Travel Changes?

[TravelJunkieHubby]

I asked ABD and they said that if you have the ABD insurance, that premium gets refunded if they cancel your trip. Similarly you can transfer it if you rebook a trip. A reason that I would consider ABD insurance in the future is because of it's refundable option if ABD cancels the trip. I will be stuck with a credit if ABD cancels my trip, since I have OYO insurance.

Thanks... I'm impressed that some seem ready to sign up with ABD again so quickly for 2021. This maybe obvious to all, but I suspect ABD waited this long before cancelling June trips to have the new 2021 itineraries ready to go, thinking they could entice a few people to "stick around."

If there isn't a vaccine by the PIF dates next year but the number of COVID cases are down, are you comfortable traveling overseas?

 

[lovetotravel]

Thanks... I'm impressed that some seem ready to sign up with ABD again so quickly for 2021. This maybe obvious to all, but I suspect ABD waited this long before cancelling June trips to have the new 2021 itineraries ready to go, thinking they could entice a few people to "stick around."

If there isn't a vaccine by the PIF dates next year but the number of COVID cases are down, are you comfortable traveling overseas?

If I ever rebook for next year with ABD or another vendor, it would be with a lot of caution and with only flexible refundable policies and reliable companies and most importantly to use up my credits before they expire. I can see myself booking another trip with the risk that I might have to cancel it so I would want to make sure that I booked only with companies that would give me that flexibility.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I received notice that our West Jet flight from Fort Lauderdale to Toronto on May 21st was cancelled. The e-mail said they are only offering a travel voucher at this time. I am not sure if I will pursue a refund at this time as we need to get back to Toronto at some point this summer (likely the end of June or July).

 

[Readytotravel]

I got my cancellation email today for our June 26 trip to Germany. I called and was only on hold 30 minutes. The cancellation was quick with no major push to rebook. This was the first time I had booked air with ABD. I am happy that now I do not need to deal with United myself. They did say the refund could take up to 30 days.

 

[lovetotravel]

I received notice that our West Jet flight from Fort Lauderdale to Toronto on May 21st was cancelled. The e-mail said they are only offering a travel voucher at this time. I am not sure if I will pursue a refund at this time as we need to get back to Toronto at some point this summer (likely the end of June or July).

If the new fare is cheaper, I would definitely get a refund and rebook it. Plus you will have the flexible cancellation policies. Just quote the DOT to get your refund.

 

[scottmel]

I will know this next month if ABD cancels my trip which was booked with a credit from a trip I canceled! I know I asked this question at the time that I rebooked a trip and I believe they said if they cancel my trip that I would get a refund.

I am going to send you a PM. thanks!

 

[scottmel]

I will know this next month if ABD cancels my trip which was booked with a credit from a trip I canceled! I know I asked this question at the time that I rebooked a trip and I believe they said if they cancel my trip that I would get a refund.

I tried to PM you but couldn't figure out how! Can you please keep us in the loop on if they cancel your trip? Did you do a PIF? Where are you going? I am August Boston and ok to go but if they were cancelling I sure would like to know sooner than later. I almost feel as though they need PIF money from others to return deposits to others...

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

If anyone is looking for alternatives to travel later in the year - we did Havasu Falls with Wildland Trekking, and it was AMAZING. They have a lot of other trip options, and I am seriously thinking about booking a trip to Zion and Bryce with them for after Christmas. Below is an email I just got from them...they have some great incentives for booking!

Today through April 30 you can take advantage of these exceptional, low risk booking terms and savings:

• $100 deposits. For all multi-day trips starting August 1 and later the deposit is $100 per person (normally $500).
• 30-day final payment. Your final balance won't be due until 30 days prior to departure (trips outside the USA still due at 60 days).
• Risk free cancellation. You can reschedule your trip before the final payment is due with no penalty.
• 20% discount. On top of all of that we're offering you a 20% discount off the total cost of the trip!
• Book with Adventure Consultants. Please call or email us to make your reservation under these terms.

