cruise52

22 hours ago, Agent999 said:

 

Funny thing is that nobody posting before you ever said "you should have taken the insurance". In fact, nobody posting before you even asked "did you take the insurance".

 

It is not rude to question how others choose to respond? Why doesn't your post solely address the OP's question without the introductory scolding from the self-appointed board Karen? Does it make you feel better about yourself when you scold others?

The posts that included the “rude” commentary have since been removed and were not available for your review.  I was acknowledging, and in agreement, with those that felt the poster’s reply was rude, but likely in frustration to comments that others had immediately jumped to the the need for insurance.  Again, some of the earlier posts have been edited.  thanks for the “Karen” comment - do you feel better, now?

I would give NCL a call.  There may be a cancellation fee for the one person who is unable to go, but they may be able to make some modifications so that the minors don’t have to cancel their trip if they are able to attend.  There would likely be no money refunded other than gratuities, taxes, port fees and excursions.  I don’t know for certain, but think they may be able to find away for the kids to go as planned.  Good Luck 

BTW -what sailing is this?  we are on the 7/17 sailing on NCL Gem.  If the same itinerary, let me know if there is anything I can do to assist - happy to help in any way I can.  

Talk to NCL.  With so many in the family attending, depending on the minors age, they may be able to continue on since other adults in the family are on the same voyage?  Is it possible someone from the family in another cabin can move into the cabin with the minors if required they have an adult in the cabin with them? 

It was a rude response.  Why is it necessary to point out to someone that they should have taken the insurance?  What is the point of that when it doesn’t address the question they are in search of?  It doesn’t matter if the sick passenger did it the right way, or the way you or I would have done it, but give the poster the info they are in search of if you can provide  

My answer to his inquiry is this - if the kids are in a cabin with the party who must cancel then they likely can remain and the party who is ill and must cancel will forfeit his cruise fare.  The others would likely be able to continue on.  Not certain this is what they are looking to do, but limited information provided so I’m attempting to address.  Port fees, taxes, and excursions for the party who is cancelling may be refunded/credited back.  

If everyone in the cabin is cancelling they will likely forfeit cruise fare for all booked in the cabin if no insurance was taken, but they may get credit for port charges, taxes, excursions.  Not sure what happens with the air fare.  Possibly they may get a credit, but I’m not certain.  Recommend they contact their travel agent or NCL personnel as soon as possible.  

Praying that things will improve for this unfortunate individual.  

Yes, thank you.  We never received this advisory, only notification of substitution of Ports.  thank you

Davenci:

thanks for sharing.  Your revised itinerary for Venice shows Ravenna.  We were notified revision is Trieste.  We actually embark in Ravenna and so will reportedly go to Trieste.  Hoping that we get additional times/details for this stop.  Again, thanks for the info,  

They gave us notification of the rescheduled stop and shuttle bus availability, but nothing that mentions time of arrival and departure time or time in Trieste port.  Did they give you times?. If so, are you able/willing to share?  We are on July 17 itinerary and so it’s coming fast.  

Many have reported the chaotic handling and repeated itinerary changes with Venice itineraries.  We all know the limitations of cruise ships visiting Venice today, but the cruise lines do as well and yet continue to advertise and sell this destination only to significantly modify what they advertise.  It’s one thing to have situations or circumstances arise that require the cruise line to deviate or make adjustments to the planned itinerary.  However, failing to disclose limitations that prevent the cruise line from delivering what they advertise and collect payment for, when they know well in advance, is misrepresentation.  On top of this, the way NCL has handled the many changes for this scheduled port stop is disorganized and lacks basic consideration of their paying customers.  I posted the below info on our roll-call earlier today.  We just received notice yesterday evening that the scheduled itinerary has changed, but with no details as to times in port for Trieste.  After reading the NCL boards the last several weeks I was prepared for this, but I’m not understanding how this can continually be done in the manner that NCL has chosen to follow. 

“The real problem with this is NCL will provide NO details such as arrival time, shuttle times, time in Port, etc.  I called Shore Excursion dept, and they report having no details and said we will get information when we are on board (evening before scheduled stop).  I find this ridiculous.  If they know for certain they will dock in Trieste, surely they should know the time scheduled in port and the departure time.  We would like to schedule a private independent tour for a group of 6 and there is no way to do this without knowing the time in port.  Amazing NCL feels it’s acceptable to “wing it” and keep its customers in the dark when we have paid substantial fares for our cruise.  Many chose this itinerary for a chance to visit Venice and now all we know is we might be able to get on the free shuttle bus to Venice, but for what period of time?  Recent passengers on similar itinerary report 2 to 3 hours in Venice before having to be back on the bus.  I recognize cruise lines have every right to change itineraries and port stops, but they should be required to disclose the details so that passengers can make plans or adjustments.  I asked if there was anyone in the organization who could provide details as to time in Trieste port and was told no - “not even the leaders with glass offices”.  Unbelievable.  “ 

Cloverix - Did you have a ship tour scheduled or were you doing on your own?  Did they have regularly scheduled return trips at various intervals throughout the day/evening, or one set time for the return for everyone?  We are on the July 17th sailing and beginning to think we may not be tendering to Venice as indicated (pretty sure we don’t want a 90 minute tender).  We have a sizable group that was planning on a private tour but I’m no longer confident that our plan will work.  I’m thinking we should “play-it-by-ear” and see what happens.  Just wondering if we take the 2.5 bus ride to Venice, if provided by NCL, if we need to plan to be there into evening hours or if we will be able to return when we choose?  BTW - thanks for posting this info.  I’d rather know the issues and possibilities in order to be prepared as much as possible.  

