Cruise Line Refuses Refund

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

A cruise ship is refusing to let a New York couple re-book a dream summer vacation after their 5-year-old boy was unable to go on the trip because he was diagnosed with cancer.

The parents of Nicolas Colucci say Norwegian Cruise Line is refusing to accommodate them, citing its cancellation policy.

The family-friendly cruise, in partnership with the Nickelodeon channel, was scheduled to start on June 1, but Nicolas got sick on May 19. He was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his liver, and had surgery a few days later. He is still undergoing chemotherapy.

The cruise line says any cancellation within 14 days or less of the sail date is subject to a 100 percent cancellation fee. Now, the boy’s family is out $4,000.

“They said we should have gotten insurance, traveler’s insurance,” Tara Colucci told “Fox & Friends“ Sunday.

Philip Colucci told the show he couldn’t believe the cruise line’s stance. “I felt that a cruise line that is family-oriented, who caters to families . . . it was a Nickelodeon cruise; I was just astounded,” he said. “I couldn’t believe that they wouldn’t have helped us out.”

Norwegian issued a statement to “Fox & Friends” saying, “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Colucci family and we wish Nicolas a speedy recover. . . After reviewing the request of the Colucci family, we spoke with the family and explained that while we couldn’t make an exception to our policy, we would assist them when they were ready to re-book their cruise.”

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/07/27/cruise-line-refuses-to-re-book-family-vacation-after-5-year-old...

Not sure how I feel about this. While I have tremendous sympathy for the family, I can also understand the Cruise Line's position.

If they'd had insurance, they'd be covered. I get that this is a 5 year old boy - and they certainly never expected him to get sick, but would it be any less tragic if an older person had a heart attack (and recovered) - should the cruise line waive the rule about needing insurance to be reimbursed in that case too?

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

The family didn't get the traveler's insurance, yet want the policies benefits?

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

On 7/27/2014 Lucky Charm said:
The family didn't get the traveler's insurance, yet want the policies benefits?

Essentially. They want the cruise line to make it good - refund their money so they can rebook another cruise later (or just give them a free cruise later - whichever is more beneficial financially for them.)

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

Sad story but I can understand the cruise line's stance:/

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

Apparently after they went on TV and complained, another cruise line offered them a free cruise.

“It’s not like our son got the flu or a cold and we couldn’t go,” Tara Colucci told MyFoxNY Thursday. “I just never imagined, especially a company as big as Norwegian, that they would be so heartless, basically.”

After the MyFoxNY story, the CEO of another cruise line called the Coluccis, who live in North Babylon, Long Island. He offered them a free cruise with Nicolas and Nicolas’ younger brother when they are ready.

Tara Colucci told “Fox & Friends” the CEO's offer was amazing. She also said she would advise other parents planning a family cruise to take out traveler’s insurance or maybe choose a different company.

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

I worked in the travel industry for several years. I worked for two airlines, and an international tour company.

There is no such thing as "never" or "can't."

I agree that the family should have purchased insurance for a big trip like this. However, this was such an extreme situation, that they could have been accommodated in some way.

The following statement tells me something: "...we would assist them when they were ready to rebook their cruise."

This tells me that they will probably give them some kind of credit for another cruise. Maybe charge some sort of cancellation fee, and apply the balance toward the new cruise.

They're not going to come out and announce it, therefore giving the impression that travel insurance isn't necessary. But quietly, yes I think they will accommodate in some way.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.--Marcus Tullius Cicero

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

On 7/27/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
I worked in the travel industry for several years. I worked for two airlines, and an international tour company.

There is no such thing as "never" or "can't."

I agree that the family should have purchased insurance for a big trip like this. However, this was such an extreme situation, that they could have been accommodated in some way.

The following statement tells me something: "...we would assist them when they were ready to rebook their cruise."

This tells me that they will probably give them some kind of credit for another cruise. Maybe charge some sort of cancellation fee, and apply the balance toward the new cruise.

I noticed that statement too. However, I think they wanted a guarantee that they would at least be completely reimbursed for this trip - if not assured that the next cruise would be free.

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

On 7/27/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
I worked in the travel industry for several years. I worked for two airlines, and an international tour company.

There is no such thing as "never" or "can't."

I agree that the family should have purchased insurance for a big trip like this. However, this was such an extreme situation, that they could have been accommodated in some way.

The following statement tells me something: "...we would assist them when they were ready to rebook their cruise."

This tells me that they will probably give them some kind of credit for another cruise. Maybe charge some sort of cancellation fee, and apply the balance toward the new cruise.

They're not going to come out and announce it, therefore giving the impression that travel insurance isn't necessary. But quietly, yes I think they will accommodate in some way.

Again, that's what I thought too - and I also think they told the couple what they were willing to do. I think the couple then went public to shame them into doing more.

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

Dagna, ITA.

But, although I feel really sorry for their son and what their family has gone through, they were remiss in not buying insurance. Anything could happen. Therefore, imo, they are not in a position to require guarantees.

You get more bees with honey.....

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.--Marcus Tullius Cicero

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

On 7/27/2014 Dagna said:
On 7/27/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:
I worked in the travel industry for several years. I worked for two airlines, and an international tour company.

There is no such thing as "never" or "can't."

I agree that the family should have purchased insurance for a big trip like this. However, this was such an extreme situation, that they could have been accommodated in some way.

The following statement tells me something: "...we would assist them when they were ready to rebook their cruise."

This tells me that they will probably give them some kind of credit for another cruise. Maybe charge some sort of cancellation fee, and apply the balance toward the new cruise.

They're not going to come out and announce it, therefore giving the impression that travel insurance isn't necessary. But quietly, yes I think they will accommodate in some way.

Again, that's what I thought too - and I also think they told the couple what they were willing to do. I think the couple then went public to shame them into doing more.