I am SO bummed! I'm supposed to be in Hawaii right now

[80sGurl]

MACOP- the only way NCL is going to help is by me writing them a letter, to both Customer Relations and the President of NCL. I will give them my sob story LOL.... if and when I hear anything from them, I will definately come back to the boards and let you guys know. I will probably draft the letter tonight while it's all still fresh on my mind and get that sent off ASAP. I am totally curious as to how many other families were not able to get on the ship, that would be interesting to know.

 

Tina

 

Without the air, there was no cruise. SO I feel no miles should be lost.

Plenty of money lost that made those miles & whomever giving them should be human.........

 

So is NCL going to help at least?

[80sGurl]

Mbisson- the ship sailed Saturday night at 8pm (assuming it was timely)

 

T

 

 

 

Did the ship sail?

 

I think Tina has it correct and I admire her attitude. That said-if it were me, I'd probably ask if there were any possibility of a future cruise credit, but I certainly wouldn't expect one.

[mbisson]

Mbisson- the ship sailed Saturday night at 8pm (assuming it was timely)

 

T

 

Sorry, I was being sarcastic to the comment "Without the air, there was no cruise"

 

-Monte

[Amlee]

Some bad news to pass on. My family and I will probably have to cancel our cruise. We had 10.00 tickets from skybus and everybody knows what happen to skybus. We have been on-line all night trying to get a new flight but everything is so expensive. The cheapest has been Southwest and that is still 900 dollars we didn't expect to pay. Anybody else affected by this. We are traveling from Columbus,oh. We have tried every route from flying into other airports in the Florida but with no luck. To expensive. We have even thought of driving there and flying back but still would have to pay over 500 dollars. We are going to loose all of our on-board credit which totals around 300 dollars. All other airlines all over priced.

 

My problem dosen't come close to ompare to yours. I hope for the best and I hope your travel agent will help you. Sometimes life has a way for working these things out. Sometimes it seems like all is lost and the odds are against you but something may pop up to help soften the blow.Keep positive. Mean while I'm still looking.

 

If worse comes to worse, you could always do Amtrak out of Cinci to Orlando,

[Amlee]

Davey,

As a TA I would never have promised to "Make them whole" but I certainly would have stayed late to make some phone calls, try my best to get the BEST airfare possible from SAN To Hawaii and do everything I could to get this family to enjoy their vacation that they worked hard for and was ruined due to no fault of their own. Yes, travel insurance MAY have helped get them there for the cruise but remember that THOUSANDS of people on ATA and Aloha were searching for the same alternatives so flights were scarce and the airlines were jacking up fares quicker than you could bat an eye! No TA can say they will fix the problem but a GOOD TA stays late and works for their client and says "I'm sorry" when they can't make it work. Clearly Tina's TA didn't do any of that and for that she should immediately go to the manager or owner of the agency and complain. Not because he couldn't get her to Hawaii but because his attitude clearly told her he didn't care. This is the kind of TA that give the rest a bad image and why so many just decide it's easier to book themselves. Of course, I also HATE that the cruise lines won't discuss your reservation with you in times of emergency, especially on weekends when the TA's offices are closed!:mad: I understand why the rule was made but the lack of compassion in emergencies astounds me....for ALL cruise lines.

 

 

That about sum's up my thoughts also. With people scrambling to get seats, even the worlds best TA would have had a hard time fixing this. But to go home and not help, is totally inexcusable.

[80sGurl]

I just found this in the FAQ's on the Sea Miles website

 

Q. If I redeem my SeaMiles then cancel my booking will I lose my SeaMiles?

A. As per the program terms and conditions, once your SeaMiles have been deducted from your account, those SeaMiles cannot be restored under any circumstance.

[mbisson]

I just found this in the FAQ's on the Sea Miles website

 

Q. If I redeem my SeaMiles then cancel my booking will I lose my SeaMiles?

A. As per the program terms and conditions, once your SeaMiles have been deducted from your account, those SeaMiles cannot be restored under any circumstance.

 

 

OUCH!

[DEBCAT65]

I just found this in the FAQ's on the Sea Miles website

 

Q. If I redeem my SeaMiles then cancel my booking will I lose my SeaMiles?

A. As per the program terms and conditions, once your SeaMiles have been deducted from your account, those SeaMiles cannot be restored under any circumstance.

Your situation really stinks!! I was in a similar situation about 25 yrs ago. A was in my early 20;s, and a few days before my flight to Hawaii, our airline went bankrupt. World Airways accepted our ticket and we were able to fly over. However, they did not accept our return flight. It all worked out and we were grateful, but it did put a damper on our trip.

