British Air just cancelled our $8000 air fare to stockholm (2 in first class) and got our money back  but Aazamar has not cancelled the June 18 cruise Baltic Intensive so no money back.  How are we supposed to get there from Los Angeles.  Time to go on LA TV and let them know how Azamara is treating their customers.

23 hours ago, Cruising Kangaroo said:

 

I don't fully agree with lasvegaswinner1 regarding the CDC regulations massively boosting cruise fares and thereby reducing the value of Future Cruise Credits. Here are my reasons:

1. Yes the new CDC regulations will require some (but not extensive) expanded medical accommodation on most cruise ships, more rigorous disposal procedures for contaminated waste and additional medical PPE. This will certainly need some capital investment. Additional staff and training are also likely to be needed to operate these facilities if they are required to be activated. 
2. If you add $10 per person per day to current cruise fares, on a 700 passenger ship, for example, that generates an extra $7,000 per day. It is not possible that the operation of the additional facilities, staff, etc could come anywhere near this number per day. The $ number increases proportionately with larger ships.
3. Remember that medical treatment on cruise ships is not free. It is very expensive compared with on shore medical treatment (in Australia at least). That is not going to change so the user will continue to pay. 
4. Cruise lines are in a dilemma. They need to attract new bookings urgently and restore confidence for their loyal passengers. Yes, they could take advantage of the large number of Future Cruise Credits to be redeemed and increase prices to gouge people who need to spend their FCCs. This would undoubtedly lead to a furore on forums and a loss of the repeat bookings that cruise lines need to survive. On the other hand, cruise lines could offer discounts to get new bookings flowing. There is clearly no need to discount extensively while so many FCCs are in circulation. However, people who opted for a refund will likely rebel if they attempt to rebook and find prices have increased substantially. These people can choose to book or not, and with any cruise line. Better to get them to rebook with the line that refunded their fare, so the offers need to be attractive.

No doubt, cruise lines are working through scenarios to try to find a way through so that they remain viable and don't alienate loyal customers. On a more cynical note, I am sure that cruise lines are in it for the money and not for the financial benefit of passengers. It was ever thus. 

 

PS. We are also waiting for two Azamara refunds. We will take them at their word and wait the 30 days promised for refunds. After that we would be much less understanding.

No more inside cabins with 4 people sharing a room. All rooms and public areas disenfected all day long

No more self serve buffets.  Less seating in all dining areas.  Less seating in show rooms. less Shore excursions passangers 

  All pasanger will have temperature and other health screenings every port going on and off.

Travel insurance will become mandatory Way more crew and staff. Sounds like costs going way up

Have you read and reread the new CDC requirements for Cruise companies, like a full medical facility on board, plus many other safety regulations.  You will never see prices like the ones you booked ever again.  Those FCC credits will be not worth a lot for you when booking a new cruise

I would call your credit card company and ask them to reverse the charges since you are not getting the service you paid for.  I had a situation with a hotel that didn't have the room catagory I paid for, caled Master Catd and got all my money credited back.  

Companies that are bleeding cash start to cut expenses dramatically.  Just curious how do you think that will effect

the number of crew members on a cruise, the quality of the food and the entertainment?  I suspect that is exactly what is discussing in the boardroom of the cruise headquarters today.  

5 hours ago, gonecroozin said:

I have just spoken to my TA , to ask about the FCC details should I wish to cancel. 

They have stated that although I am in the 90-61 day bracket, I will only receive FCC, not the 50% refund and 50% FCC.

 

They also stated that I could use it to book a cruise in 2022 as long as I booked it before 31st December 2021.  (Which I don’t think is correct)
 

Has anyone from the UK cancelled and They have stated that although I am in the 90-61 day bracket, I will only receive FCC, not the 50% refund and 50% FCC.actually  received a refund? 

 

I am 100 days out from June 18 cruise.  If I cancel today, due I get 50% refund and 50% FCC.  

4 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

This is a tough one.

 

We are still planning Silversea Galapagos expedition cruise in late May.  

 

I do understand that cruise ships are breeding grounds for spreading disease, but with only 100 passengers, Silversea will be extra diligent.  I hope Azamara will be the same.

"Only 100 passangers"  How about the crew?  Ship docking in Oakland tomorrow has 18 crew members sick.  

I am now concerned about the crew members that Azamara employs.  What kind of screening are they getting?  What countries are they coming from?  What happens to the cruise if one person tests positive while out at sea?  

4 minutes ago, Doh15 said:

This is my question as well. Here is a FAQ from Royal Caribbean but it doesn’t cover that—

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/topics/cruise-with-confidence

CNBC, the stock market station, said VP Mike Pence is meeting with the Cruise Industry in Ft. Lauderdale Florida Sat.

Call his office or your local congress person and let them know how frustrating it is dealing with the crises

12 hours ago, yogagal47 said:

Perhaps what needs to happen is travel agents calling and threatening to steer customers away from any future bookings on AzamaraPerhaps what needs to happen is travel agents calling and threatening to steer customers away from any future bookings on Azamara

Call your senators and congress person.  This is an election year. Tell the cruise company you are filing a complaint with the federal government and they will be hearing from your senator.  I would even call the White House.  

