3/23 Navigator Cruise Cancelled

This was posted at 9pm on 3/24:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/alertsContentPage.do?pagename=homepage_alert&rep=1

 

Here is the text of the announcement:

 

Navigator of the Seas – March 23rd Sailing

 

March 24, 2014 9:00 p.m. E.S.T.

 

Since the oil spill, Royal Caribbean International has been in close contact with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities on when Navigator of the Seas will be able to leave Galveston, Texas, and begin the cruise. Regrettably, as of this time, they still have been unable to provide us a firm departure time.

 

We are sorry to say that because of this, we have made a decision to cancel the remainder of Navigator of the Seas' cruise. We understand that this is not the news that our guests were hoping to hear and we share in their disappointment. We are deeply sorry that we were unable to deliver the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation that they anticipated, and that we were looking forward to providing them.

 

In recognition of the impact this issue has had on their cruise, Royal Caribbean International will provide each guest with a full refund of the cruise fare paid. Royal Caribbean would also like to provide guests with the opportunity to sail with us again. We will be providing each guest with a future cruise certificate for 25% of the cruise fare paid for their March 23, Navigator of the Seas sailing.

 

Guests are invited to stay onboard Navigator of the Seas until next Sunday, March 30, and continue to enjoy the food and entertainment onboard. Or guests may begin to depart the ship this evening. When our guests leave the ship is entirely up to them.

As long as the Flowrider was open, I would hardly care about the cancellation.

If we were on the Navigator, my husband would probably head home today to preserve vacation time. Since I'm retired, all time is vacation time. Therefore, I would tell him to make sure he's on time to pick me up on Sunday!:D

100% refund of the current cancelled cruise, 25% cruise credit toward future cruise AND allowing passengers to stay on board for the week?

 

Where can I sign up for a cruise like that? :D:p

 

Good job Royal Caribbean. You can never please everyone but this is a good gesture and fair if you ask me.

I agree their compensation package for those inconvenienced by this incident is very generous. I'd be quite happy with this if I were onboard.

I had not considered that.... the casino won't be open while the ship is hoteling in Galveston. Also, was there a change to Texas law that now allows serving alcohol while in port? We haven't cruised from there in a few years but thought I heard the law had been changed. If not, I'm not sure a week on a cruise ship without the cold, frosty drinks would be quite the same. :(

Texas does not allow gambling so the ship cannot open the casino. Texas has a three tier liquor distribution model. Brewery/distillery sels only to a distributor who then sells to retail outlets by Texas law. Therefore any alcohol consumed on a ship while in Texas waters must be purchased from a Texas distributor at a markup of course. To add more injury, alcohol sold on the ship while in port has sales tax added! There has been little changes in the liquor law here in Texas.

BTW some of the northern counties of the state are dry meaning no alcohol can be sold in those counties or in some cases precincts. However "private clubs" can sell alcohol by the drink to "members". Many times a few dollars will make you a "member" on the spot! Crazy but unfortunately very real. Lubbock in west Texas went wet (can sell alcohol) just 2 or so years ago!

As long as the Flowrider was open, I would hardly care about the cancellation.

The Nav does not have a flow rider so you would be out of luck!

I concur with all of the positive comments. Royal gets a WOW card IMHO!

Texas does not allow gambling so the ship cannot open the casino. Texas has a three tier liquor distribution model. Brewery/distillery sels only to a distributor who then sells to retail outlets by Texas law. Therefore any alcohol consumed on a ship while in Texas waters must be purchased from a Texas distributor at a markup of course. To add more injury, alcohol sold on the ship while in port has sales tax added! There has been little changes in the liquor law here in Texas.

 

BTW some of the northern counties of the state are dry meaning no alcohol can be sold in those counties or in some cases precincts. However "private clubs" can sell alcohol by the drink to "members". Many times a few dollars will make you a "member" on the spot! Crazy but unfortunately very real. Lubbock in west Texas went wet (can sell alcohol) just 2 or so years ago!

 

 

 

The Nav does not have a flow rider so you would be out of luck!

It had a flowrider added as part of the revitalization.

Texas does not allow gambling so the ship cannot open the casino. Texas has a three tier liquor distribution model. Brewery/distillery sels only to a distributor who then sells to retail outlets by Texas law. Therefore any alcohol consumed on a ship while in Texas waters must be purchased from a Texas distributor at a markup of course. To add more injury, alcohol sold on the ship while in port has sales tax added! There has been little changes in the liquor law here in Texas.

 

BTW some of the northern counties of the state are dry meaning no alcohol can be sold in those counties or in some cases precincts. However "private clubs" can sell alcohol by the drink to "members". Many times a few dollars will make you a "member" on the spot! Crazy but unfortunately very real. Lubbock in west Texas went wet (can sell alcohol) just 2 or so years ago!

 

 

 

The Nav does not have a flow rider so you would be out of luck!

Navigator did get a Flowrider during it's recent refurb !!

