Goodbye Celebrity

[dkjretired]

Can't comment specifically, but doubt it .... our lives in travel and entertainment, are not so severely restrictive .....so where would this information come from ....with examples supporting it ?

I am still of the opinion that this is Celebrity's own policy and until I hear from them denying it ... I won't change my opinion , sorry.

 

By the way Scotland is smoke free..it tells you everywhere when you arrive ......I look forward to our beautiful little world here having many more visitors now you all know that!

 

I have asked a number of times the same question and no one seems to answer as to whose policy this is. Is it a government mandate, travel agents policies, or the cruise lines. If it is Celebrity's apparently it is not only them but all the cruise lines who do it.

[FinelyCruising]

Just curious : Is this something you read' date=' heard, or witnessed yourself during one or more cruises ?[/quote']

 

I will be in Rome for the first time and have learned that gnerally there is no tipping as we know it here in the US. There is a rounding up policy, although I have been informed that drivers know how much we in the US like to tip, so they do happily anticipate our generousity, although it is not necessary. It is my understanding the self-pride in the effort is the actual reward. :)

[lucky white heather]

I have asked a number of times the same question and no one seems to answer as to whose policy this is. Is it a government mandate, travel agents policies, or the cruise lines. If it is Celebrity's apparently it is not only them but all the cruise lines who do it.

 

OK Don, I will try to answer your question from the experience I have....we have never had to cancel whether through illness or just did not want to go any more.

I took the trouble to read the cancelling conditions as printed in X brochure.You have to write them or get your TA to write them.

"generally you will have to pay the charges set out below"

Certain airlines impose cancellation charges of 100% if you cancel after a booking has been made...{I know this is true as we cancelled ( with X agreement) to change our BA flights via T5 ( because of the hassle they have had there which could have meant we missed the ship) for our cruise leaving next week to a more direct flight to Southampton not going through LHR at all and we had to pay the BA cancellation charges and pay for the alternative method of getting to the ship as well!}

 

If this applies to your booking the total cost of your cancellation charges may be higher than stated in the chart below.Please ask at the time of booking for further details.Amendments cannot be refunded in event of cancellation.

Various penalties you pay follow in a chart layout giving percentage of loss ranging through 100 %....... to 29/ 56 days..... 45% and finally 57 days or more...deposit only

 

They suggest you may be able to claim your cancellation fees through your insurance but you must write directly to your insurer.

 

We cannot make a booking over here unless you have travel insurance either through X or supply your own alternative details.Many ..if not all.... holiday companies over here insist you have travel insurance and will not book you without it.

 

Hope this clarifies your query.

[Jade13]

I am still of the opinion that this is Celebrity's own policy and until I hear from them denying it ... I won't change my opinion , sorry.

 

quote]

 

Why don't you inquire to an online booking agency in the US just to find out if this true or not? I am pretty sure others from Europe have used TA's in the US, and besides maybe a small cancelation fee from the agency ($25.00-$75.0pp which they waive if you cancel and book somethng else with them) their deposits are refundable prior to final payment.

[lucky white heather]

I am still of the opinion that this is Celebrity's own policy and until I hear from them denying it ... I won't change my opinion , sorry.

 

quote]

 

Why don't you inquire to an online booking agency in the US just to find out if this true or not? I am pretty sure others from Europe have used TA's in the US, and besides maybe a small cancelation fee from the agency ($25.00-$75.0pp which they waive if you cancel and book somethng else with them) their deposits are refundable prior to final payment.

 

I actually have friends in Florida who have recommended their excellent TA to me and have no doubts it would be a good move for us to book with that US agent..but it wrankles with me that I have to go to that length to avoid such a restrictive policy here in order to buy the same item from the same company as you do but with different policy binding us...sorry ....but that is the nub of the whole thing for me..why should we have to do it?

[blong2200]

It is totally different from the fuel surcharge which has been discussed in previous posts. No comparison...Once again, the fuel surcharge involved money and also involved a previously agreed to court order on surcharges

 

My cruise and what I have paid involves money also. Celebrity secretly added the fuel charge to passengers account before they were allowed to, which was very unhanded......other lines followed. The AG in Miami stepped in only after receiving numerous complaints from passengers and then RCI agreed to refund the monies. Carnival is still fighting the charges.

