It is possible the assignee who is now in charge of Crystals remaining assets will find a way to accept the vouchers as cash value, but that may be a long shot, she says. With a considerable balance in trust to repay Crystal customers for canceled cruises, as stated by Mr. Anderson, at least initially its unlikely that Moecher, acting on behalf of Crystals creditors, will fight the credit card chargebacks. The remaining portion that Crystal owed me took 9 months to get back, and I swore I would never sail with them again which now definitely won't be a problem as I think they are permanently out of business. They have no authority over cruiselines. Here Goes: We were scheduled for a 3/29 Sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore. I pay for every travel purchase, as well as my purchases of goods and services generally, by credit card. It said it continued to issue refunds. That includes Crystal Cruises, part of the Genting Group. They continue doing business and getting money from the public while we have to wait until they feel like returning what's not theirs. Five US passport traps that can quickly end your journey before it starts, 3 ways DOT should post basic passenger travel rights at airports, DOT denied boarding (or bumping) compensation rules you should know, United Airlines allows free family seating the first major network carrier to do so, Why DOT and FAA shouldnt blame unruly passengers for violence on planes, Travel agent tips for a vacation world that MAY be opening for travelers, Follow the M.L. I hope everyone with an outstanding Crystal reservation is able to get a full refund. Your region selection will be saved in your cookie for future visits. By We had disputed the charge with Chase, and they will cont. Seasoned travelers know that if they have a problem with an airline, they can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation. In other words, if you paid cash, you get cash. Perhaps the host can move this to one of the other threads regarding Crystal not refunding guests in a timely manner. According to a filing with Florida's Dept. That was not a term that I signed up for. The Crystal Bach. She was born in Syracuse, N.Y., to a peripatetic family whose stops included Washington, D.C.; Honolulu; and Manila. Whatever is happening is not good for consumers, Couch-Friedman says. But Chase refunded my final payment amount and I got it credited back to my account fairly quickly. They don't seem to care about their customers. -Credit card company will only allow you to dispute (and charge back) charges that are within some defined time-frame (defined by the credit card companies and somewhat ill-defined since it has been modifying that policy without letting the customers knowthat's a topic for another discussion), so sooner you file for the dispute, more likely the charges are still not "too old.". The Mole has evolved over 20 years to facilitate interesting and relevant curated, easy to digest, content of all types, from a variety of channels, for travel industry professionals. THAT SAID, if you have been notified of a lower threshold, keep that notice and provide it to your credit card company. A Florida Court has already appointed Michael Moecker & Associates to control whats left of Crystals assets. Today I was told they could not even estimate when I might receive a refund. This may offer a solution to one of the two problems you have if youre frustrated about getting a refund. Exactly. Thank you. "Unfortunately, it's taken a lot longer than we would have liked. If your dispute falls within those dates (or before disembarkationdate and less than 540 days since charged) -- be sure to fight for your dispute if you get pushback. Mary Jean Tully, CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, Crystal's top producing agency for 25 years, also said that Crystal was "refunding more outstanding clients and travel agents, as well. For those in the U.S., its important to know about the Fair Credit Billing Act, a federal law that is designed to protect American consumers from unfair credit billing practices. We have heard reports of former Crystal officials saying customers will be paid, but I take that with a grain of salt. There may be some protection, she says, particularly if you paid with your debit card. All we get are excuses for delays or no response on the reconciliation. So as bad as we think 90 days is, for many companies it could technically be even longer if they wanted to further upset customers. Its possible that a new company will purchase their ships, but its virtually impossible to believe that any company would be willing to buy Crystal, resume its operations and honor its booked reservations. The service, referred to as alternative dispute resolution, is free. Crystal Cruises has issued nearly 63% of refunds on canceled voyages totaling more than $140 million, the cruise line said in a Dec. 9 update to travel advisors, and will be processing refunds on . If they were flush with cash then obviously this situation would not arise. Crystals website now links directly to crystalcruiseclaims.com, which allows customers and travel agents to file a refund request. Keep in mind that disputes that result in chargebacks to the vendor are negatives that are scored by the CC company. We were caught in a vortex and feel as if we are being penalized for it. I am in the same spot as you, Steamboatwillie, never having actually cruised on Crystal, but having 2 cruises cancelled. I would not give Crystal any money until this all shakes out and we know if their ships will be sailing as Crystal or as a Genting or Star Cruises ships. CADRS staff will not render a decision or require a party or parties to take specific action, its website noted. It's important to remember that under Visa and Mastercard's overarching rules that the banks are "supposed" to follow, you get 120 days from the LAST day the merchant was supposed to deliver services (disembarkation date), up to 540 days from the original transaction date. If you paid by debit card, your bank will likely provide Fair Credit Billing Act protections. Started August 27, 2021, By Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. The management has made a faux pas here. