How should lines compensate Mexico travelers?

[sail7seas]

It was no fault of the cruise line. Why should they take a loss? It was no more their fault than yours.

 

It is one of those 'ship' happens things. We all suffer disappointments in life. Health and safety of crew and guests has to be first....aside from the fact Homeland Security, Department of State and WHO all said avoid all but absolutely necessary travel to Mexico.

 

Do the cruise lines have a choice? :rolleyes:

[bmazzo]

I have a bone to pick with RCCL. I'm not normally really vocal on things but, substituting Cozumel with Cococay is just shady as anything. I would like my port fees or something refunded. Instead of going to Cozumel where we can shop and go on our excursion instead we go to their second private island because we are already scheduled for Labadee...

 

So we are stuck with their lousy cookout for a second day in a row... The food always seems to be cold, I was there on Majesty and the lines were huge, can't wait to see the lines with Liberty, we're stuck with another Tender day, AND biggest of all RCCL KEEPS ALL PROFITS on their own private island...

 

I don't normally complain about anything RCCL related but, like other posters said, take us to Belize or something... Give me a break!

 

How horrible that RCCL decided to send you to another port instead of keeping you at sea another day like other itineraries or cruise lines. Damn them for making a sound decision not only to protect their customers, but their crew that have to live on their ships. What a terrible greedy company! You know, they've made those same terrible kind of decisions during and after hurricanes and other natural disasters. They should be boiled in oil!

[shamu48]

I must say I agree with the fact that Carnival is doing the best job in handling this crisis. My only hope is they step it up a little further, which would eliminate alot more angry phone calls and frustrated cruisers down the road. While I know this is not the cruise lines fault, I feel Carnival should again take the lead in customer service and try to keep this same thing from happening. This is what I think they should do: Come out with a time frame such as June 15th(just an example date) and revise the iternaries now for all cruises going to Mexican ports. People would not be panicked and calling them driving them crazy for updates. This would also allow the cruiser to research the new ports before they left on their vacation and plan the new events to do at their new ports. I feel that by doing this they would be rewarded in the long run by proving their leadership in the industry. No one knows how long this thing will last, but at the current rate of being a level 5 and cases continuing to rise, surely Carnival and others are aware that this will not be over before May 4th but that is the date that they have rerouted through. Be proactive, otherwise all the cruise lines are in for another panick stricken week full of confusion and last minute changes which will produce nothing but angry cruisers!

[CruisnGram]

I don't feel that passengers on a Caribbean cruise that simply have their ports altered to go to other ports need any compensation at all. They are still going on their cruise, to the same basic area (climate) and I don't see where this is any different then when ports are cancelled due to wind, or bad weather. If the cruiseline feels inclined to do so, a small on board credit would be a nice gesture, but not necessary in my opinion.

 

However, for those scheduled to cruise the Mexican Riviera, their entire cruise has been changed. They are now sailing to colder weather, not tropical weather. This is definitely NOT the cruise they signed up for....it's totally different. I feel that the cruiselines should offer them the opportunity to rebook at a different time with no cancellation penalty at all, even if they are past final payment date. I can't believe that anyone here, who had planned a vacation to a tropical location, spent a lot of money and made lots of plans, would be thrilled if they suddenly found out they were cruising in the opposite direction to cold weather. It was 40 degrees in Vancouver today and 82 in the Mexican Riviera...quite a difference I'd say.

 

The cruiselines are eliminating Mexican ports to preserve the health of their passengers and their crew and they are right in doing this. However, those who have paid their hard earned money to go on a warm weather vacation, should not have to cruise to somewhere completely different, unless that is their choice to do so.

 

CG

[wherenext]

I agree and glad to say we change our Mexician Riviera Cruise a while back and just finished a Western Caribbean Cruise. I would be pissed if I was still on a Mexician Riviera Cruise and unable to make changes because to me it is an entirely different cruise and cooler weather is not the reason I cruise. I cruise to get out of the cold winter weather and get warm. I know it is a risk anytime one cruises with the weather but as stated below heading the opposite direction is a big difference not only in weather but what one would see and do. Give passengers the options and you will gain them for life, take the options away you may loose them and everyone they know from cruising with you again. Understanding on everyone part is the key work with those that need to make changes.

