Banjo an

1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

I completely understand how you feel.

 

Now that I have all the arguments "down on paper", in my emails to Saga,  and sorted out succinctly in my mind. A formal complaint to ABTA looks quite easy, and I  will make Saga work for it for as long as I can. ABTA looks the easiest step as it can all be done online, as I will be out of country for 3 months.  

Wherever you are off to Windsurfboy,  keep safe and enjoy.

1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

Are you going to take it any further. 

 

I'm still awaiting response from Mr  Blanks,  expect excuses. I questioned the validity of the paragraph quoted by customer relations. The one saying they could change intinerary as they wish for any reason at their sole discretion , not just for extraordinary circumstances.  Any such changes would be deemed insignificant.  This carte blanche reads very much like an unfair contract.  Weather is classed as Extraordinary circumstances,  technical problems are always responsibility of carrier, not extraordinary. 

 

Hence they cannot deny liability for the extra 2 days in Lisbon and the consequential curtailment of the Carribean sector. 

 

My next step is definitely a formal complaint to  ABTA, and perhaps parallel letter to media consumer column , I don't know if you can do both in parallel. 

No I’m not bothering taking it any further. I was quite disgusted with Nigel Blanks complete refusal to accept responsibility on behalf of Saga.

It’s more than likely a boardroom decision because otherwise it would open the floodgates and with Saga’s dire financial situation they couldn’t take the risk.

I suspect they will lose a lot more customers than just us following this matter.

We have a cruise booked with a different company in May but will definitely not be using Saga again.

Thanks guys, that’s great but is that on ships out of the US or from the UK?
Don’t forget British and American tastes in humour are completely different.

No there wasn’t any compensation offered, just excuses.

On 12/22/2023 at 11:40 AM, Windsurfboy said:

 

The advice in getting is the technical issues with the engine and hence the consequences of that , cannot be fobbed off as extraordinary circumstances outside the control of Saga. 

On 12/22/2023 at 11:40 AM, Windsurfboy said:

 

The advice in getting is the technical issues with the engine and hence the consequences of that , cannot be fobbed off as extraordinary circumstances outside the control of Saga. 

After our recent Caribbean cruise where Saga cancelled four ports and then sailed back to the UK for nine days across the Atlantic without a stop, only to blame the weather or mechanical breakdowns we have decided not to travel with Saga again.

Thanks guys that’s really helpful. Where would we be without you guys from across the pond. X

I have a question for our our experienced cruiser friends from across the pond!

We are due to sail from Southampton UK on the Sky Princess in May 2024.

Can any of you give me an idea of what sort of entertainment we can expect. It’s a Mediterranean cruise.

Do Princess fly in comedians etc.

many thanks.

4 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

The guest experience Executive came back to me and said that , she couldn't reconsider her answer as the decisions had been made by their board and senior management,  and that was that basically that. Suggested I take it up with ABTA.

 

I don't know if it is worth questioning Blanks again,

 

Clearly we will get nowhere without involving 3rd party,  Just have to decide which one.

 

 

I’ve heard back from Nigel Blanks and we are just being fobbed off. 
I’m now consulting my legal team!

On 12/20/2023 at 2:44 PM, Windsurfboy said:

I have recieved my response which is very similiar to Banjo an recieved.

 

However they also said that terms and conditions allow for insignificant changes   

 

"Examples of insignificant changes include, but are not limited to, closure of ship facilities for maintenance; change from a berth to a tender port, change to advertised amenities; change to port times, change to itineraries; change to included and optional excursions and entertainment. Please note we will not pay compensation or offer alternative options if we make an insignificant change."

 

I wrote back rejecting their arguement,  on the grounds that individually you might regard these changes as insignificant,  however given the number of changes cumulatively  they become significant. It is widely recognised principle that a large number of insignificant changes adds up to a significant change in the overall delivery. 

