Suspicious on Celebrity Cruises Barnacle Growth

[Frequenttraveller]

Our May 22, 2022 Alaska cruise on Celebrity from Vancouver BC has been cancelled just 2 weeks before sailing due to "barnacle growth on the hull".  Can't imagine how awkward this is for families gathering from all over via plane, train etc. They are offering a full refund or we can rebook another AK cruise, they give three ships to choose from.  If we rebook, they are offering a 25% discount.  Someone called that "compensation".  It's just a tricky way for Celebrity to make it sound like they are offering compensation because when we go to book the cruises they offered, they were 25% more expensive!  NO COMPENSATION in that offer what so ever.  Haven't they had 2 years of COVID to maintain their fleet? 

It's a big deal to have your vacation cancelled at the last minute like this.  The email notification "apologized for the inconvenience".  

This might work out well for Celebrity, they now have approx 2000 "valued guests" who are scrambling for alternate last minute cruises to Alaska.  Celebrity offers up only three ships to choose from AND only offers "similar itineraries to Alaska" as compensation LOL.  Are they trying to fill up those alternate sailings due to cancellations?  We can't go on a Coastal cruise instead or Caribbean etc. because of the "similar AK cruise" clause.  They should at least give us a full year to rebook.  Anyway, we bailed and requested a full refund. Thanks Celebrity, it was an experience that we wouldn't wish on anyone.  I wonder how long it will take to get our money back.

[David W.]

Regarding the cancelled sailing , I was only informed of the Cruise cancellation this morning circa 11.30hrs. Company I booked through offered no compensation or other booking through Celebrity, only alternative wity Holland America or refund. My problem is that I upgraded seats ,not business, a small upgrade, and I'm going to be out of pocket by several hundred pounds.No one wants to help or take responsibility, does anyone have any positive suggestions please?

 

[Emrys]

Hi @David W., you mentioned you upgraded seats, are you relating to your flight rather than the cruise? Even though they sent you a communication, I would try calling them.

[Irv S.]

Question,

We are traveling on Solstice in September.  Has this ship been up fitted since Covid began?.  What’s the overall cosmetic condition of the ship?  Normally we travel with Royal Caribbean. This itinerary was one we scheduled prior to Covid.  My wife and I are looking forward to a nice trip.  The reviews are often mixed for this ship.  Thanks, Irv.s

[DeanneB]

On 5/28/2022 at 9:15 PM, Irv S. said:

Question,

We are traveling on Solstice in September.  Has this ship been up fitted since Covid began?.  What’s the overall cosmetic condition of the ship?  Normally we travel with Royal Caribbean. This itinerary was one we scheduled prior to Covid.  My wife and I are looking forward to a nice trip.  The reviews are often mixed for this ship.  Thanks, Irv.s

I've read some really good review for Celebrity Solstice post Covid.  Solstice had been actively sailing post Covid for Alaska Glacier Cruise.  The reviews had been great so far, a full crew with still less passenger, which can also meant the service is great!