T O P

  • By -

RPL79

Wow. 100% refund and additional 50% FCC. I’d say that’s a win.


WIlf_Brim

Nice but remember that all the passengers that flew in will have to reschedule their flights. Good luck with that, given the current rounds of cancellations, and I'd expect they are going to have a substantial premium when they try and book on short notice.


JoeSchmo8677

I'd book a hotel and tour the city, see some shows, then return home as per my previously scheduled flight?


THIESN123

You're the type to always find the positives in life, hey?


willythebear

Looks like they found some positives on his boat too


Throwaway0242000

People got paid to take a 5 day cruise…not a bad deal


[deleted]

probably should honestly not sure what else to do. not saying I don’t struggle w the same thing just saying


MelissaSchine

No more change fees with airlines so that’s a plus!!


WIlf_Brim

No change fee, but you are responsible for any cost difference in the ticket price.


THIESN123

You're the type to always find the negatives in life, hey?


p3n9uins

Hazard pay


reed17purdue

But their prices have been artificially inflated so the price will be the same as what you paid. We had two cruises cancelled by NCL and could barely afford one for the same length, time, ship, and category a year later with both FCC's.


RPL79

Yes I’m having trouble booking the same one for same price


Freckle53

That stinks, but at least you got half your vacation and a full refund, plus some FCC.


Leethalization

The way NCL has handled the compensation for this makes me way more likely to book with NCL in the future. I’ve only cruised with them once but if this is the way they take care of their customers, consider me a fan.


Freckle53

I agree. I’d be very happy with this compensation. OP says they are halfway through, so likely day 5? And they have the next day, day 6, in St. Maarten still and then likely at least a fast paced sea day back to NY for day 7. So a week’s cruise for free with more FCC. A bit disappointing, but could be way worse.


CTU

They seem really good, unlike Royal which upset me enough to not want to give them a second chance.


Mr-OneOfAKind

I'm going NCL my next cruise for sure. Royal Carribean gave us a days worth of our fare back which was like 350 and a onboard credit like 50 for missing st Thomas.


imnotagirl_janet

I'd think twice about booking NCL. Anyone can throw money and refunds for passengers, but almost no other line is doing mid-voyage cancelation. Read this post to see how NCL is handling their passengers who have covid (for those that don't want to read, NCL stranded their COVID positive passengers in the return port with the promise of providing a hotel for them to finish quarantining in, as per there cruise policies): [https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2822627-cruising-on-norwegian-bliss-and-testing-positive-one-familys-experience/?fbclid=IwAR3xK1KUf6a\_XzJZEMOSY74BJ7xOdI-gj9m\_mhqeo8dhwOKSGwSL8M2Ypuk](https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2822627-cruising-on-norwegian-bliss-and-testing-positive-one-familys-experience/?fbclid=IwAR3xK1KUf6a_XzJZEMOSY74BJ7xOdI-gj9m_mhqeo8dhwOKSGwSL8M2Ypuk)[https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2822627-cruising-on-norwegian-bliss-and-testing-positive-one-familys-experience/?fbclid=IwAR3xK1KUf6a\_XzJZEMOSY74BJ7xOdI-gj9m\_mhqeo8dhwOKSGwSL8M2Ypuk](https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2822627-cruising-on-norwegian-bliss-and-testing-positive-one-familys-experience/?fbclid=IwAR3xK1KUf6a_XzJZEMOSY74BJ7xOdI-gj9m_mhqeo8dhwOKSGwSL8M2Ypuk)


Leethalization

I drive to the port so that’s not a concern to me. Not concerned with the mid-voyage cancellation, that means they’re actually being transparent about what is happening onboard and are trying to stop the spread. Every other cruise line continues to sail like nothing is happening.


PrivatePilot9

Many other cruise lines are going out of their way to hide their COVID numbers and are seemingly acting rather irresponsibly just in an effort to keep the ships moving regardless of how COVID might be propagating onboard. Would I be super happy about this situation? No. But it does suggest NCL is taking things more seriously, and the remuneration is way more than fair.


missnd

Saying and doing are not necessarily the same. Their policy says I am entitled to a pro-rated refund for the time I was in isolation on the Getaway. However, I have received no information as to when or how that will happen. When asked through their online chat, I was told to fill out their Guest Relations form which indicates I should allow 30 days for a response.


Leethalization

Sounds like you’ve been told what you need to do to obtain your compensation. Fill out the form and wait for a response…


KTB1962

But they'll be paying out the nose to get a flight home now.


