nova_gal

I also had the White Pass Railway and Skagway Highlights excursion. Received the following email yesterday from RC. It will now be a round trip within U.S. I have never been on this train (never been to Alaska)... For those who have been, is it worth keeping it even though it never leaves U.S.? Shall I keep it? Dear Guest, Due to operational challenges that would cause significant delays at the US/Canadian border, the White Pass Railway tour operator has advised they're temporarily suspending any train services into Canadian territory for the 2022 season. Unfortunately, this impacts several of the shore excursions operating out of Skagway, Alaska. As a result, we've modified this tour so that guests will now take a roundtrip train that remains within the U.S. We know how much time and effort go into planning your vacation, and we're sorry for the inconvenience. If you would like to cancel your reservation for this excursion and receive a full refund, please visit Cruise Planner and select cancel. A full refund will then be issued to your original form of payment, which you should see within 14 business days.

My TA confirmed with Royal that the vacation protection plan fees will be refunded because Royal cancelled on us. Still waiting for those refunds from the March, May and July cancellations...?

My question would be "Many of your customers are confused why refunds (for cancelled cruises) are being issued in several partial payments spaced over several weeks (months). Please provide some insight to why this is the case so that your customers' expectations can be adjusted accordingly."

I received my refund today on my April 4 cruise which Royal cancelled. It came in 2 separate transactions - one for cruise fare, other one for taxes, fees & port expenses. Note: my cruise fare refund was $39 less than what I paid, so make sure to check it against your booking confirmation. I did not see a refund for Royal's travel insurance. I'm hoping that it will be refunded & have asked my TA to help follow up (and also about the cruise fare discrepancy).

Received the same email for our cancelled April 4th cruise from my TA yesterday. Checked my credit card this morning and the refund (most of it) is there! There were 2 deposits - one for the fare and a separate one for taxes, fees & port expenses. The refund on the fare is $39.40 less than what I paid. Also there's no refund (yet) for Royal's Vacation Protection Plan for which I paid $397. I'll be inquiring about this with my TA. At least this is some good news.

This is new and very helpful information! TY. I'll have to consider this since my May 31st sailing out of Cape Liberty doesn't look very hopeful.

I received my credit card refunds 4 business days after I cancelled.

Curious. I generally like cabins on higher decks, typically 2-3 decks below the pool for its proximity to the pool and Windjammer. For those who choose mid or lower level decks, what do you like about those locations (other than greater ship stability for motion sickness)? TY

For me, I cancelled all of my shore excursions, beverage packages, etc. on Friday March 13th evening (so after business hours) and all were refunded on my credit card on 3/19. I count this as 4 business days since I technically cancelled over the weekend.

@ameblas I was in the same boat as you. Having learned a ton from reading all the advice on this forum, I contacted my travel agent who upgraded my oceanview balcony room to a junior suite for no upcharge. Very happy!

@Andrew72681 I have an only 13 yo, so this is a good tip. Thanks!

To @SteveinSC and everyone on this blog - thank you for all of the wonderful tips!! I would have never considered ordering the free continental breakfast room service, but breakfast appetizers, here I come!

@FManke Breakfast appetizers. I love it!

Thanks for your post! I remember when I first booked the beach bed that 2 loungers were included because we're a family of 3 and the loungers would have provided extra seating. I guess now we'll be extra close. That's what family is for, right?! ?

Thanks for the tip! I would have just defaulted to my nickname, not the official doc/ID name on the cruise registration.