NCL cancelled October 2021 cruise

[7SeasLover]

I’m trying to find out why our cruise on the Bliss Oct 2021 was cancelled. No reason provided. Just a letter saying it was cancelled. 

[SeaHunt]

Was it the 10/31/21 sailing? If so, cancelled due to full ship charter by Atlantis - here's the previous discussion:

 

 

[7SeasLover]

Yep, that was our cruise. So they just cut us loose for a charter and didn’t even bother to book us on a different date? Wow. Rude! 

[SeaShark]

1 hour ago, 7SeasLover said:

Yep, that was our cruise. So they just cut us loose for a charter and didn’t even bother to book us on a different date? Wow. Rude! 

 

Rude? How so?

 

Wondering just how they would know exactly what different date you would be available for them to book you on? Did you provide them with acceptable alternate dates in advance?

[ace2542]

2 hours ago, SeaHunt said:

Was it the 10/31/21 sailing? If so, cancelled due to full ship charter by Atlantis - here's the previous discussion:

 

 

Does that mean that Atlantis have paid more for the cruise than the total of individual bookings would have been? When you say they have booked it out does that mean they have sold all the cabins already or are faced with having to sell them all themselves.

Edited February 8, 2021 by ace2542

[ace2542]

8 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

 

Rude? How so?

 

Wondering just how they would know exactly what different date you would be available for them to book you on? Did you provide them with acceptable alternate dates in advance?

Could the lead poster not attempt to contact Atlantis and making the booking with them? Assuming it would still be of interest to them and assuming all the cabins have not been sold already.

Edited February 8, 2021 by ace2542

[CILCIANRQTS]

2 minutes ago, ace2542 said:

Does that mean that Atlantis have paid more for the cruise than the total of individual bookings would have been?

 

Absolutely!!

That’s the only reason cruise lines do it.

We’ve had it happen to us and stopped using the line that did it to us.

They book the whole ship above retail and spend a fortune on booze, events, etc

[ace2542]

5 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

 

Absolutely!!

That’s the only reason cruise lines do it.

We’ve had it happen to us and stopped using the line that did it to us.

They book the whole ship above retail and spend a fortune on booze, events, etc

Why didn't you try and book again with the event company (although I don't know what the event was)?

 

They might struggle to sell the cabins you know. Not being horrible or anything but I can see this being a big Covid event with drugs and all kinds just like what happened when Royal did that english reality show a couple of years ago there were drugs all over the place apparently.

Edited February 8, 2021 by ace2542

[CILCIANRQTS]

It was a large religious group. 

Most charters are special interest groups that may only appeal to their members.

[ace2542]

6 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

It was a large religious group. 

Most charters are special interest groups that may only appeal to their members.

I thought it was a gay cruise they had chartered it for.

[FlGoodShips]

See post#2...It refers you to original post.

It is a gay group booked thru Atlantis.

[SeaHunt]

Charters happen on almost every line. There are many, many sad threads across different lines here on CC where people find they have been booted, though most do get fair warning so they can make other arrangements. I know it is so disappointing to lose your cruise and am sorry it happened to you.

 

It seems like Atlantis always has a big group of charters, and they are currently advertising these on their website:

 

Virgin Voyages Caribbean

June 6 - 11, 2021 Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

 

Venice to Athens Cruise

July 9 - 18, 2021 Oceania Riviera

 

Odyssey Med Cruise

August 29 - September 7, 2021 Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas

 

Bliss Halloween Cruise

October 31 - November 7, 2021 Norwegian Bliss

 

30th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise

January 16 - 23, 2022 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

 

I don't know what NCL will do for you, but here is an example of a charter cancellation letter from Royal Caribbean to a travel agent showing what they offered to the people who have already been cancelled for the January 16 2022 Oasis Atlantis sailing:

 

"We hope that you, your family, and your friends are healthy and safe during this challenging time. We're reaching out to let you know that, regrettably, we have to cancel our January 16^th, 2022 Oasis of the Seas sailing, as it has been chartered.

We know this news is disappointing, and we're sorry for the impact to your clients' cruise. Understanding how much time and effort go into planning their cruise, it's important to us that every aspect of their time with us is enjoyable. So, we've put together some alternative options that we hope will work for them.

Option 1: Re-book one of the following 2022 Eastern Caribbean itineraries onboard Oasis of the Seas departing from Miami, Florida on:

• Jan 2^ndsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Jan 30^thsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | Philipsburg, St. Maarten

What they'll receive:

• Their original stateroom category will be price protected at the original cruise fare rate, excluding taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
  • If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• They'll receive a credit to spend onboard per stateroom:
  • $100 USD for Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms | $200 USD for Suites
  • Plus, an additional $50 USD for each third or more guest to spend onboard
• And, you'll receive protected commission.

