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Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253519 07/20/20 07:07 PM
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Oh darn it. Here I was getting excited you may be on it.


Jim

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253520 07/21/20 08:33 PM
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We are in! Tulips and Windmills. Jerry and I are in 232 and 2 of my sisters Barbara and Eleanor are in 236. Fingers crossed
—————————-
Helen

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253521 07/21/20 09:20 PM
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Helen, George and I are so looking forward to this. Just hope we get to actually do it. I am tired of cancelled cruises.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253522 07/22/20 07:47 PM
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Rachel, I didn't even realize you and George were coming ?? I'm so happy you are. I should add you to the roll call !


Marcie

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253535 07/24/20 06:00 PM
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Yes, Marcie, we are on the Amsterdam part. George's best friend is Dutch, so we are flying in a few days early to visit with his family. They live in Rotterdam. Hoping we actually get to go on a trip. This staying home and working all the time sucks!

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253596 08/13/20 01:36 PM
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Starting to get a little nervous that we are going to be able to take this river cruise.
Still thinking positive, but the closer it gets and the more cancellations I can't help myself.


Jim

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253597 08/13/20 02:00 PM
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Jim, Crystal has announced that they will start up river cruises on 21 March; plenty of time in advance of our trip.

Marc



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253598 08/13/20 05:05 PM
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Oh how I hope you are correct!!!!

Now we just need to get Europe to allow US Citizens to go there.


Jim

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: Jim B] #253599 08/13/20 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Jim B
Oh how I hope you are correct!!!!

Now we just need to get Europe to allow US Citizens to go there.


Europe is not allowing much of anyone to go there; even other Europeans.



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253600 08/14/20 12:24 AM
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Yes the season does not open up until around that time normally. They do the Christmas market cruises with a few boats and then dock everything until the spring. Should be a vaccine out quite some time before then and HOPEFULLY back to normal.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: Ngaire] #253601 08/14/20 02:04 AM
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I am Sooo excited for this cruise because I get to meet so many old “friends” from here, whom I’ve never been with face to face! I feel like I already know you! Gosh I sure hope you like to dine with someone new! I’ll always ask you you want to join us! This is the way I’ve always widened my friendships via Ngaire’s over the years through her board, as I’m a solo traveler.

And then there are those I’ve met time and time again, honestly, I’m “itching” to get on a ship again! I don’t care where it goes!

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253602 08/14/20 03:24 PM
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Olivia, we are looking forward to meeting you ! This is shaping up to be a really fun group! Can’t wait.
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Helen

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253603 08/14/20 05:58 PM
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you are all a lot more optimistic than I am about this trip even happening. I hope it does, but I am very doubtful that we will be able to get to Europe even if the cruise doesn't cancel. I am also pessimistic about a vaccine offering reliable sustained immunity to this virus. They have never been able to develop a vaccine for the common cold, which is the same type of virus.

I so hope I am wrong. I really want to see everyone and travel again. But I have been disappointed twice this year.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253611 08/17/20 04:48 PM
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Do you think there's much chance these 2 river cruises will be a go ?


Marcie

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253612 08/17/20 09:36 PM
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Yes i truly think all will be well by then. This is in the 2nd quarter of 2021 and most believe that although not ALL the cruise lines will be operating with all their ships by that time, the consensus seems to be that cruising will be back.

The vaccine news is very good. Potentially out by the end of the year or early in the first quarter. No one probably tried that hard to get a vaccine for the common cold but all the big guns are out for covid all over the world.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253613 08/18/20 04:25 PM
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Crystal is making us acknowledge this form:

Quote
In response to ongoing health concerns, Crystal has undertaken enhanced health and safety measures in an effort to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and protect both our guests and crew members. Please carefully review and follow all posted instructions while boarding, onboard, and during your off-ship excursions.

Despite these measures, you should be aware that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious diseases in any public place where people are in close proximity. As a result, Crystal cannot guarantee that you will not become exposed to or infected with COVID-19 or any other contagious disease at any stage of your trip with Crystal. By choosing to cruise or fly with us, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 or any other contagious disease.