Will those choosing to stay on the NoS till sunday be able to leave the ship to explore the island and reboard ?

Texas does not allow gambling so the ship cannot open the casino. Texas has a three tier liquor distribution model. Brewery/distillery sels only to a distributor who then sells to retail outlets by Texas law. Therefore any alcohol consumed on a ship while in Texas waters must be purchased from a Texas distributor at a markup of course. To add more injury, alcohol sold on the ship while in port has sales tax added! There has been little changes in the liquor law here in Texas.

 

BTW some of the northern counties of the state are dry meaning no alcohol can be sold in those counties or in some cases precincts. However "private clubs" can sell alcohol by the drink to "members". Many times a few dollars will make you a "member" on the spot! Crazy but unfortunately very real. Lubbock in west Texas went wet (can sell alcohol) just 2 or so years ago!

 

 

 

The Nav does not have a flow rider so you would be out of luck!

So it sounds like alcohol COULD be served on Navigator this week but it would have to be from a local distributor (since it's home-ported in Galveston now, wouldn't the ships liquor stores be from local TX distributors anyway?) and pricing would have to be adjusted to include a state sales tax (or RCI could opt to just eat the tax and not pass it on to the pax). I am familiar with those dry counties up North - we have relatives in the DFW area - and yes, we've often had to buy those "memberships" in bars or dance halls in order to drink. Weird but it's their state and can legislate however they want I guess. ;)

Will those choosing to stay on the NoS till sunday be able to leave the ship to explore the island and reboard ?

It was posted earlier today on another thread that if they chose to leave the ship, they could not reboard. Supposedly, they were trying to get approval for people to get off and on for the rest of the week but I haven't seen another post saying they have approval.

 

The Nav does not have a flow rider so you would be out of luck!

Actually the Nav DOES have a flow rider as it was just added during the recent drydock refurbishing .

Carnival Magic is the ship leaving.

 

The cost of the bunker oil will be offset by dockage fees. RCCL is not saving anything.

 

RCCL made a wise decision and have treated their guests with fairness.

 

Perhaps those staying on the ship will take advantage of actually taking the time to see Galveston:D

 

Windy here, but weather is beautiful and supposed to be a fabulous weekend:)

Thanks, I really don't know the Carnival ships....I knew it started with an M.....:confused: :D ...hope they have fun!

***

Of course you are entitled to your opinion but I don't really see how RCCL made a wise decision, the folks on the Navigator just watched the Magic sail away....Carnival gave their guests a choice...to stay or cancel. I would rather be on the Carnival side if this were me since Carnival has left port. They refunded two days of the cruise back and they still get to go to GC and Cozumel.

Carnival Magic is the ship leaving.

 

The cost of the bunker oil will be offset by dockage fees. RCCL is not saving anything.

 

RCCL made a wise decision and have treated their guests with fairness.

 

Perhaps those staying on the ship will take advantage of actually taking the time to see Galveston:D

 

Windy here, but weather is beautiful and supposed to be a fabulous weekend:)

RCC has a big PR problem on their hands if both Carnival leave port and the Navigator sits in port. It is rumored now that the Princess ship is leaving today too. Did they make their decision to early??

I don't know why they couldn't wait and see like Carnival did. I would rather be given a choice. Those who wanted to cancel could and some did. Watching the others sail away can't be fun for those on board the Navigator.....

RCC has a big PR problem on their hands if both Carnival leave port and the Navigator sits in port. It is rumored now that the Princess ship is leaving today too. Did they make their decision to early??

The Caribbean Princess has left port and is going out for the week. The people on the NOS will be really unhappy if they don't leave today.

This was posted at 9pm on 3/24:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/alertsContentPage.do?pagename=homepage_alert&rep=1

 

Here is the text of the announcement:

 

Navigator of the Seas – March 23rd Sailing

 

March 24, 2014 9:00 p.m. E.S.T.

 

Since the oil spill, Royal Caribbean International has been in close contact with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities on when Navigator of the Seas will be able to leave Galveston, Texas, and begin the cruise. Regrettably, as of this time, they still have been unable to provide us a firm departure time.

 

We are sorry to say that because of this, we have made a decision to cancel the remainder of Navigator of the Seas' cruise. We understand that this is not the news that our guests were hoping to hear and we share in their disappointment. We are deeply sorry that we were unable to deliver the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation that they anticipated, and that we were looking forward to providing them.

 

In recognition of the impact this issue has had on their cruise, Royal Caribbean International will provide each guest with a full refund of the cruise fare paid. Royal Caribbean would also like to provide guests with the opportunity to sail with us again. We will be providing each guest with a future cruise certificate for 25% of the cruise fare paid for their March 23, Navigator of the Seas sailing.

 

Guests are invited to stay onboard Navigator of the Seas until next Sunday, March 30, and continue to enjoy the food and entertainment onboard. Or guests may begin to depart the ship this evening. When our guests leave the ship is entirely up to them.

