JP1320

Perhaps a glimmer of hope, or a great TA and Seabourn relationship. We have, today, just received notification that our bookings of tours with Seabourn for the August 1, Barcelona to Monte Carlo, have been processed for full refund.

 

"Quote: Thank you for choosing Seabourn. Cancellation of your cruise reservation has resulted in the cancellation and refund for the following purchases"

 

List all our tours plus prices paid via our respective credit cards. This result was after only a six week wait, not too bad.

 

We await confirmation of our actual cruise costs, the big bucks.

 

Joe

😎😎

8 hours ago, zimflyer said:

By your final statement above  I am sure you feel most justified in your response above... you are very quick to attack. (vis. Your earlier reply to a poster (who offered a WSJ link)  regarding subscription marketing). 

 

I was merely pointing out the reason for this topic being started.

 

The topic may well include the financial health or otherwise of CCL, as it has. For goodness sake, SB has left a lot of us hanging....

 

You may be in a position to throw it away because its a pandemic and if we can't take it with us, should we just leave it for SB ????

 

OTHERS may find $40k a trifling amount of money...

 

YOU are FULLY ENTITLED to your views, just dont get upset when some disagree.

 

I will rephrase for you:

It may not be politically correct to wonder about our refunds during the pandemic, however the topic here IS refunds and not an ethics , affordability or  vocabulary class.

 

Mostly, we just want to know what is happening, be informed, and through posts here, to try and find out if this is under way....

 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/canceled-cruise-refund-how-long/

 

Perhaps this take might shed some light on the total cruise industry dilemma, not just Seabourn. Hope you receive your refund within the anticipated time frame.

2 minutes ago, zimflyer said:

Except for one thing Joe, this forum topic is specifically about ** What is happening with our refunds... **

 

I do not know whether you are waiting on a refund or not, but the topic is not about whingeing-  its about a group of people who are due refunds, who have not been well communicated with by SB.

 

The topic was started to try and find out through our involved group whether any, some or a few refunds have been forthcoming.  To date zero as far as I know.

 

Whilst I agree 100% that this may not be cool in the light of global issues, the topic of this post is refunds and only refunds.

Perhaps I should have clarified that we are, like so many other cruisers, subject to a waiting period for our refund, and a sizeable one at that, hence the reason for my post. However, that, IMHO, is of a secondary nature given the current dilemma throughout the world with this virus.

 

Your reference that this forum is only about our refunds is somewhat redundant, as the base subject goes off on many tangents, from publications about the fortunes of not only Carnival, the parent company to other worldly cruise lines and their rational. We have all, possibly, been advised by our TA's or Seabourn directly that the rule of thumb is between 60 - 90 days. In fact my only prior post on this subject of refunds was to advise that my own personal TA had advised me accordingly, which did appear to set of some alarms.

 

As I made comment, would you like to have the chance to be in any of those affected shoes, hospitalized, nursing homes or on just a plain old steel gurney in a morgue. You cannot take money with you when we go and for sure there are no pockets in a shroud. Incidentally, the use of the word 'cool' in a sentence concerning a global epidemic is a poor taste of vocabulary.

1 hour ago, SLSD said:

 

“WSJ NEWS EXCLUSIVE  MARKETS © Wall Street Journal   How Fed Intervention Saved Carnival The cruise line asked hedge funds for cash before central-bank intervention reopened bond markets By Matt Wirz April 26, 2020 1:00 pm ET   It was mid-March and the vultures were circling Carnival CCL 11.40% Corp., the largest cruise-line operator in the world.   Thank you, the basic subject I had read elsewhere, but still a good read. Arison will not pull the plug, Micky has been around the block a few too many times in his lifetime to surrender. They are the largest for a reason, time to sit back, relax and enjoy a cocktail, or maybe even improve your home cooking skills.😂😂                         ReplyForward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42 minutes ago, SLSD said:

I'll see if I can copy and paste.  Stay tuned.  Some may not be interested, but Mr. SLSD and I found it so.  

Thank you, in this day and age one can become inundated with requests for membership fees. Long gone are the days when one could peruse any and all daily newspapers.😂😂

1 minute ago, SLSD said:

Many have subscriptions.  So sorry if you are not able to read the article.  I thought it was pertinent. 

No problem, I am sure it was interesting.

OK, I need to have a rant. This is all about money. Yes, we all have made some form of investment in a company which, I can only assume, we have all benefited from in the past with fantastic service, exemplary employees, first class POC's and tours. And so, we find not only ourselves, but the whole cruise industry in distress.