They have also updated their ticket contract as of 16 March 2020; I have no idea what it looked like before so don't know the changes. None of this is surprising but worth reviewing.

Marc



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253616 08/18/20 07:17 PM
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Ngaire, hope you're right. We're so looking forward to it and already have our RT airline tickets. We loved our previous Crystal riverboat cruise.

With Regent FCC plus our FFC from AA, Alaska, UA we'd better do lots of travel and live a long time. 🙃 Let's ALL stay healthy !


Marcie

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253618 08/19/20 01:51 PM
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Have not seen that acknowledgement Marc....when did you get it?


JoAnn
Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253619 08/19/20 01:56 PM
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JoAnn, go under your account on Crystal.com and select your voyage and T&Cs will pop up for you to acknowledge and the COVID-19 will come up for you to acknowledge. They say they won't issue tickets until you acknowledge.

Marc



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253620 08/19/20 02:30 PM
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OK thanks.


JoAnn
Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253621 08/19/20 08:59 PM
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April 12 - Debussy - Tulips Cruise.

GOOD NEWS

There has been a reduction in fares for this cruise and we are working with Crystal to get everyone’s bookings adjusted. We will be in touch as soon as we receive the updated invoices from Crystal.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253622 08/20/20 01:58 PM
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Probably no impact but here is Seatrade article about Crystal's parent Genting:

Quote
Genting Hong Kong has suspended all payments to creditors, sparking a 33% drop in the company’s share price.
Genting cited COVID-19’s impact on its operations — which include Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises — for the cash crunch, in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange Wednesday night.

‘The Group has undertaken a number of cost reduction and cash conservation measures to mitigate the effects of the resultant loss of revenues from its operations,’ the statement said.

The company owed a total of $3.4bn as of July 31.

Bank fees due on newbuilds
On August 17, Dream Global One Ltd and Dream Global Two Ltd (subsidiaries of Genting HK) were required to pay bank fees amounting to €3.7m in connection with the financing of the construction of ‘certain ships’, said the company statement. Those fees were not paid.

Earlier this month Genting warned of a year delay in deliveries of Crystal Endeavor and Global Dream both under construction at own yards MV Werften and severely restricted operations and revenue generation at entertainment and leisure businesses Resorts World Manila and Zouk, Singapore.

Taiwan cruises
In late July, Dream Cruises did return to service with Explorer Dream on short sailings from Taiwan for the local market.

Planned restructure
Genting HK said it will use its available funds to maintain critical services for the company’s operations and asked creditors to form a steering committee to evaluate a planned restructuring proposal.

Analysts in Asia were suggesting Genting may look to sell assets, or possibly liquidate the entire company.



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253623 08/20/20 08:47 PM
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That is great news, Ngaire!

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253626 08/21/20 03:23 PM
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I received this email this morning.

As you may have seen late last night, Crystal Cruises came out with an official statement. I have included below, along with a couple articles that have recently surfaced in trade. Thank you.

“Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, is engaged in a financial restructuring and fundraising exercise to address liquidity issues that resulted from its global fleet not operating because of COVID-19. It is important to understand that the company is not going out of business. Whatever option our parent company pursues, it will allow Crystal to operate its business. Additionally, we have always been committed to honoring our contractual obligations with guests and travel partners, including the processing of refunds.

While we have extended our suspension of global voyages until the end of the year, we are working with government and health authorities in our key markets to resume sailing when it is safe to do so and we look forward to welcoming our guests back on board at that time.”

Crystal: The Company is not going out of business
https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/fin...e=MTM00SCC&sessionCode=S_STRDCRSNEWS


Lim Kok Thay puts fortune on the line to save Genting HK
https://www.thestar.com.my/business...d9KdfIu83CVZd-38ueUfzQ86qL_eHCD_YsceCsKE


Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: Ngaire] #253627 08/21/20 04:41 PM
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Phew! Ngaire, that’s good to hear. I just can’t take anymore cancellations.

My sisters and I had planned to head up to Napa In a few days to get away and relax so, of course, the entire county has burst into flames! 😱
————————
Helen

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253630 08/22/20 05:21 PM
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Helen,

We live about an hour away from Napa. While it is very smokey due to the wildfires (at my house too), I am not aware of any winery closures due to fires. I think it's business as usual except for Covid restrictions.


