To pay or not to pay, that is the Question..

atlantalace

My husband and I have a booking through last minute . Com to Ibiza from 15th -22nd August, which we made on 14th January.

My husband, who is a seafarer is stuck at sea and is unable to return home to us due to Covid-19 and the affected people on board and will not be able to make the trip. I don’t want to go without him of course.   

We have paid only 395 deposit of the 4500 balance but the balance is due on Thursday. I’ve contacted last minute who have sent me an email saying if I want to cancel that’s fine, but I’m liable for the full remainder of 4200 euros which will be debuted from my account in 8 days. I’ve cancelled my card so they can’t take it and apparently will call me if the payment can’t be taken. 

This was booked as a family holiday and I am not happy to travel alone with two small children or manage both of them in the pool. 
I have called the hotel directly and they have told me its completely down to Last minute and nothing to do with them.

I have just bought insurance as a Back up but didn’t buy it before COVID-19. 

Yesterday the new rules with Spain were announced but it doesn’t include Ibiza.. it looks the holiday will not be cancelled. 

The question is do I pay the remaining balance and try to get it back or do I just not pay and lose the deposit- which I am more than happy to do! I just don’t want them to come after me for the full balance. 

I’d greatly appreciate some advice!!

thanks 

RobM99

According to the BBC, Mainland Spain and the islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera).

bradders1983

RobM99 said:

According to the BBC, Mainland Spain and the islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera).

Yes, the FCO changed their mind within an hour last night on the islands.

atlantalace

Yes for quarantine but only mainland Spain is advised against unnecessary travel?

bradders1983

Yes so you are onto a loser if you are trying to get an insurance payout if you are going to Ibiza. The whole thing is a farce, should either be both or nothing.

In any case I would never suggest to anyone not to pay balances when they are due.

atlantalace

So no travel to Ibiza?!!! My holiday should be cancelled anyway then?! 

bradders1983

Well no, plenty of airlines have said they are continuing. Why should they cancel? The quarantine on return isnt their problem. 

And herein lies the farce of the situation. Two government departments saying different things 

atlantalace

It’s all so confusing.. so you would pay and lose the money bradders1983? 

bradders1983

I would go and put up with the consequences on return but I am able to work from home, nor do I have two screaming brats, I appreciate not everyone is in the same boat. There is also the chance the rules will change again before you go anyway.

atlantalace

I can’t go.. my husband is stuck at sea.. I can’t go alone with two small children. What if I get stuck there? Or become ill? 

eskbanker

atlantalace said:

We have paid only 395 deposit of the 4500 balance but the balance is due on Thursday. I’ve contacted last minute who have sent me an email saying if I want to cancel that’s fine, but I’m liable for the full remainder of 4200 euros which will be debuted from my account in 8 days. I’ve cancelled my card so they can’t take it and apparently will call me if the payment can’t be taken. 

[...]

The question is do I pay the remaining balance and try to get it back or do I just not pay and lose the deposit- which I am more than happy to do! I just don’t want them to come after me for the full balance.

Effectively you do already owe them €4200, whether or not you go and whether or not they succeed in taking the payment directly, i.e. if your cancellation of your card prevents this then they'll still pursue you for the debt.