Think twice about a chargeback...

[roxievegas]

AF-1

 

yes, it was provisional credit and both cards for the full amount that I had charged.

One card is associated with a big box warehouse store that I booked the cruise with.

Other card was through our regular bank and I had booked directly with Princess.

 

Both cards - I called directly after i checked to see the dates that I had been hit with the deposit and then again when I made final payment.  I never book tours, extras until a few days before the cruise, so I had no other charges to be reimbursed.

 

 

[AF-1]

roxievegas;  thanks for the info.  Have a great day

[Ombud]

On 5/17/2020 at 7:47 AM, SCOOTERNINJA said:

bankruptcy is about shedding liabilities/debts ...... ...the unsecured creditors, they in most situations get nothing and are forever precluded from trying to chase down the debt from the company.  

Stupid question time: would FCC be considered unsecured debt? 

[Aulanis]

Yes!

[Cuedon]

So I was wondering about the standing of deposits in the case of a bankruptcy and came across a site that covered the case of goods (which is admittedly different from services), and long story short: The first 2850USD of unpaid goods are top priority among unsecured obligations. Given their debt-to-assets ratio is fairly low, it seems like there's a fairly good chance of getting most of it back in a worst-case scenario... eventually... and assuming any bankruptcy proceeds under US standards.

 

On the other hand, another site regarding airplane travel notes that you're probably screwed no matter what you do. It does bring up an interesting idea regarding miles that can be extrapolated to FCC-- book some kind of trip, and get a travel insurance policy that covers the value of the trip (not just monies paid) in case of bankruptcy.

[SCOOTERNINJA]

56 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Stupid question time: would FCC be considered unsecured debt? 

It is a contractual right that I would tend to believe is fully dischargeable in bankruptcy.  I've never researched the issue specifically and the closest literature is likely to be airline miles for airlines that went bankrupt.  

 

This article tends to indicate that airline miles are dischargeable in bankruptcy:  https://www.marketwatch.com/story/airlines-are-on-the-brink-of-bankruptcy-what-happens-to-your-voucher-travel-miles-and-airline-credit-card-if-they-go-belly-up-2020-05-13?link=MW_latest_news  .  So I would tend to believe that FCC is in the same 'boat' as airline miles but I can't give a definitive answer without a bankruptcy court ruling.

[geocruiser]

I don't understand why a refund would take so long.  It did not take 30,60 or 90 days for the cruise line to take peoples money. 

When I return something to a store, when I leave the return counter, my credit card has been credited back the amount of the purchase  that I returned.  It may not be as simple at in a store, but it can't be harder then when the cruise line takes your money.  The person doing the work, their computer should work the same at home as in the office.  

Sorry for my rant, but really, why the wait.  I do understand the larger volume of cancellations, but 90 days, really!

Edited May 18, 2020 by geocruiser

[voljeep]

strictly cash management , cash flow - nothing more, nothing less ...

 

when you returned mdse to that store - how many people were in line creating cash flow to pay for your refund ?

 

think of it like this … pre corona's - 99.5 % cash flow income from new bookings … .5% outgo from 'normal cancellations' and 98% outgo to operating expenses ...

 

to post corona's - .5% cash flow income from new bookings & 99.5% outgo to still existing expenses regardless if the ships were sailing or not ..

[UnorigionalName]

1 hour ago, geocruiser said:

I don't understand why a refund would take so long.  It did not take 30,60 or 90 days for the cruise line to take peoples money. 

When I return something to a store, when I leave the return counter, my credit card has been credited back the amount of the purchase  that I returned.  It may not be as simple at in a store, but it can't be harder then when the cruise line takes your money.  The person doing the work, their computer should work the same at home as in the office.  

Sorry for my rant, but really, why the wait.  I do understand the larger volume of cancellations, but 90 days, really!

 

Their current bond issued at 12%.  If they manage to hold on to your money for 90 days before returning it to you, they've saved ~3% of the money you've loaned them compared to issuing more bonds.