 

Now, I understand that they will not give you your miles back. I would recommend calling and discussing cancelling your card with them. Usually, people in the cancellation departments have more power than the general customer service people. Especially with the way this economy is headed, they really should want to keep their good customers, the ones who pay their bills. Even if they offer you a portion of your miles back, you would still be ahead of where you are at now. You do not necessarily need to cancel, just discuss it with them and see what they offer to do.

 

As already stated, travel insurance probably would not have helped with the miles portion. This is an extenuating circumstance and they should at least attempt to meet you half way as just a good customer service statement.

 

Hope it all works out for you!!

 

Debbi

[Lipton]

Wow I just read through all of the pages of this thread..

 

I am so sorry you missed your cruise and lost your sea miles and your $$

how awful! The upgrade sounded like a dream!

 

I hope you do write to NCL.. you never know they may come through for you...

 

((((80sgurl)))) <--- Big hug for you and your family !!!!

 

-Mitch

[CruisnGram]

Okay, this is probably a really dumb suggestion, but I freely admit I know nothing about the law....so here goes.

 

Aloha Airlines has creditors. And, those creditors will get in line to get some of what is owed to them. Just because they declared bankruptcy does not mean all their debt is automatically cleared. Everything will be sold off and the money dispersed accordingly.

 

So, what about a law suit against Aloha Airlines? I would think that you could find an attorney who would gladly take this on. There must be hundreds of people who were severely affected by this. Sort of a class action law suit? It is Aloha's fault that you missed your cruise. So perhaps it's worth looking into trying to get Aloha to compensate you?

 

Told you it was probably not the smartest suggestion ever, but I'm grasping at straws. Any knowledgable people out there on a subject like this?

[garycarla]

Without the air, there was no cruise. SO I feel no miles should be lost. Plenty of money lost that made those miles & whomever giving them should be human.........

 

So is NCL going to help at least?

 

Okay MACOP - you are right. They did not go on the cruise. Let me ask this:

 

If you overslept and missed the flight, and therefore no cruise, would you expect the miles back?

 

If at the last minute you were afraid to fly, would you get your money back?

 

If you decided not to go, and therefore there was no cruise, should you get the miles back?

 

If your good friend was sick, and you decided not to go, should you get your miles back?

 

If there was a personal issue, and you decided not to go, should you get your miles back?

 

If the taxi company did not show up to take you to the airport, should you get your miles back?

 

If your boss said you could not leave on vacations, should you get your miles back?

 

No, to all the above. You redeemed your miles. You spent them. You cashed them in. The fact that you did not show up for the cruise you PROMISED to be at has nothing to do with the cruiseline or your miles. You are out of luck. Why in the heck do they care why? You paid for the cruise and you did not show up.

 

They might feel sorry that the airline folded up, but that is NOT their problem. They are in the business of selling cruises.

 

Next.

[AllieInMD]

They could - but the reality is that they'd prob never see a dime (or else class action lawyers would already be advertising).

 

Businesses do have creditors - obviously they have more debts than assets. In bankruptcies, secured creditors get paid first, unsecured/individuals last.

 

Say for example that you go bankrupt. The people holding the note on your house and car get first dibs - the loans are secured by property they can repossess to reduce the debt. They will get their money faster and more likely to get it then say the local payday loan place, dear Aunt Edna who you borrowed from (even if she's holding a promissory note), etc.

 

The people who own the planes and equipment will get paid first. Then their suppliers (fuel/food/etc). Then probably any retirement benefits they are on the hook for (that money is separate and protected, at least in theory). Individuals holding air tickets would be the last - and since more bills than assets - they'd get nothing most likely.

 

 

-Aloha Airlines has creditors. And, those creditors will get in line to get some of what is ato them. Just because they declared bankruptcy does not mean all their debt is automatically cleared. Everything will be sold off and the money dispersed accordingly.

 

So, what about a law suit against Aloha Airlines? I would think that you could find an attorney who would gladly take this on. There must be hundreds of people who were severely affected by this. Sort of a class action law suit? It is Aloha's fault that you missed your cruise. So perhaps it's worth looking into trying to get Aloha to compensate you?

 

Told you it was probably not the smartest suggestion ever, but I'm grasping at straws. Any knowledgable people out there on a subject like this?-

[CruisnGram]

Okay MACOP - you are right. They did not go on the cruise. Let me ask this:

 

If you overslept and missed the flight, and therefore no cruise, would you expect the miles back?

