TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Call me an optimist

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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????

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...

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.

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...

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.

So is the Moorings saying you can only postpone and rebook, or is that their (obviously) preferred option?

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.

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.

thanks my friend...apparently DOT is reminding them that they are getting bailouts from taxpayers so need to play nice to same...

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.

Yes, true dat.. Refunds are the way to go, if you can..

DOT ordered airlines to refund if flights cancelled or significantly delayed this afternoon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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...