MightyQuinn

Good news for those holding a reservation for Quest Antarctica this season!  While those sailings will not proceed this year, Seabourn announced today:

Seabourn Quest will operate the line’s 2021-2022 award-winning Antarctica experience.

19 minutes ago, SLSD said:

Seabourn

Just read this on a facebook site: 

Thanks for the heads-up SLSD.  For those of us not on Facebook, here is the official announcement on the Seabourn website:

https://www.seabourn.com/en_US/news/pause-global-cruise-operations.html

3 hours ago, notamermaid said:

Genting Hong Kong is in financial difficulties. I wonder if they will make any changes to the Crystal river cruise company structure. They say Crystal is okay. I am a bit worried about MV Meyer Werften which Genting owns. But there appears to be a deal envisaged by Genting with the German state of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania in which the shipyard is located (headquarters at the town of Wismar). This is the article: https://www.cruisetricks.de/genting-kong-kong-in-ernsten-finanziellen-schwierigkeiten/

 

German article on potential plans: https://www.nordkurier.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/trennt-sich-der-mutterkonzern-genting-vom-schiffbau-2940515908.html

 

MV Werften also built the river cruise ships for Crystal.

notamermaid, thanks for posting those articles which I was able to read with the help of google translate. 

There has been much discussion on the Crystal CC forum about Genting Hong Kong and the fate of Crystal Cruises.  I knew there was a short-term financial rescue package with regards to MV Werften shipyard.  But I didn't know that talks are underway to investigate how GHK could exit the shipbuilding business entirely.  If GHK sells, it looks like MV Werften could revert to state ownership, with guarantees to accept the cruise ships currently under construction, including Crystal ocean and expedition vessels.  Please post any further updates.  Many thanks!

 

11 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Saint John, NB.  And the name is ALWAYS spelled out to avoid confusion with St. Johns,   Newfoundland.  People who have been careless about the difference have ended up at the wrong airport.

For sure.  Many years ago, I was on a flight to St John's NL with a couple who thought they were heading to Saint John NB.  As we prepared for departure, the Captain made the usual announcement of "welcome to flight XYZ en route to Sin Jawns Newfoundland".  At that point, the doors were closed and the plane had started to push back.  The couple were in disbelief.  They jumped out of their seats and got the attention of a flight attendant.  After much commotion, the aircraft returned to the gate and they deplaned.  If they hadn't been paying attention to the pre-flight announcement and been able to get off the plane before it was in the air, no doubt they would have landed at the wrong airport.  
 

Pretty sure it's Cobh (Cork) Ireland.  The statue to Sonia O' Sullivan and St Colman's Cathedral are give-aways. 

10 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Fredericton and Halifax are close.

I'm pretty sure it's not in PEI or NL.  How about Saint John NB? 

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Today's sunrise will double as a where am I.  I have been there on HAL and Crystal has been there but not me aboard. 

I'm thinking somewhere in the Atlantic Provinces.  Fredericton?  Halifax?

13 hours ago, cruiseej said:

Thanks for the reports. One comment about the Venture… It's hard to fathom that the president of the cruise line says he doesn't know about the progress of his company's latest ship under construction. I imagine they get weekly reports from the shipyard. Things could be behind and still catch up, or be on schedule and still fall behind, but he should certainly know where things stand as of today. Saying he doesn't seems ingenuous. The skeptic in me thinks he just doesn't want people to cancel their cruises that are 12-18 months away, so he's feigning lack of knowledge to keep bookings and money.

As I posted above, Leibowitz acknowledged he doesn't know when Venture will launch but he's committed to sharing info as it becomes available.  That was my quick summary of the FB discussion. 

But to clarify, Leibowitz said he hasn't gotten the final delivery report on Venture from the shipyard.  He did say, however, that he is getting daily and weekly updates on its progress.  He also mentioned that it's reasonable to expect some delay and he'll share an update as soon as he has clarity on the final launch date.

I'm not on Facebook but I was still able to watch the session with Josh Leibowitz.  I found his presentation sincere and believable. 

He clearly stated that, contrary to rumour, Seabourn are not selling ships but they are "cocooning" and preparing to sail when the time is right.  He said they had a long runway and could go well into 2021 even without revenue.  He also addressed refunds and noted that nearly all the internal work to get their refund process up to speed is done and they are now almost completely caught up.  He urged anyone who still has refunds outstanding to reach out directly.  Apparently they were going to post additional contact info on FB.

There was also discussion on Venture and Leibowitz acknowledged he doesn't know when the ship will launch but he's committed to sharing info as it becomes available.  He also talked about cancelling the upcoming World Cruise.  He said there were enough signals that offering it in Jan 2021 was sufficiently in doubt, so execs made the bold decision to operate with the best info at hand. 

Overall, I thought it was 30 minutes well spent.