 

Yes, all of this involves money. I paid a deposit for something that I will not get and Celebrity still has not notified me. Yes, I have contacted the AG in Miami again.

[richkinkade]

Yes, all of this involves money. I paid a deposit for something that I will not get and Celebrity still has not notified me. Yes, I have contacted the AG in Miami again.

 

In any event you have actual notice of the changes and are able to get a complete refund. Why are you so hot and bothered about a nonrefund policy that doesn't apply to you or any other US pasengers? I very much doubt the Miami AG cares about policies that don't affect Florida residents.

[Gerrym]

Please don't take offense at this comment but I have heard that the UK passengers pay more for the same cruises. I wonder if this is because of the tipping policy. Some Europeans don't feel the need to tip and think that the cruise line should pay the crew.

 

For this reason, I wonder if they make it more difficult for UK passengers.

 

 

I cannot speak for UK passengers but I am a UK passenger and think I have a fairly avergae view on the subject. It is true that it is not as natural to tip in the UK as it is in the USA. That does not mean we do not tip though.

When I cruise with Celebrity (and other lines) I do not pay the gratuities up front or give what the cruise line recommends. My simple reasoning for this is that if you offer me an exceptional service and offer me an experience I should not normally expect than I will show my gratitude by paying you extra. If you provide me with a sub standard service then you get for me what you deserve, nothing.

I am sure we have all experienced good and bad service, where I may differ from my American cousins is that I do not tip up front and therefore do not tip bad service. I have no problem whatsoever in giving zero to someone who does not care about the service they deliver. If there liveliehood relies on tips, then they should earn them and not receive them automatically.

 

 

Obviously all of that is just my view.

 

 

Gery

[dkjretired]

My cruise and what I have paid involves money also. Celebrity secretly added the fuel charge to passengers account before they were allowed to, which was very unhanded......other lines followed. The AG in Miami stepped in only after receiving numerous complaints from passengers and then RCI agreed to refund the monies. Carnival is still fighting the charges.

 

Yes, all of this involves money. I paid a deposit for something that I will not get and Celebrity still has not notified me. Yes, I have contacted the AG in Miami again.

 

Again, this involves a previously court order from many years ago that was interpreted by the AG and apparently the cruise lines as binding.You are apparently totally ignoring that in your anger and that is what is controlling.

 

Your deposit can easily be returned, the people who were charged the surcharge did not have that option.

[Drew B]

Again, this involves a previously court order from many years ago that was interpreted by the AG and apparently the cruise lines as binding.You are apparently totally ignoring that in your anger and that is what is controlling.

 

Your deposit can easily be returned, the people who were charged the surcharge did not have that option.

 

Are you sure? I know that they initially waived it for those who had already paid in full. Doesn't the fact that EVERYBODY had not paid in full imply that they were still in the cancellation period, right?

[JCDeck]

My cruise and what I have paid involves money also. Celebrity secretly added the fuel charge to passengers account before they were allowed to, which was very unhanded......other lines followed. The AG in Miami stepped in only after receiving numerous complaints from passengers and then RCI agreed to refund the monies. Carnival is still fighting the charges.

 

Yes, all of this involves money. I paid a deposit for something that I will not get and Celebrity still has not notified me. Yes, I have contacted the AG in Miami again.

 

Why do you insist you cannot get your deposit back? I have received a refund on every cruise deposit I have asked for it as long as it was within 90days before sailing. It just took a phone call. Why can't you get a deposit refund?

[blong2200]

In any event you have actual notice of the changes and are able to get a complete refund. Why are you so hot and bothered about a nonrefund policy that doesn't apply to you or any other US pasengers? I very much doubt the Miami AG cares about policies that don't affect Florida residents.

 

No, I have no actual notice from Celebrity of anything that has to do with the reservation that I made in Jan. 2008 for a cruise in March 2009 or my options. The Miami is the registered home base of RCI, hence the AG involvement. So why are you so hot and bothered that about my opinion?