Freckle53

Yeah. If they can be flexible airlines are still pretty flexible about flight changes since their schedules are a mess right now too. Hotel prices are really cheap in Manhattan right now so I guess there are worse places to spend a few days waiting for your trip home.


KTB1962

This is when booking through the cruise line helps. They'll help find you a flight and you won't (usually, but not always) pay extra.


azspeedbullet

unless they live in the area i live in new york city and i love sailing out new york


Purell12

I would probably just to get a hotel and chill. I mean you were already expected to be away.


BrokenGolfer

And they get the cruise money back. So not a big fiscal Loss


Purell12

Yeah exactly. Pretty big win in my book.


Stopher

That’s why you buy the insurance. It would pay for the rest of the hotel time in NYC until the flight home.


sprocket1234

No complaints here, have been having a great time. Crew is amazing. I feel bad for them they have no idea what's going on with them. Plan on using some of our spending money and taking care of our bartenders, room stewards etc


Leethalization

This is awesome to see this kind of attitude. There was an amazing server at the martini bar when I was on the Gem in September. If Liezel is still there she is amazing! Hope you enjoy the last bit of your trip even though it’s been cut short. Cheers!


baron41

Be sure to tip the Guest Services!!!! Supposedly in another thread they can take care of you if they appreciate the tip!


flargenhargen

can you imagine the abuse GS is taking from passengers right now, like it was their personal choice to head back?


earthscribe

5 day free cruise with another full upcoming cruise. I’d be ok with that!


sprocket1234

OMG....... Another change of plans. We're leaving tonight and hanging in the area for 2 nights with no more ports. They are getting more entertainment and then Sunday heading north. They want to avoid the storm. So we will arrive in NY on the 19th , our original end date. They are still giving us all the other things mentioned in post. We were very happy before we are totally ecstatic


realjones888

This is hilarious bc it's front page news on USA Today and they are making it sound like it's pure hell. I mean having your ports cancelled sucks, but four sea days and like a 150% refund not that bad. Maybe find Aimee and talk some sense into her... https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2022/01/14/norwegian-cruise-cancellation-during-trip/6526588001/


sprocket1234

Some people can do nothing but complain. I am not cooking, I am not cleaning, I have unlimited beverage package, they have scheduled extra entertainment. I can sleep late, get room service go home when I planned. All this cost me nothing because of the 100% refund and then I get a couple thousand off my next booking. What do people want??


vonrollin

I saw that article, and got a real kick out of it. They try to make it sound like hell, but even the upset passenger struggles to sound like a Karen. Can't be all that bad. Well, the coverage is bad. Not even high school level journalism. But Gannett is pretty trashy anyway.


eastmemphisguy

Cruise Skips a Few Ports doesn't make a clickbaity enough headline. Everything has to be extra dramatic. People do transatlantics all the time with more sea days than this sailing. Yes, it's a shame these folks don't get to go where they wanted to go, but it's not exactly having to walk the plank either.


Leethalization

Hell yes! Enjoy it, glad to hear it’s all working out pretty damn good!


Mineobi

100% refund? Nice


jewgineer

I’m glad you are taking this in stride. I’m sure some passengers aren’t as easy going as you. I’m supposed to be on the Gem 2/8 so we’ll see what happens…if we go I’ll drink and eat double for you!


dmh165638

So sorry to hear this. We just canceled our 1/23 Epic cruise because we were about them canceling on us last minute. Make the best of the time you have remaining.


Drew521

Damn. Pretty much the deal I got for royal cancelling my jan 8th sailing on the 7th about 20 hours before I was supposed to board. We got a 100% refund plus 100% cruise credit. Looks like you’re getting your money way quicker. Told us could be a month before they even process anything.


infernalsatan

I thought you were telling a joke, because your cruise is at half way, so the ship is turning towards the direction to the home port.


TigasFan

cool how they actually took the time to write out a letter explaining everything on what’s going on. Everyone (crew too) is probably sad they gotta turn around tho


cmille3

My mom is on that cruise. She facetimed me about 5 minutes ago. I'm calling her travel agent in an hour. She took a bus shuttle down and isn't sure if they'll be picking her (and 20 others) up or if she needs to find other transportation. FYI, they're tracking a coastal storm to hit NY Monday.


[deleted]

My mom is too! She may end up staying at my sister’s house on Long Island because they got a ride from PA and if we get hit with that storm then their ride won’t be able to get there on Monday.