 

I don't think we will get anywhere, once they have rejected my rejection, I will seriously consider involving the media, who have consumer protection columns.  It's either that or small claims court, but I'm more interested in being taken seriously than the money. , 

On 12/20/2023 at 2:44 PM, Windsurfboy said:

I have recieved my response which is very similiar to Banjo an recieved.

 

However they also said that terms and conditions allow for insignificant changes   

 

"Examples of insignificant changes include, but are not limited to, closure of ship facilities for maintenance; change from a berth to a tender port, change to advertised amenities; change to port times, change to itineraries; change to included and optional excursions and entertainment. Please note we will not pay compensation or offer alternative options if we make an insignificant change."

 

I wrote back rejecting their arguement,  on the grounds that individually you might regard these changes as insignificant,  however given the number of changes cumulatively  they become significant. It is widely recognised principle that a large number of insignificant changes adds up to a significant change in the overall delivery. 

 

I don't think we will get anywhere, once they have rejected my rejection, I will seriously consider involving the media, who have consumer protection columns.  It's either that or small claims court, but I'm more interested in being taken seriously than the money. , 

I have also sent a further email to Nigel Blanks saying I contest the Guest Experience Executive’s reply to which he replied with more inaccuracies which I have since challenged.

Well said Sir.

Incidentally the reply didn’t come Nigel Blanks. It was signed by Sarah Ward, Guest Experience Executive.

Have you had a reply yourself yet? 

Have just received an email in response to my letter to Nigel Blanks with regard to the cancelled ports on the recent 30 day cruise to the Caribbean.

I’m told that prior to embarkation in Portsmouth the ship was cleared by maritime authorities.

However, due to challenging weather it became necessary to put into Lisbon. While  in Lisbon Siemens engineers advised Saga that further software updates were required.

Unfortunately, this work took longer than expected and therefore changes were made to the itinerary. 
They go on to say that they are pleased that they were able to protect this section of the itinerary with very few changes having been made.

They conclude by saying that on the route back to the UK further changes were needed due to poor weather and the visit to Funchal was cancelled.

Sadly, I do not agree with much that has been said here and I think that the ship was not fit for purpose and will not be sailing with Saga again.

Have just received an email in response to my letter to Nigel Blanks with regard to the cancelled ports on the recent 30 day cruise to the Caribbean.

I’m told that prior to embarkation in Portsmouth the ship was cleared by maritime authorities.

However, due to challenging weather it became necessary to put into Lisbon. While  in Lisbon Siemens engineers advised Saga that further software updates were required.

Unfortunately, this work took longer than expected and therefore changes were made to the itinerary. 
They go on to say that they are pleased that they were able to protect this section of the itinerary with very few changes having been made.

They conclude by saying that on the route back to the UK further changes were needed due to poor weather and the visit to Funchal was cancelled.

Sadly, I do not agree with much that has been said here and I think that the ship was not fit for purpose and will not be sailing with Saga again.

9 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

Firstly  I've  looked at the P&O board and threads, general they have gone down , certainly cut out a few extras , e.g. turndowns , fruit in cabin , etc, unles you pay Saga prices and get a suite .There have been complaints that MDR food has gone down , but also many complements for some of the speciality and alternative restaurants.  However haven't seen anything reported like said about them here.

 

Sticking to Saga

 

On the otherhand I've said before on this forum, Saga food is better than Cunard Queens grill, more variety without effort of going off menu. I  only had one dissappointing meal in 30 days , 3 meals returned on last Cunard,  Sagas %  satisfaction , is better than even top 5 star hotels. Service is very good and a lovely ambience across Saga ships. No other ship has anything to match Brittania lounge. Just friendliest ship on water, staff and pasengers . Things have not deteriorated.

 

There are pros and cons of Saga all inclusive. Not big drinkers, but very particular about wine. Normally on cruise we'd have one bottle of very good wine or bubbly a day and not much else. Given that included premium  spirits far better than included wine,  tended not to drink wine with meals, but pre dinner cocktail and after dinner malt. 

