Different flights to booking agreement

GDJTAM

I received a quotation from Royal Caribbean for a 2 week cruise with DIRECT flights on Monarch from Birmingham to Venice.


When comparing quotes with different cruise agents in the UK, I received a quote agreeing to take on the Royal Caribbean booking (flights, cabin number, transfers and drinks package), I was also given a price reduction too.


I emailed the cruise agent regarding confirmation of the above and all seemed fine, I wanted to pre book my flight seats on Monarch but the cruise agent said it was too early but details would be sent. As this was all confirmed by email I was happy to pay my £300 deposit.


A month went by and I received my booking confirmation and holiday package details.


Everything was as agreed but the flights were no longer direct.
My booking now included flights by KLM from Birmingham to Amsterdam then onto Venice.


I have emailed the cruise agent and sent them several copies of emails clearly stating flights required (and quoted by Royal Caribbean) are Direct on Monarch from Birmingham to Venice, however, I am now receiving grief from the cruise agent insisting that my indirect flights are unchangeable.


Having gone onto the Monarch website, there are many seats available.


Despite having clear instructions of my requirements, a copy of the original quote from Royal Caribbean and emails agreeing on direct flights, I am getting nowhere. The deposit is non refundable.


I now want to take this further to either get the cruise agent to honour the agreement or transfer my holiday to another cruise agent and have mu deposit refunded. Would I involve Trading Standards, ABTA or a take civil action?


Any guidance please?

Voyager2002

As they say, don't seat the small stuff!

I agree that this is irritating, but for most people it will be a minor detail. The flights on KLM are of higher quality than those offered by Monarch, and Amsterdam is efficient and well-organised: probably the best really large airport for changing 'planes. Just enjoy your discount and look forward to your holiday.

GDJTAM

Well, I have heard back from the agent and they have agreed to revert my flight booking to a direct flight with monarch. However, If I cancel my cruise before the balance payment date then the cost of the flights will not be recoverable?

Westin

Presumably the agent has told you that and you are not asking a question?

It would seem that the agent has put the cruise package together using separate travel components. As such if you later cancelled the cruise element then the flight element would remain and therefore no refund on the flight. Perfectly normal but one of the draw backs of not buying a full package from Royal Caribbean.

Something else to consider if that if the Monarch (or KLM) flight was significantly delayed, on a separate component arrangement, you miss the cruise departure and it is down to you to pay to get to the next embarkation point. On a RC package, they cover that cost.