diplomats

Just FYI, the fare refunds for cancelled American Countess "Mighty Mississippi", September 21 2020 hit my credit card last night.

We are now seriously questioning any cruise that requires full payment on booking.  As several have noted, AQSC had use of our money for over a year, then waited 90 days before refunding when the cruise was cancelled by them.  

Has anyone gotten fare refund from a cancelled AQSC cruise August or later?? 

"Dear Valued Guest,

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the globe, we have made the decision to suspend all voyages with embarkation dates through February 28, 2021 as well as all voyages onboard Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Pearl, Jewel, Sky, Sun and Pride of America with embarkation dates through March 31, 2021. We are very sorry for any inconvenience these changes may have caused.

REFUNDS
Please be advised that a full refund will be automatically returned to the form of payment you provided at the time of your most current reservation. No further action is required on your part; your refund will be automatically processed within 15 business days. You will see the refund returned within 7-10 business days from the processed date. The visibility of the funds is dependent on your financial institution’s internal policies.

If your most current reservation was paid via a previously issued Future Cruise Credit (FCC), 100% of the FCC used will be re-applied to your Latitudes account. No further action is required; the FCC will be automatically added within 7 days.
For additional information pertaining to refunds, please visit www.ncl.com/suspended-sailings.

OUR THANKS TO YOU
We sincerely appreciate your loyalty to Norwegian Cruise Line and as mentioned previously, we cannot wait to provide you with the cruise vacation you were hoping for and likely need now more than ever! Therefore, in addition to the 100% refund or return of your FCC, you may receive all of the following offers when you chose to rebook your Norwegian vacation through your Travel Advisor:

• A 10% OFF discount on your next cruise with us, combinable with all available promotions at the time of booking. The 10% OFF discount will be automatically added to your Latitudes account and will be available as of Thursday, December 3, 2020. This discount can be used to make a booking through December 2, 2021 and can be applied towards any sailings through December 31, 2022.
• 30% OFF! For a limited time only, if you book a new cruise by December 12, 2020 for any published voyage through 2023, you will receive our special Black Friday offer: an additional 30% OFF!
• TAKE ALL! Again, for a very limited time, if you book a new cruise by December 12, 2020 for any published voyage through 2023, you may TAKE ALL. This limited time offer is a tremendous value allowing you to add all five of our Free at Sea amenities (TAKE ALL) in any cabin category and any voyage: a free unlimited beverage package, free specialty dining, a free Wi-Fi package, free shore excursion credits and reduced rates for family and friends – a value of up to $2,890 per person!
• A $150 discount + Lower Deposit! If you purchase a CruiseFirst certificate, which is a certificate towards your next cruise, for $150, we will match it with an additional $150 discount. For CruiseFirst terms and conditions, please visit https://www.ncl.com/terms/cruisefirst.

The combined value of these offers is well over $3,000 per person. This is our way of showing you how valuable you are to us. Please contact your Travel Advisor today to go over any of these offers.

NEW ITINERARIES TO INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS
We have recently opened for sale amazing itineraries through summer 2023. When you visit www.ncl.com, you will find new sailings to Alaska, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, The Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and more on the most innovative ships at sea. Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to plan and book your next extraordinary vacation as far in advance as possible so that all you have to do is savor the anticipation of a truly memorable cruise experience.

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY
During these extraordinary times, we are doing our part to provide you with peace of mind however and whenever we can. It goes without saying that our very first priority is always your health, safety, security and well-being so I encourage you to read all about the good work we are doing at https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/book-with-confidence.

If you have questions or would like to redeem your discount, please contact your travel advisor.

We look forward to exploring the world with you in the safety and comfort of an amazing Norwegian Cruise Line ship!

Sincerely,

Katty Byrd Vice President Guest Services"

We were booked on "Mighty Mississippi" on Countess, September 21.  We requested refunds via TA at first possible moment (Sept 6).  We received a credit on CC for port fees around Nov 6.  TA tells us her info from AQSC is to expect the fare refund o/a Dec 15. Thus far, AQSC has had an interest free loan from us totaling close to $10,000.00 for over a year.

Thanks for the info.  The latest post from "prwardii" was especially helpful.  As I understand it, the final decision on how to use SDP is  made at the venue at the meal, not in the reservation. 

Now just have to cross fingers that a mid February cruise from NOLA happens. 

We have a cruise booked for February on Breakaway, including a two event dining package.  When the booking period opened, I found that two speciality restaurants, Teppanyaki and Moderno, which usually have a speciality dining fee, were showing the fee as zero.  NCL agents tell me that speciality dining venues "never" have zero fees, despite the information on the website.  I am wondering if NCL has simply assumed that I would use my two free events at Teppanyaki and Moderno.  Has anyone else had this experience?? If I book Teppanyaki and Moderno at the zero fee, and two of the other specialty restaurants marked "a la carte', would my package be honored for the "a la carte" venues??