 

When will we get our refunds or FCC,  that is the hue and cry from all within this Forum. What is the average out of pocket expense we have invested with our cruises in peril, $10K - $30K? What is the average age of fellow cruisers, 70 plus maybe, say 90%. Given those numbers are relevant, we find ourselves in the so called Golden Years, a time when we can afford to relax and choose our own destiny. We have the financial capabilities and we will spend as we see fit.

 

So let us take a different view, we God willing, are all in decent health. Today this Covid-19 has impacted the lives of over 1,000,000 people worldwide, 100,000 deaths in the USA alone. Businesses, small and large, on the verge of bankruptcy, over 25 million workers in the USA now furloughed or layed off, unemployment figures which are just mind boggling. Those nest egg savings being diluted just to make ends meet for the average working families. Lock downs around the world, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany  to name a few, and for the foreseeable future. So would you rather bleat about money, your health or your disposition.

 

Folks, some of you may be hurting financially and we feel for you, but look in the mirror and say thank God we are not in any of their shoes. I could go on, but I will not. Suffice to say, "Patience is a virtue, obsessed by many, granted to few"

 

Joe 

On 4/26/2020 at 3:26 PM, SLSD said:

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/how-fed-intervention-saved-carnival-11587920400?fbclid=IwAR0kFpkT7LMC9_FaoW9toTP8v6cfT8GH4izT94omeiFPtfDQKYuWIM26VlE

 

 

You are a great source of marketing for the WSJ, subscription required, I think not. 

1 hour ago, dalliowner said:

Has anybody received their cash refund yet? and how long after claim did it take. Ours is now 5 weeks since they cancelled our cruise and was wondering where  we  are in the queue .

Our TA advised they are looking at 8 - 12 weeks. On average 10.

On 3/28/2020 at 8:09 AM, norm2002 said:

I am fairly certain Seabourn has changed the wording of the Terms and Conditions of the Book with Confidence policy. I wish I had saved a copy of the previous wording. It is now much clearer. In simple terms, the FCC will be equivalent to the non-refundable part of the normal cancellation fees so that, for example, for those of us booking from the UK where the deposit would be non-refundable immediately after booking, if we cancel before final payment, the FCC would be equivalent to the deposit paid. In those circumstances, it would make sense that the FCC cannot be used for the deposit on a new cruise. However, IMO, it still does not make sense that, if you cancel a week before the cruise and get FCC for the full price, you still have to pay a deposit on a new cruise.

 

Also, for anyone thinking of cancelling a cruise in the second window of 1 August to 15 October, you have to fill out a short form requesting the FCC. For those cancelling a cruise in the window up to 31 July, that is not necessary.

Our cruise was in the second window, August 1 - August 12 Barcelona to Monte Carlo. Having paid our deposit, and booked a number of tours we decided to cancel through our TA. Had we waited until April 4 they would have imposed a 15% cancellation fee of the gross amount of the cruise. However, we do have an excellent TA who immediately contacted SB to cancel. Received notification from Seabourn of our cancellation with no cancellation charges by them. We could not see this cruise being a go and didn't want to be on the hook for the balance due plus the inherent delay time in getting a refund, plus possible hassle. 

 

We did check to see if they offered a similar cruise next year, they do, modified and not as appealing . Oh the shock, the going price had been jacked up to $8999 pp, as opposed to our current base price of $5254 pp. No doubt that is what their crystal ball is hoping for, next year these prices will plummet as will all cruise line prices.

 

Stay safe everybody, there are a lot more deadly things going on in this big bad world than second guessing the cruise industry.

😎😎

14 hours ago, Dusko said:

Let's remember that Seabourn's Head Office is in Seattle.  That's King County https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx .

 

With 94 dead at the moment I hope their employees, the ones who still have a job, are desperately trying to work from home during the lock-down. They have a problem. I have an inconvenience. 

An excellent response to an awful dilemma, and that is just in the Seattle area. One has to keep this in mind instead of bleating about how the lack of responses are from the Seabourn employees. We are all safe and snug perhaps in our own self imposed lockdown, with time to kill on our hands, hence the heavy responses on CC. Try siting at home with multiple phones ringing from all over the world, well at least from within the USA and wondering how do we, possibly as a family, survive another two weeks or more. End of my soap box, comments. Oh and incidentally we have a considerable investment in cruises which we see as a no go.

2 minutes ago, Videopark said:

My cruise departs June 6 so I will stay put for now.

We are still in a wait mode and we leave from Barcelona August 1. Scary times, stay healthy.

