Cruise credit amount for cancelled sailings through March 31

[ashleyasiegel]

We were suppose to be on the 4/3 sailing of the dream. I am kicking myself for rescheduling our cruise on Thursday afternoon after I saw Princess cancelled for the next 60 days. I figure I would be proactive and get the new cruise I wanted before it went up in price. Definitely was disappointed to see if i would have waited another 36 hours i would have gotten 125%. My TA put in a request for Disney to reconsider but basically told me not to get my hopes up and would probably be awhile before we heard anything. Just sucks as it would offset a good portion of the price difference in the new cruise I picked. So now I am just hoping to the cruise I picked soars in price soon to make me feel better as it seems to be a little delay process between getting your future cruise credit and being able to use it to book.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Essentially I could be flexible and understanding that if I canceled by choice that I was offered only the 100% refund. But I didn’t cancel by choice. DCL didn’t give me a choice. In addition my cruise got canceled so early on in this not only was I not offered the extra 25-50%, I wasn’t even offered a refund. I was cornered into only having the option to rebook and within 12 months

 

[monkeydawn]

Essentially I could be flexible and understanding that if I canceled by choice that I was offered only the 100% refund. But I didn’t cancel by choice. DCL didn’t give me a choice. In addition my cruise got canceled so early on in this not only was I not offered the extra 25-50%, I wasn’t even offered a refund. I was cornered into only having the option to rebook and within 12 months

Personally I feel DCL should have refunded you cash as an option back when they told you you wouldnt be allowed to cruise. But when the trip ended for you, it wasnt that the cruise had been canceled but that you were of a banned demographic. So it isnt really comparable to DCL canceling the cruise you were on. Have you found out what anyone denied at port from embarking by DCL was offered? That would be closer to your circumstance.

IIRC your cruise now does fall into the canceled by DCL category however you choose to take an earlier deal. I know it doesnt feel like a choice to you but you were proactive and contacted DCL to try to minimize your losses and frustrations. You could have done nothing at that point and probably been included in the group of people that are getting a better deal.

Sometimes in being proactive we shoot ourselves in the foot. I've done it to myself plenty. I will probably be doing it to myself next week with my own cruise. Its still the route I'd rather (ultimately) take because at least I will know and will feel I had done what I could do and its of my own choosing. To me that's ultimately less frustrating.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Personally I feel DCL should have refunded you cash as an option back when they told you you wouldnt be allowed to cruise. But when the trip ended for you, it wasnt that the cruise had been canceled but that you were of a banned demographic. So it isnt really comparable to DCL canceling the cruise you were on. Have you found out what anyone denied at port from embarking by DCL was offered? That would be closer to your circumstance.

IIRC your cruise now does fall into the canceled by DCL category however you choose to take an earlier deal. I know it doesnt feel like a choice to you but you were proactive and contacted DCL to try to minimize your losses and frustrations. You could have done nothing at that point and probably been included in the group of people that are getting a better deal.

Sometimes in being proactive we shoot ourselves in the foot. I've done it to myself plenty. I will probably be doing it to myself next week with my own cruise. Its still the route I'd rather (ultimately) take because at least I will know and will feel I had done what I could do and its of my own choosing. To me that's ultimately less frustrating.

All good and fair points except for one. I didn’t contact Disney first. Disney contacted me and I was told that I would be unable to cruise on my scheduled date.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I agree with you, @tokyodisneydad. For you, the cruise was cancelled by DCL. You should have been given an option to get your money back.

 

[monkeydawn]

All good and fair points except for one. I didn’t contact Disney first. Disney contacted me and I was told that I would be unable to cruise on my scheduled date.

Then, yeah, they really should match the canceled cruise offer for you. I hope you get a resolution you are happy with.

ETA: If you decide to tweet at them or anything like that, please screenshot it here so we can support your tweet.

 

[Sakura1017]

I get that your upset because you canceled a few days before Disney canceled and you would have received a better compensation. I would be mad as well. However, because you canceled you should be happy that they decided to give you the 100% back as cruise credit. If you look at their policies you only have a certain time frame to get back part of your deposit back. At least you got 100% back because if you used trip insurance and used the cancel any reason you would have gotten 75% back if disney didn't implement the 100% no penalty to change cruise. Furthermore for any one that didn't book trip insurance, getting 100% cruise credit and canceling before is better than only 25% deposit back or 100% forfeit depending on departure date.

