Live from Millie 6/30-7/12- Damage

[lilreckster]

Getting your cruise fare back is nice, but what if you spent $2,500+/- on buying your own airplane tickets. I guess you get stuck.

How could they be out the airfare when the cruise will end in Venice as scheduled and disembarkation has not changed.

[C 2 C]

Getting your cruise fare back is nice, but what if you spent $2,500+/- on buying your own airplane tickets. I guess you get stuck.

 

It is best not to purchase independent air on M-Class ships. They have a record of disrupting plans that is not enviable. However most people on board got accommodations, food and service at bargain rates... and got "stuck" close to Rome, one of the most attractive destinations on this planet. I frankly wish I had the opportunity to have shared the experience.

[Fblack]

lilreckster:

 

Say you and a neighbor booked the same 14 day cruise.

 

The cruise fare only was $8,000 and the air portion $2,000. Your neighbor paid Celebrity $10,000 for the whole package. You paid Celebrity $8,000 and Delta Airlines $2,000 separately.

 

Due to mechanical problems with the ship, you miss most ports and Celebrity decides to return your payment. You get only $8,000. Your neighbor gets $10,000.

 

So if you both try to take the same cruise again next year, your friend has a full $10,000 to spend on a $10,000 cruise. But you only got $8,000 back and must pay Delta a second $2,000. So it essentially cost you an extra $2,000!!

 

So again I ask, what is Celebrity planning to due for people who booked their own airfare?

[Desertbelle]

lilreckster:

So again I ask, what is Celebrity planning to due for people who booked their own airfare?

 

How do you know that Celebrity would refund people back their airfare even if the airfare was bought through Celebrity? It's not part of the cruise price, it's added on.

 

The people on Millennium are still getting a fabulous cruise even if they are missing some ports, why should they get their airfare refunded back to them?

 

As others have mentioned, I wish I was on that ship, I wouldn't be complaining....I would be enjoying my free cruise.

[mahdnc]

Desertbelle,

 

my thoughts exactly. I am assuming that the air add on is not refunded either. If I were on board that sailing (instead of the one we took right before it), that would be fine with me. I would have to try hard not blowing the refund in the casino before the cruise was over!!!

[florisdekort]

The cruisefare will be refunded; not the airfare. It never ceases to amaze me that whatever Celebrity does (even when issuing full refunds), people find something new to complain about :eek:

[pgh]

Another email, another update from the Captain....

 

The Millie will be leaving port for Corfu sometime after midnight - departure was originally scheduled for 10pm. Corporate Officials are still on board and have been really helpful. Currently there are 2300 passengers still on board, so it is wonderful to hear that most are enjoying themselves with the great food, free shore excursions, and beautiful weather.

 

As Jerry (my friend on board) said, "There are currently 2,300 passengers on board the ship so you can imagine how much money they have lost already. If we don't leave tonight what else can they offer us? A new car? 50% discount on a future cruise?"

 

Pam

[Fblack]

When similar things have occurred, the cruise line has refunded the cruise fare including air fare. They may even give extra discounts to a future cruise. I suspect Celebrity will do the same before it's over. Yes it's "fun" to sit on a ship while it's stuck in a port. But that's not what these people paid for. Especially since the damage to the prop may be the result of negligence from a crew member.

 

_______________________

Regal Princess "touched bottom" in Acapulco

21 February, 2007

 

As a result of the canceled voyage, we will give passengers a full refund, including air fare. We will further provide passengers with a future cruise credit equal to 35% of the cruise fare paid for this voyage.

 

 

http://www.cruise-addicts.com/Cruise-News/Princess-Cruises/1106.html

 

AND

 

Cunard Ups Compensation for Angry QM2 Passengers

January 26, 2006

 

Cunard has increased the original compensation offered to guests disembarking in Rio, which was a 50 percent refund. These guests now have two options: Receive a refund of full cruise fare including air, or take 50 percent of their refund in cash, plus another 75 percent as a future cruise credit for another Queen Mary 2 departure between now and the end of December 2007.

 

 

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1497

[Host Anne]

Another reminder of why folks should consider trip interruption/cancellation insurance. And be sure you know what is covered when before you determine which insurance to purhcase.

[DaveFr]

When similar things have occurred, the cruise line has refunded the cruise fare including air fare. They may even give extra discounts to a future cruise. I suspect Celebrity will do the same before it's over. Yes it's "fun" to sit on a ship while it's stuck in a port. But that's not what these people paid for. Especially since the damage to the prop may be the result of negligence from a crew member.