1 hour ago, B-HQC said:

Has anyone stayed in or have images of Suites 924 or 1024 on Odyssey, Sojourn, or Quest? The floorplan indicates that these suites are slightly smaller - is this noticeable? How are the views from the verandah?

We were assigned #924 from an OB GTY on Odyssey for b2b sailings in 2016.  The location was superb ... just steps from the Sky Bar, a quick flight up to the Observation Bar and an easy pop outside to enjoy any activities on the pool deck below.  The suite is 14 sq ft smaller than other V suites (286 sq ft vs 300 sq ft) but we only noticed the difference in the walk-in closet, which did seem smaller than usual.  Otherwise, it was on par with other V suites.  There is a connecting door to #922 and we didn't encounter any noise issues from the neighbours but it's the luck of the draw as to who will be next door. 

The veranda is standard size but there is a solid bulkhead on the left from which hangs some cleaning apparatus.  It doesn't impede views straight out & down but is noticeable when you're standing at the railing.
 

15 hours ago, adoctor said:

I know we are in tough times but it is unacceptable that I have had no notification from Seabourn regarding this incident. For Carnival to make an announcement without naming the Brand only leads to further speculation.

I'm not on Facebook ... but maybe that would be a good question for the new Seabourn President during his live session tomorrow.
 

7 hours ago, Fletcher said:

 

I am.  I love reading novels.

Me too.  I also love a good mystery!  From a banner on the Seabourn home page ... our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described here.

24 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

i guess this river cruise finally got canceled, right?  i self canceled in may so never received an email from crystal about it.

Yes David.  Crystal cancelled all river cruises through Dec 2020. 

It's important to look not only at the final payment date but also at the cancellation fee schedule.  With Seabourn you usually go into penalty BEFORE final payment is due.

As an example, we were booked on the Feb 24/21 sailing to Antarctica & South Georgia which we decided to cancel for all the reasons cited by cruiseej.  Our final payment was due Oct 27/20 but there would be a 12% gross fare penalty if we cancelled after Sept 27/20.  That means we would have been hit with substantial penalties a full month before final payment was due.  YMMV so best to check the penalty schedule applicable to your sailing.
 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Today I am doing different "where am I" posts on the Crystal and HAL forums; I don't think the other cruise line has visited these places.  I will post 2 photos here of the same port:

 

 

and

 

 

Roy

 

Pond Inlet, Nunavut?

12 minutes ago, Roz said:

That's all well and good, but for US passengers, we can't even get there to board the ship. ☹️

As Canadians, we can enter the EU but we have a government advisory to avoid all unnecessary travel outside Canada.  So no can do without risking insurance cover.  I think Crystal and other river companies will be in a tough spot getting sufficient onboard numbers to justify a return to sailing until the sizable American demographic is able to participate. 

New measures introduced on Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler & Crystal Ravel

Crystal understands that relationships are built on trust. With your continued trust in mind, we have applied our exacting attention to detail across all of our new safety measures. So while our touch may remain (intentionally) unseen, we deliver nothing less than total transparency in all matters regarding your health and wellness.

With more than 30 years of cruising to the far reaches of the world, Crystal has a long tradition of implementing and maintaining exceptional standards for health and safety at sea. To further protect our Crystal Family we're introducing Crystal Clean+, a stringent set of health & safety protocols and measures to meet the unique challenges posed by Covid-19. The company is tackling this with science and innovation and in accordance with the latest data and recommendations by health experts.

Measures include enhanced cleaning protocols; social distancing and facial covering guidelines; health monitoring for guests and crew; new streamlined embarkation procedures; shoreside partner collaborations and much more.

The protocols introduced here are the initial measures in Crystal Clean+. Every protocol will be continually evaluated and will be updated as new information becomes available. Crystal will be in full compliance with all national and local health requirements and guidelines when we sail. Additional measures will be implemented and communicated accordingly as they are eventually announced.

https://www.crystalcruises.com/crystal-clean-river?utm_source=adobe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ocean&utm_content=crystal-clean-072220

Google for the win!  Deauville Normandy: beaches and promenade with movie star named changing cabins


 

5 hours ago, KathyK13 said:

Thanks, I didn't see the small print!

If I was being uncharitable, I'd say Crystal may be hoping you'd miss the teeny, tiny print at the very bottom!

The luxury ship Paul Gauguin is reporting a passenger has tested positive for COVID in French Polynesia.
https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/covid-19-case-paul-gauguin-french-polynesia
 
It happened despite rigorous pre-boarding and onboard protocols.
https://www.pgcruises.com/travel-advisory

I suspect these early false starts will set back the entire cruise industry.