I am going to hijack this thread for a second to thank you for posting this. I went to their website and was really impressed. I also checked out reviews and they are top notched. It’s also a travel budget that feels more modest with so many unknowns.

Thank you very much.

 

[TXTransplant]

I am going to hijack this thread for a second to thank you for posting this. I went to their website and was really impressed. I also checked out reviews and they are top notched. It’s also a travel budget that feels more modest with so many unknowns.

Thank you very much.

You are very welcome! The Havasu Falls trip we did was camping (because that’s really the only way you can see them), but they do have inn-to-inn based trips in the national parks. Camping isn’t my favorite activity, so when we book with them again, it will be one of those trips.

The guides we had were outstanding. There were only eight of us on our Havasu Falls trip, and the other six were part of one big family that booked late. Our guides said that, if it had only been the two of us, the trip would have still proceeded, just with one guide.

IIRC, they also give a 15% discount to all returning customers.

I really can’t say enough good things about them!

 

[Grotto]

Has anybody rebooked a 2021 trip? I was wondering if only the new itineraries were available for booking before May 12th or if all tours for summer 2021 are open to booking. I don't see any summer 2021 dates on the website.

 

[Theta]

Has anybody rebooked a 2021 trip? I was wondering if only the new itineraries were available for booking before May 12th or if all tours for summer 2021 are open to booking. I don't see any summer 2021 dates on the website.

All tours are available. You have to call to get pricing and departure dates though.

 

[disdel]

Well, got this today re: Adults - only September 26 Oktoberfest Danube cruise ABD. They moved the PIF 30 days. I've highlighted where the deposit is STILL non-refundable. By the way, OKTOBERFEST IS CANCELLED. The departure is still ooen for booking, and the description now says "Oktoberfest-themed" activities. Even if all countries and borders are opened, I would not spend the $$ of an ABD, with no opportunity to actually attend Oktoberfest. But it looks like they're continuing the game of chicken with guests. Well, I'm in. Will lose my deposit, but will wait until the bitter end. Pretty sure the trip will drop below the critical mass, but not sure what hit ABD woukd take with AMAWaterways.

First and foremost, we hope that you are staying well during these challenging times. Our lives have changed in such extraordinary ways, yet it is heartening to see family, friends and colleagues caring for one another and doing their part to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. With the wellbeing of our Guests and team members as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Adventures by Disney has made the decision to suspend most departures through June 30, 2020. We are currently evaluating various options for trips beyond June and have not made changes to any itineraries at this time. Once a decision is made, we will reach out to Guests booked on these trips. To help relieve some uncertainty, we are automatically extending final payment for an additional 30 days for Guests currently booked on trips from July 15 through September 30. This means you have until 90 days prior to your Adventure start date to make final payment. The deposit remains non-refundable. Your reservation is automatically being updated with the new final payment date with no action needed on your part. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to provide you with updates as this situation continues to evolve and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable vacation experience. Sincerely, The Cast and Guides Adventures by Disney
	Adventures by Disney Travel Services P.O. Box 10210 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0238

p is still

 

[lovetotravel]

Well, got this today re: Adults - only September 26 Oktoberfest Danube cruise ABD. They moved the PIF 30 days. I've highlighted where the deposit is STILL non-refundable. By the way, OKTOBERFEST IS CANCELLED. The departure is still ooen for booking, and the description now says "Oktoberfest-themed" activities. Even if all countries and borders are opened, I would not spend the $$ of an ABD, with no opportunity to actually attend Oktoberfest. But it looks like they're continuing the game of chicken with guests. Well, I'm in. Will lose my deposit, but will wait until the bitter end. Pretty sure the trip will drop below the critical mass, but not sure what hit ABD woukd take with AMAWaterways.

