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Joined: Oct 2000
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We're scheduled for a Moorings charter in July. The final payment is due this week which we've gone ahead and paid, though the way things are going, I'd be surprised if it happens. Still we'll eventually get down there and do our small part to help the BVI people recover from another blow.
In 2017, we booked a trip for July 2018. Two months after we booked Irma wiped out the islands. Still Moorings was able to get back operational and we had a great charter. Seeing the positive attitude of the people of the BVI after having endured such a major destructive event was quite frankly good for my soul.
Louis from Houston
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,084
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We are booked for early June. Technically out of STT (CYOA). Will have to make the call later this month when the final payment is due. My optimism is waning.
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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I am May 11...the first day Moorings says they will be open...that isn't going to happen
Hopefully by summer you will be fine although I would expect BVI will delay opening w/o a period quarantine until all clear everywhere
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 24
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I'm scheduled for end of June. Hope they stop the quarantines by then. I'm not going to travel down there to be quarantined because allergies or something and lose thousands.
Last edited by Brian21097; 04/02/2020 05:31 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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I'm scheduled for end of June. Hope they stop the quarantines by then. I'm not going to travel down there to be quarantined because allergies or something and lose thousands. Charter out of CYOA in St Thomas this way if you have a problem checking into BVI you could always do the USVI and SVI
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 231
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There's a lot of fingers crossed all around. Someone mentioned heading down after the storms and we did that too and looking forward to doing it again.
My hopes are for the folks that have booked May but that feels unlikely. REALLY hoping the June charters can go out.
I'm personally hoping for a last minute July trip.
S/V Tortuga Lagoon 46
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Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 18
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May 15th here... And I'm a glass half empty kind of guy so you can imagine my optimism. Thinking that will be postponed 6 months for us but I guess time will tell.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 346
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You sir, are an optimist, but that's a good thing. I do think the virus will wane this summer. Hopefully you will still have your trip. Flu season tends to fade in the summer, and return in the fall and winter. If that is the case with coronavirus you should get to go. I hope you do.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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You sir, are an optimist, but that's a good thing. I do think the virus will wane this summer. Hopefully you will still have your trip. Flu season tends to fade in the summer, and return in the fall and winter. If that is the case with coronavirus you should get to go. I hope you do.
I don’t want to sound pessimistic but in the Caribbean it’s always summer.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 816
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I am scheduled for May 9th. Land based on Anegada. I have not thrown in the towel yet. But my optimism is certainly waning. None of my three flights have been cancelled yet. If we can't go in May we will go in June. If we can't go in June....... Either way we look forward to getting back very soon and spending money on our favorite island.
Go Irish!!
Bill
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
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We are scheduled with CYOA on May 2nd. With each passing day we grow less optimistic about it happening. But we will wait until 2 weeks out to postpone in the event of a miracle.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - beer in hand - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 231
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I am scheduled for May 9th. Land based on Anegada. I have not thrown in the towel yet. But my optimism is certainly waning. None of my three flights have been cancelled yet. If we can't go in May we will go in June. If we can't go in June....... Either way we look forward to getting back very soon and spending money on our favorite island. ndfaninnc I LOVE your optimism and persistence!! If I can't go in May, I'll go in June etc!! I love it! We were sort of kicked out as this grew 2 weeks ago and my wife immediately started looking at her and her staff's summer vacation schedule so we can try and get back asap for a previously unplanned summer trip. Good luck and hope you get back sooner rather than later!
S/V Tortuga Lagoon 46
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
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I am scheduled for May 9th. Land based on Anegada. I have not thrown in the towel yet. But my optimism is certainly waning. None of my three flights have been cancelled yet. If we can't go in May we will go in June. If we can't go in June....... Either way we look forward to getting back very soon and spending money on our favorite island. ndfaninnc I LOVE your optimism and persistence!! If I can't go in May, I'll go in June etc!! I love it! We were sort of kicked out as this grew 2 weeks ago and my wife immediately started looking at her and her staff's summer vacation schedule so we can try and get back asap for a previously unplanned summer trip. Good luck and hope you get back sooner rather than later! Dave - I am in talks with BVIYC about moving our end of May charter...since my hopes are starting to seriously fade....when are you guys thinking????
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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Just got email from Moorings that base wont be open on May 11....
"As a result of the global travel restrictions that have been put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, we have made the significant and difficult decision to suspend all travel to our global charter operations for customers departing within the next 6 weeks. To support the travel industry as a whole, these customers will be postponing and rebooking, rather than cancelling their yacht charter vacation completely.
Since 1969, our priority as a business has always been the safety and enjoyment of our customers and global staff, and this fact has never been more important than today. The Moorings are in a very strong position thanks to being part of Travelopia, the world’s largest collection of specialist travel brands. We thank you for your patience and understanding in this time of uncertainty. What Are We Doing? At this current time we are experiencing exceptionally high call volumes, we respectfully request that you do not call or message if your booking is departing beyond May 11, 2020. Please rest assured that we will be contacting all of our customers who are due to depart on a rolling 6 weeks basis." ___________________________________________
Like Irma we will be back as soon as we can. I expect BVI to reopen slowly to avoid 2nd wave...