Suzanne
Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253631 08/22/20 08:24 PM
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Thanks for the info Suzanne. I think we will wait a couple of weeks and hope for the best. We had reservations to stay overnight at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg and I heard on the news that entire town of Healdsburg is under voluntary evacuation. Stay safe!
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Helen

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253633 08/22/20 09:09 PM
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Virus, fires, plans cancelled, refunds from airlines. I think we all need a nice glass of Rombauer wine, whether it be the chardonnay or zinfandel.

Just received an article on the Pfizer vaccine. Highlights - They expect to go for FDA approval in September and have already started producing the vaccine BEFORE FDA approval They are super positive on the results. Estimate 100 million doses by October. Whether that all happens or not remains to be seen but nice to read a positive report on the timing of the vaccine.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253637 08/26/20 08:17 PM
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There are a number of reports on CC that Crystal is no longer accepting final payments; anyone still not made final payment for RIVER that. can confirm?

Marc



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253638 08/26/20 09:47 PM
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No payments accepted until October 21.

So all final payments due are extended until October 21, and if you make a new booking it is held without a deposit until October 21.

Do not know how big business works but I am sure it is to do with the parent company seeking additional funding.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253647 09/03/20 11:43 PM
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Just announced

Now extended through April 2021, Crystal Confidence 2.0 offers both relaxed cancellation terms and a final payment of 60 days prior to departure for all new and existing bookings.

Final payment 60 days before departure
No $500 administrative fees
60 – 31 days 25% penalty
30 – 8 day 50% penalty
7 days 100% penalty.

So that is good news!!

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253648 09/04/20 12:59 AM
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Ngaire, is that "no $500 administrative fee" just for new bookings or does it also apply to existing bookings?

thanks,

Marc



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253649 09/04/20 01:44 AM
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Just got it tonight not talked to anyone but it said for new and EXISTING bookings. Therefore I think it means just that for “existing”:bookings.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253650 09/04/20 02:42 AM
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This information is starting to make me nervous that we may not be able to go on this river cruise.
Great news for all of us about if it is cancelled , but then we have our booked airline problems. Oh My!!


Jim

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253652 09/04/20 04:16 PM
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I am skeptical that this cruise will happen. But I am also skeptical that we will even be able to fly to Amsterdam from the US. If the cruise is cancelled, but we can fly, we are still going and just making it into a land trip as George's best friend is from Rotterdam. We would just go with him and his wife and do things without the cruise part. But things are really going to have to change for even that to happen.

Other complication is that Jenny, our Chinese adopted daughter, is pregnant and due April 17. So everything getting cancelled may just work out best.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253653 09/04/20 05:19 PM
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I just don’t know what to do. I hesitate to buy plane tickets given my ongoing aggravating Delta situation but I thought I read somewhere that Amsterdam was essentially open for business?
————————-
Helen

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253654 09/04/20 07:02 PM
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Do not let the good cancel and payment terms worry you. These more flexible terms are so people will not cancel early. If you do not have to pay anymore and can tell the situation closer in before making further payments most people will stay the course. Good business really on the part of the cruise lines to give these reassurances. All the lines have similar terms with different names and policies.

I may be "up a tree" but by April I think things should look very different than they do today. The River cruises in April I am not concerned about expecting those to take place. Buying and cancelling air is a mess though so it is everyone's decision to wait or buy now.

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253685 09/19/20 05:08 PM
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Just received the latest United Vacation email.
It gave the countries that are currently open and also those opening soon.
EUROPE IS ONE OF THEM!!!
Sure hope that is true.


Jim

Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253686 09/19/20 05:16 PM
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Europe is not a country. I learned that on "Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader." dance



Re: Roll Call for RIVER Crystal riverboat(s) 4/12/21 & 4/23/21 [Re: petlover] #253688 09/19/20 08:20 PM
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Oh, what ever. LOL We need a bunch of them to say OK to let us go on our cruise.


Jim

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