I sent an email to NCL Public Relations outlining the limited beverage service and that NCL appears to be the only cruise line with significant restrictions.  I didn’t send this with ANY thought that I will receive a response, More with the thought that if senior leadership or corp office isn’t aware of the issue, they might invite others to get involved.  If NCL is aware, and believes issues are beyond their control, maybe they will publish a press release addressing, OR, maybe they will simply ignore.  May end up being a complete waste of time, but WTH.  

My husband and I went to Safaga in Nov ‘19.  We did an overnight tour to Luxor with a very reputable tour company followed by a ship excursion in Jordan to Petra.  We had nice catered meals on both trips - high end hotels and a tour sponsored meal in Wadi Rum at end of the day.  We did both tours with another couple and had a great time.  After Jordan, I had several days of stomach /digestive issues, as did one of the other people we toured with.   My husband had no problem and neither did the other person in our four person group.  We compared notes on what we ate and determined the two of us experiencing issues had eaten salads, fruit, vegetables etc.  My husband did not.  Fortunately, i brought medication with me that helped to alleviate my symptoms.  

I will NOT be eating fresh fruit, salads, veggies or ice anywhere in Egypt unless I do so on the ship.  I think the advice given on avoiding fresh fruit, vegetables, or items that are uncooked is sound advice.  

HMATT,  I think we are on your cruise - 11/4 out of Athens, Pursuit?  If so, hope we meet up.  We’ll look for you on Roll Call.

On 6/9/2022 at 6:06 AM, barneymag said:

Can anyone who has embarked in Civitavecchia since 18th May confirm that Celebrity are now accepting Testing 2 days prior to embarkation ? We embark Reflection on a Monday, flying from UK on a Saturday so if 2 days we can arrange for Covid Test at UK airport before flying out.

 

Thanks

We boarded In Civitavecchia on 5/26 with antigen tests done 2 days prior - accepted and no issues.

1 hour ago, Guppy99 said:

Canderson beat me to it.  You book a cruise for thousands of dollars and don't even read the contract? You have no idea what rights and freedoms you have surrendered and then you complain bitterly about it?  I don't want to argue. I do expect adults to accurately read what they sign up for and to understand the logistical challenges a cruise line faces, instead of whining about me..,me...me

You assume a lot don’t you.  I never said I didn’t read the contract but simply asked you to cite the portion of the contract that you believed was contradictory to the opinion I expressed.  Second, I never complained, whined, or consider that I am surrendering my freedoms because I book a cruise.  I disagreed with your commentary, analysis, and rude posts.  Cruise lines face challenges like many industries, but they are well aware of the challenges, they collect a hefty fare, and yet choose to sail knowing full well of the exposure.  Contract law is subject to interpretation and interpretation is not always aligned among the parties.  What matters is what the ruling party or judge interprets.

• Colorado

9 hours ago, Guppy99 said:

Actually you do not have that right. Read your contract.

Since you are referring to the contract terms, why don’t you specifically cite the language you are referencing?  You seem to only want to argue with people.  

1 hour ago, Guppy99 said:

lol  don't cruise.  Don;t book a year in advance and them be start complaining because you opted to do so. You do not have some sort of inalienable right to be in a suite or veranda cabin even if you paid for it, because you took a risk and too bad it didn't go the way you wanted. It is not possible to make that kind of guarantee and keep the healthy passengers healthy. 

I disagree, I think a passenger does in fact have a right to either stay in the cabin they paid for or be fairly compensated for the accommodations in which they paid if the cruise line finds it necessary to move a passenger.  A passenger should receive compensation for the days they are unable to use the room they booked or be provided LKQ - Like, Kind and Quality in accommodations if they are required to move.  There is a risk to cruising, but no one is signing a waiver that if they get Covid they are giving up their rights to receive the product for which they paid and expected.  The cruise line knows the risks as well.  When people booked their cruise has no bearing on this issue.  

Not sure why all the fuss. The ship doesn’t sail until 11:00 pm and you are due in at 4:10.  Very doable.  Agree with Nolatravelgirl, not likely to get on an AA flight, but you might be able to change directly with BA.  

As far as your trip being a hard itinerary to catch up to in the event of delayed bagged, given the destination is Athens this should make it relatively easy to catch up to other Greek ports.  Years ago we had bags that didn’t make it to Rome with us and they were delivered to our cabin on the 3rd day of the cruise when we reached Mykonos.  Not ideal, but not impossible or unlikely either, especially from Athens.  

