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Celebrity management ignores Puerto Rico warnings....just of bunch of CLOWNS!


CruiseZZ1956
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Called guest relations yesterday and was shocked they have zero answers to questions on conditions in San Juan. So my impression can only be they don't seem to be concerned about what happens to passengers other than at the cruise port and the airport? I'm arriving 10/28 on Summit repo from Cape Liberty and have plans to stay 3 days.

 

I would be shocked as well, only if the person on the other end provided me an answer and was not there to actually verify the info being passed on.

 

You have not stated if you are on a X hotel package or not, if it is a X package, then I would be pressing for more info on accessibility and etc. X guarantees will kick in. otherwise if the package and tour is independent I would start looking for other independent verification of how the area is to the extent that would make me feel comfortable.

 

After all, San Juan is 77 square miles and to pinpoint what you want to know about the city and where you may be staying is difficult at best if one has not or is not on the ground there, almost daily.

 

There are reports here on CC almost daily about the conditions on the ground, which will be a bit more factual than relying on someone in a call center in mid-America.

 

 

So as far as X's concerns goes, they are concerned if you booked everything through them before or after your sailing, including air and hotel arrangements.

 

 

Otherwise, you may want to consider invoking a claim under your 3rd party travel insurance policy if you are unsure about the situation there and cannot get the information to be comfortable enough about spending additional time there.

 

bon voyage

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Travel insurance becomes null and void in places where there's a government-issued travel advisory, cautions AMA Travel's Nikola Berube.

"That's one of the stipulations of travel insurance, you can't knowingly travel into an area that is not recommended for travel by the government," she said.

 

"And so places like St. Maarten and St. Thomas and San Juan — that are still under a government-issued travel advisory — we don't recommend that you go there at this time."

This is from an article I read this weekend. While we don't buy travel insurance from this company, it would be wise to check with your insurance company before you go.

 

That is the reason one purchases insurance before a 'known' peril has occurred.

 

 

Most travel insurance policies clearly state when and how and what their policy will cover in these situations and what will not be.

 

Generally, this type of clause kicks in when one purchases coverage when a 'named' event is headed towards or in the area of travel. If it were any other way, then there would be a revolt by insurance purchasers and regulators. Thus this being but one reason to purchase travel insurance, to cover the unknown future at the time of travel including accidents and death..

 

 

bon voyage

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Is what real?

 

 

I think she means the link about the Zika virus. Have to say I am somewhat surprised that a young woman of reproductive age would be unaware of this. Zika has had a lot of publicity.

 

In addition the cruise lines do warn about Zika. They have a CDC warning note on my booking invoice for Jewel of the Seas.

 

Here is the link from Canada.

 

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/152

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I think she means the link about the Zika virus. Have to say I am somewhat surprised that a young woman of reproductive age would be unaware of this. Zika has had a lot of publicity.

 

In addition the cruise lines do warn about Zika. They have a CDC warning note on my booking invoice for Jewel of the Seas.

 

Here is the link from Canada.

 

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/152

thanks for the link.

 

oh, and the zika virus is cleared within 2 months. i should be good. i wasn't sure if this was like a herpes thing where it remains dormant for years. no plans for kids yet

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I think she means the link about the Zika virus. Have to say I am somewhat surprised that a young woman of reproductive age would be unaware of this. Zika has had a lot of publicity.

 

In addition the cruise lines do warn about Zika. They have a CDC warning note on my booking invoice for Jewel of the Seas.

 

Here is the link from Canada.

 

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/152

Thanks; should have realized that.

The Zika warnings started I believe around the end of 2015 and was widely publicized then. The warnings extend to pretty much the entire Caribbbean, and even parts of Florida.

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Look at the Travel Advisories section of the Celebrity website for their updated statements about Zika and also see this in the FAQ:

 

Zika Virus

 

 

 

Q.What should I know about the Zika virus before sailing?

 

 

A.On January 15, 2016 the US CDC upgraded their travel notice for Zika virus to Alert Level 2 (practice enhanced precautions). Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and symptoms include fever, headache, red eyes, rash, and joint pain. The illness is usually mild and lasts between 2-7 days. However, the alert specifically references women who are pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The notice currently only affects specific cruises calling in to certain Caribbean, Central America, and South America countries. However, the situation is evolving so please regularly check the affected areas via the following link: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guests are reminded to take enhanced precautions against biting insects by covering exposed skin, and using insect repellent. Comprehensive health information can be found at:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Misguided and sustain tantrum will get someone dragged off the plane on the way to SJ or sent packing off the ship at the next cruise port. Just sayin'.

Celebrity should read this whole thread. They should flag the OP and send him to the Naughty room (the same room where the surge protectors, curling irons, extension cords and chain saws go before the cruise.

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Canadian government has issued a AVOID ALL TRAVEL to Puerto Rico and also a ZIKA VIRUS warning/alert for all citizens to AVOID ALL TRAVEL TO PR.

 

 

 

Celebrity management refuses to cancel the Summit cruises or even give customers rebook options without penalty.

 

 

 

Carnival, RCL and Holland have canceled all stops in PR rest of 2017.

