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Don't charter with the Catamarans Company #145597
10/05/2017 10:39 AM
10/05/2017 10:39 AM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
R
rpacl Offline OP
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rpacl  Offline OP
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Posts: 1
Do not charter with the Catamaran Company - www.catamarans.com - they are unethical. In July I put a deposit on a December charter. This trip was a treat to look forward to for my wife who has spent the last 3 months both in the hospital and homebound in a successful battle with breast cancer. When we learned of the devastation of the VI’s we cancelled our vacation knowing that the vacation could not be as we expected it to be when we booked it..
Catamarans took my deposit without providing me with a contract to sign or providing me with any description of their cancellation policy. No contract with Catamarans should mean that we have not agreed to their cancellation policy. Yet they will not return my deposit. I'm not happy.

BVI Sponsors
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: rpacl] #145598
10/05/2017 12:20 PM
10/05/2017 12:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 724
Cumming, GA
G
GTcapt Offline
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G
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Posts: 724
Cumming, GA
We had a charter for June with the Moorings. After 16 charters in the BVI and years ago having gone after a major hurricane, I realized that it will not recover to provide the experience I have had in the past and was about to pay good money in June to have again! They did permit our cancellation however charged a $400 fee. I would rather lose the $400 than spend thousands more for a vacation which would probably not meet my expectations. We did have a contract and knew up front their policy. I am not pleased losing the money as the BVI I booked is not just yet back in order. I would never book with the Moorings again and probably not return to the BVI.
On a much more important note, I hope your wife is recovering well and has many years or future vacations to look forward too.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: GTcapt] #145599
10/05/2017 12:49 PM
10/05/2017 12:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 381
dayhiker Offline
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dayhiker  Offline
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Their cancellation policy is on their website.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: dayhiker] #145600
10/05/2017 01:17 PM
10/05/2017 01:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Ontario, Canada
How is the catamaran company unethical?
If the boat is available then how does the cancellation policy come into play.

Many of us would go in December. In some respects the bvi will exceed expectations and in other respects it will disappoint.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: warren460] #145601
10/05/2017 01:36 PM
10/05/2017 01:36 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
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Massachusetts
rapcl, you may have a real argument to get your money back. Moorings at least sends out paperwork after a deposit is made with the Terms and conditions that is supposed to be signed and sent back.

I think in regards to Moorings, $400 is very reasonable. They fully refunded charters for those that they couldn't provide boats for, even though I believe their contract states they don't need to and could put the deposit towards a charter at a different time.

These companies have a lost a lot as well and while they may have insurance to cover things, there are limits to that and it probably ends once they have boats available..etc. I don't know that I'd blame any company for charging a cancellation fee (especially one so reasonable) when they can provide a boat.


Matt
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: maytrix] #145602
10/05/2017 03:22 PM
10/05/2017 03:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
purplelily Offline
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Texas
Since there seem to be people willing to go during the early phases of recovery, and others that don't want to - seems like the charter companies would have a win/win by simply allowing those that want to cancel do so. A nominal administrative fee seems reasonable.

"Forcing" people to go this early against their better judgment (by not refunding fully paid trips) seems like a really bad idea to me. Those folks are going to be disappointed in their vacations, and likely to report to the public how terrible things were.

Much better business practice to get the folks that don't mind roughing it down there during the early phase, as those are the ones most likely to report back about how great things are looking.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: purplelily] #145603
10/05/2017 07:16 PM
10/05/2017 07:16 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
HillsideView Offline
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HillsideView  Offline
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Ya never know...
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.


My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: HillsideView] #145604
10/05/2017 07:30 PM
10/05/2017 07:30 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 152
Encinitas, California
sbrownell Offline
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sbrownell  Offline
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Encinitas, California
We had a charter with Virgin Island sailing out of St Thomas booked for Oct 25th. We actually canceled it within our 45 day window to incur a 200 or 300 fee. We were asked, and did keep our deposit (almost 4k) on file with them to use any time in 2018. I couldn't imagine putting that burden on these guys at these times when I know for sure I'm coming back. BVI and the charter companies really do need our support. Just my 2 cents.


