Do They Know Something We Don't?

[andy-hughes]

The major cruise lines have now put back their re-launches of cruises to the end of August.

Given that the perceived wisdom is that most European ports may not be open by that time - is this simply a date which can be moved again, as this one has from May, or a sense of optimism, or do they actually know something we don't?

[jim360]

Optimism. Even if we assume that the Cruise lines are privy to information we don't have, it can't be anything certain.

[ToraToraTora]

no i don't think so they are just playing with the dates

[weecalf]

Pay now sail later or later than that .

[ynnafymmi]

Me and partner had a three week cruise round the Med booked for the end of June-half-paid for.The cruise company arent being helpful.

[jan1956]

of course no cruises but lots of Dinghys coming into the country, guess you could always get in one of those to sail out!!!

[ichkeria]

Presumably they don’t want to pick a date that is too late.
Lots of things are getting put back, then put back again.
If they’d been brought forward that might have been noteworthy

[douglas9401]

To answer your questions in order:

All future dates can be moved
Yes, they're optimistic, hopeful if you will and
No, they don't know something we don't, not about the subject under discussion anyway.

[woofgang]

I suspect that they have paid for the web management, advertising and brochure printing and don't want to waste it.

[teacake44]

May be, or just a loop hole to hang on to money / deposits paid?

[elliemay1]

Apparently you have to pay the full amount to fulfil the contract

[woofgang]

doubt it teacake.

[jno]

the only people who know anything are the politicians who decide when to ease restrictions - and they currently don't know anything. But cruise lines have time on their hands, and there's no harm in them planning for future possibilities.

[AuntPollyGrey]

If they re-launch their cruises, those who have had their holidays postponed will be offered another slot. They will not have to cancel the booking and refund the deposits. If the passengers do not want a different date, they will probably not be refunded, as the company has offered them an alternative date which they have refused. Just my thoughts......

[jno]

I doubt they'd get away with that, APG. People book cruises for April 27, not "any time the cruise line feels like it" and if they don't get it they're entitled to their money back.

[woofgang]

yup, dead right Jno....people can be offered alternative slots with hefty sweeteners but if the seller can't provide what the buyer bought (cruise to A,b,c dates xxx to xxx) then the buyer gets a refund.

[dance2trance]

It will take time to re-boot ships in terms of - fuel and power systems will need checking, and double checking, the Coastguard will have to inspect for safety compliance, whole liner disinfected, staff will have wandered off, suppliers of food will have gone bust, suppliers of knives and forks and cleaning equipment etc etc no longer around, some staff will of course be dead, entertainers will think sick on a disease ship or stay home? and will stay home. August! No my guess is next year.