Option 2: Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing and they'll receive:

• If your clients prefer to re-book another sailing not included in Option 1, we'll waive any non-refundable deposit change fees associated with the move.
• Please know, they'll be responsible for any difference in pricing for their cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
• If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• And, your commission will be based on the revised cruise fare paid.

Option 3: If they can't find a new cruise itinerary that works for them and choose to cancel, we'll be sad to see them go. They'll receive:

• We'll process a full refund of any paid portion of their cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits.
• Lastly, any pre-paid amenities will be refunded to the original form of payment within 45 business days.
• Please note, if they choose this option, we will not provide additional compensation.
• Lastly, you'll receive protected commission if the booking is paid in full only.

Please note, unnamed groups with no payment applied will not qualify for the alternate options provided.

It's important to us that your clients find the best cruise option. Please call us at 888-by November 25^th, 2020 to let us know their decision and know, hold times may be longer than usual. We'll process their request by November 27^th, 2020. If we haven't heard from you, either by phone or by survey, by November 25^th, 2020, their reservation will be cancelled.

***********************************************************

 

There's a good explanation of charters in the article here on CC:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=760

 

Re price of chartering a ship I found this about Royal Caribbean charters:

"As an example, the charter rate for Royal Caribbean ships will be based on full double occupancy regardless of how many people sail, pre-paid gratuities based on double occupancy and any applicable fuel surcharge based on full double occupancy.  The client will be responsible for taxes & fees based on the actual number of guests and will be required to pay for the actual gratuities should more than double occupancy sail.  Additional fees may apply for triple and quad berths above double occupancy. 

Pricing varies based on ship, sail date, itinerary and level of customization.  Actual pricing must be provided by the Manager of International Charters, but the following ranges may be used in the pre-qualification process to determine viability: 

 

• 3-night  $900,000 - $1,100,000+
• 4-night  $1,000,000 - $1,400,000+
• 4-night  $1,400,000 - $1,700,000+                       Voyager Class
• 5-night  $1,400,000 - $1,800,000+                       Vision/Radiance
• 5-night  $1,800,000 - $2,200,000+                       Voyager Class
• 7-night  $1,800,000 - $2,500,000+                       Vision Class
• 7-night  $2,800,000 - $3,800,000+                       Voyager Classes
• 7-Night $3,900,000 - $4,500,000+                       Freedom Class
• 7-night  $7,500,000 - $11,000,000+                     Oasis Class

Charter pricing will generally be most attractive in non-peak season such as September, October, early December and/or January and will be most expensive from May through August.  Product in Alaska or Europe may exceed the ranges outlined above.

 

http://www.meetingsonships.com/Page/ShipCharters

 

[ace2542]

12 hours ago, SeaHunt said:

Charters happen on almost every line. There are many, many sad threads across different lines here on CC where people find they have been booted, though most do get fair warning so they can make other arrangements. I know it is so disappointing to lose your cruise and am sorry it happened to you.

 

It seems like Atlantis always has a big group of charters, and they are currently advertising these on their website:

 

Virgin Voyages Caribbean

June 6 - 11, 2021 Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

 

Venice to Athens Cruise

July 9 - 18, 2021 Oceania Riviera

 

Odyssey Med Cruise

August 29 - September 7, 2021 Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas

 

Bliss Halloween Cruise

October 31 - November 7, 2021 Norwegian Bliss

 

30th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise

January 16 - 23, 2022 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

 

I don't know what NCL will do for you, but here is an example of a charter cancellation letter from Royal Caribbean to a travel agent showing what they offered to the people who have already been cancelled for the January 16 2022 Oasis Atlantis sailing:

 

"We hope that you, your family, and your friends are healthy and safe during this challenging time. We're reaching out to let you know that, regrettably, we have to cancel our January 16^th, 2022 Oasis of the Seas sailing, as it has been chartered.

We know this news is disappointing, and we're sorry for the impact to your clients' cruise. Understanding how much time and effort go into planning their cruise, it's important to us that every aspect of their time with us is enjoyable. So, we've put together some alternative options that we hope will work for them.

Option 1: Re-book one of the following 2022 Eastern Caribbean itineraries onboard Oasis of the Seas departing from Miami, Florida on:

• Jan 2^ndsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Jan 30^thsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | Philipsburg, St. Maarten

What they'll receive:

• Their original stateroom category will be price protected at the original cruise fare rate, excluding taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
  • If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• They'll receive a credit to spend onboard per stateroom:
  • $100 USD for Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms | $200 USD for Suites
  • Plus, an additional $50 USD for each third or more guest to spend onboard
• And, you'll receive protected commission.

