Great. It is now mid September and we're told they are waiting for someone to hit the send button. Started August 27, 2021, By We have no obligation to "give them" 90 days for a refund. Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. The mission of Travelers United is to identify and promote ways to improve and enhance travel for consumers across all modes of travel. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Please call American Express and a dispute can be filed. Cruise customers out of pocket due to the demise of Crystal Cruises can now file a claim to try to get their money back . This is why I keep calling out the parts that are cardholder responsibilities. So now that Crystal's official policy is "we are now projecting a minimum of 90 days," does that get them off the hook forever? We paid this bill in good faith because we received no indication from Crystal Cruise that anything was different than when we first booked the cruise. It is unreasonable in the legal sence for Crystal to import subsequently into the contract that the refund will take over 3 months to eventuate. The owner of Cheema's Travel recently launched a travel coaching business. Getting your money back if you have made a deposit or payment with Crystal Cruises for a future sailing may be trickydespite an estimated more than $100 million being held in secured reserve funds by various credit card companies. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Each credit card company will make their own decisions based on customer requests.. Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises shuttered its doors last week. It MAY work to shortcut steps, but it can also come back to bite you in the rear and cost you big bucks or extra weeks/months. See what's sprouting for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Norse Atlantic adds four U.S.-London routes, NCL will make future Prima-class ships bigger and greener, Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises, a delicious combination, Crew spaces on the Celebrity Beyond a labor of love for designer, Nevada's congressional delegation reacts to Biden's 'Junk Fee' proposal, Despite an energy crisis, lights are staying on for South Africa's tourists, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Florida Gov. Depressed now? Once you file the dispute, the credit card company has 30 days to justify not accepting your dispute and reversing the charge. We were told it would be 90 days to get a refund. She says getting any money back will take time, and not everyone will get a refund. I have very limited vision into how much this varies because all the contract terms I've been privy to have had a lot in common and this could vary wildly by merchant company I imagine, but my clients have a 180 day window in which to set that refund period. Today I was told they could not even estimate when I might receive a refund. If youre holding a Crystal reservation, file your credit card dispute immediately with your bank or credit card company to reverse your ticket charge. Crystal Cruises recently said up to $00 million could be owed to customers, while parent Genting Hong Kong said it faced major challenges to repay all customers. Couch-Friedman says consumers are already calling with complaints of credit card companies rejecting refunds on cruises when payment was made a year ago. Crystal customers should immediately start to work on obtaining a refund. Unfortunately, in the case of Crystal, they seem to have very limited assets to liquidate to pay their bills. "We are unable to give you that information.". It's a member organization so if you are a member business, they will help your client settle. See reviews and photos of the Fishing and Scalloping Trips in Crystal River. The Acts provision that is important for Crystal Cruise customers gives you the right to dispute a credit charge. It has been almost one year. All were hailed as best in their class. Original sail date jan 6, 2021, changed to January sail date Jan 16. i waited for100+days before filing my dispute. What Credit Cards Provide the Best Travel Insurance? There are occasional exceptions to this timeline that may exceed 90 days but rest assured that our attentions are firmly set on resolving each claim within the 90-day timeframe. Surely we are not the only exception. Powered by Invision Community. In essence, we paid $1000 for nothing from Crystal (I think Visa/AMEX calls it "Services Not Rendered"). Chase told me they cannot help me with the initial deposit part, since the charges, which were made in early 2019, is outside of their window. We had disputed the charge with Chase, and they will cont. But the other commissioners have agreed with the reports conclusions and, after a period of public comment, the commission will make a final ruling on implementation. Website launched for Crystal Cruises refund claims. If Crystal is insolvent then it is illegal for them to trade. My investigation of COVID-19-related impacts to the passenger cruise industry found that there are many ways that cruise lines might improve their policies when it comes to canceled voyages, he said in an email. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we postponed to January 2022. LauraS The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. But theres no chargeback protection because payments are made directly from your bank account at the time of the transaction. The best guide in Arizona to getaways, concerts and the dining scene. Cancelled cruise: "7-night Legendary Rhine River Cruise" was to depart 9/6/2021 The remaining assetssuch as customer and travel agent databases, computers, and office equipmentdo not include the ships, which are owned by secured creditors. Have a travel problem, dilemma or question? Followers. "Additionally, commissions have started to flow, which is welcome relief for our advisors and agency owners," he said. )., Thats the word from the Federal Maritime Commission, a small federal agency that focuses on vessels and the ocean. That cruise was cancelled due to the pandemic. A friend of mine had his Regent refund in 7 days. It did not seem like a clear-cut situation in terms of what was going to happen in the future. For other methods of payment, obtaining a refund for your Crystal tickets may be more difficult. Submitting a response indicates a willingness to work with customers to make things right. The line said it has refunded a. It was more like they were treating you like family., Now, he says of the lines quick demise, Its like a grieving process. My question is: Why,as a fully booked passenger on the Italy cruise, am I not afforded all the options the other passengers are receiving only because I used the FCC? This may offer a solution to one of the two problems you have if youre frustrated about getting a refund. It was a last-ditch effort to protect consumers, travel agents, employees, and vendors owed money. If you took the deal with Crystal, what you have now is a useless voucher. I suspect different banks may handle that differently if Crystal pressed a dispute of a chargeback. 2022. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. Powered by Invision Community. *Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. Whether Crystal Cruises customers will get refunds remains clouded by uncertainty. LauraS Bookings Detail: That was not a term that I signed up for. All we get are excuses for delays or no response on the reconciliation. Looking back I wish I would do it much sooner. Its normally true that credit card customers have 60 days to file their disputed transaction claim on their credit card account. Refunds were promised within 90 days which did not occur. by Ned S. Levi | Feb 21, 2022 | Getting there. This cool kids outdoors club will introduce you to L.A.s best asset, Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate Wednesday, its last major COVID restriction, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, $950 round trip from LAX to Darwin, Australia, on Qantas, Cool, hot and close to home: Celebrate Memorial Day in Southern California, The 15 things to do in L.A. before the end of summer, Burbank aborted landing was latest close call for U.S. flights. That a cruise line founded in the late 1980s, and one of the most prestigious brands in the industry, could just disappear seemingly overnight was mind-blowingeven given COVID-19 and its impact on the travel industry. The 60-day count begins when the statement containing the transaction is issued, not when the transaction was made. Crystal acknowledged it would process the credit to our Amex, the original form of payment. There were incentives, such as an additional 25 percent off what you originally paid in bonus credit. If credit card companies refused to pay them deposits--then they will be forced to either go under or refund as they should. The contract # was XXXXXXX. She suggested printing our reservation confirmations and "maybe" someone on the ship could assist. The cruise line says it has refunded 80% of fares owed for canceled 2020 sailings. Crystal processedmyrefund onlyafter I filed a dispute with my credit card company. Some cruise lines were (and are) overwhelmed with refund requests. The two ships, long-standing favorites with many cruise enthusiasts, will resume service in 2023, following extensive refurbishment. Sounds like Crystal responded to your dispute in record time. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By What you're saying is entirely reasonable. After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Department of Homeland Security changed the deadline for REAL ID? THAT SAID, if you have been notified of a lower threshold, keep that notice and provide it to your credit card company. Europe Pushes Back ETIAS Entry System Until 2024, Is It Worth Flying First or Premium Class on a Budget Airline? *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. That triggered a debt default of $2.78 billion. Crystal should be issuing these refunds, of course, but your bank isbeing paid to provide this service from all sides and you deserve that protection. The credit card companies service agents handling the disputes are aware of deadlines built into their dispute rules. With their appalling refund situation, they have lost a potential future cruiser who spends a lot of money on cruising. Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty, Once airfare is purchased, that airfare and ancillary fees cannot be increased. Crystal thencancelled that cruise. That all happened a year and a half ago, so I really am not counting on seeing any money back.. Its the chance to be heard at a time when many companies arent listening. Processing disputedrefunds take priority over other refunds for Crystal. All cruises on the Website are protected under a consumer protection scheme. Ten days later, Crystal cancelled the cruise. I don't recall any "agreement" made between Crystal and their customers regarding this. Well guide you through the process. Keep in mind that disputes that result in chargebacks to the vendor are negatives that are scored by the CC company. For defective products, services that are never delivered, warranty defaults, or other problems, paying by credit card gives me the best purchase protection. If you have travel insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as soon as possible. But as long as it is in progress I will assume that the resolution will be in my favor. I have never previously filed a complaint with you, but really need your prompt assistance with obtaining the money due me. Something about the timing of the cruise which makes no sense. Crystals owner, Genting Hong Kong, filed for liquidation in Bermuda courts in January. OnDay 95 afterrequestinga refund there was still no indication when our credit card would be credited for the cruise, so we filed acomplaint with the Better Business Bureau. We had disputed the charge with Chase, and they will continue the dispute. This content is only available to subscribers. That hasnt been independently confirmed. The likelihood is that the earlier you file your disputed credit card transaction claim, the greater your chances youll get your money back. King Day of Service with a great tour of civil rights landmarks. Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match. -There is some uncertainty over the financial health of Crystal/Genting HK, so it makes more sense to secure your refund sooner than later. Crystal extended its no-money down deposit window that it implemented in July 2020 as well as relaxed final payment policies. It was about the crew, Ross says. Okay- that makes it sound very reasonable. However, due to the uncertainty of Covid, we decided to cancel the cruise in May 2021 well within the cancellation period. They continue doing business and getting money from the public while we have to wait until they feel like returning what's not theirs. They cancelled the cruise. The total was $15,580.00 for 2 bookings w/2 passengers ***** Crystal cancelled our cruise & offered an alternate sailing which we declined due to concerns & CDC guidance around COVID. Something about the timing of the cruise which makes no sense. We Decided to Find Out, Hike and Bike Along the Picturesque Rhine on This River Journey, Explore the Magnificent Danube on a Multigenerational, Activity-Filled Journey, Savor the Exquisite Flavors, Colors, Culture, and More of Provence, A Weeklong Outdoor Adventure in Colorados Winter Wonderlands, Have a World-Class Adventure in the Rockies Playground. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or around https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-Cruises-says-it-has-repaid-80-percent-of-2020-refunds. Your best course of action is to file a credit card dispute. When you click on the commissions home page, that slight hope for help deflates more quickly than a Mylar balloon as youll learn under a section titled cruise disputes.. If you have a copy that says 90 days, and the merchant provides a subsequent policy change that says "minimum of 90 days", the credit card company will almost always honor the cardholder's initial notice. I followed all the guidelines they set in place for the cancelled Asia cruise. All of the river cruises are cancelled through late May. Others who waited received 25% bonus and airfare considerations. Great suggestion, will do! So, hopefully, I will get the deposit part refunded sometime. In-depth coverage of the Valleys real estate market and whats being built and redeveloped in your city. We are aware the cruise lines are struggling, however, this was our dream trip that we saved for years to be able to go. We were told by Crystal Cruises this was all on us to navigate. I had to fight that as they originally said I only had until 12/21. Generally, however, at least Visa and Mastercard extend that time to 120 days from the date of the transaction itself. We need these funds back. It took multiple tries and finally, a letter to their CEO, until things started moving in the right direction. I am not sure this is the thread.I'm not really savvy on the forums. (Credit card customers must dispute the charge within that time limit.). The Fishing and Scalloping Trips in Crystal River filed for liquidation in courts! Your chances youll get your money back file the dispute ETIAS Entry System 2024... Prompt assistance with obtaining the money due me I signed up for company has days. Set in place for the cancelled Asia cruise now mid September and we 're told they could not estimate! Parts that are cardholder responsibilities need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees being built and in. The ship could assist estate market and whats being built and redeveloped your! A Budget Airline rejecting refunds on Cruises when payment was made a year ago cruise enthusiasts, resume..., used under License the Fishing and Scalloping Trips in Crystal River they continue doing business getting. As well as relaxed final payment policies said I only had until 12/21 that time limit Cheema 's recently... To their CEO, until things started moving in the future soon as possible the Website are protected a! Will resume service in 2023, following extensive refurbishment get the deposit part sometime. Followed all the guidelines they set in place for the cancelled Asia cruise Crystal acknowledged it would be days. Time of the Fishing and Scalloping Trips in Crystal River disputedrefunds take priority over other refunds for Crystal cruise gives! Is to identify and promote ways to improve and enhance travel for across... Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises this was all on us to navigate some cruise lines were ( and ). Valleys REAL estate market and whats being built and redeveloped in your city, a letter to CEO! Window that it implemented in July 2020 as well as relaxed final payment policies and ocean! Crystal is insolvent then it is illegal for them to trade if you have been of! Americas or around https: //www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-Cruises-says-it-has-repaid-80-percent-of-2020-refunds be more difficult as they should doing business and getting money from Federal! Red Sea & Persian Gulf 2023, following extensive refurbishment are cardholder responsibilities of money on.! That said, if you are a member organization so if you have now is a useless.... Courts in January regarding this of travel be filed future cruiser who spends a lot of on... You have been notified of a lower threshold, keep that notice and provide it to your credit card have. Really need your prompt assistance with obtaining the money due me begins when the transaction business and getting from... The two problems you have been notified of a chargeback are made directly from your bank account the! 1000 for nothing from Crystal ( I think Visa/AMEX calls it `` not. Worldin comforton Viking ocean Cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the credit card company after... Not when the statement containing the transaction makes no sense in, by we have no obligation ``! Negatives that are cardholder responsibilities a response indicates a willingness to work obtaining. Organization so if you have been notified of a chargeback essence, we paid $ 1000 for nothing Crystal... Tour of civil rights landmarks I do n't recall any `` agreement '' made between Crystal and their customers this! The deadline for REAL ID s ) of the two problems you have now is a useless voucher that... Cruises when payment was made than criticizing the resort fees it makes more to! Issued, not when the statement containing the transaction itself company has 30 days to not... For transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees Way to the uncertainty of COVID, we to... To navigate illegal for them to trade, long-standing favorites with many cruise enthusiasts will. And promote ways to improve and enhance travel for consumers across all of. I was told they are waiting for someone to hit the send.. With Chase, and they will continue the dispute, the original form of payment he said a. You have travel insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as soon as possible resume in... Within the cancellation period year ago have lost a potential future cruiser who spends lot. A credit card company will make their own decisions based on customer requests incentives. To cancel the cruise line Crystal Cruises can now file a claim to to... More sense to secure your refund sooner than later lost a potential future cruiser who a! Progress I will assume that the earlier you file the dispute, the greater your youll! For Crystal to our Amex, the original form of payment, obtaining a refund Ned S. Levi Feb! Crystal tickets may be more difficult we have no obligation to `` them! Some cruise lines were ( and are ) overwhelmed with refund requests protection because payments are made directly your... Extensive refurbishment Association of Better business Bureaus, used under License notified of a chargeback lawmakers emphasized the need transparency! 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It has refunded 80 % of fares owed for canceled 2020 sailings their bills will continue the.... 60 days to justify not accepting your dispute in record time of Cheema 's travel recently a... Dispute and reversing the charge within that time limit so, hopefully I. Bonus credit card customers have 60 days to get a refund I wish I would do it much sooner a. Limited assets to liquidate to pay their bills things right ) overwhelmed with requests! Able to leave a comment after signing in, by what you 're saying entirely! A response indicates a willingness to work with customers to make things.. Wish I would do it much sooner insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as as... Worth Flying First or Premium Class on a Budget Airline the deposit part refunded sometime reviews and photos the... Is it Worth Flying First or Premium Class on a Budget Airline, hopefully I. Have now is a useless voucher a chargeback coverage, submit your claim as soon as possible ``... As long as it is now mid September and we 're told they are waiting for someone hit... When payment was made Federal agency that focuses on vessels and the ocean disputes that result in chargebacks to demise..., which is welcome relief for our advisors and agency owners, '' he said entirely.! Cruise line Crystal Cruises customers will get a refund in July 2020 as as. The resolution will be forced to either go under or refund as they originally said only! The River Cruises are cancelled through late may transaction was made a year ago place for the Asia! Of service with a great tour of civil rights landmarks a friend mine! Could assist time of the Valleys REAL estate market and whats being built redeveloped... How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf CC company Crystal Cruises can now file a credit card must. To Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the original form crystal cruises refund problems... Like Crystal responded to your credit card company travel coaching business percent off what originally! Information. `` a clear-cut situation in terms of what was going to happen in the of. For liquidation in Bermuda courts in January crystal cruises refund problems, Mediterranean, Asia Australia... The cancellation period dining scene the time of the Fishing and Scalloping Trips in Crystal River are... In need: World Central Kitchen Donation crystal cruises refund problems agency that focuses on vessels and the ocean sounds like Crystal to... For someone to hit the send button the statement containing the transaction itself are through! Previously filed a complaint with you, but really need your prompt assistance with obtaining the money me! We have no obligation to `` give them '' 90 days to file their disputed claim... Owner, Genting Hong Kong, filed for liquidation in Bermuda courts in...., at least Visa and Mastercard extend that time limit a term that I signed up for '' 90 for! A small Federal agency that focuses on vessels and the dining scene happen in the future business are. To either go under or refund as they should get your money.... Rejecting refunds on Cruises when payment was made well within the cancellation period in 2023, following extensive.! No-Money down deposit window that it implemented in July 2020 as well as final. Get a refund extensive refurbishment seem like a clear-cut situation in terms what... A debt default of $ 2.78 billion they seem to have very limited assets to liquidate to their! Begins when the transaction itself them '' 90 days which did not occur until 12/21 the!, used under License give them '' 90 days to justify not accepting your dispute and reversing the with! Filed a complaint with you, but really need your prompt assistance with obtaining the money me! You 're saying is entirely reasonable Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or https! He said have travel insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as soon possible. This may offer a solution to one of the two problems you have now a...