corona virus and rescheduling cruise on MSC Divina

[cruisetome]

With the corona virus cases rising I think MSC should allow you to reschedule your cruise for a later time.  Other cruise lines are allowing this which promotes good relations with these cruise lines.  MSC obviously does not care for their loyal cruisers, they are more loyal to their bottom line.   I am scheduled to sail on MSC Divina on March 13.  

[Oxo]

This is the latest form RCI.

Concerned about coronavirus? Contemplating canceling your cruise? Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE:RCL) has you covered.

The rapid expansion of COVID-19 infections around the world is "adding uncertainty to travel plans," said Royal Caribbean Group in a statement today. To help eliminate some of that uncertainty, the cruise line operator says that through July 31, 2020, it will permit passengers to cancel cruises they have booked up to 48 hours before departure.

Royal Caribbean's new "Cruise With Confidence" policy extends across the company's fleet of brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea. Guests who have already booked a cruise for departure, or who book one in the future (within the time period stated), will be able to cancel up to two days before they sail, and "will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest's choice in 2020 or 2021."

With cancellations generating a credit rather than a refund, Royal Caribbean is characterizing its new policy as a rain check for guests who delay existing vacation plans, but don't cancel them -- or remove them from the company's revenue stream -- entirely.

As such, the effect on the parent company will more likely be to delay revenue than to forgo it entirely. At the same time, Royal Caribbean may garner for itself a measure of goodwill, and maybe even attract a few customers who might choose one of its cruises over cruising with companies that have more restrictive cancellation policies.

 

I'm sure other cruise lines will follow the same.

[rikitikitavii]

9 minutes ago, cruisetome said:

With the corona virus cases rising I think MSC should allow you to reschedule your cruise for a later time.  Other cruise lines are allowing this which promotes good relations with these cruise lines.  MSC obviously does not care for their loyal cruisers, they are more loyal to their bottom line.   I am scheduled to sail on MSC Divina on March 13.  

We are on Divina for the 3 nighter, March 10, and have no hesitations about going.  I will continue to practice good hygiene and wash my hands often.

[Oxo]

7 minutes ago, rikitikitavii said:

We are on Divina for the 3 nighter, March 10, and have no hesitations about going.  I will continue to practice good hygiene and wash my hands often.

The biggest concern is not only an individual practicing good hygiene but:

1. Others on your cruise who get the virus 

2. Ship not allowed into ports

3. Ship being quarintied. For days/ weeks

4. Airlines allowing you to board to fly back home

5. The total risk of becoming ill. Age and current health conditions are a big factor, too. Men are at higher risks than women. Men 71%.

Yes, it is an individuals choice. Let us have the choice to cancel.

 

[bildoug]

RikiTiki...you are 100% correct. As I posted elsewhere,

We are on the Divina on the 13th. We will request  minimal cabin cleaning ( towel change and bed make up only) so as tobetter control the environment. It is known that the same cleaning cloths, not to mention vacuums, are used to clean multiple rooms, an easy way to transfer a virus and cross contaminate the cabin. I would think that a casino esp slot machine and gaming surfaces could be easily become a virus carrier.

Regardless it will be a great cruise, can’t let this preoccupy the conversation for the week, otherwise it will suck the enjoyment out of the cruise

Edited March 7, 2020 by bildoug

[BermudaBound2014]

At this point, all the major cruise companies have offered very generous cancellation policies. I posted many of the policies in the "MSC refund" thread. RCL, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, NCL, and long line of luxury lines are offering Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and no penalties for cancellation. Each line has slightly different terms; on some you can cancel if you have a cruise through May, others July). Some say the FCC must be used in a year, NCL is giving nearly 2 years. Most are also offering OBC if you choose to sail anyway. All subtle differences, but still very consumer friendly imo.

 

I suspect MSC will come up with a refund policy for Caribbean sailings very shortly.  They can not afford the bad press that would come from being the only cruise line who took a hard stance. 

[Talex831]

I hope they do, and people who are worried take advantage of it.  I'd love a less than full ship for our April cruise.

[BermudaBound2014]

Sidari posted this link in the other thread. Looks like Monday:

 

In a communication with Cruise Waves, MSC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for USA Ken Muscat said that the cruise line will make an announcement on this on Monday (9 March 2020).

https://cruisewaves.co.uk/2020/03/07/msc-cruise-guests-left-in-limbo-as-other-operators-announce-coronavirus-cancellation-policies/

[skiierx131]

2 minutes ago, Talex831 said:

I hope they do, and people who are worried take advantage of it.  I'd love a less than full ship for our April cruise.

My thoughts too, we're on Seaside for 14 days starting April 18th. Would have to have less chair hogs to deal with.

[jchris1230]

Someone above gave the answer. MSC comes out tomorrow with an announcement. March 9

[tony895]

On 3/7/2020 at 11:36 AM, cruisetome said:

With the corona virus cases rising I think MSC should allow you to reschedule your cruise for a later time.  Other cruise lines are allowing this which promotes good relations with these cruise lines.  MSC obviously does not care for their loyal cruisers, they are more loyal to their bottom line.   I am scheduled to sail on MSC Divina on March 13.  

I agree 100%. Now the state department announced NOT to travel on a cruise ship. If MSC doesn't change the policy and give us senior passengers a choice I will place a law suit against them as our govt is recommending not to go. Also as a travel agent I will make sure I never recommend MSC!!

[richnorto]

We are on the Divina now (Feb 28 - 11 day out of Miami)  No signs of sickness and regular cleaning/sanitizing is taking place. Based on what I have seen, I would not worry about getting on board this ship for the next cruise.

[shackman61]

13 hours ago, richnorto said:

We are on the Divina now (Feb 28 - 11 day out of Miami)  No signs of sickness and regular cleaning/sanitizing is taking place. Based on what I have seen, I would not worry about getting on board this ship for the next cruise.

I really appreciate your note.  We board the Divina on Friday and gives me a little bit of comfort that there are no signs of the virus currently on the ship. Glad you had a great time!

[Postcards]

Thank you, Richnorto. Nice to hear as we sail later this week. Safe travels to you and yours! Cheers

[Safe77]

I imagine we'll be on board with you, Postcards. I have a feeling we'll be sailing on Friday regardless of what MSC's policy is, unless they cancel the cruise completely.