Cunard's Coronavirus Cancellations/Refunds (Merged threads)

[babs135]

Asking for clarification:  We have not had any communication either from Cunard or our travel agent re our cruise in October.  Should we have heard something or is it simply because we are still 3 months away from paying the full balance?

 

We don't want to cancel but I am so confused as to what to do for the best.   

[VK3DQ]

4 minutes ago, babs135 said:

Asking for clarification:  We have not had any communication either from Cunard or our travel agent re our cruise in October.  Should we have heard something or is it simply because we are still 3 months away from paying the full balance?

 

We don't want to cancel but I am so confused as to what to do for the best.   

 

Hi

My advice FWIW  hang on and avoid paying for as long as possible  dont do anything in a hurry ...however dont pay until you have to

 

Regards

John

[IB2]

8 minutes ago, babs135 said:

Asking for clarification:  We have not had any communication either from Cunard or our travel agent re our cruise in October.  Should we have heard something or is it simply because we are still 3 months away from paying the full balance?

 

We don't want to cancel but I am so confused as to what to do for the best.   

 

What can they possibly communicate now about October?

 

Obviously the company will want to believe it can get back to normal by then.

 

My judgement (FWIW) is that, this far out, it's 50:50. If you forced me to guess, I'd say probably not.

 

Anyhow, pay the balance (when its due - although by then you might know more), and if Cunard cancels, you'll get a refund.

Edited March 14, 2020 by IB2

[fireman999]

Now that the the UK  government has just issued a statement indicating that people over 70 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes should not go on a cruise holiday we find ourselves in a very difficult situation. My wife and I both have diabetes and my wife has other health problems and we are due to sail on the QE on the 12th April 2020 on a Circumnavigation Cruise of Australia.

Obviously, we have contacted both our cruise agent by email 4 times with no response except to send us the tickets, together with Cunard who have responded indicting that they are reviewing the situation. Some insurers in the UK are stating that travel insurance is for unexpected events and coronavirus is a known event so they are not liable and if you travel against government advice you may not be covered.

This obviously puts us in am impossible situation and makes think we will never cruise again.

 

[IB2]

3 minutes ago, fireman999 said:

Now that the the UK  government has just issued a statement indicating that people over 70 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes should not go on a cruise holiday we find ourselves in a very difficult situation. My wife and I both have diabetes and my wife has other health problems and we are due to sail on the QE on the 12th April 2020 on a Circumnavigation Cruise of Australia.

Obviously, we have contacted both our cruise agent by email 4 times with no response except to send us the tickets, together with Cunard who have responded indicting that they are reviewing the situation. Some insurers in the UK are stating that travel insurance is for unexpected events and coronavirus is a known event so they are not liable and if you travel against government advice you may not be covered.

This obviously puts us in am impossible situation and makes think we will never cruise again.

 

•  

I would be tempted to ask if they would transfer the booking to the same cruise and dates in 2021.  

[fireman999]

Obviously, with our health problems and age travel insurance is very costly so we were trying to avoid that option and as this was a fairly unique cruise I am not sure that they will repeat it next year. I also dread to think what travel insurance will cost next year.

[IB2]

15 minutes ago, fireman999 said:

Obviously, with our health problems and age travel insurance is very costly so we were trying to avoid that option and as this was a fairly unique cruise I am not sure that they will repeat it next year. I also dread to think what travel insurance will cost next year.

Then at least you know you're not going on the cruise, and need to work through your cancellation, rebooking and/or insurance options to work out the least costly.

 

Edit/ Although since Cunard is very likely to cancel, just sit and wait for the refund?  

Edited March 14, 2020 by IB2

[VK3DQ]

9 minutes ago, fireman999 said:

Obviously, with our health problems and age travel insurance is very costly so we were trying to avoid that option and as this was a fairly unique cruise I am not sure that they will repeat it next year. I also dread to think what travel insurance will cost next year.

 

Hi Folks

 

I was booked on the cruise before yours which has been canceled frankly I doubt if your cruise will take place

and its a long walk from Sutton Coldfield to OZ.. take it as known from a boy from Castle Bromwitch

and I share some of your health issues which is going to make cruising impossible for me

Regards

John

Edited March 14, 2020 by VK3DQ

[ace2542]

22 minutes ago, fireman999 said:

Now that the the UK  government has just issued a statement indicating that people over 70 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes should not go on a cruise holiday we find ourselves in a very difficult situation. My wife and I both have diabetes and my wife has other health problems and we are due to sail on the QE on the 12th April 2020 on a Circumnavigation Cruise of Australia.

Obviously, we have contacted both our cruise agent by email 4 times with no response except to send us the tickets, together with Cunard who have responded indicting that they are reviewing the situation. Some insurers in the UK are stating that travel insurance is for unexpected events and coronavirus is a known event so they are not liable and if you travel against government advice you may not be covered.

This obviously puts us in am impossible situation and makes think we will never cruise again.

 

•  

Another question what happens if your cruise agency goes bust and some will you know.

[fireman999]

Hi John, 

Thanks for that info - I did not know that it had been cancelled - have they offered another cruise or a refund?