11 hours ago, Gilligan840 said:

SEABOURN TO PAUSE GLOBAL CRUISE OPERATIONS FOR 30 DAYS

SEATTLE, March 13, 2020 – Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury travel experience, announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its five cruise ships for 30 days, starting March 14. The decision is a voluntary response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution.

“In this unprecedented situation, we feel a pause is necessary,” said Rick Meadows, president of Seabourn. “Through this action, it is our absolute intention to convey to our guests and the travel advisor community that we have the health and safety of all who travel with us as a top priority. Our pause should also reassure the hundreds of destinations we visit each year that we want to be responsible in our operations as we bring travelers into their communities each time we visit.”

Current voyages that are underway will end by March 22. Seabourn will be communicating these changes with all booked guests and their travel advisors.

Seabourn guests on impacted voyages will receive a 125% refund of the fare paid in the form of a future cruise credit, which can be applied toward any future cruise through December 31, 2021. For guests who do not opt to choose the 125% future cruise credit, a 100% refund of the fare paid will be reimbursed to the original form of payment.

Seabourn asks guests not to call the Reservation Call Center due to the possibility of high call volumes and the potential of long on-hold wait times. Guests and their travel advisors will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation. Information and instructions for requesting a refund will be available online at Seabourn.com.

We all knew this was coming, but I feel for those who have perhaps waited so long to partake of a Seabourn cruise. One thing I noticed is that additional expenses, air, insurance etc., are not noted in their response?

 

On 2/6/2020 at 12:55 PM, JP1320 said:

MJN1, thank you so much for this valuable itinerary. We at least have some ideas and I have reviewed a number of You Tube videos plus the feedback from a possible tour company so now I can ask the questions as to structuring a tour incorporating both your tour and our own choices. I like the idea of getting the furthest POI's done first and then switching to Old Town for a special lunch. Will look forward to seeing Tangier. 

 

MJN1,

We have finally booked a private tour with Tangier Excursions. The tour will pretty much mirror image your tour, exception being 09:00 - 16:00. Must admit they have some great reviews on TA and on their website, plus I had requested some specific foods in mind for lunch and they have us accommodated. Even gave me the name of the restaurant. Again, thank you for your much needed input.

 

Anybody know if Roger is still a manager at the Pinnacle. Loved this guy from our Prinsendam days.

On 2/4/2020 at 6:46 AM, MJN1 said:

JP1320,

we joined a fellow CC who had booked with Aziz Benami of "Tangier Private Guide". Here is the outline we got ahead of the tour:

• 9 am (Moroccan time) : Arrival in Tangier

• 9.30 am : Start the sightseeing tour from the Port of Tangier

• 10.30 am : Stop at Cape Spartel, 5 minutes free time for pictures or using facilities

• 10.45 am : Stop for camels either for taking pictures or for a ride

• 11.15 am : Visit of Hercules caves

• 11.45 am : Departure back to the city center for lunch

• 12.15pm -1pm : Lunch (Optional)

• 1 pm : Transfer from the restaurant for the walking tour

• 1.15 pm : Visit of the Kasbah and the Museum

• 1.45 pm : Walking tour in the Medina and the market

• 2.30 pm – 3 pm : Free time for shopping or drinks at the Petit Socco

• 3pm : Departure for the Port of Tangier

• 3.15 pm : Arrival at the Port.

MJN1, thank you so much for this valuable itinerary. We at least have some ideas and I have reviewed a number of You Tube videos plus the feedback from a possible tour company so now I can ask the questions as to structuring a tour incorporating both your tour and our own choices. I like the idea of getting the furthest POI's done first and then switching to Old Town for a special lunch. Will look forward to seeing Tangier. 

7 hours ago, Flamin_June said:

Based on our experience in 2016, you will find several taxis at the habour gate, who will offer to take you into town and accompany you on foot through the old town to see whatever you would like to see for a reasonable fee. We were taken through the old souk and up to the Sultan's Palace (and Museum) and around the old town. The Palace is pleasant enough, but on the whole there is little, if anything, about Tangier that could ever persuade me to return.

 Thank you Flamin_June,

 

The usual locals trying to make a living, so typical wherever we sail to. We often try this source after I have done my homework on the taxi scenes, or, just go with a private tour. It is looking more like we will use Tangier Excursions with us doing the route. They have been very responsive to my questions and on TA they have a very solid excellent rating.

 

A lassie from Lancashire? Where about? If I use an acronym you will guess my original home town YNWA.

Joe

😎😎

6 hours ago, MJN1 said:

JP1320,

can only comment on Tangier. Small town, within a (medium length) walk from the port. We took a private tour to see the Cape Spartel, glance across the straits of Gibraltar, and visit the  Caves of Hercules ending with a short guided tour of the town and then walked back to  the ship on our own.

