JSB_Z51

4 credits today of varying odd amounts totaling $5,000 only $1,000 to go!

Wow Surprised by that OP.  I believe in Canada some started with Astrazenca and then it may have been paused and second doses by Pfizer were being administered.  Good luck if you are impacted by that.  

I got another 995.04 today. Another $6400 to go!

4 hours ago, twangster said:

How much were taxes and port fees times four?  Did you prepay gratuity, transfers or any other items above the cruise fare?

Nothing in my fare breakdown come to this odd 995.04.  Oddly enough, we got 2 refunds of 995.04 in February that become part of the balance due in May that we're paid. 

Another quick update, today I received a credit to my credit card of $995.04 from Royal.  Very odd and only another $7,300 to go!

Quick update. My initial refund request through my TA was June 18th with no acknowledgement. I then crafted my own email June 30th and surprisingly got confirmation and acknowledgement on July 1st.  Today, I just received my updated protocols for the August 21 sailing on Symphony.  Seems like my cancellation and refund may not have even started to be processed.  Time will tell.

49 minutes ago, PaulRC said:

After the March cruise I will be Platinum.  I am also looking to do a cruise in Oct 22.  I read that the pricing is better the higher loyalty rank you are.  Should I wait to book my Oct 22 cruise until I achieve Platinum? If I do not and I book before to get a better price would I be able to get the credit for making Platinum after I book and maybe get a OBC or something?

I'd say book the best price now, you can always reprice after you level up.

We have 78 points.  Think we have been through a few levels.  I have priced trips with and without my C&A account number and never saw a difference.  Just my experience in spite of what the C&A benefits list says.

9 minutes ago, ConstantCruiser said:

This is true but no protocols have been announced for August or Symphony so a refund for such a cruise is notable.  

As always there's a bit of miscommunication with RCL.  Their website recently updated generally saying they would refund those not happy with the new protocols.  I saw a TA post a communication where refunds were applicable up to the August 7th. Symphony sailing.  I also called and the agent that answered Said protocols were not released for my sailing yet. Ends well for me but as always confusion and poor communication within RCL.  

My refund is in flight.  Thought I would share with this thread.    

We are a family of 4 scheduled to Sail Symphony on August 21st out of Miami.  We are unvaccinated and have little desire to cruise under the unvaccinated protocols.  My TA requested a refund on my behalf about 10+ days ago.  Crickets.  No response or even an acknowledgement.  

Yesterday I emailed about 10 different email addresses from rccl general mailboxes to specific addresses using a little ingenuity and Google.  Just received a response that my refund will be processed.  I won't pop the champagne until I see the money hit my account  but finally a step in the right direction.  

Thought I would share as I have been vocal in my opinion on these boards that RCL should do the right thing given the change in protocols and seems they finally are albeit slowly.  This was a rebook using FCC from our April 2020 that was cancelled. I am told to expect a 100% refund of my cruise fare and airfare booked through Royals Air 2 sea, roughly $8,000.  (Poentially a 1 bedroom Grand Suite might be available to book to book soon for anyone interested)  Definitely a benefit booking your airfare through them IMO.

Good luck to those in a similar situation. Best to those starting to sail. Enjoy your trips and tip extra if you can.  

10 minutes ago, Loops said:

I think you are mistaken… there is no glaring loophole.  You can claim to be vaccinated without any requirement to show any form of proof and they have to accept your word for it.  

Wow that is news to me.  I thought they basically assumed everyone was unvaccinated but if you showed proof you were, you had no restrictive protocols.  Interesting take.  I guess we will see for sure in time.

8 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I think that’s their ultimate goal ….. to make unvaccinated people 12 and over not go on their cruises ….. at least for the time being 

 

That's fine, I don't begrudge them for that but it should not be such a hassle to get a refund.  My request has gone unanswered for 2 weeks.  I've been told the protocols for August 21st have not been announced and that's why I have not received a response.  But lets face it, based on what the chairman and CEO has said in the media, the protocols are not going to change materially for unvaccinated people between now and then

Between the Covid tests and the health insurance, my costs have increased by roughly $1,000 to $1,500.  Time to just refund my money without a hassle RCL.  I didn't sign up for these additional costs.  

We are scheduled to Cruise Symphony in August.  We will not be vaccinated and are pursuing a refund.  To date, Royal has said the refund option was only for those unvaccinated and not ok with the new protocols sailing on Freedom.  I am guessing the refund option will eventually apply to other sailings but for now it does not seem to.

Fyi Looks like the cruise planner finally updated to include the shore excursions for the new ports. 

10 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Just want to say it may work out in @JSB_Z51 favor because the protocols released allow for refunds.

I hope so. I truly hope you all who don't mind the new protocols enjoy yourselves. Tip well if you can for the poor people that have been out of work and contribute to our experience on the ship.  Will keep you posted on my outcome.

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

But imho if you booked any cruises before the CSO was set to expire, booked cruises after frequenting this blog or even done a smidge of research. You should have been prepared for all the restrictions and vaccine requirements

We'll agree to disagree on our views.  I was cancelled for April 2020 and immediately rebooked for August 2021.  No one was thinking cruises would not take place in Summer 2021 at that point let alone summer of 2020.  I don't view any of this as fair or unfair.  I view it as what's right and wrong.  

Here's my only issue with these untypical times.  I agree untypical times call for understanding and cooperation from both sides.  However, as requirements to cruise change, if I am unwillingly to comply with the new requirements/restrictions, I should not have to fight to get a refund nor only option be FCC that I may not be able to use given the current timelines.  Policies need to be fair to all involved.  I am pretty sure my Suite would be resold quickly and likely for more than I paid.  We have all effectively given them interest free loans.  I held on. I was understanding.  I will not be vaccinated and just want a refund at this point.  I don't want to incur additional cost to take tests nor wear a mask on board.  I am not forcing them to accommodate me but don't force me to accommodate their policy on a costly trip I no longer want to take.  I am nearly $8K into this trip, no one wants to walk away from their hard earned dollars.  Hopefully Royal does the right thing, it will certainly dictate whether we will remain loyal to royal if and when things return to some sense of normalcy. 

In terms of Risk mitigation too, I was really surprised to see them eliminate Labadee.  I was surprised to not see Cococay.  We are booked on this and really wish I could just get a refund.  This was a rebook from our April 2020 that was cancelled.  

Not to HIjack the OP's thread - The requirements of the cruise have changed, additional cost for the unvaxed, masks etc.  Is that enough of a change to get a refund?  

My Itinerary looks the same for Aug 21st however when I attempt to shop cruise excursions, St. Thomas is not in the list.  Weird

He is doing the best he can with ever changing information, trying to balance keeping the regulators happy enough and satisfying his customers and employees.  

All that said, the requirements to cruise have changed, don't hold my money hostage or give me "options" I don't want.  

Do the right thing and refund those that want refunds, I am sure there are many willing to take my place.  

So must of those reading the boards here are well aware that cruises are beginning in July and August.  Any news on ports of call.  Labadee and Coco Cay are eas6 to allow.  Any news on real ports of call like Aruba, Cozumel, Curacao, Jamaica, or Roatan to name a few. 

I don't know that I would put much stock into this link, but for what it's worth it claims 100%, I am highly suspicious and have my doubts.  https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/25163-here-are-all-the-royal-caribbean-ships-set-to-sail-this-summer.html

No.  For me and realize many will disagree and think I am crazy, I want to go on a cruise as I did before this mess happened. I always felt th ships were cleaner than most hotels and amusement parks but what do I know. My family has been through Covid and ready to move past all this nonsense. I also never want to words social distance gain. Get me on a ship with a drink of the day.