So I was a wee bit wrong about Norwegian. Their customer service reps are really nice and they do try to be as helpful as possible, but alas, nothing is perfect.
I called Norwegian yesterday to reschedule the cruise that had been intruded upon by the military. The Norwegian Cruise Line rep easily switched our first reservation over to the new cruise and applied the money we had already spent on Cruise #1 to Cruise #2. Then the kicker: We're being charged an extra $500 for cancelling within 40 days of the sail date. Figures. However, since I had bought the Travel Protection Insurance and we were canceling due to military related reasons, I could call the TPI office and hopefully get reimbursed the $500 cancellation fee.
So I called the TPI office and was told, "I'm sorry, but the TPI does not cover work related cancellations."
Work related?!?! Apparently, the powers-who-are over at the NCL TPI office have never been in the military or married to someone who is. The military does not equal "work." "Work" is a 9-5 job. "Work" does not have overtime with no overtime pay. "Work" allows you to socialize with all colleagues at the end of the day. "Work" does not send state troopers to your house if you should choose to not show up. "Work" does not include 18 month "business trips." "Work" does not mean leaving and knowing you may never be coming back. THE MILITARY IS NOT "WORK" AND A CHANGE IN A MILITARY SCHEDULE IS NOT "WORK RELATED!"
The military, my fine friends at the NCL TPI office, is a life and all changes in a military schedule are life related. Perhaps you didn't hear what I said: My husband does not work for the military, he is military.
I realize that I may be a bit over dramatic at this point in time. However, I feel it is insulting to lump the military in with civilian jobs. They are not the same. I have to learn to live with that and so can the rest of the civilians.
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12 comments:
The dreaded C-word...
Hope things go smoothly and works itself out. Keep your chin up!
Betty~
Thanks. I'm sure in a few days I'll have calmed down and even be slightly embarressed that I wrote this because things turned out alright in the end.
That stinks! :(... I'm sorry hon, well, like you said nothing is perfect and hopefully everything will work its self out. Pretty soon you'll be sailing away with Stonewall without a care in the world :).
I am hoping it all comes out wonderfully for you, as we are currently having a very similiar problem with a certain someone's TDY orders and our trip to Hawaii in a few weeks.
I traveled once before with NCL and had an awesome experience. I am surprised they responeed that way. Wonder if a carefully worded letter to the righ person could at least get you some on board ship credits?!
kj~
Thanks! I hope it all turns out well too.
Lindsay~
Good luck to you! I hope things get worked out and you have a wonderful time in Hawaii/
Lisa~
I did file a claim with the insurance people, so they will be getting a response from me (like you said, a carefully worded one). I've heard mixed reviews about NCL, so I hope our cruise is a good one.
You've been tagged..check out my latest entry for details :)
that is hilarious. i most certainly do not mean to laugh at your misfortune but your right... the military is NOT work. its a lifestyle and a strange all encompassing one at that!
i really hope it all works out for you! you guys deserve a nice break together.
Trying~
Yeah, thanks for laughing at my misery. Haha, jk! I know exactly what you mean. If I had seen this on someone else's blog, I would be like, "Damn, someone's panties are in a twist over a fight every milspouse fights. Welcome to the life sweetheart." And then of course, I would leave a sympathetic comment. Haha!
Just wanted to let you know I tagged you on my blog! :)
Oh so I heard a funny comment the other day and thought of you... someone asked me if the military is unionized! HA! yeah, they have a union to make sure they arent overworked or taken advantage of. Hell sometimes it seems the point OF the military is to do just that... over work 'em and take advantage.
but it is a great life. I just thought that was funny and obviously a very misunderstood person and thought instantly of your "work related issues".
Thanks for the welcome. You know, I can't believe a company would do something like that. I mean, I know where they're coming from on one level but on another - military life has never been work. shoot, being a military wife is a job in itself i'd say. but you're right and you didn't over react. I think you should really let them know how you feel.
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