Steph
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: HillsideView] #145605
10/05/2017 08:02 PM
10/05/2017 08:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
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Posts: 3,003
Right on.
100% time to charter 30 to 40'years back when there was a sense of adventure instead of those with Zero

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: HillsideView] #145606
10/06/2017 05:56 AM
10/06/2017 05:56 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Bradenton, FL
Quote
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.


Ditto <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Winterstale] #145607
10/06/2017 08:33 AM
10/06/2017 08:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 585
St. Louis
Tackmaster Offline
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Tackmaster  Offline
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Posts: 585
St. Louis
Me Three!!


Quote
Winterstale said:
Quote
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.


Ditto <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: sbrownell] #145608
10/06/2017 08:44 AM
10/06/2017 08:44 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
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Rockford, Michigan
Quote
sbrownell said:
We had a charter with Virgin Island sailing out of St Thomas booked for Oct 25th. We actually canceled it within our 45 day window to incur a 200 or 300 fee. ... BVI and the charter companies really do need our support. Just my 2 cents.


Agree. Same situation. We have already re-booked our October 25 VIYC charter to next April.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: aarpskier] #145609
10/06/2017 10:06 AM
10/06/2017 10:06 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,228
Somewhere out there
kneafseym Offline
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Somewhere out there
In a CatCo theme. We were looking to buy a boat to bareboat and jump back in, knowing a new boat would get a great revenue stream immediately and knowing people will want to return. Catco had a Lagoon 42 available from the factory to BVI in December. It would have been in CatCo's fleet. I could not get a copy of the owners contract and expenses from them, gave up after 3 requests. The boat also had a horrible equipment list, Genset only, no inverter, small battery bank and no solar. Guest would have had to run genset 24/7 which would add to my maintenance cost. The davits were also a step back to the Leopard 4500, which were horrible. when we build Aristo-Cat II, it was built with reducing my maintenance cost and increasing guest experience.


Mike
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Winterstale] #145610
10/07/2017 10:25 AM
10/07/2017 10:25 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,482
Williamsville, NY
Dugg Offline
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Dugg  Offline
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Williamsville, NY
Quote:
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.

We're definitely not high maintenance types. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Looking forward to breakfast at Rhymers (who have managed to survive as shown in their video). See you in May. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Peace
Dugg and Chris


The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
and no shoes, no shirt, and no problems...KC
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Dugg] #145611
10/07/2017 10:56 AM
10/07/2017 10:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Offline
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RickinAtlanta  Offline
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Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
Quote
Dugg said:
Quote:
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.

We're definitely not high maintenance types. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Looking forward to breakfast at Rhymers (who have managed to survive as shown in their video). See you in May. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Peace
Dugg and Chris


Could you post a link to the video?

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Winterstale] #145612
10/07/2017 11:12 AM
10/07/2017 11:12 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
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PelicanPirate  Offline
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P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: PelicanPirate] #145613
10/07/2017 11:50 AM
10/07/2017 11:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
All the charter companies in the BVI big or small are facing enormous odds as they try and reconstruct their companies. Many of the smaller companies I suspect don't have the cash on hand for refunds. The survival of most charter companies depends on deferring those bookings and retaining the cash. It also depends on getting boat orders. Buyers are going to be reluctant to place a boat order with a company that has a uncertain future. The companies are fully aware of this and will spin things in the best possible light. No one is going to disclose their true financial picture.
If you have a favorite company you want to support book a charter with them. They need the bookings and this coming hi season will be critical to survival. Do however take out trip insurance!
G

Last edited by GeorgeC1; 10/07/2017 11:52 AM.
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: RickinAtlanta] #145614
10/09/2017 11:59 AM
10/09/2017 11:59 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,482
Williamsville, NY
Dugg Offline
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Dugg  Offline
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Posts: 1,482
Williamsville, NY
Quote
Could you post a link to the video?