Regards

Alan

[IB2]

Also worth reminding people that in current circumstances, anyone booking a cruise further ahead should do so on standard (not saver) terms, book any associated travel arrangements as a package rather than independently, and (if possible - some insurers are withdrawing cover and others pushing up premiums) cover it with insurance.  If you have a standard fare package and it is cancelled, your financial risk is the lowest.

[Ray66]

13 minutes ago, ace2542 said:

Another question what happens if your cruise agency goes bust and some will you know.

 

They will be covered by ABTA and you'll get your money back.

[VK3DQ]

15 minutes ago, fireman999 said:

Hi John, 

Thanks for that info - I did not know that it had been cancelled - have they offered another cruise or a refund?

Regards

Alan

Hi Alan

 

Its a little too early to know as yet , but I suspect that you would be very lucky to make the cruise ..we have had nothing from Cunard as yet but carnival postings have our cruise in the prohibited dates and of course New Zealand is closed to us

The circumnavigation of OZ was /is a terrific deal  but with things how they are its not likely to happen ..however stick with it as long as you can you never know whats going to happen, 

We understand that we are to get 100% Refunds ...

 

Anyway good luck and please feel free to ask for any info I might have

 

Regards

John

[fireman999]

Just found this for UK travellers https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/contact-us/travel-health-advisories/guests-aged-70-and-over-or-with-health-conditions

[Lanky Lad]

I have had emails from Cunard about my August cruise plus the December and and those for 2021.  The latest is about cancelling if you are over 70 or have health issues.  I don't fit this, but I am traveling with someone who does.  We are hoping we might still be able to go, but will make our final decision nearer the time.

[hypercafe]

I am very relieved to see that I now have a option on my June 29 trip however the Canadian restrictions on cruise ships make it almost impossible go the trip to happen. I wonder what the outcome will be?

[Roger Ackroyd]

I’ve been trying to get through to Cunard on the phone number supplied in the email with a view to transferring to a cruise next year. 

90 minutes and waiting and I’m beginning to think there may not be anyone there. A sophisticated system would have “apologies for the delay, we will put you through as soon as possible” or “you are x in the queue”.  But just an annoying repetitive tune going on and on....

edit: just got through. So be patient!

Edited March 14, 2020 by Roger Ackroyd

[PORT ROYAL]

5 minutes ago, Roger Ackroyd said:

I’ve been trying to get through to Cunard on the phone number supplied in the email with a view to transferring to a cruise next year. 

90 minutes and waiting and I’m beginning to think there may not be anyone there. A sophisticated system would have “apologies for the delay, we will put you through as soon as possible” or “you are x in the queue”.  But just an annoying repetitive tune going on and on....

 

Send your PCS an Email letting them know what you require and asking for a callback.  Saves sitting and waiting.

 

Edited March 14, 2020 by PORT ROYAL
Typo

[IB2]

11 minutes ago, Roger Ackroyd said:

I’ve been trying to get through to Cunard on the phone number supplied in the email with a view to transferring to a cruise next year. 

90 minutes and waiting and I’m beginning to think there may not be anyone there. A sophisticated system would have “apologies for the delay, we will put you through as soon as possible” or “you are x in the queue”.  But just an annoying repetitive tune going on and on....

edit: just got through. So be patient!

It’s people like you phoning up to deal with matters that clearly aren’t urgent that explains why the telephone wait times are so long.  Just send them an email and let them deal with it in their own time.

[Roger Ackroyd]

7 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

 

Send your PCS an Email letting them know what you require and asking for a callback.  Saves sitting and waiting.

 

What’s a PCS?

[si_boy]

Personal Cruise Specialist...I think

[exlondoner]

18 minutes ago, IB2 said:

It’s people like you phoning up to deal with matters that clearly aren’t urgent that explains why the telephone wait times are so long.  Just send them an email and let them deal with it in their own time.

We had a email from our TA yesterday telling us not to ring them They will get to us when they have got people with imminent cruise problems sorted. Seems eminently reasonable

[alc13]

I haunt this particular thread for any news affecting our still un-canceled April cruise or Cunard policies in general.  Just want to thank everyone for posting updates. 

 

Does anyone else long for the days when those "do I really have to dress up?" threads dominated?

[Canuker]

Moving right along...

 

I've heard quite a bit about and from Cunard but the silence from my (cannot identify here) TA cruise specialist has been deafening, despite my email to them a week ago.

OK: just spotted post #647 above.

Thanks.

 

Edited March 14, 2020 by Canuker

[Colin_Cameron]

42 minutes ago, Roger Ackroyd said:

I’ve been trying to get through to Cunard on the phone number supplied in the email with a view to transferring to a cruise next year. 

90 minutes and waiting and I’m beginning to think there may not be anyone there. ...

While I accept, and agree, with your comments about the phone system I suspect Cunard’s priority is dealing with the six and a half thousand passengers they have on board that have to be got home from various places around the world. And hotels and flights for the several thousand people already enroute to the ships. Never mind the thousands of crew they will be laying off in the very near future. 

 

You can’t just magic up staff to deal with stuff that has to be done today, and deal with next week, next month, next year as well.