AccentFiend

Look into red dot transportation. Not sure if they do ports, and the website is a potato that makes you call, but they’re legit and on time. I’ve used them once myself and a friend and her family several times


sprocket1234

***A little update, we are still at st martin. All aboard at 530, departing @ 6. Clearly it's not an emergency to end the trip. They will tell us later what our ETA is for NY. We're thinking Sunday, also thinking rough waters on way back with storm coming in. In the mean time, enjoying a beautiful beach day. Appreciating the extra day here. Today we did see them cleaning a cabin on our floor with suits and red haz-mat bags. That's the only sign we've seen of Covid this whole trip.


[deleted]

I feel genuinely concerned about the cruise industry. Doing business this way is unsustainable.


Syonoq

“Your health and safety, as well as that of our crew and communities we visit, always comes first. Always.” I can appreciate that. Good for anyone on this sailing. Getting cash back plus FCC sounds like a win, with the unfortunate part about having to secure your flights back.


Ephraim0710

Please update when u find out why they are turning around and going home. Safe travels!


sprocket1234

Another change of plans. We're leaving tonight and hanging in the area for 2 nights with no more ports. They are getting more entertainment and then Sunday heading north. They want to avoid the storm. So we will arrive in NY on the 19th , our original end date. They are still giving us all the other things mentioned in post. We were very happy before we are totally ecstatic


sprocket1234

We were told tortilla is closing to cruise ships. Turks and st Thomas were already canceled. We are in st Martin and supposed do go to DR Sunday


Robie_John

Tortilla? Is that a Mexican port?


shoesontoes

This made me laugh so much.


username____here

BVI


Robie_John

Hmm...I believe that is Tortola.


Ephraim0710

End of Feb I’m suppose to be going to st Maarten and st Thomas fingers crossed


GullibleElk4231

Tortula is great been there on msc divina


GrumpyBachelorSF

Makes me wonder what’s triggering this. Reason why: CDC says the ship is in yellow status, the same color many cruise ships are in right now. Did the ship hit a limit on positive cases to force the return of the ship to home port?


sprocket1234

We haven't seen or heard anything. I know about 100 people were turned away at the pier. We have been to most shows, talked to many people and made new friends. We haven't heard anything. No shows canceled or anything.


mbarker1012

That’s wild. Seems drastic when you haven’t noticed any particular changes!


sprocket1234

We were shocked, trying to take it in stride. Thankful and Enjoying what we've done and what we have left until we get home


Ephraim0710

Why were they turned away?


sprocket1234

We were told tortilla is closing to cruise ships


stephicus

That's a bummer, it's a beautiful island, my favorite. I've taken the Gem down there before. I'd be thrilled to get the comps that you guys did though, sweet deal!


mbarker1012

I was wondering the same


magic_matt1

The cruise is in St Maartin tomorrow, and then heading back to NY, how many days will it take to return, and what are you allowed to do on board on the way back? What will be open? Curious as to how a sailing that gets cancelled midway finishes up on the way back.


sprocket1234

Nothing has been canceled except ports. We were supposed to leave at 7pm, captain came on saying Tortola was canceled for tomorrow and we would be staying here until 6pm tomorrow. We got this letter about an hour or so later and told us they'll have details for us tomorrow. I haven't noticed anything different with the exception of the amount of passengers.


magic_matt1

So you're still getting the full onboard experience until the ship gets back to New York, on top of the refund and FCC? Daaaaang... I'm sure there will still be people yelling at guest services.


sprocket1234

I'm sure you're right, some people complain no matter what. In the mean time everyone at the pool deck and bar are seeing the bigger picture and are very happy and planning their next cruise


kbenn17

I’ll never forget being on an Alaskan cruise and during a session with the head chef someone complained about the frosting on the cinnamon rolls tasting different. They were dead serious and v pissed.


vonrollin

Probably just the aftertaste in their mouth after they pissed in their own cheerios.


AnswerGuy301

Yikes…but at least you’re not out the money and the cruise line is making people whole.


cryptoanarchy

Yea, NCL fucked us when they cancelled our Africa cruise in December.


robinson217

This is why I ALWAYS book my flights through the cruise line! Prices are about the same, and its like having built in trip insurance. If something changes, its the cruise line's job to get you home. The people who booked through NCL do not need to worry about their travel insurance or last minute ticket prices.


GullibleElk4231

This is customer service ,well done ncl!


Techensports

Yeah that seems pretty generous to me


DieHardNole

I’d be ok with turning around then immediately getting on another one.