Grateful for us these are 1st world problems and hopeful for all our friends in the BVI for their safety...
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
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It seems likely that this season will be a bust - I think Peter (sleepychef) May be correct - it’s likely that we won’t be able to get back into the BVI before next season.
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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I am not a pessimist and think summer is out...the way BVI locked down and their (rightful) concern about facilities I dont see an all clear until last or Covid gone. They may even indicate you can come in but need to be quarantined for a period...
The real shame is we cant support SleepyChef et.al. by ordering take out as we are trying to do here in the states to support local businesses...
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
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Moorings have laid off nearly all staff for 3 months so the BVI won't be opening soon, sorry to say.
Last edited by sleepychef; 04/03/2020 12:25 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
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Moorings have laid off nearly all staff for 3 months so the BVI won't be opening soon, sorry to say.
If it's declared safe to travel in 2 months, I would think they'll just call people back early.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,717
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So is the Moorings saying you can only postpone and rebook, or is that their (obviously) preferred option?
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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I think by the tone of that email they would like to imply that those are only options but don't think postpone & rebook is only option...I think by law if they cant provide service contracted then they must offer refund. I have been on conference calls regarding our Outer Banks NC beach house and it would appear that is the rule of law in the states.
So in NC there is a law that states any trip insurance can only be < x% of the rent. Cancel for any reason coverage costs more so no guest have that there. Pandemic not covered under normal policy.
I am following all options here...I dont mind postponing if I were certain the companies would be around to provide the service. I am trying to find out if their business interruption coverage as a company would cover this. Moorings was great about refunding with Irma and we were back out 1 week after it opened up so I am loyal to them.
For Jet Blue the flight is still currently on so only recourse is 18 month credit which is fine.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,652
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bailau--regarding FLIGHTS in particular, be advised that Jet Blue has been a real pr*ck up to now, even for flights that have been cancelled, stating that people only have the option of a credit, which is in violation of DOT regulations. However, the DOT has apparently announced today that airlines need to follow their regulations, or the US government will pursue them. So, IF your flight is cancelled, you should be able to get a refund. Due to the precarious nature of ALL airlines these days, a refund is a very GOOD thing. There is a thread in the SXM forum regarding this.
Carol Hill
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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thanks my friend...apparently DOT is reminding them that they are getting bailouts from taxpayers so need to play nice to same...
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Carol, sadly I would say that the refund option is prudent with any company these days. Deals will be plentiful, so you won't end up paying more. It's wonderful to support businesses in these tough times. Buy a $50 gift certificate to your local restaurant. If it goes belly up, you're out $50. A sailing charter is another story. And unlike Irma, it's not just the BVI businesses that will have suffered, but also their customers.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Yes, true dat.. Refunds are the way to go, if you can..
Carol Hill
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Joined: Dec 2018
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DOT ordered airlines to refund if flights cancelled or significantly delayed this afternoon
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
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We have made the decision to postpone our May 2nd charter. Looking at mid November but a bit worried this may not be over by then. We only get one shot to reschedule our charter.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - beer in hand - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
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We have made the decision to postpone our May 2nd charter. Looking at mid November but a bit worried this may not be over by then. We only get one shot to reschedule our charter. Can you not just have a credit, and go when you can? One chance seems unreasonable.
I'd like to be a jelly fish, cause jelly fish don't pay rent.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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We can but we have a year to use it and I've been told dates for next year are already booking fast with all the cancellations. We can only go certain times as well so hoping things are good in November.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - beer in hand - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
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The DOT decision seems kind of shortsighted. It really incents the airlines to eliminate their waiver policies that are added to help the traveler and just fly the planes empty when nobody shows up. The waivers are a voluntary measure taken by the airline to accommodate the passengers. Based on the agreed cancellation/change policy everyone agrees to when they buy tickets, the airlines aren't really under an obligation to offer waivers but they do in hopes people will travel later.
Last edited by JasonHelmbrecht; 04/04/2020 01:34 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,652
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Honestly, it depends on where the flight is going. If the airport where the plane is scheduled to land is closed, they can hardly claim that. Not saying that some airlines might try to fly empty planes, but if people are willing to accept a credit, the airlines are perfectly happy with that.
Carol Hill
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
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Totally agree with the above, and would add that a charter company can come up with a similar boat to put you on. I would think they would be willing to put you on any boat of similar value. They need you in a bad way. Keep that in mind while you are pondering your options.
I'd like to be a jelly fish, cause jelly fish don't pay rent.
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,428
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I would be surprised if charters are "filling up" as I am sure many (including me for our Oct trip) are in wait and see mode and certain there will be discounts like post Irma...I am pursuing a refund to avoid any "counter-party" risk since they cant deliver on the contract. We got 2 trips refunded with Irma and were one of the first boats back out...
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