Anthem of the seas is headed back to Cape Liberty now due to a storm

[Keith1010]

Probably extra caution is wise given what had happened before.

 

Keith

[LMaxwell]

It''s clear now that they are being disembarked two days early because of noro. If it was weather that they wanted to get ahead of they'd let people stay on. Royal should just be upfront and say we're rushing to beat the weather, and noro's really bad on here so when we get back, get off.

 

Can anyone onboard say if Royal is helping with change fees for travel arrangements or putting anyone up in local hotels?

 

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

[F27TW]

5 minutes ago in from the the guest services desk someone lost control of the bowels and it went EVERYWHERE. Ugh the poor crew that has to deal with cleaning that.

 

.

 

 

I hate when that happens.

[Karma5]

Explorer was in NY/NJ for years, and never had these problems, even during tropical storms like Sandy and blizzards.

 

Good point!:

[Biker19]

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

 

The way I read the letter all of the refunds are in the form of refundable OBC - anything you don't spend will be credited to the CC used to pay for the cruise (or a check if you paid cash). What RCI is counting on by offering OBC instead of straight refund, is that people will spend it on board.

[Wilson]

Can anyone onboard say if Royal is helping with change fees for travel arrangements or putting anyone up in local hotels?

 

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

 

One of the previous posts says they are getting travel fee assistance and whatever onboard credit is not used goes back to original form of payment.

[rubrrick]

It''s clear now that they are being disembarked two days early because of noro. If it was weather that they wanted to get ahead of they'd let people stay on. Royal should just be upfront and say we're rushing to beat the weather, and noro's really bad on here so when we get back, get off.

 

Can anyone on board say if Royal is helping with change fees for travel arrangements or putting anyone up in local hotels?

 

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

 

Someone on this thread, that apparently is on board the ship now, stated that the last two days would show up as an on board credit (OBC) and that whatever portion that was NOT used, would be returned to the passenger in the same form that the company was paid, which I take to mean that any monies left over would go back on the credit card charged.

 

Additionally, anyone needing to change flights will received up to $150.00 per person for domestic flights and $250.00 per person for international flights.

 

Anything else, the pax are on their own.

 

I feel so bad for those exposed and have come down with the Noro symptoms. Both my DW and I have experienced this in the past, and know that for those that are not in a suite, where there is room to rest, is very difficult to be quarantined in their cabin.

 

Also feel terrible for the crew that also have Noro. It's a very tough bug to fight.:rolleyes:

 

Rick

[Newbcruiser1]

One of the previous posts says they are getting travel fee assistance and whatever onboard credit is not used goes back to original form of payment.

 

 

Just to clarify, my post about travel fee assistance with with regards to the Feb 6th sailing (in response to someone stating that we didn't get any assistance on that sailing). Apologies for any misunderstandings it may have caused.

 

Although I suspect they may cover travel arrangements on this sailing as well - worth asking guest services. Or better yet, just submitting the expenses to RCI post-cruise if applicable...

 

On another note - all of these itinerary changes have made me reconsider booking my air privately. After my experience on the Feb 6th sailing, I will try to book with RCI where possible from now so that in the case of changes to embarkation or disembarkation days, THEY can deal with the hassle of getting me to and from the port. My next cruise on the Indy, I have booked my air home through Air2Sea following the TA cruise in case the ship hits rough weather and is delayed or anything.

Edited February 28, 2016 by Newbcruiser1

[akcruz]

The way I read the letter all of the refunds are in the form of refundable OBC - anything you don't spend will be credited to the CC used to pay for the cruise (or a check if you paid cash). What RCI is counting on by offering OBC instead of straight refund, is that people will spend it on board.

This is the way any onboard cancellation is handled. If you cancel prior to the cruise it is refunded back to the same form of payment that was initially used. If you cancel onboard you get refundable OBC.

