Refund on Holiday

NoodleDoodleMan

Usually package holidays have a sliding scale of charges applicable when the customer cancels.

Looking at a TUI cruise brochure, this ranges from loss of deposit only where 70 or more days notice is given, to zero refund for 14 days or less.

A cancellation for summer 2019 falls within the former timescale obviously.

£750 seems a large deposit for a package deal to Crete so far ahead of the event.

stephb34

How many people is that £750 deposit for?
It sounds to me like your friend booked it (lead passenger) and they forwarded the paperwork to you which means they knew the deposit was non refundable as deposits normally are that's why they're called a deposit.
We need more info on what company you have booked with. If it is a true package then you will be able to change for admin fees to a cheaper holiday. If you have a put together holiday with lo cost flights ie Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 then those flights will have been paid for in full so definitely no cancellation and refund.

lisyloo

Have you asked the travel agent where the cancellation terms are documented?
Have you asked them if you can transfer to a cheaper resort?

In general deposits are not refundable but you might try asking for a transfer. Try getting on side with the travel agent rather than taking an adversarial approach as unfortunately I dont think you have a leg to stand on for effectively changing your mind about going.

I’ve just booked a holiday direct (there are risks with that such as 3rd party failure especially where you can’t use credit cards) because I did not like the 90 day total loss clause at the travel agent. I have an elderly parent and even a cold/flu or a fall could be quite serious and not fair to leave other family to deal with difficult decisions like DNR (whether to resuscitate). I knew this so I took what I saw as the lesser risk in my case and made independent direct arrangements. It was also quite a bit cheaper (4 figures) but that wasn’t my main motivation.
Apologies OP if you don’t think it’s directly helpful but maybe someone might benefit.

NoodleDoodleMan

As above - specific details of the booking are required.

Package holiday firm - departure airport - date of travel - hotel - board basis - how long for etc. ?

Is it a complete off the shelf package, or a self assembly deal ?

dawyldthing

£750 deposit is rather a lot. Did you pay the deposit for the lot of you? The other thing is if your not lead booker then they can’t chase you for the other £75, they would have to chase the lead booker. Surely it should say the terms and conditions in the paperwork sent? If the flights are paid for I’d book cheaper accommodation and still go. You can get cheap self catering in all of Greece and make a holiday of it and I doubt it would cost much more

Sooler

The friend that called of the wedding should be covering anyone's losses.