Cruise Cancellations: River Voyages Through December 2020

UPDATED Friday, July 31, 2020 3pm EST

Like all travel enthusiasts, we are eagerly anticipating the day we can return to sailing the world again and welcome our guests back aboard. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused by Covid-19, coupled with differing restrictions regarding entry into the European Union (EU), continues to impact when and where this can happen. Given the continued uncertainty surrounding this global health crisis, it is with regret that we have had to cancel all River voyages aboard Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel through the remainder of 2020. We sincerely apologize for this disruption to our guests' travels and invite them to consider rescheduling their cruise with the two options shared here representing added value, choice and flexibility:

• 2020 to 2021 River Rollover
  Move their current 2020 reservation, including all payments made, to an equivalent sailing during the same time period in 2021, with price protection on the cruise fare and port charges – representing a significant value for them.

OR

• Reservation Transfer  
  If a guest chooses not to rollover their cruise to a 2021 river sailing, they may transfer their reservation to any Crystal experience (Ocean, River, Yacht or Expedition) embarking through December 31, 2023 at prevailing rates. All monies paid will be transferred to the new reservation.

If any guests do not elect an option by August 14, 2020, we will automatically issue a Future Credit, equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid, valid on any Crystal experience (Ocean, River, Yacht or Expedition) embarking through December 31, 2023 – along with a refund of port charges, taxes and fees paid, and any air and hotel packages booked through Crystal.

While our fleet is paused, the Crystal team has been developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and to ensure our guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Building on our stringent protocols already in place, we recently launched Crystal Clean+® 2.0 – an enhanced level of measures to help safeguard the well-being of our guests and crew. Each protocol will be continually evaluated as new information becomes available.

On behalf of everyone at Crystal River Cruises, we look forward to welcoming our guests on an enriching voyage aboard the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line.

RIVER ROLLOVER An equivalent sailing is defined as a 2021 voyage on the same river, of the same duration, in the same room category and as listed on our equivalent sailing list. This offer is valid through August 14, 2020.

FUTURE CREDIT is issued as a Future Cruise Payment (FCP) representing the cruise fare paid and may be applied to multiple future bookings and may be used towards deposit requirement on their new booking.

Future Credits are redeemable through December 31, 2023. Once Credits are issued, they are not eligible for a refund.

If a travel advisor or guest does not elect either of the options presented to them in their cancellation notification letter, they may request a refund by August 14, 2020 by visiting  crystalcruises.com/requestrefund  to submit the online form. Please allow a minimum of 90 days from receipt of the request for the refund to be processed.

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Sheila - as expected, there was no information regarding steps necessary to receive CDC approval so that we can resume cruising (did not watch/listen to the Carnival thing).  Think that I’ll leave this thread to the newbies as they seem to know more than you and I do about Regent.

The so-called "Carnival thing" had nothing to do with Carnival, Regent, CDC or any cruise line restarting post-covid. 

Carnival Corporation co-hosted a Global Scientific Summit with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) with the objective of participants becoming better informed on COVID-19’s impact on society, including travel and tourism.  The presentation was science-driven and not a marketing ploy.  The Summit considered best practices from world-leading scientists and health experts for mitigating the spread of the virus and living in a world with COVID-19.  There are lessons to be learned for cruise lines, whether it be Regent or Carnival, going forward.

You may be interested in a seeing what you missed before passing judgment: https://covidsciencesummit.com/

Received in Canada last evening.  I'm interested but can't see spending 3.5 hrs online, especially since I'd have to join at the crack of dawn in my timezone.  Hope they publish an executive summary.

16 minutes ago, scottjeanne said:

Twelve months is next month!  Unless they extend it, i will lose $1000.

The FCC should be on your client profile.  You can't "see" it but your TA or Crystal should be able to confirm it for you.  You may want to check on it asap and request an extension if you can't use it before it expires. 

Or you could consider using the FCC to book a cruise under a current Crystal promo called Easy Book.  Deposits are reduced to 15% (from 25%) and are fully refundable.  And the best part is that all admin fees are waived so you won't be stuck in this situation again.  Win, win, win.  The Easy Book promo is available on all Crystal voyages (river, ocean, expedition, yacht) for 2021, 2022 or 2023 that are made before Sept 2, 2020 so it lines up nicely with your FCC.  Good luck!

https://www.crystalcruises.com/special-offers/easy-book-program
 

10 hours ago, scottjeanne said:

I had originally booked with Crystal but last August ( a year before the scheduled cruise), I canceled and rebooked with Scenic.  Crystal refunded with the exception of $1000 admin fee which I think is outrageous, especially in light of all the cancelation schemes with COVID going on now.

I agree.  Charging $500 pp to cancel a Crystal river cruise is outrageous and out-of-step with industry practice.  However, if you plan to cruise with Crystal again, you can use that $1000 admin fee (issued as FCC) towards any future cruise booking made within 12 months of the date you cancelled your river cruise.