 

_______________________

Regal Princess "touched bottom" in Acapulco

21 February, 2007

 

As a result of the canceled voyage, we will give passengers a full refund, including air fare. We will further provide passengers with a future cruise credit equal to 35% of the cruise fare paid for this voyage.

 

 

http://www.cruise-addicts.com/Cruise-News/Princess-Cruises/1106.html

 

AND

 

Cunard Ups Compensation for Angry QM2 Passengers

January 26, 2006

 

Cunard has increased the original compensation offered to guests disembarking in Rio, which was a 50 percent refund. These guests now have two options: Receive a refund of full cruise fare including air, or take 50 percent of their refund in cash, plus another 75 percent as a future cruise credit for another Queen Mary 2 departure between now and the end of December 2007.

 

 

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1497

I read the two articles you linked to and, IMHO, those cruise problems were not similar to the current Millennium cruise. The Princess cruise ship was damaged on February 18th and it was the following cruise, scheduled to leave on February 19th that was cancelled. So return of the airfare for the cancelled cruise was appropriate. The article about the Queen Mary 2 refund noted that airfares were refunded because the ship arrived in Rio a day later than scheduled. That fact supported the airfare refund.

 

In this case, the Millennium cruise was not cancelled, just modified. The ship will arrive in Venice on time. So while it is certainly disappointing to miss major ports, the passengers are receiving a free cruise, some free excursions and possibly some OBC. In the grand scheme of things, that's a pretty good deal for the cost of the airfare to and from Europe. :D

[cars0153]

I would think they have insurance for all of this. So what have they really lost? Gambling winnings and shore excursion profits?

Another email, another update from the Captain....

 

The Millie will be leaving port for Corfu sometime after midnight - departure was originally scheduled for 10pm. Corporate Officials are still on board and have been really helpful. Currently there are 2300 passengers still on board, so it is wonderful to hear that most are enjoying themselves with the great food, free shore excursions, and beautiful weather.

 

As Jerry (my friend on board) said, "There are currently 2,300 passengers on board the ship so you can imagine how much money they have lost already. If we don't leave tonight what else can they offer us? A new car? 50% discount on a future cruise?"

 

Pam

[hcat]

Our very first Celebrity cruise was to be on the then new ship Millenium. It got cancelled for a group booking...we got great credits & booked on Mercury instead, which turned out to be a favorite of ours! Have not yet gotten to try Mille but think if we do it will be for something closer to home.... In general we are on hold for M class until the pods are all fixed.

I am pleased that those still on board are making the best of it & being given proper attention by Corporate. I think there is a good understanding of what customer service is all about--I do not think anyone could have expected more...Also lucky the air condition is working etc... Hope the ship makes it safely to Venice so departures can go as planned!

I am also wondering how safe these tender ports are--our Sept cruise on Galaxy is set to tender from Cannes....has anyone ever heard of any rock problems there?

[JnDCruisers]

I agree with those that have said the situation is not ideal however IMHO I think Celebrity has really stepped up here to make it up to the passengers. I wouldn't think the airfare should be refunded under the circumstances. It would be different if there was an incident caused by Celebrity that forced the passengers to remain on-board entirely (i.e. no shore excursions whatsoever) but given the alternatives I think Celebrity has taken the appropriate measures to make this right for the existing passengers.

 

With 2300 folks on-board, there are bound to be passengers who have worked themselves up into such a good mad that there is nothing that could be done to right this wrong. You can't please all of the people all of the time but I think it is a sign of a good company that admits when it has not delivered what it advertised and takes the appropriate steps to make it right for the customer. It is indeed unfortunate that these passengers have had their vacations ruined. Flame me if you must, but I would also find it unfortunate if Celebrity were to get the message that there was nothing they could do to make things right so in the future, why give full refunds?? (We can't make the passengers happy, so let's keep the stockholders happy)

[sivia]

It is best not to purchase independent air on M-Class ships. They have a record of disrupting plans that is not enviable. However most people on board got accommodations, food and service at bargain rates... and got "stuck" close to Rome, one of the most attractive destinations on this planet. I frankly wish I had the opportunity to have shared the experience.

 

 

 

I'm with you Arno! Wish this "bad luck" could come my way sometime while I'm on Celebrity. Honestly, I think Celebrity is doing everything humanly possible for those onboard.

