Jossie1960

Wow, free YC experience not even an upgrade.  You must be very pleased, can you share the reason ?

1 hour ago, niko40 said:

I have just posted what they are offering look above

MSC has not been FORCED to cancel, YET. Then the ball is on the other foot. 

MSC are managed by incompetent clowns and will never cruise with them again. 

1 hour ago, little britain said:

A lot of Europeans still smoke. It’s a fact.
No smoking allowed indoors on YC on MSC.

..........but they make up for it elsewhere, MSC ships stink of stale tobacco.  

2 hours ago, jkgourmet said:

I think my earlier posts explained how and why we handled it.

Yes, I read it ........😉

27 minutes ago, mrsgoggins said:

I’ve read of quite a few who report doing this to their benefit, so I wouldn’t know definitely whether ‘seldom’ applies.  However, I’m sure a P&O forum is not the place to debate the detail of Celebrity bookings, so I’ll once again celebrate that when I book with them, I don’t have to concern myself with all of this!

I never mentioned CELEBRITY, it applies to everyone except Carnival Corp Cruiselines.

1 hour ago, mrsgoggins said:

except now some of them are booking fully refundable and then changing close to final payment to NRD for the extra savings - giving them the flexibility they have always enjoyed AND the savings!  Lucky them ...... unless this loophole is plugged.

 

Making a US refundable booking then cancelling - yes you get your deposit back (dependant on the US agent - some have fees) but YOU rebook at the prevailing rate.  So you will seldom win, its not a loophole...

8 hours ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

They would be happy to serve you a surf and turf: lobster and Venison; but you could also have lobster with the rack of lamb.

 

That is exactly the kind of advice that "killed the golden goose".    

13 hours ago, mrsgoggins said:

 

......I think the difference was just Custom and Practice rather than consumer laws, and now the (US) cruise companies are trying to wean North American consumers (Canadians too) off the fully refundable deposit model.

 

More than just "wean" the refundable deposit cruises are comparible in price to the UK, but their non-refundable option are discounted by over $1000 on many cruises, significantly cheaper than the UK.  

1 hour ago, hopeless holiday booker said:

I've asked on board in the past and if you booked in the UK the booking goes to either to Celebrity UK or your UK TA.  

Definitely incorrect, I have assigned an onboard booking to a US TA when on a cruise booked thru’ a U.K. TA.

 Sorry Anthony.......... forgot to add taxes of $382
so total would be $1881  =  £1437

Hi Anthony.........Sorry been so long getting back to you, internet problems......!
I have done a check with our US TA -  27th.June 7nts. Seaside out of Miami - Interior Bella Grade 11 cabin/ 2people /  with All in Plus Drinks pkg. + WiFi + $125 obc is $1578 without MSC 5% Voyager discount ($78) 

So total would be $1500 (£1145 for 2 people)
You obviously need to add flight costs and probably an overnight stay in Miami.

Trust that helps.

7 minutes ago, amurray88 said:

Great thank you! It's just so big a price difference (£1386 v £1769) albeit that the US don't include gratuities which is around £130.... still a huge difference! 

Are you being offered obc as a perk with the TA ?   

What date cruise/cabin are you booking?

20 hours ago, amurray88 said:

 

Does anyone have experience of this? Will I pay for the package and then get a nasty surprise when I turn up at the boat and don't get it?

 

We have booked many cruises via the US without any problem whatsoever.  The only problem you get is with Carnival Corp. cruise lines, the likes of HAL, Princess, Cunard require you to have a US residency whilst RCL, Celebrity and MSC it's not a requirement. We have never had any hassle and have been booking via the US for the last 10 years or more.  

It has not always been the case that the US was cheaper, from 2016 until 9 months ago the UK was definitely cheaper although refundable deposits is a great attraction and well as the many perks on offer from US agencies.

No

1 hour ago, Globehoppers said:

...... Problem for Celebrity is that with "gratuities" approaching $20pp/day that added cost in becoming noticeable.  And by claiming "gratuities" are still voluntary and once onboard you can "delete" gratuities (has anyone tried that?), they maintain that myth.

Of course you can cancel them, join the queue at Guest Relations.  They don't even ask why with no form or signature required.  Over $800 for a 2 week cruise for our family of 4 is quite ridiculous.

8 minutes ago, emmas gran said:

...........instead of making defamatory comments 

Just common sense not defammmmmatory ..love 😂     Sorry obviously landed on a clique........bye bye

12 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

Nobody on that ship looked for compensation 

That’s exactly what it sounds like  !    
Don’t you believe that the MSC made an exceptional offer of goodwill, given that you only missed one port of call.   
So the Captain made an error in his letter, accept it and move on......, maybe next time MSC will be wise and refer to their T&C and offer nothing.

MSC made an error in that there were a few passengers doing a longer cruise combined with the vast majority doing the 9night cruise. Giving everyone $100 obc and 20% off their cruise fare as a future cruise benefit was an exceptional gesture of goodwill.  But those doing the extended cruise should not test their goodwill beyond reason, 20% of the 9 day portion is a good deal by anyone’s standard.  

Yes a 23 night cruise would be more expensive than a 13 night cruise and a B2B is usually discounted and is seldom equal to the sum of its parts.  What's that got to do with missing a SINGLE port, check their T&C they could give NOTHING.  Regardless of the length of the cruise everyone should be treated the same. 

On 12/25/2019 at 10:15 PM, Beamafar said:

 

Seems that the letter we received from the Captain onboard stating that we'd receive 20% of the cruise fare isn't worth the paper it's printed on!  Customer service is insisting our cruise was a B2B because we returned to New York before heading to Miami.  Yet Voyagers' Club is only treating it as ONE cruise for the purpose of cruise points.  So MSC is having its cake and eating it in our case.

I believe MSC has been more than fair and treated everyone who missed the port the same. Why should you get 20% of a 23 day cruise and everybody else get 20% of a 9 day cruise.  Not often would I side with the cruise line but in this case  I think they are being more than fair to all.

On 12/25/2019 at 8:12 AM, emmas gran said:

I know its Christmas but thought UK cruisers may be interested in this..

 

Tried to book a cruise with our TA using the 20% voucher and MSC said as the TA had a special rate they would have to reduce our voucher value!! It would cost us £400,  didn't post this before as it has taken me 2 days to think it over and decide to post.

That will always be the case with all cruise lines. Voucher are deducted from the base fare before any discounts are applied.

The last review/comment you posted of your cruise was very similar, why continue to cruise Celebrity? 

I have witnessed quite a few people in the Yacht Club approach the Concierge Desk and get the DSC removed without any hassle.

1 hour ago, dns20 said:

..............("to spend as you wish during the cruise")

Your answer is in the words "to spend" - hence non-refundable.