Thank you MJN1,

We will be docking in Tangier also. Who did you do your private tour with? How long was the tour did you do the old town walking on your own?

 

Joe

Although we have sailed on a number of SB cruises we will visit several new ports with the Encore in August 2020 Barcelona to Monte Carlo. Need any and all input for Tangier, Melilla Spanish Morocco and Cartagena, Spain. All other POC’s we have visited. Will spend a few extra days prior in Barca, back end is loaded with Switzerland. Appreciate your valued input.

 

Joe

😎😎

Just realize that most of the iconic photos, the spectacular views, that probably draw most tourists to the falls, are taken from the Brazilian side of the park.

The Bird Park on the Brazilian side is a unique experience, one that allows macaws, parrots and other birds to come as close as they wish to you; some came right next to me. Unforgettable!

 

And btw, Joe, men say Obrigado, with an O. The A form is spoken BY women, not TO women.

 

Obrigado, been too many years since my last visit and too many years elsewhere. Will stick with the Argentinian side and our stay at the Sheraton, plus we have walked amongst the various bird species on a number of occasions, Manaus and the Amazon, the forests of Costa Rica and the outback in Australia plus, plus....

 

However, if people can do both sides then we say do it..

 

Joe:):):)

However did you read that into anything I wrote?

Of course you need a Brazilian visa (if carrying a US passport).

You must get stamped out of Argentina at their booth and into Brazil at theirs. The opposite on the way back. The taxi will stop for you to do this, or the driver may be willing to take the passports inside for you. (The days of a driver crossing the border without stopping at border control seem to be over.)

 

Thank you for your response. It was just a case of not seeing any mention of visas in various comments. I have done enough business trips to Brazil to know that you need a visa, mine has expired unfortunately and my days of doing business down there are over so no real need for a one off visit visa.

 

Again, thank you for your valued input....Brigada

 

Joe:):):)

iirc it takes about 45 minutes. Have the hotel arrange a driver.

Assume most Brazilians speak Portuguese, period. In this border area, some Brazilians may speak Spanish. Most Brazilians do not recognize similarities between the languages. English speakers are not easy to find, even in the tourist sector, but the hotel surely has at least one person who does. Bring a phrase book/dictionary and prepare to be creative when out and about.

 

Vida,

 

We are going to Iguazu March 15 through March 18 from Buenos Aires. Are you saying that one does not need a Brazilian Visa to take a taxi over to the other side?

 

Joe:):):)

We've arrived, the sun is shining, and the flight was good. The mountains were out in all their glory, it is a very scenic flight. Now we are headed out of lunch and perhaps a bit of shopping. My suitcase arrived without a lock, so I guess it was opened. Very strange - the contents look undisturbed, will have to check later.

 

Like you Victoriann, we arrived last night into SD, it was cold at the airport at 20:00hrs, well cold for us Floridians. However, today it is glorious sunshine, took a wonderful walk early in the morning along the bay before heading into the Gas Lamp district for a much needed walk about. Had lunch in the Seaport Village area, just a light snack as we will head back to the Gas Lamp district tonight for dinner at Blue Point. So nice to get in a few days early as you can adapt to the time difference pretty quickly.

 

Watched the sunrise from our balcony this morning and the Crown Princess pull into the dock and thought, we are next.

 

Looking forward to posting a few photos, maybe a little later.

 

Joe

Although we have not heard anything official, the current climate on immigrants is worrying. Many people are already booked to visit Greece, Turkey and many more possible trouble spots. I am sure that this will have an impact on the Cruise industry in general but wondered if anybody had heard anything officially from our much loved HAL.

 

:cool::cool::cool:

Firstly, congratulations on your 50th and welcome to the club. We always make sure we book for the Le Cirque evening, especially on the Prinsendam, at certain times you might get lucky and find that the Sommelier has upgraded it to include wine pairings, yes additional charge but not your ordinary run of the mill wines. If you get the chance go for it.

We will be on the Prinsendam before you September 28 - October 26, already booked for Le Cirque on both 14 day segments. plus we will dine at the Pinnacle on a number of occasions. Canaletto can be hit or miss but if they get it right on the night it is well worth it.

Enjoy your cruise:cool::cool::cool:


[quote name='Krazy Kruizers'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]We consider the Le Cirque worth the money.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]We have gone to everyone on our cruises since they were started back on December in 2012 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. And we have experienced all the changes in the menu.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Never had a bad meal at Le Cirque.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]