I have never booked in advance online before and find this all very confusing.  Any cogent explanations would be appreciated. 

For what its worth, I had a long talk with my TA this afternoon.  She told me that she has had a number of clients requesting refunds in lieu of FCC from AQSC and that her experience thus far is that AQSC has come through with the refunds.  It seems the 90 day delay is pretty much the rule, but in the end the refund is made for the full amount of the original payment.  When I mentioned "chargeback" (the remedy for non performance under the Fair Credit Act) she was quick to advise against that course of action as it would "inevitably delay" the refund. Guess those of us seeking refunds will just twiddle our thumbs until November.

Also of note, she said bookings for second quarter 2021 and into 2022 are very active, noting that Viking is sold out for its initial sailings on the Mississippi in 2022. 

I cannot get any links on CC to work in Safari.  I have to switch to Google Chrome to get the links, especially the news items, to work. 

Below is the text of the "Terms and  Conditions" for FCC contained in the email I received informing me of my FCC for a AQSC cancelled cruise:

Terms and Conditions

·         Future Cruise Credit is calculated at 125% of the original voyage fare paid, plus 100% of any purchased hotel nights or City Stay packages.

·         Valid on any 2020 -2022 cruise date.

·         Valid for use on any American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) or Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) vessel.

·         Valid for original traveler only.

·         Future Cruise Credit can be combined with any public promotion at time of booking.

·         Reservation requires port fees to be paid at time of booking.

·         Future Cruise Credit is applicable toward voyage fare, city stay packages, Unlimited Beverage Package (AQSC only) and onboard credit.

·         Onboard credit can be used toward shore excursions purchased on board, spa services (where available), bar purchases and gift shop purchases.

·         Any remaining balance after application of the Future Cruise Credit is due at time of final payment.

·         Reservation must be booked by original travel agency.

·         Future Cruise Credit may be returned at any time for a refund of original payment amount.

·         After credit redemption, there is no cash value on any remaining credit that is not used.

·         Future Cruise Credit is redeemable toward one future reservation.

·         Once reservation is made utilizing the Future Cruise Credit, reservation would be subject to standard applicable fees if modified (refer to Cancellation and Change Policy).

·         If reservation utilizing the Future Cruise Credit is cancelled prior to sailing, the credit is forfeited.

·         Credit must be redeemed by expiration date.

Points  7 and 8 together would suggest that excursions booked on board would be charged as "onboard credit" and thus be eligible for use with FCC.  Personally, I would want something in writing, either for TA or AQSC to be safe. 

I have tried to give AQSC the benefit of the doubt and uncertainty but for the home office to state that "they are actually still on the list" as reported by TinCan earlier is disturbing.  It is easy enough to verify that AQSC is NOT on the Allianz list. Giving out misinformation is not attractive. 

To adstz, ask yourself this question, can you take the 2021 cruise with the proceeds of a  refund or do you need the 125%FCC? I have looked at the list of restrictions on use of FCC and have determined that the extra 25% is not worth either the risk or the headache of finding a sailing that meets all the restrictions (eg FCC can only be used on one sailing, any FCC remaining after payment for later cruise is forfeited, FCC is non transferable, etc).  

I want AQSC to survive but their evidenced concern for clients is not encouraging. 

Apropos this topic, does anyone have an explanation for AQSC disappearing from the Alianz covered vendors list?

Re previous post, just a quote from the AQSC.com "alert" page: "NEW CHANGE POLICY (for domestic reservations only)

For all 2020 sailings, guests can cancel up to 24 hours before sailing. Reservation is subject to standard cancellation penalties and guests will receive a future cruise certificate for the penalty amount."

Whlle FCC is not actual money. statement that cancellation would mean lost of "70%" of cruise fare does not seem consistent with stated policy; thus a strange statement from the cruise line office. 

In the current state of flux, I can imagine that AQSC gets daily conflicting information from the various entities that are involved in a single sailing.  For one, I appreciate that they are hanging in until the inevitable happens and they must abort a scheduled cruise.

I sent them an email on Friday suggesting that they compile a broadcast email list of all passengers still booked on 2020 cruises, and send out an email weekly or biweekly, with full rundown on status of authorizations, open ports, etc.  Probably will not happen but would give those of us with bookings some relevant info on a regular basis.

The August 7 update on the "alerts" page was the first change to that page since 30 June.  Too long a delay in my opinion but better than no updates at all.

Those of us that love cruising, whether river or oceans, had better staunch up our compassion and understanding or there will be no cruise lines to fulfill our desires. 

M

LDV (actually not)in NC, Things as they were are likely never (or at least for the foreseeable future) to be as they will be when any cruising resumes.  I did not see anyone wearing a face covering (i really dont like the word "mask") on our last AQSC cruise, not did the Coach Drivers make any  effort to enforce "social distancing".  Both will prevail when cruising resumes.