[Karynanne]

My cruise and what I have paid involves money also. Celebrity secretly added the fuel charge to passengers account before they were allowed to, which was very unhanded......other lines followed. The AG in Miami stepped in only after receiving numerous complaints from passengers and then RCI agreed to refund the monies. Carnival is still fighting the charges.

 

Yes, all of this involves money. I paid a deposit for something that I will not get and Celebrity still has not notified me. Yes, I have contacted the AG in Miami again.

 

I'm not sure I'm following you...do you feel you're "not getting" the actual cruise you originally booked? Or is it the new policy that you're objecting to?

[rebeccalouise]

Just cancel if you don't like the cruise. They aren't going to make an exception and allow you to smoke in your stateroom. So switch to a line that you will be happier with.

 

As for Royal Caribbean- if you like a casual cruise with none of the pampering on Celebrity- go for it.

 

I really think you would be making a mistake to switch though and it really isn't the end of the world. My sister and I went on Oceania and they only had smoking in a couple places. It was fine for us and we met some nice people in the smoking area. People that we wouldn't have met if they were puffing in their stateroom.

 

Relax, take the cruise and stop fretting. It is just a sign on the times.

[JCDeck]

I don't think they have done anything wrong to involve the AG. If they have to personally contact you at all,I doubt it would be this soon.

[Captain Jake]

People are forgetting that Celebrity did nothing wrong.They did not violate any part of the contract.People simple have put a deposit down.They have not paid for anything yet.Celebrity always said their ships are generally non-smoking with designated areas.They still are.Yes they changed those.designated areas. They are allowed to change those.It is not against the law to change those.I cannot imagine The AG getting involved in a change that favors non-smokers.That would subject them to ridicule from news outlets across the country if not from around the world.it amazes me how much control a little cigarette has over some lives

[JCDeck]

People are forgetting that Celebrity did nothing wrong.They did not violate any part of the contract.People simple have put a deposit down.They have not paid for anything yet.Celebrity always said their ships are generally non-smoking with designated areas.They still are.Yes they changed those.designated areas. They are allowed to change those.It is not against the law to change those.I cannot imagine The AG getting involved in a change that favors non-smokers.That would subject them to ridicule from news outlets across the country if not from around the world.it amazes me how much control a little cigarette has over some lives

 

And the AG in the State of Florida has enough to be ridiculed about.:D

[dkjretired]

Are you sure? I know that they initially waived it for those who had already paid in full. Doesn't the fact that EVERYBODY had not paid in full imply that they were still in the cancellation period, right?

 

Those in the cancellation period had that option of course but that is not the point I was trying to make...

[dkjretired]

OK Don, I will try to answer your question from the experience I have....we have never had to cancel whether through illness or just did not want to go any more.

I took the trouble to read the cancelling conditions as printed in X brochure.You have to write them or get your TA to write them.

"generally you will have to pay the charges set out below"

Certain airlines impose cancellation charges of 100% if you cancel after a booking has been made...{I know this is true as we cancelled ( with X agreement) to change our BA flights via T5 ( because of the hassle they have had there which could have meant we missed the ship) for our cruise leaving next week to a more direct flight to Southampton not going through LHR at all and we had to pay the BA cancellation charges and pay for the alternative method of getting to the ship as well!}

 

If this applies to your booking the total cost of your cancellation charges may be higher than stated in the chart below.Please ask at the time of booking for further details.Amendments cannot be refunded in event of cancellation.

Various penalties you pay follow in a chart layout giving percentage of loss ranging through 100 %....... to 29/ 56 days..... 45% and finally 57 days or more...deposit only

 

They suggest you may be able to claim your cancellation fees through your insurance but you must write directly to your insurer.

 

We cannot make a booking over here unless you have travel insurance either through X or supply your own alternative details.Many ..if not all.... holiday companies over here insist you have travel insurance and will not book you without it.

 

Hope this clarifies your query.

 

LWH

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.....

[blong2200]

Why do you insist you cannot get your deposit back? I have received a refund on every cruise deposit I have asked for it as long as it was within 90days before sailing. It just took a phone call. Why can't you get a deposit refund?