Also, if the tight connection is the concern, keep in mind most airlines are overestimating the trip time.  Two reasons for this 1) tight connections and 2) their “on-time” record.  It’s hard not be on time when you over-estimate the time it should take.  Example, we just returned from Rome.  Our outbound flight to Rome was estimated for 8.25 hours from JFK.  We made it in 6.5 hours.  We were early because of tail winds, but also because the flight time was a bit over-estimated.

You should be fine - try not to worry and go and enjoy.  

6 hours ago, SummmerInKefalonia said:

Yesterday Piraeus cruise schedule updated again and now it shows Norwegian Jade in the spot of Norwegian Pearl for the summer 2021 cruises.

Starting date is the 20th of July with a 4 night cruise.

And from the 24th of July the normal 7 night Greek Isles cruises.

Can you provide the link to this site.  If this is correct then they are changing the sail dates from Sunday to Saturday which creates a scheduling issue for us.  

We have booked a B2B - One Celebrity Apex followed by NCL Pearl.  As the itineraries are scheduled today, we will only duplicate one stop and that’s Santorini - one of my favorite places.  

We recognize that we may have to cancel, or the cruise lines will cancel, one or both, but what else is new?.  We have multiple cruises lined up for late summer and early fall, all with refundable deposits and with staggered sailing dates.  By final payment, if we don’t have reasonable certainty that a particular sailing will happen we will cancel and hope for the next booking.  I echo Bruin Steve’s post.

I stumbled across this article over the weekend.  i do think things may begin to open up in Greece and other countries in the near future.  At some point governments may have to decide they can’t stay shut down indefinitely.  Once one country opens it will likely trigger a demand by others to follow.  

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-10/how-to-think-about-booking-europe-summer-travel-2021-during-covid

Hedging my bets - I’ve got 3 Med sailings booked for various weeks this fall.  As final payments are staggered, I will weigh the likelihood of each cruise before finalizing.  It may mean cancelling each booking, but it’s better than no possibility at all.  

What’s interesting is the Volendam is scheduled primarily this season to sail in Greece, Turkey, and a few other Adriatic stops in and out of Rome or Venice.  Presently Italy is a no-go and is not allowing Americans to transit, but possible HAL has some fairly reliable intel to suggest this will be feasible late summer or early fall?.  

1 hour ago, zqvol said:

 

Can't read the article, but IMO no one sails until there is a vaccine, and you have to provide proof that you have been vaccinated before you board the ship, which means this time next year at the earliest.

At some point people are going to have to decide to either live in a bubble or exercise preventive measures such as face masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, being conscious of what to touch and what to avoid when out and about, and individual risk. To think we are all going to remain in our homes until a vaccine is available is unrealistic.  There will be some that will choose to be extremely cautious because of vulnerability or susceptibility to illness - That's understandable.  But to think all or most are going to continue to follow a "stay at home" order until a vaccine is proven effective and available is not likely to happen.  All of us need to choose what's best for us and weigh quality of life over potential risk and then decide how to move forward. 

2 minutes ago, Mrdodgy said:

I think this is the best reply I have read. The speed it came on and I hoe the speed it leaves you could well be right. September is a good call in my view but Europe not this season in my view. Am I willing to try flying yes but cruise no - do not ask me why I have no idea 🙂

Totally understand your reluctance or refusal to cruise for awhile.  From what I've read, I believe initial cruise loads will be low by design and circumstances.  This leaves me feeling a bit more comfortable cruising with the threat of this virus.  Will I be required to wear a mask - maybe.  Sit in a lounge chair that's spaced far away from others? Oh, the thought!  I'm hopeful as our November cruise is port intensive and only travels between Greece and Turkey.  We cancelled our earlier September Celebrity cruise out of Spain (France, Italy and Spain ports) as this Greece itinerary is later in the year and I feel a little less risky (if there is such a thing with the threat of Covid). Fingers and toes crossed!

Yes, very questionable.  How, where, and when cruises will resume is yet to be determined and depends on how things progress.  Greece for instance handled the outbreak very early and as a result had a very low infection and death rate.  Probably because the islands and geographical separation helped as well.  Reportedly, they will require health certifications from all foreigners dated no more than 72 hours prior to entry.  They have a nine step plan, including dedicated hotels for quarantine and medical care, should any new cases develop.  

I fluctuate from hopeful to doubtful regularly.  One thing I remind myself is that we are only a little over two months from when Covid was acknowledged (U.S.) as a pandemic and steps were implemented to respond.   Look how much has occurred since the beginning of March (60 - 70 days ago).  A lot can and will happen over the next several months.  I think an August cruise is optimistic but also about 90 days away.  September to October is 120 plus days from now.  One thing is for certain - Someone or some cruise has to be the canary or the guinea pig and "test the waters".  Will I be willing?  Can't answer that yet.  We have until July 11th to decide to make final payment or see if the sailing will be cancelled.  A lot will happen between now and then.  

Exactly.  None of us knows how this will play out but why be so negative?  I have an NCL cruise booked for November 2020 in Greek Islands.  Will it go?  Maybe, maybe not.  Greece is planning to reopen 7/1/20.  Will it?  Will there be issues - who knows.  I think there are some positive signs that things are beginning to improve SLOWLY.  That doesn't mean we are out of the woods.  It also doesn't mean we shouldn't or can't be optimistic.