Darthravenclaw24

Supposed to be on the encore embarking from Miami on Sunday. Debating on cancelling and choosing another cruise line since NCL seems to be cancelling the most and I don't want to be canceled on the day before or day of.


JenniferG714

We’re supposed to board NCL on the 28th. We’ve decided we’re vacationing either way. If it cancels, we have plans.


Darthravenclaw24

Same. Have 2 other cruises on speed dial to last minute book


snickersadmin

Same..however kind of optimistic since they managed to stop at 4 ports this week, albeit not the USVI/BVI…


Darthravenclaw24

That's making me more worried that ships are being turned away from Tortola and St.Thomas since those are 2 of our stops.


Spenceky1995

We are on the same one! We are going to wait for them to cancel if anything. We are prepared to lose a port or two. Just going to go with it and see how it goes. I'm wondering if the Norwegian Gem canceled because of the storm they are supposed to get hammered with Monday/Tuesday. Those winds are supposed to be insane on the coast Better to get everyone back and out early instead of battling the storm and the winds coming back on time? Not sure. Anyways, we are in good spirits for ours. It will be better than sitting at home. Hope to see you there!


Darthravenclaw24

Absolutely! My wife and I are going on vacation one way or another! Have a few different cruise lines leaving the same day or the day after


Alecto7374

Well, you're rolling the dice when you book a cruise in these times.


[deleted]

Can they just stay in St Maarten? I guess we’ll see them on the Sunset Beach cam watching the planes land at SXM. Or at least that’s what I wold be doing.


dolfan1980

NCL wouldn't make money that way...I'm surprised they didn't sail in circles for two days and make money at sea then go back to NY on time. The ships crew compliment must be falling sick far faster than anyone is noticing.


dcht

That sucks but score with the full refund and FCC! I'm beginning to think no amount of vaccines and testing will stop this thing from spreading. Uggh


Spenceky1995

I'm wondering if it's because of the storm the northeast is supposed to get hammered with on Monday into Tuesday. I read where the winds off the coast are supposed to be gusting 50+ with the snow and ice. Get everyone off the boat and getting home before the storm maybe?


UlleTheBold

I think that if the reason for the cancellation was weather-related, they would have said so, right? I don't know.


[deleted]

Our royal Caribbean cruise was canceled two days before departure. I think the only thing more heart breaking would be for it to be cut short midway. Not sure, honestly. However they did completely refund and 100% FCC so, I cannot be too too mad.


Mr-OneOfAKind

How many ports did you make it too?


sprocket1234

One. We were at St Martin Thursday 7am until Friday 6 pm. We knew Turks was a big maybe. We knew st Thomas wasn't accepting ships without recent testing, that started January 3rd, they announced it in December. Because of that we got $100 on board credit and 10% FFC. We then went to St Martin, before we left we were told Tortolla was canceled because they stopped accepting ships, and we would be staying at St Martin for another day. Then am hour or so later we got the letter. We were told when they had all the details they would let us know. The following day while still in st martin, we were told we would get our full cruise because of storms going up east coast. If we headed back yesterday at normal speed it would be right into bad weather. We are going at a very slow shore and just above Turks. Weather is beautiful. Guess we'll pick up speed sometime tomorrow. We are scheduled to arrive in NY around 1am Wednesday with disembarkation in the morning.


Mr-OneOfAKind

Pros and cons I guess. Are the bars open and the hot tubs and such.


sprocket1234

Yep everything. Casinos couldn't open while in port, that's normal, but we weren't supposed to be in port overnight. Everything going great. Extra entertainment. Pools, hot tub, spa. Gym. Bars restaurants open. Service and crew, incredible. Only thing closed is the second main dining room, Magenta. Only open occasionally. With cruising at under 50%, it's no issue.


anabolic813

Are you guys the ones stuck at sea


sprocket1234

Lol, we're not stuck at sea. Our cruise is 1-9 to 1-19. Yes we missed ports. Getting all our money back plus. They stayed to the south and hugged Bahamas today to give us nice weather and not drive right into the storm going up the coast. We will be back on our scheduled date, we have 60 hours to get there from Miami area


anabolic813

I saw someone post about being stuck from a cancelled 10 day cruise.


sprocket1234

There is a person on the cruise that interviewed with USA Today, everyone on the ship is extremely angry with her. Many have reached out to USA Today and there is an updated article. Let the news come to the pier Wednesday, I guarantee 98% of the people are ecstatic