 

Please explain to me where you get that I have said anything about not getting back a deposit at anytime. I have not asked for one, but if I did I would expect to receive it asap.

 

Down here in the South, we were raised to know the difference between right and wrong, and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.

 

Celebrity is wrong when they:

 

1.Change the terms of a contract and do not notify passengers of the change

2.When they do not refund all monies paid by anyone especially those in the UK, including airfare and hotel stays when they have changed the terms of the contact

 

Celebrity should stand up and take responsbility for their actions.

 

1. Notify, notify, notify everyone that has cruise booked after Oct. 1, 2008

2. Don't hide behind polls. State the reason for the smoking change, if it was the poll, good, if it was for insurance, fine also.

 

Please do not quote me, if you do not know what I have said.

 

Thanks,

[blong2200]

I'm not sure I'm following you...do you feel you're "not getting" the actual cruise you originally booked? Or is it the new policy that you're objecting to?

 

No, I am not getting the cruise I booked. When I booked in Jan. 2008, Celebrity allowed smoking in staterooms and balcony...so yes, they have changed the "contract" I had with them, without notifying me. According to the law of our land, one person cannot change a contract without notification to the other. Sorry, but that is true. When I am notified and I continue my booking, then we have both agreed to the change!

 

I do not have a problem with the new policy concerning smoking in stateroom, however, I do with smoking on the balcony. The balcony is an outside space, just as is the pool deck. If someone smoking next to you on a balcony bothers you, or others, I can't imagine you spending time at the pool, isn't it an outdoor space. I certainly don't think that smokers spend an enormous amount of time on their balconies, and I don't think that non smokers do either. If you have someone who smokes on a balcony next to you, I am sure that something could be worked out. Most of the smokers that I know are very nice and considerate people and do not want to bother others with their smoking. Have you addressed your concerns to the person next to you on the balcony?

 

I also don't understand why you non smokers haven't raised cane about the smoking in the casino. That is one of the worse places for second hand smoke. So if you can go in the casino with smokers, you need to make me understand, why someone smoking on an open air balcony is a problem.

 

I also believe that if smoking was allowed on balconies, even on one side of the ship, Celebrity would gain revenue from those that smoke and have booked inside or outside cabins and want to change to a balcony. Even us redneck in the South know about supply and demand.

[blong2200]

People are forgetting that Celebrity did nothing wrong.They did not violate any part of the contract.People simple have put a deposit down.They have not paid for anything yet.Celebrity always said their ships are generally non-smoking with designated areas.They still are.Yes they changed those.designated areas. They are allowed to change those.It is not against the law to change those.I cannot imagine The AG getting involved in a change that favors non-smokers.That would subject them to ridicule from news outlets across the country if not from around the world.it amazes me how much control a little cigarette has over some lives

 

Captain Jake: Have you even bought a home? Did you make a contract to purchase and put down earnest money? Did both persons agree to the contract? At this point you have 'not paid for anything yet' ( your words). So if one of the person who made the contract desires to change the terms of the contact do they have to notify the other, before closing and money has changed hands? Am I correct? Yes, to all the answers, so regardless of your thoughts, yes, Celebrity has changed the terms of mine and many others contracts. No, I do not think that the AG can or will do anything about the change in policy, however, they should know that RCI is up to their old tricks again. They changed the terms of the contracts they had with passengers who HAD paid by adding the fuel supplement without notification, not only is that sneaky, but a dishonest business practice.

 

If you think any of this okay, so be it. You are just as entitled to your opinion as I am.

[Karynanne]

No, I am not getting the cruise I booked. When I booked in Jan. 2008, Celebrity allowed smoking in staterooms and balcony...so yes, they have changed the "contract" I had with them, without notifying me. According to the law of our land, one person cannot change a contract without notification to the other. Sorry, but that is true. When I am notified and I continue my booking, then we have both agreed to the change!