[LMaxwell]

Someone on this thread, that apparently is on board the ship now, stated that the last two days would show up as an on board credit (OBC) and that whatever portion that was NOT used, would be returned to the passenger in the same form that the company was paid, which I take to mean that any monies left over would go back on the credit card charged.

 

 

That is what I saw on the letter posted in regards to the two days being refunded; it stated if not used goes back to original form of payment.

 

But in another paragraph on the letter regarding canceled excursions for missed ports it just says refunded as OBC and no mention of if not used going back to original form of payment.

 

 

Edited February 28, 2016 by LMaxwell

[Hobie1976]

I am very disappointed how RCCL is handling the Norovirus on the Anthem. First off, don't the cruisers have a right to know how bad the Norovirus outbreak is? What about cruisers with compromised immune systems or other health issues that need to be more cautious about coming down with an illness? Don't we have rights to the cdc records?

 

The inconsistency is all over the ship. Promenade Cafe you have to be handed Tea bags, sugar, etc. Handrails are being cleaned hourly. In the casino the slots are being wiped after each passenger. They have closed some entrances, to keep all using sanitation. Bumper cars are closed to prevent spread of the virus

 

The restaurants are being sanitized via a fog spray each night.

 

 

Not sure I can trust RCCL anymore.

[reallyitsmema]

The way I read the letter all of the refunds are in the form of refundable OBC - anything you don't spend will be credited to the CC used to pay for the cruise (or a check if you paid cash). What RCI is counting on by offering OBC instead of straight refund, is that people will spend it on board.

 

It is common practice for any refunds on the ship to be posted to your on board account as refundable OBC. Have canceled many excursions in the past while on a ship and that is always what happens. At the end of the cruise, a credit is then posted to the credit card used for the on board account.

 

It really makes things easier since you do not have to wait for corporate to process refunds.

[yknot13]

Better quit NY/NJ winter sailings if they're going to run for cover in bad weather.

 

Wow, scalded cat, Marine Traffic.com showing 24knots!

 

Maybe now they will consider Florida as a home port for winter.

My fingers are crossed.

[rubrrick]

That is what I saw on the letter posted in regards to the two days being refunded; it stated if not used goes back to original form of payment.

 

But in another paragraph on the letter regarding canceled excursions for missed ports it just says refunded as OBC and no mention of if not used going back to original form of payment.

 

 

 

LMaxwell, I believe that anytime one books an excursion, and then later cancels for whatever reason, within the allowed time frame, or the ship cancels, a refund is made in the form of a "refundable OBC."

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

 

Rick

[Biker19]

It really makes things easier since you do not have to wait for corporate to process refunds.

 

Yes, and it makes it a lot easier to spend it as well.:cool:

[LovesCruising]

Possible snow storm headed this way towards the end of the week. Bring your snow boots and mittens. :eek:

 

Yes I know - I live here in Jersey - and we are cruising north! UGH!

 

It''s clear now that they are being disembarked two days early because of noro. If it was weather that they wanted to get ahead of they'd let people stay on. Royal should just be upfront and say we're rushing to beat the weather, and noro's really bad on here so when we get back, get off.

 

Can anyone onboard say if Royal is helping with change fees for travel arrangements or putting anyone up in local hotels?

 

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

 

Not Chintzy at all - If it were me I wouldn't care how I got my credit as long as I got it

[mrcnasto]

We are on this ship also it has been great so far and the food has been very good. The size of the lobster tails in the grande were very large and no limit.

Yes disappointing cruise cut short due to the storm and yes want to be safe , that being said couldn't we extend the cruise a few days to be sure storm passes, suppose it doesn't? Talking about a forecast for Wednesday and we all know how the weather can change.

The person who posted a level for Niro virus, where did you hear that?

They are cleaning like I never saw on any cruise I've been on.

Again disappointed but oh god please get us home safe!

[Clarea]

LMaxwell, I believe that anytime one books an excursion, and then later cancels for whatever reason, within the allowed time frame, or the ship cancels, a refund is made in the form of a "refundable OBC."