I know its upsetting since $4,000 can be used on a better room, port excursions, alchohol tastings etc. However Disney no matter what type of trip you book for ie cruise, ABD, they are considered luxary traveling. They are definitely not going to give out compensation rates like the other cruise companies are. Especially princess since thats a public pr nightmare issue so they are probably going to give the most generous compensation to get back in customer's good graces.

From looking at the boards in all other categories you know that Disney is definitely not a leader and will follow and try to compensate what they think is fair. As a result their is a lot of gambling in terms of what they will do. You chose to cancel a few days ago and your reasons are valid. We haven't had a pandemic since 2009. Let's face it, if you weren't on this forum or on social media you would have been thrilled at the email to get 100% cruise credit. Only after hearing other people receive what they got and posted on this forum or on other social media is where the truth hurts. Yes in fairness people who cancel on their own are not going to be getting compensation rates that are better as if Disney canceled. Again Disney always operates as if the trip is a go, and if something were to happen and they cannot go, they are going to want to try to make people happy since their trips have been canceled ie giving 125 or 150% cruise credit plus refundable. What is compensated is probably the factor of the cancellation notice.

Yes it sucks that you missed out a few days of better rates, yes you can vent since this is a place to post info and your not the only one experiencing this as well. However, now you need to own up in terms of how you think you should be fairly compensated. What steps have you taken with Disney. Have you emailed and filed a complaint? Did they respond back, are you escalating to a higher team member. Have you called and spoken with a supervisor/team leader? Last case resort of a problem cannot get resolved between the company, file a complaint with the BBB.

 

[Sakura1017]

So my question is, will all of the cruises that are being canceled and rebooked cause the dynamic pricing (fuller ships later) cause the prices to rise and somewhat offset that credit? I am concerned if we hold out (we have an early May sailing) that by the time we rebook the other cruise, the costs will increase again? Does that make sense? I know they won't go much immediately this spring since they want to fill the ships again.

It will depend on the itinerary trip. If its a popular cruise its definitely going to fluctuate higher since less rooms will be available. So the earlier you pick a cruise the better. Or if you can be flexible you can probably get a better rate right before sailing if its not a fully booked cruise.

I would probably steer clear of sailings this year and focus on 2021 itineraries. Who knows how long this is gonna be impacted and then hurricane season will be coming too.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

OP I get that your situation is unfortunate, but no business is going to offer you more than what you paid as a refund when you initiate the cancellation. I completely understand the circumstances you were in and why you chose to cancel when you did. You were trying to do the right thing at the moment for your family.

 

[Cats12]

Goodness, have none of you called yet to see? We were on the 3/28 cruise and several people in our group were in the same boat of having switched dates before Disney officially cancelled. They called the day after it cancelled and were told they would get the 125% credit, even though they switched before it was cancelled. Some had to wait on the phone a while and others got through in minutes, so you might just try asking Disney. Now, the people with Costco were not able to get confirmation through Costco, but it seems like just because Disney hasn't communicated well with Costco, and everyone seems to think it will work out eventually (they weren't getting 125% credit even if they hadn't rebooked).

 

[ray3127]

Goodness, have none of you called yet to see? We were on the 3/28 cruise and several people in our group were in the same boat of having switched dates before Disney officially cancelled. They called the day after it cancelled and were told they would get the 125% credit, even though they switched before it was cancelled. Some had to wait on the phone a while and others got through in minutes, so you might just try asking Disney. Now, the people with Costco were not able to get confirmation through Costco, but it seems like just because Disney hasn't communicated well with Costco, and everyone seems to think it will work out eventually (they weren't getting 125% credit even if they hadn't rebooked).

Thank you for this. That was all I asked initially:

"Is anybody else in this situation, and if you rebooked before the 150% offer, have you asked your TA/DCL about making up the difference as a cruise credit?

I know others have more pressing needs right now, so I'm not going to try to bother Costco at the moment, as we are "safely" rebooked. But I think it's a fair question."