 

If at the last minute you were afraid to fly, would you get your money back?

 

If you decided not to go, and therefore there was no cruise, should you get the miles back?

 

If your good friend was sick, and you decided not to go, should you get your miles back?

 

If there was a personal issue, and you decided not to go, should you get your miles back?

 

If the taxi company did not show up to take you to the airport, should you get your miles back?

 

If your boss said you could not leave on vacations, should you get your miles back?

 

While I agree she won't get her miles back, every single instance you've quoted above would be the purchasers fault. Most of them was that the person "decided" not to go for some reason. The other two (couldn't get off work, taxi did't show up) would be the purchasers fault for not 1) checking to see that they could get vacation and 2) not calling another taxi or taking a bus.

 

Tina lost her cruise because of circumstances completely beyond her control.....airline bankruptcy and the inability to obtain other flights at the last minute. Heck, it was in Hawaii so she couldn't even get a bus, or drive there. Her hands were completely tied and this was through no fault (or decision) of her own.

 

You are still right......she redeemed her cruise miles for a cruise and it is not the company's fault that the airline went bankrupt...no more then it is Tina's fault she wasn't on that ship when it set sail.

[coaster]

I was waiting to see a post like this after all the airline mess the past week. Sorry you are a victim. It makes me wonder how many folks are not going to be able to afford to take NCL America cruises now with airfares going up because of less competition and higher fuel. Good thing NCL pulled two ships out when they did. A personal story like this is more of a concern right now though. Hope the NCL folks in Miami give you at least a credit for another cruise.

[80sGurl]

Debcat, I've thought of that angle, threatening to cancel my credit card. I think what I'll end up doing is just writing them a letter too explaining the situation and we'll see if they have any mercy on me

 

Tina

 

 

Your situation really stinks!! I was in a similar situation about 25 yrs ago. A was in my early 20;s, and a few days before my flight to Hawaii, our airline went bankrupt. World Airways accepted our ticket and we were able to fly over. However, they did not accept our return flight. It all worked out and we were grateful, but it did put a damper on our trip.

 

Now, I understand that they will not give you your miles back. I would recommend calling and discussing cancelling your card with them. Usually, people in the cancellation departments have more power than the general customer service people. Especially with the way this economy is headed, they really should want to keep their good customers, the ones who pay their bills. Even if they offer you a portion of your miles back, you would still be ahead of where you are at now. You do not necessarily need to cancel, just discuss it with them and see what they offer to do.

 

As already stated, travel insurance probably would not have helped with the miles portion. This is an extenuating circumstance and they should at least attempt to meet you half way as just a good customer service statement.

 

Hope it all works out for you!!

 

Debbi

[80sGurl]

Thanks Mitch! I appreciate you sympathy!

 

A funny thing happened. My husband checked his cell phone msgs this evening, he came down with a bad cold saturday and has been ignoring his cell. Apparantly a rep from NCL called yesterday to see if we were coming on the ship and what happened! I have her number and I'm going to call her tomorrow, her office was closed by the time I got the message. I am surprised they called though, because I called THEM on Saturday letting them know the situation! If there is anything good to post after I talk to her, I'll be sure to post on the board. I am surprised someone even called us directly from NCL after the rash of crap they gave me for calling them directly and not having my TA call them instead of me...

 

Tina

 

Wow I just read through all of the pages of this thread..

 

I am so sorry you missed your cruise and lost your sea miles and your $$

how awful! The upgrade sounded like a dream!

 

I hope you do write to NCL.. you never know they may come through for you...

 

((((80sgurl)))) <--- Big hug for you and your family !!!!

 

-Mitch

[80sGurl]

My travel agent said that they might give me a credit for another cruise, he's seen it before, but of course he's not certain what will happen here, no one really knows. When I get my response from NCL, I'll post it here. I will probably Fed Ex my letter to Guest Relations & the Prez of NCL, it only costs me $13 bucks or so each Fed Ex and it looks a little more "official" ;)

 

Tina

 

I was waiting to see a post like this after all the airline mess the past week. Sorry you are a victim. It makes me wonder how many folks are not going to be able to afford to take NCL America cruises now with airfares going up because of less competition and higher fuel. Good thing NCL pulled two ships out when they did. A personal story like this is more of a concern right now though. Hope the NCL folks in Miami give you at least a credit for another cruise.