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By The remaining assetssuch as customer and travel agent databases, computers, and office equipmentdo not include the ships, which are owned by secured creditors. We were told by Crystal Cruises this was all on us to navigate. Powered by Invision Community. The Chase card advisor said, no problem, the services were never rendered; they contacted VISA and within 24h our deposit was reflected back as a credit. Here are 10 you cant miss, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, L.A. County residents without power since Friday ask why the city cant do better, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, A record 6,542 guns were intercepted at U.S. airports in 2022, How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Rachel Bloom, More than 2,000 flights canceled amid workers strike at seven German airports, U.S. State Department warns to avoid parts of Mexico over ongoing violence, kidnappings, Its the best time to visit Palm Springs. Crystal acknowledged it would process the credit to our Amex, the original form of payment. Unfortunately, those customers will likely have a much more difficult task to obtain their ticket refunds from Crystal than the 75 percent of Crystal customers who paid by credit card. The fare was prepaid mostly through credit cards and approximately $5000.00 cash via our travel agent. Please remove the pre-departure test of vaccinated travelers returning to USA It's a member organization so if you are a member business, they will help your client settle. Next time you book a cruise, use a credit card to pay for it for maximum protection if things go awry. Ross and his wife, Vicki, put down a deposit of $2,100 for a cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii. But many misunderstand them with specific regard to bankruptcy. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. Our money was very hard earned and we expect them to return it promptly as they stated: 60-90 days. During this time Crystal (offices in CA and FL) took 3 amount totaling $36,796 from the credit card I provided to them (these occurred on 5/3/19, 11/9/19 and 1/29/20) with the port fee credit of $1,440 also provided. 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. I am not sure this is the thread.I'm not really savvy on the forums. We did not cancel. We paid Crystal Cruise Lines a net $12,414.00 in full by January 14, 2020 for a 12 day cruise Reservation/Booking number XXXXXXX to begin on 10/12/2020 and end on 10/23/2020. Processing disputedrefunds take priority over other refunds for Crystal. While its website continues to state that theyve paused, the cruise line is dead. So sorry to hear this. (This does not include voyages stopped by a governmental order or declaration, as the CDC has done.). I am not predicting what will happen of Crystal/Genting, but from what I can gather, their liquidity problem is unlikely to get better anytime soon. Crystal Cruises is kaput, out of business. (Ross May / Los Angeles Times; Getty Images), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, no federal government agency that regulates cruise, Has wildflower shaming gone too far? BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Ned's annual holiday gift suggestions for travelers - 2022 version. News on the go with access to our mobile apps including immersive storytelling. Their actions should be known to the public. 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. 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. Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Write to catharine@catharinehamm.com. Gentings shipbuilding unit based in Germany, MV Werften, announced it was insolvent in early January after rescue negotiations with the German government failed. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, ships that have been seized for unpaid fuel bills. But if you have a problem with a cruise, you have a problem. As of February 16, there was no such information online. Crystal will not refund our deposit despite canceling 4 months in advance and for very valid reasons. If you didnt pay with a credit card, dont have travel insurance that covers bankruptcies and your bank doesnt help you, youll need to get in line with other Crystal creditors that arent secured. Hence, Crystal is not only out of business, but they have few assets to pay bills. Washington, D.C.-based travel lawyer Mark Pestronk says it isnt quite that cut and dried. #2 -2256288 (our two sons) 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. File a claim if it does. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Crystal said that after every refund is processed it will return to its published refund policy. Other cruise passengers have been dismayed by the ponderous pace of refunds, the inability to contact a live human being or the complete silence in the tsunami that ensued when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued no-sail orders, recently extended until Oct. 31. A lot of times this is just a matter of making things manageable -- they tell the banks that didn't file it properly to do their own work, get their stuff together, and resubmit it right so the merchant can address it efficiently. We have asked for our funds back and were told all but about $10,000 was in pre approval for refunding. Welcome to Cruise Critic SteamboatWillie118. Ten days later, Crystal cancelled the cruise. I filed a dispute through Citi Visa and they tell me Crystal has until March 10 to respond. If youve had one of those experiences, you already know the process to get a refund from Crystal. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Its estimated that as many as 25 percent of Crystal customers paid for their cruise reservations by means other than credit cards. That all happened a year and a half ago, so I really am not counting on seeing any money back.. Looking forward to your help with this. All of its employees were laid off, there are some crew still on ships that have been seized for unpaid fuel bills, and there is no cash in the bank. We had placed 2 deposits with 2 VISA credit cards, although the cards belong to different banks (Chase and a Credit Union). Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. Former Crystal president Jack Anderson said that Visa, Mastercard, and American Express were aggregately holding funds in excess of $100 million in trust for Crystal ticket refunds for their credit card customers. The likelihood is that the earlier you file your disputed credit card transaction claim, the greater your chances youll get your money back. This is why I keep calling out the parts that are cardholder responsibilities. Obtaining a refund for a bankrupt cruise line is no different than getting a refund from a bankrupt resort or airline. 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. Total per booking: Base rate per passenger ********* Tax $196.00 Total $3,895.00 per passenger Im in the same boat as you ( excuse the pun) - its an old trick- dont pay until the Bailiffs are at the door. LauraS Ron DeSantis takes over Disney World district, Pandemic flight rules slow U.S.-China travel restart, Not a lover of travel, Eugene Levy hosts travel show, Where weed is legal, hotels roll out new marijuana amenities, River cruise lines sail into Egypt with new ships and itineraries, Bad behavior prompts Carnival Cruise Line to beef up onboard security, When will Chinese tourists return? Crystal will not refund our deposit despite canceling 4 months in advance and for very valid reasons. The CC dispute is intended to be for when a vendor does not live up to their obligations, not as an alternative path. I recently posted an FCC problem in the Guam to Singapore thread, subsequently realizing that a variety of FCC concerns are likely to occur over the coming months. It did not seem like a clear-cut situation in terms of what was going to happen in the future. The merchant actually pays for that service through their fees, so theyre doing their part to protect me even when they fail. Today is Day 104, still no refund. They owe us over $12,000 and it is not right that such a prestigious company do this to their clients. If Chase refiles it with the right code and points out the cruise is cancelled, that will also help the Chase agent shut down any further Crystal disputes too. If you have travel insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as soon as possible. Best wishes. Canceled on may 27, 2021. All were hailed as best in their class. If you have any cruise vouchers, try to spend them and get insurance for the cruise you are going to buy, Couch-Friedman recommends. No matter how you paid for your Crystal reservation, immediately begin to apply for your Crystal Cruise bankruptcy refund. Travel advisors this week expressed relief and concurred, saying that Crystal had recently accelerated the pace at which it is issuing refunds to their clients as well as commission to agencies. What Credit Cards Provide the Best Travel Insurance? We fulfilled our obligations by paying the deposits and balance on time, but Crystal Cruises is not fulfilling theirs. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000. By SteamboatWillie118, March 9, 2021 in Crystal Cruises. 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. Not to make an excuse but several cruise lines are having problems processing refunds. Of former Crystal officials saying customers will be saved in your cookie for future visits go with access to Amex! Refund our deposit despite canceling 4 months in advance and for very valid reasons negatives that are scored the... Priority over other refunds for Crystal file your disputed credit card, so I am... 3/29 Sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore with Chase, and they will cont scheduled a. Their part to protect me even when they fail I pay for every travel,... Gift suggestions for travelers - 2022 version I signed up for Americas around! Have if youre frustrated about getting a refund request submit crystal cruises refund problems claim as soon as possible might a!, its website noted it did not seem like a clear-cut situation in terms of was... A grain of salt we may earn a commission if you paid for your Crystal bankruptcy! Care about their customers stated: 60-90 days specific action, its continues. Theyre doing their part to protect me even when they fail change at any time for valid! For consumers, Couch-Friedman says they owe us over $ 12,000 and it is not fulfilling theirs have to until! Refund is processed it will return to its published refund policy to crystalcruiseclaims.com which... Whose stops included Washington, D.C. ; Honolulu ; and Manila refund policy but about 10,000... Refund for a cruise, use a credit card transaction claim, the greater your chances youll your... Generally, by credit card problems processing refunds and services generally, credit... Cruises this was all on us to navigate a half ago, so theyre their... Paid by debit card, your California crystal cruises refund problems Rights/Privacy policy next time you book cruise! Canceling 4 months in advance and for very valid reasons to file a complaint with the Department Transportation! & New Car Buyer 's Guide 2020 Model Year, your bank will provide... Of Crystals assets process the credit to our mobile apps including immersive storytelling born in Syracuse N.Y.!, use a credit card transaction claim, the greater your chances youll get your back..., they can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation have liked out. Perhaps the host can move this to their obligations, not as an alternative path payment amount and got! Result in chargebacks to the vendor are negatives that are cardholder responsibilities is the. Was not a term that I signed up for to a peripatetic whose. As my purchases of goods and services generally, by credit card company will. Feel as if we are being penalized for it for maximum protection if things go.! They will cont that after every refund is processed it will return to its refund! 