[MavisMarie]

On 5/16/2020 at 12:41 PM, oceanlovinmama said:

Cruiselines have been doing the best they can.  They didn’t realize that they would be shut down for so long and the amount of refunds requested.  Most of their employees are working from home and because of the levels of security that need to be in place to deal with credit cards, most cruise lines have a skeleton crew.  Now with the country opening back up that will change.  BUT when you work with an agent and do a chargeback, the cruise line can come back to the agent for that payment and any commission that was given to that agent, that was protected because the cruise line cancelled, Will now be recalled.  We work on commission only, and that money comes AFTER you travel.  We have had no income for the past two months and probably won’t for the rest of the year, now we have to give Our commission back AND possibly be on the hook for thousands of dollars we don’t have.  Please think about your agent!

 

Your commission is still there. Here is what Princess has on their web site:

"Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success."

 

If Princess is not paying you, all the more reason why we should be filing disputes.

 

People, don't feel bad. If you are able, get your $$ back by using the credit card dispute. Within 10 days of the dispute, AMEX refunded me completely, even for a deposit I made June 2019.

[oceanlovinmama]

10 hours ago, Aulanis said:

I dont really/fully understand the point of this thread - Maybe things have changed but on the original 

60 day suspension video ( among the other lies)  it said

" For our Travel Advisor partners, please know we will protect your commissions on bookings

paid in full for the cancelled cruises as well as on the future cruise credits in respect of your

critical role in our success" 

As it was a 60 day pause would all cruises not be fully paid?

Would that not imply that if I had paid in full and a cruise was cancelled by Princess  TA commissions would be paid whatever? and even on new cruises booked using FCCs. irrespective of If and When or How  I got may refund.

Perhaps the OP should be having a go at Princess rather than those who have been waiting 60 days

and longer to get a refund or in my case even a sensible update as to where they are with my request.

Actually they are protected at this time if they are paid in full, and Princess cancels...if there is a chargeback however, they recall commission.  If you cancel in penalty phase during non Covid times, you get part of your money back, but no commission is paid.  

[ceilidh1]

14 minutes ago, oceanlovinmama said:

Actually they are protected at this time if they are paid in full, and Princess cancels...if there is a chargeback however, they recall commission.  If you cancel in penalty phase during non Covid times, you get part of your money back, but no commission is paid.  

Not 100% correct. Pre-COVID, if a client has Princess vacation protection, you still get paid commission on the cancellation fee when in cancellation penalty phase. If a client cancels when in 100% penalty, you still get commission on the cancellation fee.

[oceanlovinmama]

2 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

Not 100% correct. Pre-COVID, if a client has Princess vacation protection, you still get paid commission on the cancellation fee when in cancellation penalty phase. If a client cancels when in 100% penalty, you still get commission on the cancellation fee.

Possibly, but we usually sell Nationwide insurance.  Perhaps it’s different for CAN vs US? 100% cancellation yes, but in the first 3 phases after final payment, we get nothing.  

[darknightsdespiser]

It is all very well pleading busy agents, lots to get through etc but everything else I have cancelled has arrived back in the credit card the next day; so if major hotel chains, ticket agencies and railway companies can do this...

 

Also I feel they lied on 18th March when the chap "that's it refunded"

[darknightsdespiser]

14 hours ago, geocruiser said:

I don't understand why a refund would take so long.  It did not take 30,60 or 90 days for the cruise line to take peoples money. 

When I return something to a store, when I leave the return counter, my credit card has been credited back the amount of the purchase  that I returned.  It may not be as simple at in a store, but it can't be harder then when the cruise line takes your money.  The person doing the work, their computer should work the same at home as in the office.  

Sorry for my rant, but really, why the wait.  I do understand the larger volume of cancellations, but 90 days, really!

My point exactly

[darknightsdespiser]

On 5/17/2020 at 9:45 PM, Lady Arwen said:

I am at a loss for words.  What a despicable person to tell us what we should and should not do with our money because it is not in your best interest!  You have given travel agents a bad name with your ridiculous post.  I am so glad that I will never have the privilege of being your client!

