Follow up to previous posting on Cruise West
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a professional association representing the tour operator industry.
Travel agents and consumers should be aware that partial or full reimbursement of lost payments and/or deposits for Cruise West products made prior to September 11, 2010, may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
Passenger deposits and payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA Program.
Claim forms and instructions under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program -
http://www.ustoa.com/2009/CruiseWest/Claim_info.cfm
Showing posts with label cruise insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruise insurance. Show all posts
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Cruise West - A World Voyage Nightmare
Can you begin to imagine booking a 335 day world cruise, and mid way being told that your cruise is cancelled? Well that's exactly what happened to passengers on the Spirit of Oceanus who booked sailing on the epic “Voyage of the Great Explorers” cruise.
Well here's what's going on . . . Cruise West fails to renew their bond!
Cruise line members have to post $1 million in security - in the form of a bond or letter of credit. The bond is held in a trust account by USTOA, and used only for reimbursing consumers for tour payments or deposits lost in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.
USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) has made the grim announcement - “Effective September 11, Cruise West is no longer a USTOA member, and as such, no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.”
Any cruise passenger who made reservations prior to Sept. 11, 2010 may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments made after that date will not be covered by the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.
On the company's website Cruise West says it is continuing “to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations.” Don't hold your breath!
Unfortunately passengers who do not have insurance will probably end up losing their money. And even if you do have insurance, the particular policy may not cover a cruise line going under financially.
Well here's what's going on . . . Cruise West fails to renew their bond!
Cruise line members have to post $1 million in security - in the form of a bond or letter of credit. The bond is held in a trust account by USTOA, and used only for reimbursing consumers for tour payments or deposits lost in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.
USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) has made the grim announcement - “Effective September 11, Cruise West is no longer a USTOA member, and as such, no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.”
Any cruise passenger who made reservations prior to Sept. 11, 2010 may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments made after that date will not be covered by the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.
On the company's website Cruise West says it is continuing “to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations.” Don't hold your breath!
Unfortunately passengers who do not have insurance will probably end up losing their money. And even if you do have insurance, the particular policy may not cover a cruise line going under financially.
Passengers Stranded As Cruise Line 'Restructures'
Cruise Insurance - Primary Or Secondary Policy?
Choosing cruise insurance - or for that matter any travel insurance - can be time consuming, as well as confusing. Be aware that policy plans vary greatly - so each individual has to determine which plan best covers your needs.
Cruise lines offer their own travel insurance, however it is NOT the best option, and prices are far more than finding insurance on your own. You should also be aware that these type of policies are "secondary" policies. Cruise lines are notorious for offering compensation in "on-board credits" - not hard cash in many situations!
Read the full article and become familiar with the difference between a primary or secondary cruise insurance policy for your next cruise vacation
Cruise lines offer their own travel insurance, however it is NOT the best option, and prices are far more than finding insurance on your own. You should also be aware that these type of policies are "secondary" policies. Cruise lines are notorious for offering compensation in "on-board credits" - not hard cash in many situations!
Read the full article and become familiar with the difference between a primary or secondary cruise insurance policy for your next cruise vacation
Cruise Insurance - Primary Or Secondary
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