I wonder though if ABD feels like they can deliver the "Special Oktoberfest Highlights" that they are mentioning without the actual "Oktoberfest" holiday? I have not been on this cruise but I wonder if someone who has can comment on what you're missing out by Oktoberfest being cancelled?
Either way, I do think it seems silly to have an "Oktoberfest" cruise, while the actual event is already canceled for the country.

 

[TXTransplant]

I wonder though if ABD feels like they can deliver the "Special Oktoberfest Highlights" that they are mentioning without the actual "Oktoberfest" holiday? I have not been on this cruise but I wonder if someone who has can comment on what you're missing out by Oktoberfest being cancelled?
Either way, I do think it seems silly to have an "Oktoberfest" cruise, while the actual event is already canceled for the country.

While I can certainly understand the disappointment caused by booking a trip specifically to experience Oktoberfest only to have it cancelled, IIRC, there are all sorts of stipulations in our travel contract that say ABD (or Tauck, or Nat Geo) can make substitutions to the itinerary.

Oktoberfest being cancelled seems sort of analogous to going on a Disney Cruise and being unable to stop at Castaway Cay. I would bet that most people book that cruise for that reason, but DCL doesn't typically cancel or give refunds for trips when the ships are unable to dock there. That's just not financially prudent. And, technically, there is MORE to a Disney Cruise than JUST Castaway Cay.

I will say, though, closures is why I opted to move our Nat Geo trip to July, even before it was cancelled. When excursions and hotels started publicly saying they were going to be closed during the dates of our trip, I decided I did not want to travel if certain things were cut from the trip. So, I rescheduled for dates when those things are open (so far).

Unfortunately, Oktoberfest is annual, so it's not that easy to just reschedule. However, I don't think expecting ABD to cancel the trip is reasonable, either. If the trip still proceeds, there will be PLENTY of other wonderful things to do besides Oktoberfest. If that was REALLY an important part of the trip for a guest, though, I would ask about rebooking for next year or on an alternate trip, with the understanding that there may be financial "penalties" for doing so. The other alternative would just be to cancel and forfeit the deposit, and I don't think this is a situation where ABD should be obligated to refund it (although, it would be a nice gesture of goodwill).

If cruises are allowed by September, I'm sure AMA and ABD will WANT to proceed with any and all trips/itineraries, even if Oktoberfest is cancelled. They really can't afford any unnecessary cancellations.

 

[helenk]

I received an email from ADB, basically saying that there is a chance that the July trips to Japan will be canceled but they have not made a decision yet. I can rebook the trip for later if I want, but since they are not officially canceling a refund is not one of my choices. I guess it is best to wait until they cancel. I don't even see any Japan trips listed for 2021

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Well, got this today re: Adults - only September 26 Oktoberfest Danube cruise ABD. They moved the PIF 30 days. I've highlighted where the deposit is STILL non-refundable. By the way, OKTOBERFEST IS CANCELLED. The departure is still ooen for booking, and the description now says "Oktoberfest-themed" activities. Even if all countries and borders are opened, I would not spend the $$ of an ABD, with no opportunity to actually attend Oktoberfest. But it looks like they're continuing the game of chicken with guests. Well, I'm in. Will lose my deposit, but will wait until the bitter end. Pretty sure the trip will drop below the critical mass, but not sure what hit ABD woukd take with AMAWaterways.

​

First and foremost, we hope that you are staying well during these challenging times. Our lives have changed in such extraordinary ways, yet it is heartening to see family, friends and colleagues caring for one another and doing their part to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. With the wellbeing of our Guests and team members as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Adventures by Disney has made the decision to suspend most departures through June 30, 2020. We are currently evaluating various options for trips beyond June and have not made changes to any itineraries at this time. Once a decision is made, we will reach out to Guests booked on these trips. To help relieve some uncertainty, we are automatically extending final payment for an additional 30 days for Guests currently booked on trips from July 15 through September 30. This means you have until 90 days prior to your Adventure start date to make final payment. The deposit remains non-refundable. Your reservation is automatically being updated with the new final payment date with no action needed on your part. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to provide you with updates as this situation continues to evolve and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable vacation experience. Sincerely, The Cast and Guides Adventures by Disney
	​ Adventures by Disney Travel Services P.O. Box 10210 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0238

p is still

I totally understand your frustration. This is one of the reasons I did not want to go through with the PIF on my July 19 SoCal/DL trip yesterday. Even if they don't cancel it, I was afraid certain experiences may be taken off the itinerary - fireworks shows, perhaps some of the tours - and I really want to get the full experience this adventure has to offer.