[coaster]

Your bank should be able to help with the airline charges. There was a phone company called SunRocket that went under last year. People payed for phone service two years in advance. A forum had many posts where people where able to get a chargeback credit from the card issuer when their customers called them and let them know their circumstance. Many credit card customer service representatives were already aware of the issue with this company.

[80sGurl]

Airline charges aren't a problem, US Air is already covering those because they were the 1st leg of my trip (SAN to PHX), and ATA was the 2nd leg (PHX to Honolulu)-

 

We went down to the airport about an hour before my flight to PHX left and filled out paperwork for a refund from US Air. I am very thankful they are covering that.

 

The cruise charges are what's in question at this point. Because I didn't have insurance, the big debate is.... will NCL give me credit towards another cruise out of a good faith/customer service gesture because of my lack of control with the ATA bankruptcy? or tell me too bad?

 

Tina

 

 

Your bank should be able to help with the airline charges. There was a phone company called SunRocket that went under last year. Many people payed for phone service two years in advance. A forum had many posts where people where able to get a chargeback credit from the card issuer when their customers called them and let them know their circumstance. Many credit card customer service representatives were already aware of the issue with this company.

[Ms belp]

Your bank should be able to help with the airline charges. There was a phone company called SunRocket that went under last year. Many people payed for phone service two years in advance. A forum had many posts where people where able to get a chargeback credit from the card issuer when their customers called them and let them know their circumstance. Many credit card customer service representatives were already aware of the issue with this company.

 

Sorry, but what does a phone company have to do with the price of eggs?

[coaster]

Airline charges aren't a problem, US Air is already covering those because they were the 1st leg of my trip (SAN to PHX), and ATA was the 2nd leg (PHX to Honolulu)-

 

We went down to the airport about an hour before my flight to PHX left and filled out paperwork for a refund from US Air. I am very thankful they are covering that.

 

The cruise charges are what's in question at this point. Because I didn't have insurance, the big debate is.... will NCL give me credit towards another cruise out of a good faith/customer service gesture because of my lack of control with the ATA bankruptcy? or tell me too bad?

 

Tina

 

Glad to see the airline issue is resolved at least. I didn't read all pages of this post, so I am sorry if you had to repeat anything. All cruise lines will give you grief if you try to bypass your agent. They are paying your travel agency a commission and expect the agency to handle any issues.

 

I always book direct as I like to be in control. No waiting until Monday if something good like a price drop happens on a weekend or something unfortunate happens and your agency is closed. Maybe a consideration in the future for you. Anyway, it is really a goodwill decision on NCL's part and something you have to wait out. I don't blame you for trying. I would of done the same thing.

[coaster]

Sorry, but what does a phone company have to do with the price of eggs?

 

 

Companies going out of business. Doesn't matter if they sell phone service, airline flights or eggs..

[80sGurl]

Coaster - I had to use a TA in order to redeem my 88,000 sea miles. It gave me a really good discount on the cruise, otherwise, I generally don't like using TA's either because of the lack of control.

 

This post has a lot of pages and views, I can't say I blame you for not reading all 9 pages of it ;) I guess it's made for some interesting conversation this past weekend!

 

Tina

 

Glad to see the airline issue is resolved at least. I didn't read all pages of this post, so I am sorry if you had to repeat anything. All cruise lines will give you grief if you try to bypass your agent. They are paying your travel agency a commission and expect the agency to handle any issues.

 

I always book direct as I like to be in control. No waiting until Monday if something good like a price drop happens on a weekend or something unfortunate happens and your agency is closed. Maybe a consideration in the future for you. Anyway, it is really a goodwill decision on NCL's part and something you have to wait out. I don't blame you for trying. I would of done the same thing.

[Ms belp]

Companies going out of business. Doesn't matter if they sell phone service, airline flights or eggs..

 

Oh, I agree about that. I can't believe how many jobs are being lost. I just didn't see how relating getting a credit from an airline related to getting a credit from a phone company.

 

Until we decide to do something in this country about this problem it will only continue...and get much worse I fear. Off the subject, I know, sorry!

[coaster]

Oh, I agree about that. I can't believe how many jobs are being lost. I just didn't see how relating getting a credit from an airline related to getting a credit from a phone company.

 

Until we decide to do something in this country about this problem it will only continue...and get much worse I fear. Off the subject, I know, sorry!

 

 

The weak only get weaker in a environment like this. I agree the employees are the real losers. I can only hope in the long run that things will get better for the airlines because of less competition. They hopefully will get stronger and be able to better withstand downturns like the one we are in now.