As for the repeated explanations from others as to why people like me are out of luck, I've already said "enough of that" (see post 25). I didn't come here asking what YOU thought, I came here asking if anybody had any luck in a similar situation. That's all. But based on several responses, I felt like I had to defend myself for merely asking the question.

Believe me, I UNDERSTAND the business side of it. I have an MBA and teach finance for a living. I just think that given the way the last week and a half have unfolded, it is hogwash. We are living in an unprecedented time at the moment, and trying to relate this situation to anything that happens in "normal" times just rings hollow. I've explained that as far as I care to.

So again, thank you @Cats12. It sounds like it may be worth a phone call to Disney. I just know how crazy things are right now and hate to bother them, as we ARE "safely" rebooked, while others may not be yet.

 

[Cats12]

You are very patient in waiting it out. I appreciate your thoughtfulness of others in more pressing situations. I haven't called RCL about my Alaska cruise in June from Vancouver that Canada has said can't port there for the same reason. But mine isn't worth $4000 difference! Just thought I'd share the hearsay from my cruise group Hopefully I'm not giving you false hope though!

 

[Dznypal]

We were set to cruise on the Hawaiian cruise end of April. Unfortunately due to my moms health is slippping we canceled the end of feb just as this virus was really getting bad we did have trip insurance that will cover us but what do you think will happen if we had held out there’s nothing talked about yet for cruises after April 12. Just wondering

 

[Cats12]

We were set to cruise on the Hawaiian cruise end of April. Unfortunately due to my moms health is slippping we canceled the end of feb just as this virus was really getting bad we did have trip insurance that will cover us but what do you think will happen if we had held out there’s nothing talked about yet for cruises after April 12. Just wondering

I wish I could help. I don't know what they'll do about anything yet, and neither do they, probably. I'm sure they're hoping to swizzle that one to stop in Mexico or something, but probably haven't worked it out yet. And who knows if the cruise lines will even be back up and running by then. If you're worried about your mom, though, I absolutely think you did the right thing cancelling! Especially with trip insurance. Now, the worst that can happen is you get your money back and you don't have to worry about it. Not worrying might be better than 25% at this point.

 

[cvjw]

A lot of us are in a similar boat. We have 2 cabins on the May 16th fantasy sailing. I can cancel this week and only lose the deposit of $900. Or, I can reschedule for 15 months at 100% - but every cruise that we can take as a family is at least $1,000 more for our same cabins. Or, I can play chicken with Disney and hope that they cancel the cruise and get the larger refund credit to pay the full price of a future cruise. Not sure what to do, but no choice is very appealing

 

[Maggie'sMom]

OP I get that your situation is unfortunate, but no business is going to offer you more than what you paid as a refund when you initiate the cancellation. I completely understand the circumstances you were in and why you chose to cancel when you did. You were trying to do the right thing at the moment for your family.

I posted this earlier, but I'll repeat it. Princess is. Now maybe DCL won't follow suit, but it is certainly worth appealing to them to extend the later offer to those that cancelled earlier. The cruise industry is already taking a PR beating from this. I would guess they don't want further bad press coming from people who were doing the responsible thing by cancelling their reservations prior to the cruise line cancelling the sailing.

 

[Sakura1017]

Thank you for this. That was all I asked initially:

"Is anybody else in this situation, and if you rebooked before the 150% offer, have you asked your TA/DCL about making up the difference as a cruise credit?

I know others have more pressing needs right now, so I'm not going to try to bother Costco at the moment, as we are "safely" rebooked. But I think it's a fair question."

As for the repeated explanations from others as to why people like me are out of luck, I've already said "enough of that" (see post 25). I didn't come here asking what YOU thought, I came here asking if anybody had any luck in a similar situation. That's all. But based on several responses, I felt like I had to defend myself for merely asking the question.

Believe me, I UNDERSTAND the business side of it. I have an MBA and teach finance for a living. I just think that given the way the last week and a half have unfolded, it is hogwash. We are living in an unprecedented time at the moment, and trying to relate this situation to anything that happens in "normal" times just rings hollow. I've explained that as far as I care to.