I didn't realise people still used travel agents, how hard is it to press a button and book a cruise??

[AF-1]

1 hour ago, darknightsdespiser said:

I didn't realise people still used travel agents, how hard is it to press a button and book a cruise??

I use a travel agent.  My agent is my best friend and lives a few miles from me. He books my trips; buys my travel insurance; and if I have an issue on a trip; I call him directly and he fixes any issues. He always gives us on board credit; plus a specialty dining one night.  So yes people still use travel agents. When this virus hit the world in Feb/Mar;  he was the one on the phone for hours after hours.  All I did was email or txt him and he gave me the most up to date info as to what is going on. So yes, travel agents do come in handy.  Have a nice day

[Coral]

1 hour ago, darknightsdespiser said:

I didn't realise people still used travel agents, how hard is it to press a button and book a cruise??

Actually - those who travel more, are more likely to use an agent because they realize the benefits an agent brings to the table!

 

Would not trade my agent for anything and I have cruised extensively. She is definitely an expert and saves me money on every trip I go on. I get better benefits by using her than if I book direct. 

[Aulanis]

1 hour ago, darknightsdespiser said:

I didn't realise people still used travel agents, how hard is it to press a button and book a cruise??

 

We almost always use a travel agent except occasionally for a UK to UK cruise and even then we find they offer the cruise cheaper than the cruise line. 

This is the only occasion where we have come unstuck and they seem to be helping us to get it sorted - in any case the  cash (if we ever see it) will come via them.

Whilst the claim is ££££  I really cant see why Princess didint refund the Port fees and taxes straight away that small amount and little niggle is annoying me more than the wait for the big money.

 

 

Edited May 19, 2020 by Aulanis

[AF-1]

6 minutes ago, Coral said:

Actually - those who travel more, are more likely to use an agent because they realize the benefits an agent brings to the table!

 

Would not trade my agent for anything and I have cruised extensively. She is definitely an expert and saves me money on every trip I go on. I get better benefits by using her than if I book direct. 

I agree with you 100%.  Like I mentioned in my above post;  my agent saves me time, money, and frustration

[susancruzs]

I've been using the same agent almost 20 years (possibly same one Coral uses), there is no way I would change or book direct through Princess.  Having travel agency experience, sailing as a single, why would I not?  Booking travel should not be "just pushing a button".  Taking long trips, rarely less than 3 weeks,  I want to book with someone traveling themselves, experience.

[darknightsdespiser]

1 hour ago, AF-1 said:

I use a travel agent.  My agent is my best friend and lives a few miles from me. He books my trips; buys my travel insurance; and if I have an issue on a trip; I call him directly and he fixes any issues. He always gives us on board credit; plus a specialty dining one night.  So yes people still use travel agents. When this virus hit the world in Feb/Mar;  he was the one on the phone for hours after hours.  All I did was email or txt him and he gave me the most up to date info as to what is going on. So yes, travel agents do come in handy.  Have a nice day

Slightly different than those of us who would have to take an annual leave day as the agents are open the same hours I work!

[darknightsdespiser]

48 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

I agree with you 100%.  Like I mentioned in my above post;  my agent saves me time, money, and frustration

It is just the time issue, who wants to spend a precious day off going to a travel agent?

[AF-1]

darknightsdespiser;  I do not visit my travel agent;  I email, txt, or call him.  Don't have to take a day or hours off to get a hold of him.  If he wants to send me paperwork;  he will drive to my house and drop it off.  Maybe it's different with your agents in Scotland

[roxievegas]

In the beginning we used a travel agency (on line), but lately have been booking directly with Princess, due to getting the casino rates.  The one time we had a problem with our trip I got no help from the airline or cruise department - we were on our own until we got home and then I had to deal with everything (we had booked the airline through the cruiseline).  

Has anyone gotten their refunds faster because of their travel agency ?