Anyone affected by the volcano?

[Jo and Rob]

Aeroplanes are grounded for a second day in the UK due to the risk of ash getting into engines. The ban in currently on until 7pm but it could be much longer.

[Missus Makkem]

Aeroplanes are grounded for a second day in the UK due to the risk of ash getting into engines. The ban in currently on until 7pm but it could be much longer.

 

And longer!

1 am is now quoted apart from Glasgow.

Hope it has cleared before the Indie arrives in Southampton and they cant get back to the States,preparing for B and B as we speak.

[UKBayern]

Most of the airspace over Western- and Northern Europe is closed: all of Great-Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, most of Poland, the north and western part of Germany, the north of France. Later today Austria is closing its airspace, which means that the chance is real that the Czech Republic and the south of Germany will have to close too. The northern parts of Norway and Sweden have had the worst and are contemplating opening part of their airspace again.

[Jetdriver787]

I am affected as my job is flying those airliners. However in a good way for me as I was supposed to be flying to Tenerife today and now get another day at home enjoying the sunshine.

 

Once movements start again the price will be paid as the huge mop up operations start.

[trblemaker]

:(Yes, I am affected by the volcano in Iceland. My husband and I are scheduled to be on the Oasis of the Seas beginning this Saturday, but he is stuck in Germany.

 

Here is what Royal Caribbean is currently telling me.

1. RCCL has not decided how they officially plan to respond to the volcano and I should keep checking the website for their response

2. As of now (pre-response), if we cancel our trip, all we get back is $173.16 out of the thousands we spent

 

What has Royal Caribbean told others in the same situation?

Is there anything I can do?

[anastasia1]

me- my 12 year old son is stuck in Italy on a school trip. 36 hours back by coach it seems now.

 

3 of my staff so far have texted in that they wont be in work on monday (first day back after break) as they are stuck in various parts of Europe. One has been told flight back may be as late as Wednesday (was due to be Saturday). Tenerife lol- could be stuck somewhere worse!

 

Just think of all of those empty cruise cabins as the guests cant get there- good chance of an upgrade after sailing I would think.

[Paul65]

Just think of all of those empty cruise cabins as the guests cant get there- good chance of an upgrade after sailing I would think.

 

I guess, for someone, there may be a silver lining in every ash cloud . . .

 

Generally a very difficult situation for a lot of people, though. I hope your son makes it home soon!

[aggie1]

My DIL's mother is stuck in Holland. Was there on business and now cannot leave. She has reserved her room at the hotel thru Monday, just in case, but she says they have tripled the rate. I am sorry, but that SUCKS!! and I don't even like that word!!

[anastasia1]

I guess, for someone, there may be a silver lining in every ash cloud . . .

 

Generally a very difficult situation for a lot of people, though. I hope your son makes it home soon!

 

 

I think if you travel you just have to go with the flow and accept it. There are NO flights so its quite simple. At Christmas our flight was only 1 of 2 in 3 days to fly out of local airport to Amsterdam to connect to the USA for Christmas and New Year (we were really lucky- we had contingency but thought that we would miss Christmas).

 

Got delayed and then diverted coming back and so many people were just such pains- screaming and shouting- what possible good could that do? The captain didnt divert 100 miles for fun- he did it for safety because of the ice. I would rather be stuck somewhere and safe (or miss a cruise because flights are grounded for safety but be alive)

[anastasia1]

:(Yes, I am affected by the volcano in Iceland. My husband and I are scheduled to be on the Oasis of the Seas beginning this Saturday, but he is stuck in Germany.

 

Here is what Royal Caribbean is currently telling me.

1. RCCL has not decided how they officially plan to respond to the volcano and I should keep checking the website for their response

2. As of now (pre-response), if we cancel our trip, all we get back is $173.16 out of the thousands we spent

 

What has Royal Caribbean told others in the same situation?

Is there anything I can do?

 

 

Travel insurance? They should cover it. How did you pay? Some credit cards have cover as well.

[trblemaker]

I don't know how we paid. I'd have to ask the husband. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I am on the phone with Royal Caribbean again and they have made a decision about how to handle the volcano. Here is what they are telling me:

 

If you booked both air and cruise, they will allow you to book a cruise on another date at the prevailing rate. If you did not book air with them, it is unclear what they will do (which is my situation).

[trblemaker]

Royal Caribbean has finally posted something on their website about the volcano issue. Below is the link.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/itineraryUpdates.do

 

Flight Disruptions - Volcano Activity

April 16, 2010

5:30 p.m. E.S.T

Royal Caribbean International is closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Iceland, which is impacting travel throughout the world. Given the uncertainty of how long the volcanic activity will affect airline travel, we understand that some guests will be unable to secure flights in time to reach their ship before it sails.

