Crystal Symphony, Mumbai to Athens - or is it?

[shrkdive1]

Does not look like a good idea to prioritize financial considerations over the safety of the crew; even if they volunteer and with a navy escort. All other cruise lines plus most cargo ships are taking the long way around.  Too risky.

[mrlevin]

31 minutes ago, shrkdive1 said:

Does not look like a good idea to prioritize financial considerations over the safety of the crew; even if they volunteer and with a navy escort. All other cruise lines plus most cargo ships are taking the long way around.  Too risky.

I actually think this is a smart decision, and when successful, will be copied by other cruise lines for the fall repositioning.

[Keith1010]

Those on Serenity are also hearing about their cruises via their TA's.

Keith

[Jayayeff]

1 hour ago, shrkdive1 said:

Does not look like a good idea to prioritize financial considerations over the safety of the crew; even if they volunteer and with a navy escort. All other cruise lines plus most cargo ships are taking the long way around.  Too risky.

I agree, and as if to prove a point.  After the US & UK launched more air-strikes overnight, the Houthis have already retaliated by firing missiles at a ship off the coast of Yemen earlier today..  I’m not sure what reassurance having a US navy escort is when the US and the UK are the Houthis prime targets….

[Peira]

3 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Those on Serenity are also hearing about their cruises via their TA's.

Keith

Unless they aren't. Like me. How hard would it have been to "cc" the pax booked on this itinerary and include something like "your TA will provide further information" or "your TA will be contacting you soon with options" or something similar?

[Keith1010]

1 hour ago, Peira said:

Unless they aren't. Like me. How hard would it have been to "cc" the pax booked on this itinerary and include something like "your TA will provide further information" or "your TA will be contacting you soon with options" or something similar?

I am not sure but glad that they got this out to the TA’s knowing if it was me I would want to know as soon as possible.  If it was me, I would ask the TA why they didn’t get the word out to you.  Others I know have heard from their TAs hours ago.

[HUNKY]

Viking Neptune and Viking Sky on their World Cruises still have not heard.

 

I wonder if the Crystal ships will have any insurance coverage if they transit the Red Sea?

[Peira]

42 minutes ago, Keith1010 said:

I am not sure but glad that they got this out to the TA’s knowing if it was me I would want to know as soon as possible.  If it was me, I would ask the TA why they didn’t get the word out to you.  Others I know have heard from their TAs hours ago.

We share a hobby of reading/posting on CC. And we also share a travel agency. Guess some clients are more important than others.

[Texas Tillie]

43 minutes ago, HUNKY said:

Viking Neptune and Viking Sky on their World Cruises still have not heard.

 

I wonder if the Crystal ships will have any insurance coverage if they transit the Red Sea?

 

Only the Symphony is transiting the Red Sea, under protection of the US Navy. Since they paid next to nothing for the Symphony, maybe they aren't too worried about insurance coverage, like you carry just liability insurance on your 10 year old car.

[travelberlin]

The changes are not easy for travel agents either. Besides trying to rebook guests affected from the cancellations they are still doing business as usual with Crystal or with other cruise lines. I would contact my travel agent to request information instead of waiting to be contacted. 

[Keith1010]

32 minutes ago, Peira said:

We share a hobby of reading/posting on CC. And we also share a travel agency. Guess some clients are more important than others.

All I can say is all TA's are not the same even at the same agency and I am not booked on any of the cruises that are impacted.

 

Keith

[Whipsnade]

 The cruise lines that have opted to go around Africa empty losing lots  of revenue and incurring vastly increased fuel costs are all part of larger corporate entities where management is strongly influenced by fears of making “wrong” decisions as well as a cadre of lawyers trained to say “No!”  Crystal is owned by a couple of multi billionaires who answer only to themselves and can make business like benefit/risk  decisions. I applaud them. 
I am sure the delays had to do with final assessment of increased insurance costs to travel Red Sea. 
Not to worry about the crew as all I have talked with are more than willing to stay on board. In fact many of  those whose contracts expire in Mumbai are volunteering to stay on board. 
Serenity is a different kettle of fish. Any word on what they will do?  I suspect they will go around Africa on revised WC itinerary. 
 

[Worldtraveler22]

#whipsnade. The crew will never speak negatively about their jobs.  Also Serenity will go around Africa back to Europe. 

[Whipsnade]

None I know are intimidated. And you are right, none speak negatively about their jobs. Why would they?  Most of them are former Crystsl employees who are very happy to be back with excellent pay and working conditions. Many have been with Crystal for the 25 years I have been sailing here. 
Crystal will have no trouble in attracting enough volunteers to man the ship through the Red Sea. I predict they will be oversubscribed. 

[moto_italia]

20 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

... maybe they aren't too worried about insurance coverage, like you might carry just liability insurance on your 10 year old car that is of very low value.

FIFY

 

Depends on your car and its value. Collectable and exotic car owners typically carry stated or agreed value insurance coverage, regardless of age. Even non-collectable 10 year old cars could have enough value to carry full coverage.

[travelberlin]

MS Hamburg is also going through the Red Sea without guests. 

[shrkdive1]

22 hours ago, Whipsnade said:

Crystal is owned by a couple of multi billionaires who answer only to themselves and can make business like benefit/risk  decisions. I applaud them. 

You can bet that Manfredi and Geoffrey Kent are not going to risk their lives and be on that segment with their crew.

[Whipsnade]

I applaud Hapag as well. Another outfit not dominated by corporate decision making. 
Don’t be surprised if Manfredi and Kent take the ride. They both have stainless steel you know whats. That’s what comes of being lifelong serial entrepreneurs. 

[Whipsnade]

3 hours ago, shrkdive1 said:

You can bet that Manfredi and Geoffrey Kent are not going to risk their lives and be on that segment with their crew.

 

[Whipsnade]

Just now, Whipsnade said:

3 hours ago, shrkdive1 said:

You can bet that Manfredi and Geoffrey Kent are not going to risk their lives and be on that segment with their crew.

 

 

[Whipsnade]

As a matter of fact Manfredi and Kent WILL be joining Symphony as it travels through Houthi country as a show of support for the crew. BTW the crew are being offered double pay for this trip. 
Manfredi and Kent know their crew and staff are their biggest asset. My kind of guys. 

[Stickman1990]

5 hours ago, Whipsnade said:

As a matter of fact Manfredi and Kent WILL be joining Symphony as it travels through Houthi country as a show of support for the crew

Is that confirmed? Or rumour?

[Whipsnade]

Confirmed by onboard staff. Already communicated to crew. 
As there are only maybe four pax in any way affected by the diversion no announcements have been made publicly on Symphony as they were on Serenity. 

[Keith1010]

Thanks for all of your updates Whipsnade. Very much appreciate.

Keith

[Whipsnade]

You are welcome. We are fellow Crystal enthusiasts.