 

Now, the stuck bolt/nut....could this be one of the 2,300 passengers that won't leave? lol

[sasset]

Another email, another update from the Captain....

 

The Millie will be leaving port for Corfu sometime after midnight - departure was originally scheduled for 10pm. Corporate Officials are still on board and have been really helpful. Currently there are 2300 passengers still on board, so it is wonderful to hear that most are enjoying themselves with the great food, free shore excursions, and beautiful weather.

 

As Jerry (my friend on board) said, "There are currently 2,300 passengers on board the ship so you can imagine how much money they have lost already. If we don't leave tonight what else can they offer us? A new car? 50% discount on a future cruise?"

 

Pam

 

I thought the Millennium's capacity was 2000.

 

Regards

[Andy]

How do you know that Celebrity would refund people back their airfare even if the airfare was bought through Celebrity? It's not part of the cruise price, it's added on.

 

The people on Millennium are still getting a fabulous cruise even if they are missing some ports, why should they get their airfare refunded back to them?

 

As others have mentioned, I wish I was on that ship, I wouldn't be complaining....I would be enjoying my free cruise.

 

The cruisefare will be refunded; not the airfare. It never ceases to amaze me that whatever Celebrity does (even when issuing full refunds), people find something new to complain about :eek:

 

Hi Desertbelle & Floris !

 

Well said. I want to commend Celebrity's Management for doing what they can within a very difficult situation. I know if I were there, I would be making the best of it, and I would be enjoying my free Cruise :).

 

I agree, that its very unfortunate that some may look for additional compensation, but I feel that Celebrity has been extremely fair. We all know that you can never make everyone happy all the time, and that can be frustrating.

[Albert Ross]

lilreckster:

 

Say you and a neighbor booked the same 14 day cruise.

 

The cruise fare only was $8,000 and the air portion $2,000. Your neighbor paid Celebrity $10,000 for the whole package. You paid Celebrity $8,000 and Delta Airlines $2,000 separately.

 

Due to mechanical problems with the ship, you miss most ports and Celebrity decides to return your payment. You get only $8,000. Your neighbor gets $10,000.

 

So if you both try to take the same cruise again next year, your friend has a full $10,000 to spend on a $10,000 cruise. But you only got $8,000 back and must pay Delta a second $2,000. So it essentially cost you an extra $2,000!!

 

So again I ask, what is Celebrity planning to due for people who booked their own airfare?

 

....In the same scenario - you have just had a 2 week holiday for $2000 and you have $8000 in your back pocket for your next holiday.

I wouldn't be complaining......

[Karynanne]

I thought the Millennium's capacity was 2000.

 

Regards

 

 

There are probably more than 2 to a cabin, in some cabins.

[sasset]

Oh. I thought that that was taken into account.

 

Thanks

[stuart1895]

Anyone just about ready to leave home for the July 12th Sailing????

[cruise182]

why would they refund the air?

[bella1979]

We are 3 days from leaving...it should be an adventure! :D

[Sea&SkiCruiser]

I can see why some passengers might be a tad bit upset about missing ports. We took the same cruise on Millennium but Venice to Barcelona a couple years ago. The purpose of the cruise was to celebrate my DS and BIL’s 30th wedding anniversary. They met and married in Athens. What a disappointment it would have been had we not been able to dock in Athens. Sure, they could try to go back another time, but it wouldn’t have been the same.

 

I’m glad Celebrity is refunding at least the cruise portion. I would expect no less had it been my cruise.

[pgh]

cars0153I would think they have insurance for all of this. So what have they really lost? Gambling winnings and shore excursion profits?

 

I'm sure insurance will be involved once the cause is determined - regardless bottom line is still impacted - and internally, cruise lines determine numbers by ship.

 

I thought the Millennium's capacity was 2000.

 

Generally capacity is quoted in "Double Occupancy" terms - which does not include the availability to place 3rd and 4th passengers in staterooms. Maybe someone can confirm how Celebrity determines "capacity" in the stats of their ships.

 

To all of those leaving - Bon Voyage and Safe Travels....

[teach29]

hi,

we are flying from Boston to Venice on the 12th with 14 people to sail on the Millie. We've been reading this thread all week and calling Celebrity daily. I guess if she sails after midnight, things will at least look better in the short term.

I have no idea what the next leg of the current cruise will be like. I'm sure we will hear all about it. I think if we get out of Venice on time, we will all have a BIG drink!!