 

Those guests traveling on cruises departing April 17 and April 18 who are unable to travel to the ship due to airport closures, and who purchased air arrangements through Royal Caribbean, will be provided a refund of their air fare and a 100 percent Future Cruise Certificate in the amount of the cruise fare paid.

 

Guests who have purchased their own air travel are asked to contact their airlines directly for assistance.

 

Royal Caribbean will continue to provide regular updates of cruises that may be affected on www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

 

In the website statement, they are very clear about offering a full refund for those that booked BOTH air and cruise through them. They do not address those that only booked a cruise with them. I think it is in poor taste to only take care of those that booked BOTH air and cruise through them. But that is just my opinion.

 

As a long time Royal Caribbean cruiser, this leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. It speaks volumes about them as a company to me.

 

I apologize for the long response, but it has been a very long day for me (along with countless others I'm sure).

[jcl410]

trblemaker -

 

If you don't have travel ins. have you considered going on the trip by your self?

 

 

Could your husband change his reservation to meet you in St. Thomas or St. Marten?

 

Aloha,

 

John

[trblemaker]

For those of you in the UK, below is the link to Royal Caribbean's response on their RCCL UK website. It is much more clear and detailed than the one on the U.S. website.

 

It very clearly states that they take care of you if you booked both air and cruise through them and they do not take care of you if you booked cruise only. For cruise only, they suggest you just contact your travel insurance.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/contentPage.do?pagename=important_updates

 

The latest NATS statement has been released and advises that restrictions will remain in place in UK controlled airspace until 13.00 (UK time) Saturday 17th April, at the earliest. The next NATS update is expected at in the morning on April 17th.

 

 

Please note that all ships are operating as scheduled.

 

 

We are working in strict date order and guests who are scheduled to fly outbound with us today on a fly/cruise package will be contacted and offered the options below.

Our updated policy is as follows:

 

 

Inbound fly/cruise guests

 

Once the airports re-open, inbound fly/cruise guests flights will be rebooked by us and our airline partners. Guests will need to claim on their travel insurance for any additional costs (accommodation/refreshments)- as this is a true 'force majeure' situation.

 

 

Outbound fly/cruise guests

 

For outbound guests, our priority will be re-booking these guests (when the airports re-open) and we will be arranging to downline the guests, subject to availability. If we cannot provide a downline - then we will offer an alternative cruise. If the new cruise is cheaper, guests will receive a refund for the difference. If the new cruise is more expensive, guests will need to pay the difference. We will waiver our normal transfer fee of £75 pp.

 

If we cannot downline the guests or provide a suitable alternative fly/cruise, then we will offer the guests a full refund.As the airports are currently closed, guests should go home and keep checking the airline websites for further news.

 

 

Cruise only guests

 

Cruise only guests who have purchased a fly/cruise package that was provided by someone other than Royal Caribbean International, will need to contact their travel provider for advice regarding their flight schedule.

 

For cruise only guests, we will be adhering to our normal terms and conditions. Therefore regrettably, if guests have booked flights independently and are unable to travel, then we will charge our standard cancellation charges for their cruise element. Cruise only guests will need to make a claim on their travel insurance

[mechcc]

Royal Caribbean has finally posted something on their website about the volcano issue. Below is the link.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/itineraryUpdates.do

 

Flight Disruptions - Volcano Activity

 

April 16, 2010

5:30 p.m. E.S.T

Royal Caribbean International is closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Iceland, which is impacting travel throughout the world. Given the uncertainty of how long the volcanic activity will affect airline travel, we understand that some guests will be unable to secure flights in time to reach their ship before it sails.

 

Those guests traveling on cruises departing April 17 and April 18 who are unable to travel to the ship due to airport closures, and who purchased air arrangements through Royal Caribbean, will be provided a refund of their air fare and a 100 percent Future Cruise Certificate in the amount of the cruise fare paid.

 

Guests who have purchased their own air travel are asked to contact their airlines directly for assistance.

 

Royal Caribbean will continue to provide regular updates of cruises that may be affected on www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

 

In the website statement, they are very clear about offering a full refund for those that booked BOTH air and cruise through them. They do not address those that only booked a cruise with them. I think it is in poor taste to only take care of those that booked BOTH air and cruise through them. But that is just my opinion.

 

As a long time Royal Caribbean cruiser, this leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. It speaks volumes about them as a company to me.

 

I apologize for the long response, but it has been a very long day for me (along with countless others I'm sure).