We are not cavalier about COVID-19 but it is likely that those who are, such as the large groups of young adults in Florida, California, Texas, New York and South Carolina, are doing themselves and the country harm.  If EVERYONE would take precautions, the pandemic would end.  Alas, Americans are just not into precautions. 

AQSC website, especially the "alerts" tab, has been terribly inconsistent and often not in sync with positions taken by AQSC executives, especially John Waggoner. 

When I asked about the CDC extension of the "no sail" order, i got the following reply: "Given that the CDC just made their announcement last night our teams have not had a chance to discuss if this should affect us or not. Our upper management team will not meet till probably the next week or two and should this announcement affect us, all updates will be updated on our Alerts page."

In an interview with CC staff writer, Waggoner said AQSC was bound by FDA not CDC regulations.  Thus the current statement in AQSC "alerts" contradicts Waggoner.  Perhaps a matter of left hand not knowing what right hand is doing.

I am awaiting, much less than patiently, word on the fate of Countess sailing on September 20.  I sympathize with AQSC situation but clients need advance warning of cancellations.  We are anxious to go if the sailing makes.  We feel confident we cn protect ourselves. 

I queried AQSC Friday morning regarding the new CDC order.  The response was that management of AQSC had not yet determined if the order applied to AQSC sailings (remember, Waggoner has said in earlier interviews with CC that AQSC was governed by FDA not CDC) but would meet in the "next week or two" to make a decision which would be posted on the "alerts" section of AQSC website. 

The patchwork quilt of perks in 2020 made no sense to me from the beginning. One boat all inclusive, one with no hotels, wine and beer with dinner uncertain.  I'm surprised the TAs did not rebel. 

Just a heads up.  I do not want to promise what I cannot deliver, but I suggest anyone on an American Countess voyage in 2020 check with AQSC regarding a possible policy change regarding the pre cruise hotel night, especially if you have a separately booked arrangement. 

Re the last two postings, it does appear that the language in AQSC alerts has changed, dropping mention of 100% refund.  Wonder if this is oversight or intentional??

The AQSC alerts tab now contains some new information.  American Empress suspension extended to 2 August.  American Duchess to 17 August.  Suspensions for American Queen and American Countess are unchanged, but have been at 8 August for some time now.  Will any of the 2020 sailings happen?  

I hesitate to jump into the conversation about "Terms and Conditions" but once again I am confused by the discussion here and the information I find on the NCL website.  As part of the "package" we have booked for next February, we have "Specialty Dining Package" for 2 events.  I have read the T&C for "Specialty Dining Packages" and for each of the ala Carte venues and find no specific information about  restrictions on ordering as described in several posts on this thread.  Looking at the Menu tabs on the ala carte venue, the uncharges are clearly marked on certain items, e.g. "surf and turf" but there is no guidance on restrictions concerning appetizers, etc.  Why am I confused?? 

If there is still any interest in this topic, I am posting a Q and A with AQSC today (22 June)

Question: I have read the posting on Pre-cruise screening including the questionnaire that will be required of all guests.  As I understand the posting, there will be a medical representative conducting the pre-cruse screening, including unspecified health checks, who had ultimate authority to clear a passenger for boarding.  Should that medical person determine a person should be denied boarding, for whatever reason including one that could not have been anticipated by the passenger before traveling to the embarkation point, who bears the travel cost incurred by the denied passenger?  I ask because I am booked on an upcoming cruise and have no expectation that i could be denied boarding, but would like to know what liability i face should that happen. Thanks

Response: Thank  you for choosing American Queen Steamboat Company.

In the event of denied boarding, you would make changes to your airline and then we would reimburse you that cost, and we would refund your voyage .

You would just submit the original cost of airfare and change fees to us for reimbursement.

We hope that doesn’t happen and that you enjoy your sailing.

Best Regards,

Having found a thread that is not about who is sailing when and when the refund if coming, I hope it is not totally out of line to ask a question that is not on topic.

We have not sailed NCL for a long time but are booked on Breakaway in Feb 2021. Fingers crossed.

The array of dining options on Breakaway is amazing and a bit overwhelming.  Some reviewers, including the CC professional review, suggest booking all venues when advance booking is available pre cruise.  But the NCL website indicates that advance booking is not offered for the MRD and complimentary venues.  Which is it?  Can MRD venues (like Savor and Taste and The Manhattan Room) be booked pre cruise or must they be booked onboard? Perhaps there was a policy change subsequent to the professional review.  

Again, sorry to be off topic, but this threat looks like a gold mine of NCL veterans. Marshall

We were on Duchess last July and had no problem regulating cabin temperature to a comfortable level.  Seem to remember that the public rooms, dining and entertainment, were a bit cool.  Wife and also traveling companion wife both took shawls to those venues.  I have looked at 233 on the deck plan and cannot imagine that paddlewheel noise would be an issue as the cabin is forward of the River Grill that is fairly expansive.  On our trip, River Grill was rarely used in the evening and when used closed early; so again no noise.  Duchess is an elegant boat and quite small as today's US river boats go.  She is a pleasure.