Option 2: Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing and they'll receive:

• If your clients prefer to re-book another sailing not included in Option 1, we'll waive any non-refundable deposit change fees associated with the move.
• Please know, they'll be responsible for any difference in pricing for their cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
• If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• And, your commission will be based on the revised cruise fare paid.

Option 3: If they can't find a new cruise itinerary that works for them and choose to cancel, we'll be sad to see them go. They'll receive:

• We'll process a full refund of any paid portion of their cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits.
• Lastly, any pre-paid amenities will be refunded to the original form of payment within 45 business days.
• Please note, if they choose this option, we will not provide additional compensation.
• Lastly, you'll receive protected commission if the booking is paid in full only.

Please note, unnamed groups with no payment applied will not qualify for the alternate options provided.

It's important to us that your clients find the best cruise option. Please call us at 888-by November 25^th, 2020 to let us know their decision and know, hold times may be longer than usual. We'll process their request by November 27^th, 2020. If we haven't heard from you, either by phone or by survey, by November 25^th, 2020, their reservation will be cancelled.

***********************************************************

 

There's a good explanation of charters in the article here on CC:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=760

 

Re price of chartering a ship I found this about Royal Caribbean charters:

"As an example, the charter rate for Royal Caribbean ships will be based on full double occupancy regardless of how many people sail, pre-paid gratuities based on double occupancy and any applicable fuel surcharge based on full double occupancy.  The client will be responsible for taxes & fees based on the actual number of guests and will be required to pay for the actual gratuities should more than double occupancy sail.  Additional fees may apply for triple and quad berths above double occupancy. 

Pricing varies based on ship, sail date, itinerary and level of customization.  Actual pricing must be provided by the Manager of International Charters, but the following ranges may be used in the pre-qualification process to determine viability: 

 

• 3-night  $900,000 - $1,100,000+
• 4-night  $1,000,000 - $1,400,000+
• 4-night  $1,400,000 - $1,700,000+                       Voyager Class
• 5-night  $1,400,000 - $1,800,000+                       Vision/Radiance
• 5-night  $1,800,000 - $2,200,000+                       Voyager Class
• 7-night  $1,800,000 - $2,500,000+                       Vision Class
• 7-night  $2,800,000 - $3,800,000+                       Voyager Classes
• 7-Night $3,900,000 - $4,500,000+                       Freedom Class
• 7-night  $7,500,000 - $11,000,000+                     Oasis Class

Charter pricing will generally be most attractive in non-peak season such as September, October, early December and/or January and will be most expensive from May through August.  Product in Alaska or Europe may exceed the ranges outlined above.

 

http://www.meetingsonships.com/Page/ShipCharters

 

Why would they not offer to transfer their booking to the charter company with customer paying the excess amount if their is any? Because you can't told they have sold the cabins already. Because they haven't. Not when mailing goes out.

[Beach Life 1]

Is there a website that tells you ships that are being chartered,  or partial charters?

[gmbhardy]

This whole discussion is moot. Cruising will not start up by then.

[roger001]

I agree there is little chance it will sail. But in the past I've had two cruises cancelled because of charters.   All NLC offered on those were two  future similar cruise choices that they provided the specifics on at my original booked price with whatever blennies I already had.  One I accepted.  The other I did not.  They refunded my deposit.  

[HowardK]

Is it legal for them to do it (via terms and conditions)?  I would be fuming- many people regardless of whether the ship would be postponed could have had this planned for years. Seems distasteful of NCL to do this- If they are going to do a charter, at least have the decency to do it before opening it up to the public. 

I wonder if the people on the charter have to be nickel and dimed and pay big service charges as well

[DaCruiseBug]

On 2/8/2021 at 7:33 PM, SeaHunt said:

Charters happen on almost every line. There are many, many sad threads across different lines here on CC where people find they have been booted, though most do get fair warning so they can make other arrangements. I know it is so disappointing to lose your cruise and am sorry it happened to you.

 

It seems like Atlantis always has a big group of charters, and they are currently advertising these on their website:

 

Virgin Voyages Caribbean

June 6 - 11, 2021 Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

 

Venice to Athens Cruise

July 9 - 18, 2021 Oceania Riviera

 

Odyssey Med Cruise

August 29 - September 7, 2021 Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas

 

Bliss Halloween Cruise

October 31 - November 7, 2021 Norwegian Bliss

 

30th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise

January 16 - 23, 2022 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

 

I don't know what NCL will do for you, but here is an example of a charter cancellation letter from Royal Caribbean to a travel agent showing what they offered to the people who have already been cancelled for the January 16 2022 Oasis Atlantis sailing:

 

"We hope that you, your family, and your friends are healthy and safe during this challenging time. We're reaching out to let you know that, regrettably, we have to cancel our January 16^th, 2022 Oasis of the Seas sailing, as it has been chartered.