 

 

 

Celebrity customer service says all is great in PR don't worry..it is all FAKE NEWS!

 

 

 

WOW! Just a bunch of liars and CROOKS!

 

 

 

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/puerto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wow. Calm down. I'm on the same ship as you. I've checked extensively with the car company, the San Juan Cruise Port Authorities, the airport and several hotels in the area. Celebrity has handled this poorly, but here is the deal:

1. Cruise port is fine and cell service is working. No mosquitos (but I wouldn't recommend going to the beach).

2. If you don't want to deal with ****ty waitlist transfer service through Celebrity, hire a local company. I used Puerto Rico Green Transportation. The roads to the airport are fine.

3. SJU is operating well with on time flights but it's recommended you show up 3 hours early.

4. If your flight is messed up, the Marriott Stelaris Casino is open.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

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Canadian government has issued a AVOID ALL TRAVEL to Puerto Rico and also a ZIKA VIRUS warning/alert for all citizens to AVOID ALL TRAVEL TO PR.

 

Celebrity management refuses to cancel the Summit cruises or even give customers rebook options without penalty.

 

Carnival, RCL and Holland have canceled all stops in PR rest of 2017.

 

Celebrity customer service says all is great in PR don't worry..it is all FAKE NEWS!

 

WOW! Just a bunch of liars and CROOKS!

 

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/puerto

I would also recommend you cancel the hotel and fly out on 10/28 based on the issues I discussed in my prior reply.

 

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Wow. Calm down. I'm on the same ship as you. I've checked extensively with the car company, the San Juan Cruise Port Authorities, the airport and several hotels in the area. Celebrity has handled this poorly, but here is the deal:

1. Cruise port is fine and cell service is working. No mosquitos (but I wouldn't recommend going to the beach).

2. If you don't want to deal with ****ty waitlist transfer service through Celebrity, hire a local company. I used Puerto Rico Green Transportation. The roads to the airport are fine.

3. SJU is operating well with on time flights but it's recommended you show up 3 hours early.

4. If your flight is messed up, the Marriott Stelaris Casino is open.

 

Hope this helps.

 

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Great advice, but much too reasonable for the OP.. they have said they are off the sailing and you and the others on your roll call are now better off because you will not be exposed to their negativity. Enjoy your cruise. Summit is a great ship.

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Great advice, but much too reasonable for the OP.. they have said they are off the sailing and you and the others on your roll call are now better off because you will not be exposed to their negativity. Enjoy your cruise. Summit is a great ship.

 

Thank you, kind sir. I will enjoy it and the new friends I'll be meeting. It's sad but a lot of people have been cancelling this cruise out of fear (more in the roll call thread). I can understand worry and concern because Celebrity hasn't done the best job of making sure their people know what to say but people need to take SOME responsibility for themselves. They're your cruise provider, not your mother. At the end of the day, if one is concerned they should call people who are on the ground there like I did to tell you what's what, not some call center in Miami.

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Thank you, kind sir. I will enjoy it and the new friends I'll be meeting. It's sad but a lot of people have been cancelling this cruise out of fear (more in the roll call thread). I can understand worry and concern because Celebrity hasn't done the best job of making sure their people know what to say but people need to take SOME responsibility for themselves. They're your cruise provider, not your mother. At the end of the day, if one is concerned they should call people who are on the ground there like I did to tell you what's what, not some call center in Miami.

muwahahahaha....cheaper fares for me...or a small upgrade

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Wow. Calm down. I'm on the same ship as you. I've checked extensively with the car company, the San Juan Cruise Port Authorities, the airport and several hotels in the area. Celebrity has handled this poorly, but here is the deal:

1. Cruise port is fine and cell service is working. No mosquitos (but I wouldn't recommend going to the beach).

2. If you don't want to deal with ****ty waitlist transfer service through Celebrity, hire a local company. I used Puerto Rico Green Transportation. The roads to the airport are fine.

3. SJU is operating well with on time flights but it's recommended you show up 3 hours early.

4. If your flight is messed up, the Marriott Stelaris Casino is open.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

 

Could you kindly provide a ballpark figure for the transportation, pier to airport? Unfortunately without a cell phone number there is no way to complete the form for a quote. Also are you more than 2 people as I know that would affect the rate?

 

Any info in this area that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks.

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Could you kindly provide a ballpark figure for the transportation, pier to airport? Unfortunately without a cell phone number there is no way to complete the form for a quote. Also are you more than 2 people as I know that would affect the rate?

 

Any info in this area that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks.

Sure! One thing you should note is that they normally try to call you on your cell as you're getting off the ship to tell you where to meet them but I'm sure you could prearrange that. You can take regular cabs but you'll have to wait a long time on line and they cost $25-$30 for the 25 minute trip to SJU. I am by myself but hoping to add another person or 2 to split the cost. My car was $40 (I opted for the bigger one because originally I had 2 other people coming with me), but they have the Prius for $25.50 which I'm sure size-wise is fine if the people you're with know you. Both of those options fit 3 adults & 4 bags. The next option up is the luxury minivan for $55 which fits 7 adults and 8 bags. The number of people in the car has no effect on the rate, just how many people/bags you can fit in the car. I checked and they're one of the cheapest and most reputable car services in the area. The people at the office were very nice and helpful and I'm sure you could book it with them over the phone at 787-918-7748 or email them at: reservations.prgt@gmail.com

Hope that helps.