Sorry, didn't save a link to the video, which was taken from within Rhymers during Irma through their windows (still intact)!
Best video of CGB I've seen (address is too long to post) can be found on Youtube - just look for one titled "My Beautiful Cane Garden Bay". It was taken from a vehicle driving down the street.

Peace
Dugg and Chris


The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
and no shoes, no shirt, and no problems...KC
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Dugg] #145615
10/09/2017 02:11 PM
10/09/2017 02:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 388
ONTARIO
bvilovercgb Offline
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bvilovercgb  Offline
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Posts: 388
ONTARIO
Just saw the video...of "My Beautiful Cane Garden Bay" cannot imagine that devastation just a few weeks ago "welcoming" tourists. Cannot imagine.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Dugg] #145616
10/09/2017 06:19 PM
10/09/2017 06:19 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Offline
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RickinAtlanta  Offline
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Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
Seen those then.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: bvilovercgb] #145617
10/09/2017 06:36 PM
10/09/2017 06:36 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
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Tustin CA
I'm in the same boat as the OP except with Voyage Charters.

July this year I put 50% down for a charter next spring. Voyage sent me the invoice in which I paid first. I did not receive the contract until deposit was received - I double checked my emails to verify the timing.

I have not signed the contract yet either. Of course after the hurricane hit, I checked the details in the contract. Somewhere along the way Voyage increased their cancellation fee to 20% of the trip fee. For my group this amount totals $2400 cancellation fee - rather steep and in hindsight don't know if I would charter with them again knowing this - but easy to say after the fact! I would be happy with a $400 Moorings cancellation fee.

I am very concerned that very little communication is forth coming from Voyage - compared to TMM and other companies in the BVIs right now. I worry about their viability.

I did call them a few weeks ago, they have laid off their office staff in Annapolis and seemed to be trying to regroup but I could hear the desperation in the reps voice. It was mentioned to me that the boat we have chartered is lost. Only a handful of boats are charter worthy and they are trying to figure out how to juggle charters.

At this stage, I know my friends are not interested in going in Spring. Each to their own - I don't blame them. I personally am not interested in spending $14k for a catamaran for 2 people.

Where to go from here.... I simply don't know. Being patient with Voyage, but again the lack of communication is rather concerning.

FWIW I heard from a Leopard dealer that 18 cats were sold during the boat show this past week. I am sure that is a record.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: HillsideView] #145618
10/10/2017 09:45 AM
10/10/2017 09:45 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline
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Dirichlet  Offline
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MD, USA
Quote
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.

I've been talking with some of my crew from previous trips. Even though our first charter was in 2009, we are all excited to get back down. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: d_fish] #145619
10/10/2017 02:56 PM
10/10/2017 02:56 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline
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Dirichlet  Offline
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MD, USA
Quote
d_fish said:..Somewhere along the way Voyage increased their cancellation fee to 20% of the trip fee...
That's always been their policy... it wasn't "suddenly" increased. That was the policy in 2014 - I had a two-boat trip and had the other captain pull out. Thankfully, I found a replacement who turned out to be better than the original ever would have been. But, during my panic, I explored all options, and 20% cancellation was one of them.
Now, Voyage was very up front that they would be happy to roll the percentage paid (50% at that time) into a charter on a different date, with not penalty / fee.

I spoke with the Voyage people at the ABS, and they were very optimistic. Boats are being repaired, new boats are being delivered with many new ones under construction. Give it a little time, and talk (calmly) with their reps about your options.

Last edited by Dirichlet; 10/10/2017 02:57 PM.

... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Dirichlet] #145620
10/10/2017 10:15 PM
10/10/2017 10:15 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
Voyage just sent a email out thanking all their customers for allowing them to keep their deposits.
G

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: GeorgeC1] #145621
10/11/2017 05:00 AM
10/11/2017 05:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
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Deepcut  Offline
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D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
GeorgeC1

What? As in charter cancelled an kept deposit?