5 hours ago, katiebeth said:

Or cruising into and thru Indonesia with disembarkation in Singapore on 4/11.   We are booked on the 3/24 Journey sailing from Sydney to Singapore. .   Azamara is moving full steam ahead with zero changes and no refunds or FCC.      Singapore. Is threatening six months in jail if they discover you are unable to accurately account your exact whereabouts during the past six months.    We are booked on this cruise and Azamara is giving us zero options .....sail with us or lose your entire cruise fare.   This goes against CDC recommendations, (discouraging any Cruise  in, out, or thru Asia)  Their own parent company RCCL’s decision to pull all ships from Singapore and lifting of cancellation penalties by every other cruise line; defies logic on the part of Azamara.   Their horrific customer service and lack of concern for their passengers and crew borders on criminal and is at the very least, dangerous, reckless, and negligent.  .    I have never experienced such horrendous customer service and total lack of concern for passengers and crew .....never again RCCL Celebrity, or Azamara  ....our cruise line of choice since 2003.    Appallingly negligent behavior.    Guessing that their repeat passengers will abandon them In the future due to this fiasco of reckless mismanagement.  

5 hours ago, larhode said:

by refusing to relax their cancellation policies, as other lines have done, Azamara has proven they don't care about their passengers welfare.  I will never sail with them again. 

Time to get your political leaders involved.  In the US, I would be calling my us senator and my local us congress person.  I am sure the cruise community in Australia is a sizable voting block.  Call your representative and put they phone number here is other Aussies can follow up

Azamara Quest arrives in St Pete  6/20 at 8AM and can we possibly get thru customs and on are private tour by 9AM.  

3 hours ago, sunlover33 said:

According to the Uk government up to 80% of us are like to get the virus,  that’s  not my concern. However we fly to Singapore in just over 28 days to pick up a cruise on 11 the April Knowing what may happen up to 5th April  is not helpful. I don’t want to have a 14000 mile return trip because Azamara are struggling to make any decisions further than the next 4 weeks, and they cancel at the last minute. Other cruise companies are seeming to manage the situation with offers of refunds or future cruise credits for the next six  months not weeks.  Azamara appear to be struggling to communicate let alone make decisions. This virus is not going to go away anytime soon and the situation in the west is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. This is just speculation anyway as there has been no official information from Azamara. It’s just  not good enough. 

Scheduled to be in London on return from Azamara cruise in time for Wimbleton.  That news from UK government up to 80% of us are likely to get the virus has me very concerned about being in crowds in London even though we are talking about late June, early July.  I am in the high risk category and want to make an informed decision on cancelling   

"a health care questionnaire"  Should they ask if the passanger has had a flu shot.  They talk abot preventive measures, but I would sure like to know I am on board with those that have taken this simple precaution

 Coronavirus cases surge in South Korea as first death reported; mayor tells residents to stay indoors

1 minute ago, lasvegaswinner1 said:

Curad Disposable Medical Latex Gloves,  I'm not touching anybody or anything on plane or cruise without wearing gloves

5 hours ago, paphoslady said:

We leave in 8 days for a 14 day cruise, are we concerned yes a little. Did we think of cancelling, no way! I've stocked up on hand gel and wipes! We watched a very interesting UK news item about the new coronavirus apart from China it's not out there in the general population. Yes there have been isolated cases in other countries often linked to people who have travelled to the Far East. Outside of China the majority of people are getting mild symptoms. I'd be more concerned about the flu, I get vaccinated every year as does my partner.

CDC Director says coronavirus could be with us forever like flu viruses

The coronavirus, now called 2019-nCoV, could become endemic, circulating naturally like flu viruses.

DH had some health issues last year, and I probably should have purchased insurance for our November trip. 

I got my pre existing health issues waived when I bought insurance directly from Azamara.  Plus 75% credit for cancel for any reason.  

2 hours ago, yogagal47 said:

The Journey is due to arrive Singapore on April 11. This is 8 1/2 weeks away so we can hope they hold off on cancellation and our Singapore-Dubai cruise goes as scheduled. 

New York Times  Feb 13

When a ship’s itinerary is changed, “passengers have little recourse as a practical matter,” said Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer who represents people suing cruise lines. “Cruise lines are able to freely alter their itineraries and if you don’t have insurance you’re just stuck, and the trouble with insurance is it often has exceptions for pandemics and things like this.”

We were able to special order anything we wanted from either resturant, no matter what was on the menu.  If we found something we liked, we could get it again in either resturant.  

On 2/4/2020 at 10:13 AM, Firepath said:

Do you purchase the cruise line's insurance, what your TA offers, independent coverage, use credit card travel coverage, self-insure?

My TA recommended not purchasing the cruise line's because if they went out of business, there would be no coverage. I know that's unlikely, but with some people purchasing cruises 2-3 yrs. out, you never know what could happen. Thoughts?

Because I have pre existing health issues, I bought cruise insurance directly from the cruise line the same minute I booked the cruise and paid the deposit.  My cruise is not until June, but the policy waives preexisting conditions.  plus I can cancel for any reason and get 75% credit for future.  I can't believe people booked a cruise months ago and didn't get insurance right away.  

I don't see anyone talking about cruise insurance, flight insurance, medivac insurance.  I have 3 insurance policies plus  Master Card insurance on my June air from Lax to Stockholm and cruise from Stockholm to St Petersburg, plus 10 days in London.  I have some pre exisiting health issues, and the the policy from Azamara waives the pre exisitng exclusions. 

Does anybody NOT buy cruise insurance?