So again, thank you @Cats12. It sounds like it may be worth a phone call to Disney. I just know how crazy things are right now and hate to bother them, as we ARE "safely" rebooked, while others may not be yet.

I suggested calling them a few posts back. From what it seems you wanted to see what others received and didn't want to put in the time and energy others did. People were on hold for over a couple of hours and were getting disconnected. I know you mentioned you held off calling because of more pressing needs and you safely booked a new reservation. But were all in the same boat with you. We all have upcoming cruises and we all have to think if they are not gonna cancel at what point do you cave in or do you hold out. Calls are going to be on long hold, its gonna depend on what you deem how your time is well spent. Ie worth it on hold couple of hours to get certain money or stipulations removed. Others called right away and received that 125% even though they voluntarily canceled. If you don't call asap and you are just waiting to be on the band wagon and see want what others received, you might not get what others received. Disney would be like you canceled on this date. You booked a new cruise this date, and now your contacting us regarding the difference in 100% vs 125% cruise credit, why the gap in dates.

Personally if its a long wait, put it on speaker to highest setting and do whatever you need to do. Ie chores, read, watch tv etc. Amazing what you can accomplish in that time span with just being on hold! My point in order to get what you want your gonna need to put time and effort and dont rely on others. It might take more attempts to reach the appropriate channels but in the long run, only you can determine if its worth the hassle

 

[TinkTatoo]

OP, I sympathize with your frustration but you made the decision to cancel and re-book based on an offer that you were happy with at the time and obviously decided that you didn't want to go on the original cruise. If, a few days later, Disney had changed the offer to one that was worse than yours, or the actual cruise had gone ahead then you would have been delighted that you got in early and secured a better deal.

The fact that they subsequently canceled your original cruise and the offer to those who stuck with it was better than the one you accepted is just life and doesn't mean that Disney should give it to everyone else who made their decision earlier. I recently had to buy home heating oil, the day after my delivery the price dropped significantly. I felt disappointed that I hadn't waited a day later to order but that's life.

Sometimes you make a good decision and sometimes you make a bad one, it's just the way it goes. DCL are inundated with calls at the moment from people trying to re-book cancelled crises, if you do want to try and get a better deal perhaps wait until things have calmed down a bit and they've dealt with trying to sort out everyone who through they were still cruising and who now aren't

 

[ray3127]

It's not my time that I'm concerned about. It is DCL and Costco's time, and the other customers they are dealing with. If others have tried and the answer is 'no', I'm not going to waste their time (or mine). I was just asking if others had any luck with it. It sounds like I was one of the lucky ones who got things figured out last week, and I don't want to bog the system down for hours taking somebody else's spot. I've done the 'sit on hold with speakerphone' for hours before. No problem.

As for the continued lecturing re: "you made the decision, tough luck, that's life" ... I said it before, and I'll say it again: We are living in an unprecedented time at the moment, and trying to relate this situation to anything that happens in "normal" times just rings hollow. I've explained that as far as I care to.

Moving on, good news: I called DCL, had zero wait, and after checking they said we would get the 150% cruise credit to our new sailing. Since we are booked with Costco, I had to call Costco.

I called Costco, and after about 5 times where they 'could not take my call', I was able to get on hold with an estimated 45-60 minute wait. 40 minutes later, I spoke with an excellent agent. She contacted Disney, and they verified we would receive the 150% credit. They explained it would take a little time to work it all through their systems, but we would be receiving that on our future cruises we booked. The extra amount above our cruise fare will be applied as a non-refundable on-board credit.

So it sounds like we now have a few instances of Disney offering the higher credit amount to people who previously cancelled. I would have understood if they didn't, but I am thankful that they are, and I believe it is the "right" decision in this difficult situation. Like I previously said, I would've been happy with a middle ground of 125%, or something like that.

Best of luck to those of you with plans in April, May, and June that are up in the air. I hope that you are either able to travel stress-free, or Disney takes care of you considering these unprecedented circumstances. I hope we can all get back to the joys of life and cruising soon.

 

[monkeydawn]

Moving on, good news: I called DCL, had zero wait, and after checking they said we would get the 150% cruise credit to our new sailing. Since we are booked with Costco, I had to call Costco.

Thanks for the update. I am happy for you!