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

 

Rick

I believe what you say is correct Rick.

[LMaxwell]

LMaxwell, I believe that anytime one books an excursion, and then later cancels for whatever reason, within the allowed time frame, or the ship cancels, a refund is made in the form of a "refundable OBC."

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

 

Rick

 

I don't know if it becomes refundable or non-refundable OBC. In this case it is the cruise line who canceled, not the guest, so I believe it SHOULD be refundable, but I am not sure.

[bobby1119]

Interesting article speculating about Anthem's returning early yet again to Cape Liberty.

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/02/articles/rough-weather-1/anthem-of-the-seas-afraid-of-the-weather-or-more-bad-publicity/

[SportsFanatic]

We are on this ship also it has been great so far and the food has been very good. The size of the lobster tails in the grande were very large and no limit.

Yes disappointing cruise cut short due to the storm and yes want to be safe , that being said couldn't we extend the cruise a few days to be sure storm passes, suppose it doesn't? Talking about a forecast for Wednesday and we all know how the weather can change.

The person who posted a level for Niro virus, where did you hear that?

They are cleaning like I never saw on any cruise I've been on.

Again disappointed but oh god please get us home safe!

 

Thank you so much for posting. Another poster had said food being served was rotting and spoiled. I was very upset to hear something like this and could not believe they were serving spoiled food. My final payment is due Tues and was considering going out of NY instead and not on this ship with all these issues.. I know it is always iffy and take chances any time you cruise and I dont let too much bother me but cold, rotting food being served is unacceptable. Good to hear you had no issues with food.

[Biker19]

Interesting article speculating about Anthem's returning early yet again to Cape Liberty.

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/02/articles/rough-weather-1/anthem-of-the-seas-afraid-of-the-weather-or-more-bad-publicity/

 

Well of course that "scumbag" (as some on here call him) lawyer would try to find some conspiracy theory.:cool:

[Biker19]

My final payment is due Tues and was considering going out of NY instead and not on this ship with all these issues.

You know final payment to RCI is not till 75 days out (and also the cancellation deadline) - according to your sig you will be at 101 days on Tuesday.

[TravelerThom]

...The inconsistency is all over the ship. Promenade Cafe you have to be handed Tea bags, sugar, etc. Handrails are being cleaned hourly. In the casino the slots are being wiped after each passenger. They have closed some entrances, to keep all using sanitation. Bumper cars are closed to prevent spread of the virus

The restaurants are being sanitized via a fog spray each night.

Not sure I can trust RCCL anymore.

I'm having difficulty understand "inconsistency" when every item you mention sounds like increased preventative measures.

[chengkp75]

I am very disappointed how RCCL is handling the Norovirus on the Anthem. First off, don't the cruisers have a right to know how bad the Norovirus outbreak is? What about cruisers with compromised immune systems or other health issues that need to be more cautious about coming down with an illness? Don't we have rights to the cdc records?

 

The inconsistency is all over the ship. Promenade Cafe you have to be handed Tea bags, sugar, etc. Handrails are being cleaned hourly. In the casino the slots are being wiped after each passenger. They have closed some entrances, to keep all using sanitation. Bumper cars are closed to prevent spread of the virus

 

The restaurants are being sanitized via a fog spray each night.

 

 

Not sure I can trust RCCL anymore.

 

You have every right to the CDC records. All you need to do is request the data from the USPH/CDC under the freedom of information act. That is when the data is in the possession of a US government agency. Until then, the ship operates on the laws of the Bahamas. Remember what the legal mandate of the USPH/CDC is, and how it applies to cruise ships: they are mandated to prevent the importation of infectious diseases into the US. That means they are interested in controlling the disease when you disembark in the US. They have no mandate to protect your health while onboard a foreign flag ship.

 

From your post, I don't understand the "inconsistency". Everything you mention in that paragraph is a mediation procedure, but you don't mention anything that you think is contravening those mediation procedures.