 

I do not have a problem with the new policy concerning smoking in stateroom, however, I do with smoking on the balcony. The balcony is an outside space, just as is the pool deck. If someone smoking next to you on a balcony bothers you, or others, I can't imagine you spending time at the pool, isn't it an outdoor space. I certainly don't think that smokers spend an enormous amount of time on their balconies, and I don't think that non smokers do either. If you have someone who smokes on a balcony next to you, I am sure that something could be worked out. Most of the smokers that I know are very nice and considerate people and do not want to bother others with their smoking. Have you addressed your concerns to the person next to you on the balcony?

 

I also don't understand why you non smokers haven't raised cane about the smoking in the casino. That is one of the worse places for second hand smoke. So if you can go in the casino with smokers, you need to make me understand, why someone smoking on an open air balcony is a problem.

 

I also believe that if smoking was allowed on balconies, even on one side of the ship, Celebrity would gain revenue from those that smoke and have booked inside or outside cabins and want to change to a balcony. Even us redneck in the South know about supply and demand.

 

I see your point, but I don't necessarily agree with you.

 

You contracted for passage on a ship with a specific itinerary. The itinerary probably hasn't changed (even though it could), and your cabin space reserved, probably hasn't changed either.

 

I am a non-smoker, and many times I've been sitting on my balcony, enjoying either some wine or some coffee...and someone in the next balcony has been smoking. It does blow over to adjacent balconies. When you've invisioned yourself sitting outside, and breathing in the clean sea air...and the aroma of cigarettes or cigars permeates your outside space, then it becomes an issue of, "this is not what I'VE contracted for". So see....it works both ways.

 

Apparently Celebrity has surveyed their passengers, and realized that this has become quite an issue. Thus the change in policy.

 

I can understand your frustration that you felt that Celebrity should notify each and every passenger regarding the new policy, but alas, that has not happened. I would hope they would see the errors of their ways and rectify this in the future.

[gillianrose]

No one seems to be considering the possibilty that there are other factors at work here: when I was told off the record in December by someone at HQ who obviously knew what they were talking about, the real reason that this change was made was because of Insurance Risks as perceived by the Insurance Underwriters after the Princess fire.

 

While I am personally happy with the change, I'm pretty certain that it wasn't made because I might have complained about the overwhelming presence of Tobacco Odor on my balcony.

 

I suspect that the Underwriters may have more clout than we do........

 

And even more interesting is that the cruise line where the balcony fire took place is NOT THE ONE RESTRICTING SMOKING. I'm shouting because we are Platinum with Princess yet we are boycotting them for their extreme stupidity at not using that incident as an opportunity to ban smoking on balconies and severely restrict smoking elsewhere on the ship.

 

Our boycott of Princess has been five years so far, and it will continue so long as their ships remain smoky.

 

HELLO, Celebrity. :)

 

(Princess has actually gotten smokier over the years. I haven't figured out why that is....)

[dkjretired]

Captain Jake: Have you even bought a home? Did you make a contract to purchase and put down earnest money? Did both persons agree to the contract? At this point you have 'not paid for anything yet' ( your words). So if one of the person who made the contract desires to change the terms of the contact do they have to notify the other, before closing and money has changed hands? Am I correct? Yes, to all the answers, so regardless of your thoughts, yes, Celebrity has changed the terms of mine and many others contracts. No, I do not think that the AG can or will do anything about the change in policy, however, they should know that RCI is up to their old tricks again. They changed the terms of the contracts they had with passengers who HAD paid by adding the fuel supplement without notification, not only is that sneaky, but a dishonest business practice.

 

If you think any of this okay, so be it. You are just as entitled to your opinion as I am.

 

Your argument has one major flaw which has previously been pointed out but you choose to ignore. There is a clause in the contract which you agreed to which states that the cruise line has the right to make changes so therefore they are not in violation. In a certain way you may be.

 

You also keep bringing up the fuel supplement which has no bearing on this issue. As you have been told a number of times the AG's office in Florida got involved because there was a previously agreed to court agreement. They are apples and oranges...

 

I realize you are angry over this change and you are certainly entitled to your opinion but you keep rehashing the same arguments which numerous posters have provided facts to disprove.

 

And all this is coming from a person who stuck up for smokers rights on this boards for several years....