 

 

And why should Royal Caribbean absorb the losses due to the volcano ash? Espicially with travel insurance being readily available for natural disasters and flight delays.

 

It seems they are taking the same stance as shore excursions missing the ship - you booked through them and your shore excursion is late - they wait for your or get you to the next port. You book airfare with them they insure you get to the port of debarkation or they pay to get you to the next port.

 

I am extremely sorry that many airplane passengers are not going to make it to their destinations in time for whatever. But it is not Royal Caribbean's fault.

[trblemaker]

John (jcl410),

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but he might not make it back in time to do that. Plus, I don't want to go without him. It just wouldn't be the same.

 

I'm sure there is a silver lining in this somewhere, I just don't see it right now.

[mechcc]

John (jcl410),

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but he might not make it back in time to do that. Plus, I don't want to go without him. It just wouldn't be the same.

 

I'm sure there is a silver lining in this somewhere, I just don't see it right now.

 

Have faith. The silver lining is always there somewhere, somehow, sometime. It may be a long time before the silver lining decides to make an appearance.

[trblemaker]

Mechcc,

 

I would agree with you if RCCL was simply allowing those that booked air to meet up with the ship at the next port. But that is not what they are doing. This is what they are doing:

They are giving these people a full refund of BOTH airfare and the cruise cost (or allowing them to choose a new sailing date and then pay the difference between the cost for their original sailing date and the new sailing date).

 

If they can find a way to refund or rebook the cruise cost for passengers that booked both air and cruise, then why can't they find a way to refund or rebook cruise cost if you just booked a cruise?

 

I'm not saying that RCCL should eat the cost. I'm saying that they have chosen to eat the cost for some passengers and not others and that decision is in poor taste.

[pscruzinboyz]

? to the OP....Where do you live?....or typing this from?

 

Just Go and have your Hubby join you in one of the other ports..If not.....Chock it up to Mother Nature!

 

In 28 cruises, we have never bought Cruises insurance and still do not have for our next 2 cruises. Wish are luck and I am hoping Mother Nature is kind to us...but we are having earthquakes out here in the desert...I hope that might be a good reason to cancel a cruise at the last moment! :eek:

 

Mike

[NorbertsNiece]

? to the OP....Where do you live?....or typing this from?

 

Just Go and have your Hubby join you in one of the other ports..If not.....Chock it up to Mother Nature!

 

In 28 cruises, we have never bought Cruises insurance and still do not have for our next 2 cruises. Wish are luck and I am hoping Mother Nature is kind to us...but we are having earthquakes out here in the desert...I hope that might be a good reason to cancel a cruise at the last moment! :eek:

 

Mike

 

OP lives in the UK and will be sailing out of Southampton so hopefully if there are still problems they will use land transport if she needs to get to the port. I think she was asking out of interest.

 

Think those without insurance will be kicking themselves. Have never understood why people don't buy cover.... but that's another thread.

 

OP : DD2 lives in Reykjavik, Iceland. They have been advised to wear masks when out. She had a costume one she is using....

 

[Missus Makkem]

Looks like no cruise for us as we should leave for San Juan this week, ah well.

Think of the others like those on the Indie due to arrive here soon and could be stuck in the UK as will other lines.

last time this volcano errupted the effects lasted 2 years.

Royal could have some very empty ships if Europeans cannot get to them.

Oh no no one to spend their money in casinos and excursions etc

[SomeBeach]

? to the OP....Where do you live?....or typing this from?

 

Just Go and have your Hubby join you in one of the other ports..If not.....Chock it up to Mother Nature!

 

In 28 cruises, we have never bought Cruises insurance and still do not have for our next 2 cruises. Wish are luck and I am hoping Mother Nature is kind to us...but we are having earthquakes out here in the desert...I hope that might be a good reason to cancel a cruise at the last moment! :eek:

 

Mike

 

Mike, a major earthquake would be a good reason to cancel at the last minute. Make sure you have insurance so you can get your money back should that happen. RCI should not have to refund your money because YOU made the CHOICE not to purchase insurance.

[madforcruising]

Mechcc,

 

I would agree with you if RCCL was simply allowing those that booked air to meet up with the ship at the next port. But that is not what they are doing. This is what they are doing:

They are giving these people a full refund of BOTH airfare and the cruise cost (or allowing them to choose a new sailing date and then pay the difference between the cost for their original sailing date and the new sailing date).

 

If they can find a way to refund or rebook the cruise cost for passengers that booked both air and cruise, then why can't they find a way to refund or rebook cruise cost if you just booked a cruise?

 

I'm not saying that RCCL should eat the cost. I'm saying that they have chosen to eat the cost for some passengers and not others and that decision is in poor taste.

