger who was in Singapore and chose not to go got full refund and 50% FCC.  She wrote and email and called her contact very soon after she didn't sail (they originally told her only 100% FCC because she canceled.  After she pointed out the inequity, they changed her compensation to the full refund and 50% FCC).

We just seem to be in this very small subset of people who are being told inaccurate information  - that no one but those that sailed on 2-1 got anything but a full refund - and that aren't getting any FCC.  They have never told us the lack of FCC  is because of the HK issue, just that it would be "unfair for us to receive any FCC in addition to refund because only those sailed on 2-1 got both."  Which is clearly not true.

Not gunning for anything but truth and equity.  It took me a while but I did eventually find both links of notifications sent to passengers for the 2-15 (full refund plus 50% FCC)  cruises and for the 2-29 cruises to the end of May (full refund plus 25% FCC) and forwarded them to my TA.   
 

Two celebrity reps with whom I have had contact said absolutely no one outside of those on the 2-1 cruise received both a refund and FCC. The links I eventually found on the celebrity website clearly state otherwise.  Thanks to all who posted those links on various threads here. My TA and the Celebrity told me I need proof, which I did eventually find. I was surprised to find it on their actual website though.   Just so frustrating the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Or they say they don’t. 🤷‍♀️

On 2/15/2020 at 5:16 AM, netbill1 said:

I am really happy with the way Celebrity have treated us. Ok we only had 10 days notice but everything that has happened was not their fault. They have been really generous with a full refund and 50% off another cruise. 

was this on the Millenium?  We have been told by our concierge rep and our TA rep that NOONE outside of the cruisers that were allowed on the 2-1 sailing received a combination of refund and FCC.   They insist that anyone who booked 2-15 through the end of May were only given total refund. No FCC. I keep reading people say they got both. 
 

I have a huge favor to ask of my fellow cruise critic members. I want to show these reps they are being lied to or being told to lie. If anyone that got both refund and FCC (other than those that were allowed on 2-1 Millenium sailing) could please email me documentation?  And even better would be your confirmation number and sail date. 
 

For those that missed my previous posts,  we flew to Singapore for the 2-1 sailing but were denied boarding because we had a 2 hour layover in HK on the way there. 
 

Thanks so much to anyone who can help me. 
 

cindivanw at outlook.com. 

I have had the same experience as OP.   At first it surprised me, but when I thought about it I understand the insurance cancelation policy.   You typically get better rates booking it early. A good reminder to understand our insurance we book. 
 

Insurance is sometimes great, sometimes it sucks, but to stay sane I have to look at it as a necessary expense in some situations.   

I’m normally not a doomsdayer, but metal straws freak me out. 
 

https://www.livescience.com/65925-metal-straw-death.html

I know that is not the norm, but I much prefer the reusable plastic tervis straws. I’m sure there are other brands - I have just grown accustomed to these. My sister had a metal straw on our last cruise and I made her promise to never drink and walk! 

On 2/19/2020 at 9:24 AM, Goodtime Cruizin said:

Our Greek Isle Cruise has actually gone up.  All suites of every size are booked too. So far the Corona virus has not effected this cruise pricing yet

same. We are booked 6-13 on Rhapsody and I have checked frequently since end of January.   Doesn’t seem to be much movement except suites (except for JS) are still gone. 

1 hour ago, robtx100 said:

Thank you all for the replies. We don't have a problem paying the 3rd person rate as it is not that much. And that would be fair to Royal, I guess. I was concerned how the whole "no-show" would work. There are still plenty of 2 person balconies, so I don't think they would open a 3 person for 2 people, even if it is a more desirable location. 

  Perhaps not “fair” for room steward and loss of gratuities for them. Although I’m not sure how Royal doles out assignments for room stewards.  

On 2/15/2020 at 5:16 AM, netbill1 said:

I am really happy with the way Celebrity have treated us. Ok we only had 10 days notice but everything that has happened was not their fault. They have been really generous with a full refund and 50% off another cruise. 

I’m glad it worked our for you and hopefully celebrity will figure out the equitable situation for 2-1 would-be cruisers. We had less than 36 hours notice (while in Singapore) when we were told we would not be able to board because we had a 2 hour layover in HK. We were told we will get a full refund. Haven’t seen all of it yet. But no FCC. 

22 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

It would not hurt to give them a call or better yet drop an email to celebrityonetouch.com...

 

bon voyage

Definitely not calling them. Some random salesperson won’t have any clue. 
 

But I will try to email them. Thanks. We shall see 

I told my TA today I need to give it some time before I can book another adventurous cruise like this. So much time and energy planning and such a disappointing end and treatment of passengers.  
 

However looking at various cruise line threads and cruises being quarantined/prevented from docking it’s been a tough ride for all lines and passengers at this time. I think the lines that will keep loyal passengers are those that make it right, or make an effort. Which I know is subjective.   It will be interesting to see wheee we are 6-12 months from now. 