[shamu48]

While I agree the cruise lines should not take the hit for something that is no fault of their own, someone has got to step up to the plate and avoid the cruise havoc that went on this week by setting a timeline rebooking the ports on the cruises that would be going to Mexico during that time line and allowing future passengers to not experience the same havoc that was bestowed upon this weeks cruisers. It is a win win for everyone, come on cruise lines lets take a stand and be proactive!:p

[cruizerboozer]

I, for one, am grateful that Carnival is waiting. If I decide not to go on the Northern cruise I'm out my airfare anyway, so it doesn't matter.

 

If things change and they've made other arrangements with the itinerary, then I might still be going.

[Fighting34th]

Someone earlier said: "Why should the cruise line recompense anyone for a situation they had no part in creating?" The reason is simple: They are in business. Business means risk. Consumers are entitled to get what they pay for.

 

AIG, and it looks like GM, among others are now (or soon to be) owned by the government (read that you and me and all the taxpayers). The USSR proved that socialism in the form of the state owning businesses was the wrong way to operate an economy. The right way is for firms (shareholders, etc.) to take a risk in business. If they run their firms well (which includes setting aside contingency funds for things beyond their control), they and their shareholders profit. Those that fail to run their business poorly and mistreat (thus lose) customers, must accept the consequences which may include bankruptcy -- unless you want your great, great, great grandchildren paying off the national debt with federal income taxes exceeding 50%. Think it's not possible? Wait a couple of years and you'll see who's paying for the mortgages of all those who bought homes they couldn't afford. (Read that: you and me in the form of increased taxes.)

 

In short, business means risk and that includes the risk of failing for things beyond their control and not having reserves to "make it through."

 

I for one will NEVER book another Princess cruise. They have traded a short term profit (or reduction of loss) for a very significant reduction in customer loyalty and the worth of their brand (thus business in the future).

[Ashesfamily]

What about some alternate choices for the same date? Maybe join forces with another ship and provide options. A lot of people do not want to give up the white sandy beaches for the cold rain of Seattle (like me); however, I have saved my vacation time since August for our June cruise and have to take my time then. So?....What do I do? I'd rather stay at see if we can't port where it is warm. so leave me on board with a healthy shipboard credit to use as I please.

[fridayeyes]

I'm routing for them to close my kid's school - if that happens - Sunset beach here we come!

 

Two schools in my son's district have closed. If his closes, we're going to Disneyland. :)

[m steve]

doesn't make a ship full of drunks. It just helps you forget what port you missed. (as if we can tell one Mexican port from another)

[robbielyn]

I would want another port of call. Im doing the cozumel grand cayman from tampa cruise in nov. and if this still stands or gets reactivated during the fall flu season, as H1N1 could make a comeback, then I say lets go to Jamaica or stay an extra day in grand cayman. If its going to be another day at sea, then free non-alcoholic drinks Like virgin daquiries and half price for the drinkers. And $50 shipboard credit would be nice to. robbielyn

[wadewood]

On a per passenger basis, one of cruise largest expenses is fuel. If they reroute to less distance and more "fun sea days", the cruise line saves $$$$.

 

Offering only to refund the missed port charges of around $20 per person is a ripoff.

 

I'm booked on Carnival Conquest Aug 2nd sailing out of Galveston. Cozumel was one scheduled stop. I have until May 18th before 90 day window to cancel cruise. Either they have another port booked or offer significant discount, or I'm planning on canceling.

[rene194215]

Yes its not the cruise lines fault but if I was booked but it is a HUGE precaution by not going there. They have to think obout the crew as well as the passengers. If they are cancelling ports then I think that if you do not want to spend your money on this then you should get your money back. I would not want to travel. So what I would have perfered is using what I paid as a payment for a future cruise. It stinks that this has to be done especially in this economy but whats more important?

[robbielyn]

I think it is good customer service to compensate us for a loss even if it is not their fault. It's not our fault either and we wouldn't be getting our money's worth which we are entitled to. Robbielyn

[Skywench]

Two schools in my son's district have closed. If his closes, we're going to Disneyland. :)

 

Yesterday they told people that when the schools closed that they kids should stay home. Isn't that the point? To stop the spread of the virus?

[mkdreams]

I totally agree with Paul on this. The cruise contract is there and everyone should read it before booking a cruise. The cruise line is only obligated to return port charges if a port or ports are missed. They are not obligated to provide any other monitary compensation. Especially when it is something that is out of their control. Hurricanes/weather, unsafe ports, or a Pandemic!

 

 

Just because something is in a contract does not mean its FAIR. Most contracts are full of crap that screw the customer and are not in the customers best interest. Please don't give me the line that if you don't like it don't sail, if people followed that thinking they would never be able to fly, sail, buy a home, buy a car, get insurance, etc... Its seems if you want to do anything these days you have to sign something that is not in your best interest. Again just because its in the contract does not mean its FAIR!!!!!