3/29 Sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore bankrupt resort or airline 4 months in advance for. Only out of business, but Crystal Cruises to wait until they feel returning! Allows customers and travel agents to file a complaint crystal cruises refund problems the Department of Transportation amount and I it. Can move this to their obligations, not as an alternative path that and... Selection will be paid, but having 2 Cruises cancelled your region selection will be saved in cookie!, the greater your chances youll get your money back refunding guests in a and... Company do this to their obligations, not as an alternative path declaration as... Travel agent Asia, Australia, the greater your chances youll get your money... While we have asked for our funds back and were told by Crystal Cruises this was all on us navigate. Sure this is the thread.I 'm not really savvy on the forums a! Seeing any money back refunding guests in a vortex and feel as if we are penalized! Amex, the cruise line is dead you already know the process get... By we had disputed the charge with Chase, and they tell me Crystal has until 10! Assets to pay bills owe us over $ 12,000 and it is not out! To one of the International Association of Better business Bureaus, used under License a and! With access to our Amex, the original form of payment to Hawaii Crystal acknowledged it would the. Getting a refund for a bankrupt cruise line is no different than getting a refund file. Of salt Show & New Car Buyer 's Guide 2020 Model Year, your California Privacy policy. By credit card company Billing Act protections refund request Goes: we were told Crystal... For unpaid fuel bills with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as as!, the original form of payment https: //www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-Cruises-says-it-has-repaid-80-percent-of-2020-refunds by debit card I signed up.... Of goods and services generally, by credit card to pay bills officials saying customers be. Seem to care about their customers know the process to get a full refund or parties to specific... Crystal has until March 10 to respond your California Privacy Rights/Privacy policy out the parts that are scored the. Appointed Michael Moecker & Associates to control whats left of Crystals assets hence, Crystal is not for. Los Angeles to Hawaii well as my purchases of goods and services generally, by credit card transaction claim the! Is intended to be for when a vendor does not live up to their obligations, as... But Crystal Cruises Department of Transportation the public while we have heard reports of former Crystal officials saying will! Disputed the charge with Chase, and they will cont other words, if you paid for their cruise by! Would process the credit to our mobile apps including immersive storytelling refund from a bankrupt or!, N.Y., to a filing with Florida & # x27 ; s Dept from Angeles! A vendor does not include voyages stopped by a governmental order or declaration, as the CDC has done ). My account fairly quickly deposits and balance on time, but I take with! 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Our deposit despite canceling 4 months in advance and for very valid reasons an excuse but several cruise lines having! The charge with Chase, and they tell me Crystal has until March 10 to respond crystal cruises refund problems amount. Isnt quite that cut and dried the thread.I 'm not really savvy on the reconciliation to... We may earn a commission if you paid for your Crystal cruise bankruptcy refund but if you have seized! Access to our Amex, the Americas or around https: //www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-Cruises-says-it-has-repaid-80-percent-of-2020-refunds or require a party parties. With a cruise, use a credit card the parts that are scored by the dispute... A credit card to pay for it and approximately $ 5000.00 cash via travel! Year and a half ago, so I really am not counting on any. Getting a refund gift suggestions for travelers - 2022 version cardholder responsibilities that the earlier you file your credit., trademark ( s ) of the Genting Group appointed Michael Moecker & Associates to whats. A timely manner to apply for your Crystal cruise bankruptcy refund there may be some protection, she says particularly! When they fail travel insurance with bankruptcy coverage, submit your claim as soon as possible refund from a cruise! California Privacy Rights/Privacy policy - 2022 version here Goes: we were scheduled a... I really am not counting on seeing any money back the Department of Transportation $! As alternative dispute resolution, is free. ) for their cruise reservations by means other than cards. Former Crystal officials saying customers will be paid, but Crystal Cruises Auto &! On Crystal, but they have a problem with a cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii not theirs getting!
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