If it's any cancellation, when I called yesterday (my PIF date), they immediately offered to put my trip date in "Displacement" status which means I have until December 31, 2020 to book a new trip and I can still take advantage of any discounts that might be available at that time. So, in essence, I didn't lose my deposit and it gives me about 5 months to figure out what I want to do. In your case, your PIF isn't until late June so they may have a better idea by then how they are going to proceed. Amawaterways has also been far more proactive in canceling cruises than ABD (Ama cancelled through June 30 a while ago), which is forcing ABD's hand on the river cruises. I would keep an eye on Ama's website for updates (that's what I'm doing because we have a Rhine Cruise scheduled for August). But, just know, you won't lose your deposit - I know it says that in the ABD terms and conditions, but you will have a few options in terms of "parking" your deposit or changing your dates if you don't want to PIF when your balance due date arrives.

 

[sayhello]

I received an email from ADB, basically saying that there is a chance that the July trips to Japan will be canceled but they have not made a decision yet. I can rebook the trip for later if I want, but since they are not officially canceling a refund is not one of my choices. I guess it is best to wait until they cancel. I don't even see any Japan trips listed for 2021

Most of the 2021 trip dates are not showing on the website yet. They won't show until just before the trips go on sale to Adventure Insiders on May 12. Right now, as the trips are only available to book for Displaced reservations, they don't show on the website, and are only available by you or your TA calling ABD.

Sayhello

 

[disdel]

We certainly understand the "fine print", and have no qualms about dealing with our choices. We have experienced our fair share of missed ports and altered itineraries, including several storms and an early 90's cruise where our ship crashed into the pier in St. John, CA, leaving us with a hole in the bow you could drive a truck into. It's what happens.

My only point was that I'm not using my $$ to not experience what we wanted. Will an ABD Danube river cruise still be awesome ? I have no doubt whatsoever. It's just not the experience we were spending on.

In the case of missing Castaway Cay, again, stuff happens, and, yes, there is more to Disney cruise, and yes, DCL always goes above and beyond with more onboard activity. DL and WDW do the same (well, they used to). I don't think the analogy is quite right. This trip was not sold, priced, or booked as simply an ABD Danube River cruise. There are many other dates we could have done that. And, as I said, I'm fully aware of the fine print, and of consequences of my own actions. However, in line with many of the earlier posts in this thread, my feeling is that ABD is being short-sighted. I tried to move my trip to the equivalent, in 2021. They'd still have my $$, and loyalty. I was only offered the opportunity to move it up until March 2021. Like I said, I'll wait it out until PIF, and then make the choice. Hopefully, they'll reconsider the limits on any rebooking. That's all.

And thanks, DisneyWishes - yep, I have the "Displacement"info, which is right now our best option when we reach PIF. Did they mention how far out the actual booking could be ? As I said, when I called, I was told I had to travel by next March, so they advised to let the reservation stand for now until PIF.

While I can certainly understand the disappointment caused by booking a trip specifically to experience Oktoberfest only to have it cancelled, IIRC, there are all sorts of stipulations in our travel contract that say ABD (or Tauck, or Nat Geo) can make substitutions to the itinerary.

Oktoberfest being cancelled seems sort of analogous to going on a Disney Cruise and being unable to stop at Castaway Cay. I would bet that most people book that cruise for that reason, but DCL doesn't typically cancel or give refunds for trips when the ships are unable to dock there. That's just not financially prudent. And, technically, there is MORE to a Disney Cruise than JUST Castaway Cay.