[phoenix_dream]

I am going to take a minute and after doing some more thinking, kind of argue against a previous post of mine.

 

I work in the insurance industry. We insure big businesses (and cruise lines are certainly big businesses). They purchase insurance called 'business interruption'. Now I obviously do not know the specific insurance coverage of the individual cruise lines, I would hazard a guess that they do carry insurance that would compensate them for revenue lost from missed ports, or customer cancellations, etc.. under certain conditions. So I wonder..........are they in fact being compensated from their insurers somehow but are not passing that compensation along to their passengers? I don't know the answer, but I wonder..........:rolleyes:

[navybankerteacher]

The question shouldn't be: "How should cruise lines compensate...?"; rather: "Why should cruise lines compensate...?".

 

The lines' information - provided to all passengers - warns of changes to itinerary due to conditions beyond the control of the line. That would clearly include epidemics. Going to alternate ports is not all that easy --often there are capacity problems - pulling a 3,500 passenger 1,000 foot long ship into a port is not the same as bringing your SUV (or hybrid) into a parking lot. Cruises to nowhere may be the only practical option.

 

Passengers should accept the fact that sometimes tough things happen --

without compensation. There is no way a line could make everyone happy: learn to live with it.

[Mary Ellen]

Again just because its in the contract does not mean its FAIR!!!!!

I'm not aware that life is "fair". Stuff happens. Should cruise lines also compensate people who get stuck in traffic and miss a sailing??? Somethings are out of their control.

[navybankerteacher]

Just because something is in a contract does not mean its FAIR. Most contracts are full of crap that screw the customer and are not in the customers best interest. Please don't give me the line that if you don't like it don't sail, if people followed that thinking they would never be able to fly, sail, buy a home, buy a car, get insurance, etc... Its seems if you want to do anything these days you have to sign something that is not in your best interest. Again just because its in the contract does not mean its FAIR!!!!!

 

The fact is that people are required to sign contracts that have provisions they do not like - because that is part of the deal. What a wonderful world it would be if everything I got involved in always worked out to be in my "best interest".

 

The Easter Bunny stopped giving me unconditional gifts years ago -- and it seems that I had to assume Santa Claus' responsibilities once I was old enough to have children of my own -- and that was many years after he dropped me from his route.

 

Yes, having to grow up can be seen as not being fair.

[raketegirl1]

My daughter and her boyfriend jumped ship today in San Francisco along with half the passengers, rather than heading back to L.A. on Saturday. All local network news stations were there to interview departing passengers. The ship did do their scheduled Cabo day on Tuesday. The CDC had recommended no non-essential travel to Mexico on Monday. There were no stops between Cabo and San Francisco. Passengers were given a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. Why would this week's passengers not be given the same options as booked passenger's for the revised schedule starting 5/3.

[G'ma]

Just because something is in a contract does not mean its FAIR. Most contracts are full of crap that screw the customer and are not in the customers best interest. Please don't give me the line that if you don't like it don't sail, if people followed that thinking they would never be able to fly, sail, buy a home, buy a car, get insurance, etc... Its seems if you want to do anything these days you have to sign something that is not in your best interest. Again just because its in the contract does not mean its FAIR!!!!!

 

Just because something is perceived to be unfair doesn't mean it's not valid. Contracts are contracts. When folks sign on the dotted line - in the case of a cruise, book and deposit - they have AGREED to the contract in place and are bound by it.

 

If, after reading the contract - and before depositing - someone finds the contract to be unfair, they have the option of not booking.....

[knight2096]

I'm not aware that life is "fair". Stuff happens. Should cruise lines also compensate people who get stuck in traffic and miss a sailing??? Somethings are out of their control.

 

What an ignorant statement, you are comparing apples to oranges.

[knight2096]

The fact is that people are required to sign contracts that have provisions they do not like - because that is part of the deal. What a wonderful world it would be if everything I got involved in always worked out to be in my "best interest".

 

The Easter Bunny stopped giving me unconditional gifts years ago -- and it seems that I had to assume Santa Claus' responsibilities once I was old enough to have children of my own -- and that was many years after he dropped me from his route.

 

Yes, having to grow up can be seen as not being fair.

 

 

Companies hire lawyers to make unreasonible contracts to make sure they can get away with doing whatever they want. In the end its the consumer that gets the shaft.