 

 

I know it´s easier for me to say this as I´m not affected by this and always something hard to swallow if you are left out on the deal.

 

Anyway I don´t see any poor taste in the decision and it´s exactly what I would expect them to do. You ask for the reasoning behind this - I can come up with a number of reasons.

 

To eat the cost for all as you say would be an unpredictable risk for them, as they have no idea at all which of the passengers would make it and which not. They know exactly who will need compensation for those that are booked with them.

 

I´m not sure if this would apply for the US as well but over here (and I think it´s the same in the UK) if a company sells you a cruise they are just responsible for the cruise and nothing else is part of their business. If they however sell you a package like flight+cruise, they automatically become a trip organizer and thus they are responsible for the whole thing. As a result of that, if they can´t get you on a flight to board the cruise they can´t deliver the product they sold and have to compensate you for this. The mere attempt to get you to the next port to join the ship there would not suffice.

 

If you buy your flights through the cruiseline they are the ones to deal with the airline, if you booked them yourself, why and how should they deal with them? It´s the same like booking directly with the cruiseline or using a TA. If you have a TA it´s the TA to deal with the cruiseline for you. If you booked your air the airline can only deal with you not the cruiseline.

 

Back to the cost.

As said before if you purchased air from RCI they need to handle this. If you booked it on your own why should they need to pay for something they can´t control? You could have purchased insurance for this and I´m sure many in your situation do have insurance for this and that´s what insurance is for. Now why should RCI step up to compensate people instead of letting the insurance companies do this? For those that don´t have insurance, why should RCI have to eat the cost for those that chose to save the cost of insurance? If they would do that nobody would need insurance anymore.

 

 

To those that say they don´t need insurance and they never get it etc....

That´s totally fine, its apersonal decision everybody has to make, based on the personal situation and evaluating the cost and risk. Afterall insurance is not mandatory.

But if you don´t buy insurance, please be responsible enough to see yourself as the one having to eat the cost if something goes wrong and don´t expect others to step in for you. So if you opted out of the insurance option, it was your decision, so take it like a grown up if something goes wrong. No whining, no complaining, no sympathy - period.

[UKBayern]

Don't be too sure about travel insurances either, a lot here in Europe have already said that since it is an "act of God", which is excluded in their Terms and Conditions, they are not going to pay out.

 

Let's face it people: this is such a big problem (which could go on for weeks if not months) that the airlines, cruise companies, hotels, travel insurances etc are just all going to go bankcrupt if they have to give everybody a refund or rebooking. The European airlines alone lost in excess of 100 million Euro (=135 million $) in one day. They don't have any money as it is after the rock-bottom crisis year 2009. In the end we might all end up paying for ourselves.

 

I think RCCL has a deal with the airlines which makes them responsible to get the cruise passengers to the port on time. That is why they are so generous for cruise air passengers....

[roygg]

Will you get a full refund for cancelling your cruise? I hope you got a last minute bargain on the P&O one for Monday :)

re Voyager Transatlantic sailing this Sunday. We booked the cruise element of the Voyager direct with RCCL on a Tuesday special. Then added hotel and transport through Weybridge. The air travel was frequent miles through American from Manchester to Houston (ship was sailing from Galveston). Annual travel insurance is part of my credit card beneifits.

American Airlines will reimburse my mileage and taxes etc. as they are unable to rebook me.

Currently, RCCL said they will only reimburse gratuities, port taxes and possibly transport from hotel to pier. They will not refund cancelled hotel ???? (which I do think is a bit much since they were being given 2 days notice ) nor any portion of cabin cost. The representative at RCCL was not prepared to transfer the booking to another ship. It does question the value of booking hotels via the cruise line as self booking enables last minute cancellations.

Nor will they transfer the booking to another ship sailing out of UK this month. So, sorry RCCL, you are getting pushed down our list.

I am faced with making a claim against insurers for our losses, which has now commenced. But we are packed and price was reasonable on the P & O.

So tough lessons on 1) booking your own flights and 2) with frequent miles particularly on outbound flying for one way transatlantics. I guess less of an issue on return flights. 3) Cruise emergency contact telephone numbers are useless (recorded messages) (normal working hours only). Probably the same appplies if you book through a TA ? 4)

 

Hope foregoing helps peoples deliberations on cruising, eh only our own experiences. Some sailing friends booked completely through a TA & RCCL and appear happy on refund status. They have now made a new booking on the Ventura sailing next weekend.

AND if you think you can book with RCCLs CRUISE AIR , forget it, you can not do that if you book your cruise direct with RCCL.