Unwanted pre-cruise stay

My husband, Richard, and I made reservations with Norwegian Cruise Line on Feb. 9 for an 18-day cruise from Santiago, Chile, to Los Angeles aboard the Norwegian Sun, April 12-30, 2009.

On the phone, I was quoted a total price that included round-trip airfare (Los Angeles-Santiago) and insurance. I asked about our air schedule and they said they would let us know two days later what it would be. I also was told that if we wanted to reserve the cruise, we needed to pay right then, as time was short. I used our credit card and paid the full amount.

Two days later, in a phone call followed by a letter, we learned that we had to fly to Santiago three days early and pay $678 more for three hotel nights (which included breakfasts).

As two “elderly” people, we wanted to cancel, since this was much more than the advertised price we agreed to. I was told that even if we canceled, we would forfeit the cost of the travel protection, $218. I was not told of this before, as it was not an option.

We did take the cruise, including the 3-day pre-cruise extension which we did not want.

Upon our return, I wrote to the cruise line. In their reply, we were told, “A review of your reservation shows that flights were sold out on April 9, 10 and 11, 2009. The only option available was a flight on April 8, 2009, which was a part of a three day pre cruise hotel package.

“In the future, if you require specific flights or routings, may we suggest the option of an air deviation through our Premium Air Department, at a minimum service fee, plus the cost differential? There is also the choice of cruise-only, allowing you to make air arrangements independent of Norwegian Cruise Line.”

To not be told about the three extra hotel nights at the time of booking, and then to be told we would lose the $218 in insurance if we canceled, it’s not right.

BERNICE KIRWIN
Oceanside, CA

ITN sent a copy of the above letter to Norwegian Cruise Line (7665 Corporate Center Dr., Miami, FL 33126) and received no reply.