 

We've had very bad experience with Saga included panoramic tours, two hours of boredom on a coach.. 

 

I don't understand worry about Saga finance,  pay by credit card.

 

My two issues about future Saga cruises, is limited intinerarys out of UK. Personally I  believe if they think two days in port with broken engine is something they csn brush under carpet,  then this does not bode well for future service

 

10 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

Firstly  I've  looked at the P&O board and threads, general they have gone down , certainly cut out a few extras , e.g. turndowns , fruit in cabin , etc, unles you pay Saga prices and get a suite .There have been complaints that MDR food has gone down , but also many complements for some of the speciality and alternative restaurants.  However haven't seen anything reported like said about them here.

 

Sticking to Saga

 

On the otherhand I've said before on this forum, Saga food is better than Cunard Queens grill, more variety without effort of going off menu. I  only had one dissappointing meal in 30 days , 3 meals returned on last Cunard,  Sagas %  satisfaction , is better than even top 5 star hotels. Service is very good and a lovely ambience across Saga ships. No other ship has anything to match Brittania lounge. Just friendliest ship on water, staff and pasengers . Things have not deteriorated.

 

There are pros and cons of Saga all inclusive. Not big drinkers, but very particular about wine. Normally on cruise we'd have one bottle of very good wine or bubbly a day and not much else. Given that included premium  spirits far better than included wine,  tended not to drink wine with meals, but pre dinner cocktail and after dinner malt. 

 

We've had very bad experience with Saga included panoramic tours, two hours of boredom on a coach.. 

 

I don't understand worry about Saga finance,  pay by credit card.

 

My two issues about future Saga cruises, is limited intinerarys out of UK. Personally I  believe if they think two days in port with broken engine is something they csn brush under carpet,  then this does not bode well for future service

 

I agree entirely. Have you or anyone else heard back from Nigel Blanks yet?

2 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

I had 30 days with only one disappointing meal, the rest  good, or very good. Although I must confess over half of these were in speciality restaurants. The drink has improved with decent malt whiskey and armangnac included, but if you want more than a drinkable everyday wine it's extra. Service round ship is good. 

 

I have one other Saga cruise booked , but am reserving judgement on booking any more until they respond to complaint about Carribean cruise.  See what the do about 2 extra days stuck in Lisbon with broken engine

My sentiments entirely. Btw. Did I meet you playing table tennis on the said cruise.

Yes I concur. The problems were not due to weather and should have been sorted before the ship sailed.

That maybe, but that doesn’t explain why after three days in Lisbon possibly making repairs, it was still deemed necessary to shorten the cruise and eventually “limp” back to Portsmouth and then sail a day late on the next cruise!

Yes, I agree. Not being told the truth is annoying. Missing ports due to bad weather is one thing. However, missing ports because the ship is not fit for purpose is another.

You’re right. Weather looks nasty out there. Cynical I may be, but missing four ports, being stuck in Lisbon for three days and losing a day at the end is not what we booked or paid for.

Spirit of Discovery has just sailed from Portsmouth. A day late so which port will they miss out on this cruise.

Yes, that is what we were told,  SOA didn’t have any problems going the other way in the Bay though

I notice on cruise mapper that Iona is sailing through 5 metre seas around Brest towards the channel. Could this be a reason why Saga have delayed the sailing of SOD. 

I think there will be some upset passengers on board

The spirit of Discovery was due to leave Portsmouth at 4.30pm today. It is now after 7pm and she is still at her berth yet Condor ferries are plying backwards and forwards across the channel to the Channel Islands. 

Was it really the weather that necessitated the 3 day stop in Lisbon?

Passengers we have spoken to are not happy that we will have spent 9 days at sea, without calling in at Madeira, not visited the Azores, Trinidad and St. Bart and spent 3 days in Lisbon fixing an engine problem which should have been fixed before leaving Portsmouth.