I need a shoulder (and a hug!!)

[Travelbug 2]

Because of some ongoing health problems we have decided to cancel our Panama Canal cruise in Sept'. It is a very sad day but common sense must prevail. We do have ins' but the "pre existing condition" clause could kick in and that could be a disaster. Definately can not afford to take the risk.

 

I was able to cancel before final payment (due next week) so there is no penelty involved. Apparently HAL is very longwinded about refunds, my TA said it could be a couple of months!! Anyway the wheels are in motion.

 

I feel empty now after all the months of research etc, I will have to find something to fill the void.

 

Goodbye Volendam, it would have been nice to meet you.

[arzz]

I extend my hugs to you -- I know how you must be feeling. My thoughts are with you that your health concerns resolve quickly and well.

 

If it will help, for the future, CSA has an insurance policy that you do not have to purchase until the day you make your final payment and it will cover pre-existing conditions. Worth looking into.

[Aussie Gal]

Travelbug 2,

 

My condolences on the cancellation of your cruise. I know I would also be upset if we had to cancel our cruise which is in 11 weeks time. One's health is so important though and hopefully you will be able to travel in a few months time when everything is sorted out.

 

You can certainly have my shoulder to cry on and also lots of hugs.

 

Jennie

[Southbound]

So sorry to learn of your situation. It's always hard to swallow a major disappointment such as this. But please, think positive. Under the circumstances, you're wise to have your priorities in order. Hopefully, all of your research and anticipation will not have been for naught and setting sail on the Volendam will again be in your future plans. Many hugs across the miles to you.

[boomerSexyK]

A bitter pill to swallow Travelbug..((( We hope the health concern passes and that you may be able to rejoin those of us who yearn for those blue horizons

[Copper10-8]

Very sorry to hear about being forced to make such tough decisions Travelbug! Take care and best wishes to you! Sincerely hope you will still get to meet Volendam in the near future!

[ger_77]

I'm sorry to hear of your health problems, but I'm sure you made the right decision. The thing to do now is to get your good health back so that you can plan and take that trip at some time in the not too distant future. If I were you, I would live vicariously through the travels of others. Sending you hugs from the "frozen tundra" and wishes for a return to cruising soon.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[harrodsfan]

Hope that you can schedule another cruise again soon...get better and you are in our thoughts....:)

[jasl]

So sorry Travelbug, I know the feeling....... had to cancel TWO cruises this year due to health concerns, both were super and long itineraries. As our CC friends have stated, health should be our main concern. What does help ease the "pain" is to book another cruise, I just did.

Regarding refunds from HAL, I have found them very speedy in their processing. If you have paid by credit card it should not take more than three weeks for the credit to appear on your statement. Better double-check with your T.A.

Hugs are being sent your way in hopes they will cheer you up. Take care, and best wishes for return of good health.

[Starbright]

How awful for you. We are on the Zuiderdam Panama Canal this September/October and would be devastated if we had to cancel.

 

My husband has a pre-existing condition, and as we are from the UK it is very important for us that he has insurance cover when we travel the world, particularly to the USA. Luckily we have found insurance that will cover him for any eventuality. We do have to pay more for it, but to us it is worthwhile.

 

Hope you'll soon be able to cruise again, and look out for an insurance that will cover anything!

 

Starbright

[newmexicoNita]

Travelbug,

 

Health is the most important thing, not cruising. Not that you don't need a shoulder to cry on, having any health concerns can be reason enough to want a hug, but having to cancel a vacation add insult to injury. We are doing the canal in November and would be devistated if something happened.

 

TAke care, keep us posted and there will be a next time.

 

Nita

[sail7seas]

Sorry to hear you've had to cancel your cruise and hope you will be able to book another soon. Take very good care of yourself. Wishing you a speedy, successful return to good health.

[babyher]

Very sorry to hear about you cancelling the trip. I hope the health issues are resolved very soon and you will be able to re schedule.

 

Take care of yourself and get well soon. That is the main thing :)

[sassy~one]

Great big HUGSSSS for you. YOUR health is very important, i pray for your recovery. Im sorry about your cruise, hun. Hopefully there will be many more. Sassy

[sirarthur]

My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery and a prompt return to high seas adventures.

[SDHALFAN]

I am so sorry Travelbug to hear that you had to cancel your cruise, especially since you were so excited about it.

 

I hope that your health issues are resolved ASAP and that you will be excitedly planning your next cruise very soon.

 

Use my shoulder any time you need to and I'm sending a big cyberspace hug your way.

 

Valerie:)

[Host Walt]

Must say I can empathize. In thepast I've had to cancel after a lot of preparation and associated anticipation. At that time I found it worthwhile to keep the planning alive and look to a possible future cruise with a similar itinerary on an unknown ship down the road.

 

Then as my circumstances changed, I was able to look at scheduled itineraries and finally was able to rebook.

 

That didn't ameliorate the disappointment at all but it made good use for some of the effort put into the planning and anticipation.

 

Hugs to you.

[the2ofus]

I'm adding my hugs to the ones already sent. I hope you are feeling the affection from all on this board and that it has lifted your spirits.

 

I understand your disappointment, but hope that you will continue to plan for a future cruise to be taken after your current health problem is resolved. It helps a great deal to have something to look forward to when the present is less than perfect.

 

May you be blessed with a return to good health and with the opportunity to enjoy many more cruises.

[Druke I]

I know the feeling well.

 

I have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow, and I am hoping he will clear me for our scheduled cruise this Nov., Istanbul to Singapore via the Suez, on Oceania's Nautica. My Primary Care Physician thinks I am probably OK to go.

 

Way back in '91, we had to cancel a cruise, as my wife couldn't get medical clearance to go. She got better, and we have been on 25 cruises since!

[KAKcruiser]

Holland America always says it will be a couple of billing cycles for the refund but they usually appear within a week. I guess they just like to cover themselves. I agree with Walt that you should plan a future trip and then you would have something to look forward to.

[debjo]

For Travelbug 2...

My heart goes out to you along with my prayers for recovery from your "health" situation. I don't know the circumstances, but will also pray that things turn around for you quickly so that you might be able to take advantage of rebooking this long awaited cruise at "sale" prices in the days prior to sailing. God might just have something even "better" in the works for you!

 

Debjo

[waterbug1]

Travelbug2,

You get two more shoulders,and many hugs and prayers for a speedy recovery. May there be many cruises in your future.

[jhannah]

So sorry. But do your best to maintain a positive outlook. (This will greatly help your recovery.) There WILL be another day to sail the Volendam.

[serendipity1499]

Tavelbug2 So sorry you had to cancel your trip...We also extend our best wishes to you & hope for a very speedy recovery..

 

Hugs...Betty

[Travelbug 2]

The people on this board are great with a capitol G.

 

Thank you all so much for your good wishes, encouragement and advise.

 

The cruising community is very special and so understanding. I fully expect we will be looking at booking another cruise in the very near future, in fact I am keeping my eye on the schedules and itineraries for later in the year. Just because we missed this one does not mean we can not plan another!!

 

Enjoy you travels where ever it may be.