J
Gainesville,#2Author of original report
Mon, December 04, 2006
Thank you, Karl, for your comments. I agree with your comment about travel insurance and have recommended it again and again. But, it has taken this hard lesson for my Mom to learn it. But, Pete, your comment misses the mark, or you did not read my account very thoroughly. You see, it WAS CARNIVAL THAT TOLD US WE WERE ENTITLED TO THE PARTIAL REFUND. The travel agent at Memory Tour/Memory Travel of Branson then contacted Carnival and called us back to confirm that YES we were entitled to a partial refund for the cruise portion of the trip/package. The travel agent agree that we were entitled to the $585.60 refund. Then, 40 days later, she reneged. The travel agent kept most of the money, refunding only the legally required $66.60. That is, out of $1659 spent, my mother got back only $66.60. If you think it is proper for a travel agent to promise and verify a partial refund of $585.60 and then change their minds 40 days later and not refund that money when a senior citizen falls and breaks their arm, then I cannot agree with your viewpoint. Since there was no signed contract, the agent should have kept her promise. As a small business owner and member of the Better Business Bureau, I can assure you I would never treat a repeat customer of mine like that. If I promised a partial refund - I would issue you - this is the proper moral, legal and ethical thing to do. If no promise had been made, then it would be different, but that was not the case here. Stay away from Memory Travel, folks, there are plenty of other travel agents out there who keep their word.
Peter
Pony,#3Consumer Comment
Sun, December 03, 2006
Why didn't you pay the extra $20 or so for travel insurance? Not doing so really places you in a bind when something like this goes wrong. While it is a shame that your mother broke her arm, it is not Carnival's fault nor their responsibility to refund her money when travel insurance was NEVER purchased.
Karl
Clovis,#4Consumer Suggestion
Sun, December 03, 2006
I suggest trip insurance next time. This guarantees a refund in the event of a health problem that causes a cancellation. This would especially be important in the case of a senior citizen who could have an unexpected health problem. The travel agent should have suggested trip insurance. It costs something but is well worth it. Trip insurance also covers other emergencies -damage to your home from a hurricane, business and work emergencies, and other reasons you might have to cancel a vacation. Read the small print, however. Some insurance policies offer more coverage than others.