If I were on this ship I would chose to stay onboard take the refund and the 25 percent off the cruise. While people didn't get to sail Royal is treating their guests very well by allowing them to stay onboard until next Sunday, get a full refund of the cruise plus a 25 percent off their next cruise. In addition guests are being fed and able to use the amenities except for the Casino.

Way to go Royal Caribbean for making what could have been a bad situation and throwing guests off the cruise early to making it livable and allowing your guests to stay onboard and get compensation.

Since it was already official cancelled, I don't think they can now sail can they? Then the folks that disembarked will be really upset. :mad:

The Caribbean Princess has left port and is going out for the week. The people on the NOS will be really unhappy if they don't leave today.

So it sounds like alcohol COULD be served on Navigator this week but it would have to be from a local distributor (since it's home-ported in Galveston now, wouldn't the ships liquor stores be from local TX distributors anyway?) and pricing would have to be adjusted to include a state sales tax (or RCI could opt to just eat the tax and not pass it on to the pax). I am familiar with those dry counties up North - we have relatives in the DFW area - and yes, we've often had to buy those "memberships" in bars or dance halls in order to drink. Weird but it's their state and can legislate however they want I guess. ;)

Yes but this is a unique situation and I think Texas should waive this law for the poor passengers not getting a cruise. Why ding the customers for such a small fee when they have a large ship and oil spill to deal with? It would make Texas look bad to add on additional fees to people wanting to enjoy booze onboard.

It was not Royal Caribbeans fault that the waterway is closed, the passengers did not plan for this.

In fact they could allow Royal Caribbean to open the casino as they could transfer the ship to their registered country while in port. There are exceptions to the rule. There would be no added taxes to the alcohol purchased.

Who is going to reimburse Royal for lost revenue from the Casino, Duty Free Shops etc? Is Texas willing to reimburse Royal for the lost revenue? If Texas would allow Royal to operate their shops casinos and bars like normal then they would be able to afford the docking fees in the port of Texas.

Is Royal exempt from paying the Port of Texas for docking there for the week?

I wonder does Customs have to clear the ship if it never left but the passengers stayed on board for the week? Whose jurisdiction is the ship under while in the Texas Port if it filed for an international routing?

Can Royal operate the cruise under the registered Bahamas flag and operate the cruise as if it were in international waters?

Of course you are entitled to your opinion but I don't really see how RCCL made a wise decision, the folks on the Navigator just watched the Magic sail away....Carnival gave their guests a choice...to stay or cancel. I would rather be on the Carnival side if this were me since Carnival has left port. They refunded two days of the cruise back and they still get to go to GC and Cozumel.

It is always "damned if you do and damned if you don't"

There will be unhappy cruisers on Carnival because they didn't get a full week or the compensation package offered by RCI.

Each company has to make a decision so who are we to say which is right and which one wrong?

Everyone should make the best of their situations and go forward.

Life is full of disappointments.

We will be dealing with issues on the coast long after the cruisers have come and gone and forgotten about this week.

The Caribbean Princess has left port and is going out for the week. The people on the NOS will be really unhappy if they don't leave today.

Since it was already official cancelled, I don't think they can now sail can they? Then the folks that disembarked will be really upset. :mad:

Princess cancelled the cruise yesterday but changed their minds today.

So anything can happen

It is always "damned if you do and damned if you don't"

There will be unhappy cruisers on Carnival because they didn't get a full week or the compensation package offered by RCI.

 

Each company has to make a decision so who are we to say which is right and which one wrong?

 

Everyone should make the best of their situations and go forward.

Life is full of disappointments.

 

We will be dealing with issues on the coast long after the cruisers have come and gone and forgotten about this week.

Very well said!

Ah, well best of luck for those folks waiting on RC to see what happens. I didn't know they could do that once they made the decision to cancel.

Princess cancelled the cruise yesterday but changed their minds today.

So anything can happen

Well, I imagine the people sitting on the Navigator watching everyone sail away would feel differently. Hopefully RC will reverse the decision like someone mentioned Princess did.

The folks on Carnival that wished to cancel were allowed to, so they were compensated with a refund of their sailing. The others that remained were refunded two days.

I know all about disappointments and yes you are correct.

I hope things return to normal as soon as possible, very sad to see all the wildlife affected by this accident.

It is always "damned if you do and damned if you don't"

There will be unhappy cruisers on Carnival because they didn't get a full week or the compensation package offered by RCI.

 

Each company has to make a decision so who are we to say which is right and which one wrong?

 

Everyone should make the best of their situations and go forward.

Life is full of disappointments.

 

We will be dealing with issues on the coast long after the cruisers have come and gone and forgotten about this week.

It was posted earlier today on another thread that if they chose to leave the ship, they could not reboard. Supposedly, they were trying to get approval for people to get off and on for the rest of the week but I haven't seen another post saying they have approval.

They were waiting for clearance from the coast guard, but according to the roll call passengers are now allowed to get on and off as they wish.