tiny blonde

Maybe, But the original cruise was for last March, and I consider it too soon for us to be going on a cruise this month, so one year was not enough. We've scheduled it for next March, when I hope the virus has completely died down.

We were going to go on our first cruise, in our 80's and wanted that great vacation, but the cruise was cancelled due to Covid. Fair enough, so we received FCC's - which sounded fair until I found out that the new cruise we booked at the same time of year, almost identical cruise, same ship, is going to cost us $2,000 in addition to the FCC's! We did receive a refund of taxes and fees, but this is feeling very expensive, and unfair. If we don't go on the trip, we lose almost $1,000, but to go on the trip we have to come up with another $2,000, which I don't think we can do. Are other people experiencing this?

This is not a change in status – this was the criminal case against the grandfather, and he changed his plea to guilty in February. The civil suit against RC is yet to take place. So the book is far from closed. I do think it was accidental, caused by stupidity, and my heart goes out to the family. Grief almost always takes the shape of anger, so they're looking to blame RC. Either RC will settle (for the same reason the grandfather settled – to put an end to it), or a jury will decide. My guess is that RC will settle and the family will receive money that will not take the place of their daughter or do anything to lessen their grief. No winners, really.

Does anyone know whether the family is going ahead with the civil suit, or did they drop it?

'Haven't received it yet, TA tells me it will take weeks.

Thanks so much!

I've cancelled our 4 night Caribbean cruise aboard the Brilliance and am re-booking using my FCC's. I'd like to not have to wait a whole year to cruise. When is a good time, i.e., no hurricanes or rain, and not broiling hot?

The cancellation fee might have been charged by the travel agency (CruisesOnly.com). In my experience, hotels will allow cancellation >48 hours. I am impressed that you got a cruise for 2 for only around $700! It cost me closer to $1200. That speaks well for booking as far in advance as possible.

Our cruise (same ship, same itinerary) was scheduled for April 9 and we cancelled, since the CDC's recommendations are very clear: no cruise ships, especially if you're over 60. We're in our 80's and there was no question that we're at risk. I had no problem cancelling and didn't lose a penny (only the cancellation fee of $100). We're getting a cash refund for part of the cost and future cruise credits (FCC's) for the rest, and are already talking to our TA to schedule an identical cruise at a later date. I really don't mind dying, I just don't want to suffer – and being confined to a cabin for 2 weeks and having a fatal pneumonia both strike me as suffering. So, why opt for it, when there's a choice? Wouldn't you rather go later?

Thanks, @AnetteJackson.

Thanks, Shari3.

@AnnetteJackson It turns out I was mistaken about Stephanie having helped me before, it was Michelle, so I want to reach out to her. But there are two Michelles at MEI – Michelle Cunningham and Michelle McKnight. Which is the Michelle you all are raving about, and is there any way I can check which one was helpful to me previously?

Annette, are you a TA with MEI?

Thanks, PRebecca!! I'll stick with her, then.

Thanks, Matt!