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Deepcut] #145622
10/11/2017 06:34 AM
10/11/2017 06:34 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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Until they can reopen and a future charter booked.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: GeorgeC1] #145623
10/11/2017 07:41 AM
10/11/2017 07:41 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 430
South Carolina
Riverfrontbrewer Offline
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Posts: 430
South Carolina
From a Voyage email 10/10/17. For context, since it was left out by the poster above.

Thank you to all our wonderful clients, who have allowed us to postpone their charters, hold their deposits and credit them towards a future charter. By allowing VOYAGE Charters to do so at this difficult time, you have given us a tremendous boost of support. Although there is much to be done, we have already started to rebuild in order to resume operations and get you back out on charter.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we work towards a better, stronger BVI!

For any questions regarding current or future bookings, please contact Dave and Chris Beavis, our VOYAGE reservations managers.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Riverfrontbrewer] #145624
10/11/2017 10:43 AM
10/11/2017 10:43 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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The problem is some have requested a return of their deposits and it has not happened.
G

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: GeorgeC1] #145625
10/11/2017 11:10 AM
10/11/2017 11:10 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 430
South Carolina
Riverfrontbrewer Offline
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South Carolina
Who asked for a refund? In rereading this thread I didn't see that.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Riverfrontbrewer] #145626
10/11/2017 11:22 AM
10/11/2017 11:22 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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I sent you a PM

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: HillsideView] #145627
10/11/2017 11:46 AM
10/11/2017 11:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 204
Newfoundland, Canada
NewfieSailor Offline
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Newfoundland, Canada
Quote
HillsideView said:
The BVI has been pushed back 30 years. It was a special place and time then. High maintenance types and/or those with high/demanding expectations are going to be sorely disappointed. Personally, I can hardly wait to get back. Simple times again.


Totally agree! Can't wait to go back.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: NewfieSailor] #145628
10/11/2017 06:10 PM
10/11/2017 06:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
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Holding deposit for a currently booked charter that cannot occur as scheduled should result in an immediate refund unless agreed to by charterer.

If charter company can place on a replacement yacht (i.e. another Lagoon 45 if chartered a Lagoon 45) for the same time period, then charter company would (likely) be following contract.


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Deepcut] #145629
10/11/2017 07:41 PM
10/11/2017 07:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Will_L Offline
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Will_L  Offline
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Thinking Voyage is not on as firm financial footing as TMM and Moorings. That’s likely what the deal is. Will they survive and make good on keeping deposits on charters they cannot fulfil as scheduled? Possibly ..but who knows? My take..if they don’t have a boat available for a scheduled charter and you request a refund for a charter booked during that time..you are entitled to a full refund if you don’t choose to wait until later.
It would be wise for these companies to offer 10 days for 7 or a significant discount to book a charter later than scheduled. But not returning deposits on boats not available is unconciounsnable. ..or sign they are financially precarious.
The same company if indeed are forcing someone to take a different boat or a different time ..would in no way allow a chartered to change those items a few weeks out.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Will_L] #145630
10/11/2017 07:59 PM
10/11/2017 07:59 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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Quote
Will_L said:
Thinking Voyage is not on as firm financial footing as TMM and Moorings. That’s likely what the deal is. Will they survive and make good on keeping deposits on charters they cannot fulfil as scheduled? Possibly ..but who knows? My take..if they don’t have a boat available for a scheduled charter and you request a refund for a charter booked during that time..you are entitled to a full refund if you don’t choose to wait until later.
It would be wise for these companies to offer 10 days for 7 or a significant discount to book a charter later than scheduled. But not returning deposits on boats not available is unconciounsnable. ..or sign they are financially precarious.
The same company if indeed are forcing someone to take a different boat or a different time ..would in no way allow a chartered to change those items a few weeks out.