 

 

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Could you kindly provide a ballpark figure for the transportation, pier to airport? Unfortunately without a cell phone number there is no way to complete the form for a quote. Also are you more than 2 people as I know that would affect the rate?

 

Any info in this area that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks.

When we left Adventure on Saturday, we grabbed a porter and he got us through customs faster than those doing it on their own. There are separate lines. He then took us out to the curb where taxis (vans) were ready and waiting to take us. We had 3 people and 5 suitcases, it was $24 to our hotel in OSJ. We left the dining room at 8am and were in the taxi by 8:20, fastest ever. When we left the hotel to the airport, they called a taxi for us and he was there in under 10 minutes. It was $28 from hotel to airport. These guys haven't had much work in the last few weeks and are grateful to drive you anywhere. We always ask about their situation, tip well, and leave them with a handshake and a smile. It's the least we can do.

 

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When we left Adventure on Saturday, we grabbed a porter and he got us through customs faster than those doing it on their own. There are separate lines. He then took us out to the curb where taxis (vans) were ready and waiting to take us. We had 3 people and 5 suitcases, it was $24 to our hotel in OSJ. We left the dining room at 8am and were in the taxi by 8:20, fastest ever. When we left the hotel to the airport, they called a taxi for us and he was there in under 10 minutes. It was $28 from hotel to airport. These guys haven't had much work in the last few weeks and are grateful to drive you anywhere. We always ask about their situation, tip well, and leave them with a handshake and a smile. It's the least we can do.

 

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As you have 1sr hand experience, can you confirm what I said? The cruise port is fine and no mosquitos, correct? Also if you could provide your experience with the airport the way you did for the cruise port, that'd be awesome.

 

Thanks!

 

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Thanks; should have realized that.

The Zika warnings started I believe around the end of 2015 and was widely publicized then. The warnings extend to pretty much the entire Caribbbean, and even parts of Florida.

 

 

Our local news stated we have a case of Zika in our area of Florida.

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We were on the Equinox Sept 15 sailing. Remember Irma? Well we had planned to drive from Atlanta to Orlando and then on to Miami.... but after Harvey we were a bit concerned about gas supply.... particularly when gas stations near are home ran out of fuel a few days before Irma hit Florida. I decided to pull out the travel insurance... we went with the classic plan... slightly better than the basic plan. I purchased it more out of concern for medical issues..but recalled some other protections. Well I discovered that it doesn't help much if the cruise actually happens. So as the storm headed over Cuba, I began to wonder... what happens if it misses Miami... and thus the cruise can dock and therefore depart again.... and we are stuck on the road with 6million people heading back to south florida... and gas shortages? So Saturday the day before it came ashore, I looked at airfares and found that they were actually quite reasonable... so I booked airfare (purchased cancellation insurance... just in case). Next issue was the hotel we planned to stay in never answered their phones... the Hampton Inn telephone rep was helpful in securing a room. All worked out.... but I learned more about travel insurance and realized that I had to do everything I could do to get to the ship.... or lose out on my funds. The interesting thing is that despite the smell of mildew at the Miami airport the rest of the trip worked out perfectly... flights on time, hotel open (although apartment building next door was still without power). The cruise itself was terrific. In fairness to the OP.... the stress I was under (and all other passengers), was significant.... and the lack of information on whether the cruise would leave or not was frustrating.... but deep in my heart of hearts I knew that they could not tell us anything because they did not know. It is important that PR get tourists back. How can they rebuild without income coming in... both to individuals and to the many small businesses. We are scheduled to be on the Nov 26 Silhouette sailing which will over night it in San Juan.

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Seriously, now you want someone to guarantee that there are no mosquitos on an island in the Caribbean??????

 

s - LOL, the poster may mean, how few there are currently, while knowing there will be an explosion of them upon their arrival!

 

LOL

 

bon voayge

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Sure! One thing you should note is that they normally try to call you on your cell as you're getting off the ship to tell you where to meet them but I'm sure you could prearrange that. You can take regular cabs but you'll have to wait a long time on line and they cost $25-$30 for the 25 minute trip to SJU. I am by myself but hoping to add another person or 2 to split the cost. My car was $40 (I opted for the bigger one because originally I had 2 other people coming with me), but they have the Prius for $25.50 which I'm sure size-wise is fine if the people you're with know you. Both of those options fit 3 adults & 4 bags. The next option up is the luxury minivan for $55 which fits 7 adults and 8 bags. The number of people in the car has no effect on the rate, just how many people/bags you can fit in the car. I checked and they're one of the cheapest and most reputable car services in the area. The people at the office were very nice and helpful a

 

I'm sure you could book it with them over the phone at 787-918-7748 or email them at: reservations.prgt@gmail.com

Hope that helps

Thanks so much for the info re the car service. Appreciated.

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