We know this news is disappointing, and we're sorry for the impact to your clients' cruise. Understanding how much time and effort go into planning their cruise, it's important to us that every aspect of their time with us is enjoyable. So, we've put together some alternative options that we hope will work for them.

Option 1: Re-book one of the following 2022 Eastern Caribbean itineraries onboard Oasis of the Seas departing from Miami, Florida on:

• Jan 2^ndsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Jan 30^thsailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | Philipsburg, St. Maarten

What they'll receive:

• Their original stateroom category will be price protected at the original cruise fare rate, excluding taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
  • If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• They'll receive a credit to spend onboard per stateroom:
  • $100 USD for Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms | $200 USD for Suites
  • Plus, an additional $50 USD for each third or more guest to spend onboard
• And, you'll receive protected commission.

Option 2: Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing and they'll receive:

• If your clients prefer to re-book another sailing not included in Option 1, we'll waive any non-refundable deposit change fees associated with the move.
• Please know, they'll be responsible for any difference in pricing for their cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
• If they were already paid in full and their cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide them with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. They can expect to receive their refund to their original form of payment 45 days after we move them. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on their financial institution.
• And, your commission will be based on the revised cruise fare paid.

Option 3: If they can't find a new cruise itinerary that works for them and choose to cancel, we'll be sad to see them go. They'll receive:

• We'll process a full refund of any paid portion of their cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits.
• Lastly, any pre-paid amenities will be refunded to the original form of payment within 45 business days.
• Please note, if they choose this option, we will not provide additional compensation.
• Lastly, you'll receive protected commission if the booking is paid in full only.

Please note, unnamed groups with no payment applied will not qualify for the alternate options provided.

It's important to us that your clients find the best cruise option. Please call us at 888-by November 25^th, 2020 to let us know their decision and know, hold times may be longer than usual. We'll process their request by November 27^th, 2020. If we haven't heard from you, either by phone or by survey, by November 25^th, 2020, their reservation will be cancelled.

***********************************************************

 

There's a good explanation of charters in the article here on CC:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=760

 

Re price of chartering a ship I found this about Royal Caribbean charters:

"As an example, the charter rate for Royal Caribbean ships will be based on full double occupancy regardless of how many people sail, pre-paid gratuities based on double occupancy and any applicable fuel surcharge based on full double occupancy.  The client will be responsible for taxes & fees based on the actual number of guests and will be required to pay for the actual gratuities should more than double occupancy sail.  Additional fees may apply for triple and quad berths above double occupancy. 

Pricing varies based on ship, sail date, itinerary and level of customization.  Actual pricing must be provided by the Manager of International Charters, but the following ranges may be used in the pre-qualification process to determine viability: 

 

• 3-night  $900,000 - $1,100,000+
• 4-night  $1,000,000 - $1,400,000+
• 4-night  $1,400,000 - $1,700,000+                       Voyager Class
• 5-night  $1,400,000 - $1,800,000+                       Vision/Radiance
• 5-night  $1,800,000 - $2,200,000+                       Voyager Class
• 7-night  $1,800,000 - $2,500,000+                       Vision Class
• 7-night  $2,800,000 - $3,800,000+                       Voyager Classes
• 7-Night $3,900,000 - $4,500,000+                       Freedom Class
• 7-night  $7,500,000 - $11,000,000+                     Oasis Class

Charter pricing will generally be most attractive in non-peak season such as September, October, early December and/or January and will be most expensive from May through August.  Product in Alaska or Europe may exceed the ranges outlined above.

 

http://www.meetingsonships.com/Page/ShipCharters

 

 

That right there is the difference between a company that does at least try and give options and offer alternatives because they actually do care about customers (RCL) and a company that would throw 10 people overboard if it meant an extra $1 in revenue (NCL).

[ace2542]

19 hours ago, HowardK said:

Is it legal for them to do it (via terms and conditions)?  I would be fuming- many people regardless of whether the ship would be postponed could have had this planned for years. Seems distasteful of NCL to do this- If they are going to do a charter, at least have the decency to do it before opening it up to the public. 

I wonder if the people on the charter have to be nickel and dimed and pay big service charges as well

I will ask my question again to a different poster. Why can't they transfer or at least try or offer to transfer your booking to the charter company maybe leaving you to pay the charter company's excess charge?

[DaCruiseBug]

16 minutes ago, ace2542 said:

I will ask my question again to a different poster. Why can't they transfer or at least try or offer to transfer your booking to the charter company maybe leaving you to pay the charter company's excess charge?

 

Because NCL is already getting all their money from that sailing. They'd rather you fork out even more money now that prices are even more inflated and go on a different ship or different sail date.