I really hope Celebrity offers FCC to those of us booked on 2-1 that flew through HK and were denied boarding because of that. I am open to sailIng Celebrity again - especially if they make some effort to recognize those of us caught in the crossfire date. 

16 minutes ago, Pushka said:

Doesn’t your Travel Insurance cover for reimbursement of costs when the cruiseline cancels on you though? It isn’t exactly ‘cancel for any reason’ because in reality you were prepared to travel. 
 

All this has been such an eye opener. Not so much the virus but the cruise lines response to it. Or the Ports response to it 

I’m not sure. I need to sort all that out this week.   We only get insurance for “big” trips (or for my older parents). We have only had to file claim once so don’t really know the details and process. And my TA handled this insurance so I’m not familiar with what exactly will be covered.   Our purpose for getting insurance is for needing to cancel for health or family emergencies, not situations like this.  

This week I plan on finishing my self-imposed quarantine with a bunch of house projects and figuring out what is possible for reimbursement and what forms and receipts I need etc. 

But we are back and healthy. And I agree. A definite eye-opener as to what I need to look at future insurance and how ports will just completely shut down. 

We were supposed to be on the millenium 2-1 sailing.   Found out about 35 hours before we were supposed to board  there was a change of itinerary through a 2 am-ish Singapore time call from the stateside concierge.  She seemed surprised we were already in Singapore.   We changed our air reservations to accommodate the new itinerary. 
 

Then our travel agent informed us around 10 am Singapore time because we connected through HK we would be denied boarding.   Which the 2am caller didn’t bother to tell us.   They sent our travel agent the “official letter” which I still have only to see on other posts. 
 

We are supposedly getting a full refund of cruise fare.   So far we have received about 75%.   I know celebrity has different profit centers which refund different times so I’m assuming we will eventually get it all back. 
 

If we had been given the option before leaving for Singapore we would have gladly taken FCC and the $500 airfare deviation fee. We did get insurance but didn’t have the cancel for any reason. I’m guessing we will be out for airfare and hotel and food etc. 

I don’t know what the answer is, but wish we had booked 2-14 so at least we had the option before we left.      And I feel I’m more fortunate than those on the 2-1 cruise because the change of itinerary and ports was crazy. Add that to the stress of airline changes and wondering if you will be quarantined when you return. 
 

We have always said if you can’t handle things going completely out of your control don’t travel. But this one is extreme for even us!

We don’t use it a lot, but I recently booked a 14 day Antarctica/south America cruise that was almost 2 years out when I booked it. Usually I just use my TA but my TA gave me a heads up when it was released and we happened to be cruising at the time so I booked onboard. I had my pricing and room I wanted when I went to NC. Same pricing as what RC website said. And refundable deposit (for a suite) and some OBC. 
 

We booked another cruise a while back and I went in with room numbers and pricing and got the NC perks of OBC and refundable deposit. 
 

But I appreciate the heads up to be aware of pricing.   Maybe me and my iPad scared them. 😂

We are canceling our cruise on the PG this fall.  Too many variables in the room switcheroo and we decided we can't wait any longer to make plans so we needed to make the call one way or another.  On top of the "upgrade" issue DH is not a fan of taking that much time off from our family business so close to next week when we are getting ready to leave for 3 weeks on an Asia cruise.

So we booked a Caribbean cruise with my sister and her husband this fall - which won't the FP but we don't see each other that often so will be a lot of fun!  

We will make it to FP one day, just not this year.

Have fun everyone and maybe one day our paths will cross.

Cheers - Cindi

1 minute ago, Teeara said:

Looks like it might be sold out since it isn't showing on the planner anymore.  People were hopping onto it a few months back since it is the last cruise before Allure's TA from Barcelona which is also not showing anymore.

Thanks - I was actually trying to avoid the PC.  We are getting a suite and didn't want to compete with all the pinnacles for the suite benefits.

1 minute ago, Coralc said:

Allure. Oct. 25, 2020 out of Barcelona. 

Awesome - thanks so much for the quick reply!

So sorry to ask this - I am pretty sure I have read it but can't find it with the search engine here.  Does anyone know the date of the ship of the 2020 Presidents Cruise?  We are looking at the Harmony in October and early November and the November 8 is very limited on suites so it made me curious if that was the Presidents Cruise. 

Thanks - 

Thanks for everyone's replies.  Guess we will cool our heels in other venues!  The laundry will definitely be nice!

I’m guessing I know the answer to this question is no, but just thought I would ask. We are elite, and are traveling with another couple that aren’t. We are both in suites though I don’t know if that makes any difference. I’m guessing they will not be able to join us at any of the events discussed in this post?

1 minute ago, Tin can said:

Wow..... we were on one of the first ships  to visit and I booked our full day water park tickets for $37 about a year before sailing on the planner.

 

I guess Royal have ‘adjusted’ this due to it being so popular.  Even at $99 dollars I’d be tempted though, the wave pool is so much fun!

Holiday sailings are also higher than other times.  My SIL booked her kids last October for $59.