I will say, though, closures is why I opted to move our Nat Geo trip to July, even before it was cancelled. When excursions and hotels started publicly saying they were going to be closed during the dates of our trip, I decided I did not want to travel if certain things were cut from the trip. So, I rescheduled for dates when those things are open (so far).

Unfortunately, Oktoberfest is annual, so it's not that easy to just reschedule. However, I don't think expecting ABD to cancel the trip is reasonable, either. If the trip still proceeds, there will be PLENTY of other wonderful things to do besides Oktoberfest. If that was REALLY an important part of the trip for a guest, though, I would ask about rebooking for next year or on an alternate trip, with the understanding that there may be financial "penalties" for doing so. The other alternative would just be to cancel and forfeit the deposit, and I don't think this is a situation where ABD should be obligated to refund it (although, it would be a nice gesture of goodwill).

If cruises are allowed by September, I'm sure AMA and ABD will WANT to proceed with any and all trips/itineraries, even if Oktoberfest is cancelled. They really can't afford any unnecessary cancellations.

 

[TXTransplant]

We certainly understand the "fine print", and have no qualms about dealing with our choices. We have experienced our fair share of missed ports and altered itineraries, including several storms and an early 90's cruise where our ship crashed into the pier in St. John, CA, leaving us with a hole in the bow you could drive a truck into. It's what happens.

My only point was that I'm not using my $$ to not experience what we wanted. Will an ABD Danube river cruise still be awesome ? I have no doubt whatsoever. It's just not the experience we were spending on.

In the case of missing Castaway Cay, again, stuff happens, and, yes, there is more to Disney cruise, and yes, DCL always goes above and beyond with more onboard activity. DL and WDW do the same (well, they used to). I don't think the analogy is quite right. This trip was not sold, priced, or booked as simply an ABD Danube River cruise. There are many other dates we could have done that. And, as I said, I'm fully aware of the fine print, and of consequences of my own actions. However, in line with many of the earlier posts in this thread, my feeling is that ABD is being short-sighted. I tried to move my trip to the equivalent, in 2021. They'd still have my $$, and loyalty. I was only offered the opportunity to move it up until March 2021. Like I said, I'll wait it out until PIF, and then make the choice. Hopefully, they'll reconsider the limits on any rebooking. That's all.

Allowing you to move your booking to an Oktoberfest cruise next year certainly seems like a very reasonable accommodation, and I don't understand the logic of not allowing you to do so. I had posted previously that I would not expect someone who spent $$$ to book a specific trip should be expected to want to rebook on a completely different itinerary (I used the example that someone who was planning a trip to Italy probably doesn't want to rebook on a trip to Arizona).

But, I do think the idea that the cruise should be cancelled because Oktoberfest is cancelled is a bit of a stretch. If the cruise is allowed to proceed, ABD and AMA are going to NEED it to go. Considering the state of the industry right now, cancelling it for that reason would be a pretty bad financial decision on the part of those companies.

 

[lovetotravel]

"With this in mind, we are offering a temporary adjustment to our Adventure Vacation Date Change Policy to provide more flexibility for our guests. Guests currently booked on Adventures through July 31, 2020, can change their reservation and receive a 100% credit to be used toward a future Adventure. Guests may select an alternate Adventure or place their booking on a future hold date by calling a Vacationista at 1-855-223-0025 or 407-566-8345. Guests will have until December 31, 2020 to select a new travel date. This future travel credit is non-refundable and standard prevailing rates will apply."

I'm confused about this in regards to the recently released new flexible policy to cancel for a full refund before or at the PIF for guests who book a new trip. This wording in the email sent to guests about rebooking a July 2020 trip seems contradictory to the new policy. It says the future travel credits is non-refundable. If this is the case, why would you do this because I would rather wait it out for it to be cancelled. Because then I would get a full refund and have the chance to use those funds to book a future trip with the new flexible policy. But maybe I might be misreading this?