Sorry, but I beg to differ. After talking to the Voyage reps, including the co-owner of the company, at the Annapolis Boat Show, I don't have a problem with their solvency. Obviously, the Moorings has a bigger base to draw from if you want to just be a number. And after talking to TMM, they didn't give a warm fuzzy feeling. In terms of George's beef with Voyage the past few years, he's not even an owner anymore, but obviously an expert, and that's gotten long in the tooth.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: tradewinds] #145631
10/11/2017 09:08 PM
10/11/2017 09:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Will_L Offline
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Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Whoa, may have been wrong. I don’t have a dog in this fight. I know that having had a boat with TMM for many years and knowing Barney Crook, the owner, he was a pioneer of the charter business. I owe them not a thing, nor do they me. Haven’t spoken to them for 4 years. I’m certain the pockets are deep. As is the company behind moorings id guess.

I thought I read a post where voyage was equivocal about refunding money on abooked charter they could not accommodate, if wrong, I’m sorry. If true, that to my mind is unacceptable. I don’t know your interests or George’s. I have ZERO interest in where or if anyone charters a boat. If an airline or a villa or a charter company are not willing to refund monies for a trip this year to the bvi they are greedy or don’t have funds for a refund. Your milage may vary. All good.

I’ve got much more money likely lost in this fiasco that was Irma than you do and guessing much more in contributions to the general funds and people i care about in the BVI. Please don’t lecture those who have invested in boats and property if you have nothing currently at risk.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Will_L] #145632
10/11/2017 09:19 PM
10/11/2017 09:19 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
Traveler
tradewinds  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Once again, I would beg to differ. You have no idea how much we've contributed to help the people that we know and need it, rather than mouthing off. You have NO IDEA what we have invested in. I wasn't lecturing at all, you were being long-winded about stuff you know nothing about.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: tradewinds] #145633
10/11/2017 09:26 PM
10/11/2017 09:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Will_L Offline
Traveler
Will_L  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
Whatever, this is exactly why I don’t come here very much and I assume why it’s much slower than in previous times. Rave on.. I’m done. I hope all your land and sea properties in the bvi fared well.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Will_L] #145634
10/11/2017 10:56 PM
10/11/2017 10:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
Traveler
tradewinds  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
I'm not raving about anything. Please, be done.

Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: Will_L] #145635
10/11/2017 11:47 PM
10/11/2017 11:47 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
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d_fish  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
Quote
Will_L said:
Thinking Voyage is not on as firm financial footing as TMM and Moorings. That’s likely what the deal is. Will they survive and make good on keeping deposits on charters they cannot fulfil as scheduled? Possibly ..but who knows? My take..if they don’t have a boat available for a scheduled charter and you request a refund for a charter booked during that time..you are entitled to a full refund if you don’t choose to wait until later.
It would be wise for these companies to offer 10 days for 7 or a significant discount to book a charter later than schedule. But not returning deposits on boats not available is unconciounsnable. ..or sign they are financially precarious.
The same company if indeed are forcing someone to take a different boat or a different time ..would in no way allow a chartered to change those items a few weeks out.


I tend to agree with the latter part of the statement about returning deposits for a full refund on a charter boat that cannot be delivered. My group does not wish to take a different boat at a different time period. They told me flat out they want to cancel and receive a refund. I cannot change that and why should I convince them otherwise, its their money, their time and their prerogative. They will consider a trip possibly 2 years down the road, but do not wish to leave a substantial deposit on hold with Voyage.

Voyage was very vague regarding our options a few weeks ago when I called regarding our trip and deposit. They requested more time to assess even though the rep told me they were down to 6 out of 30 vessels in their fleet and 1 new one on the way for November. I said that even with 7 boats next year they couldn't accommodate all charters in the timeframe we are scheduled, so we would choose a full refund. He said he would notate that on our account and left it at that. So I did not officially request a refund but implied we would like a full refund as the boat we chartered was lost.

Yesterday I too received the email thanking their "wonderful clients who have allowed them to postpone their charters and hold their deposits and credit towards future charters" We did not agree to this... now what??? I have not yet requested a refund, but think I will call tomorrow.

Last edited by d_fish; 10/12/2017 12:23 AM.
Re: Don't charter with the Catamarans Company [Re: tradewinds] #145636
10/12/2017 08:07 AM
10/12/2017 08:07 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
This one is done, for sure.


Carol Hill

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