To Trip - Celebrity steps up - big time.

[felix_the_cat]

I guess you missed your flight but you might be happy to know that Celebrity has really stepped up to the plate.


The 2 night that you were due to go on Thursday has now been turned into a rescue mission and the Eclipse will be sent to Spain to pick up stranded Brits and return them to England by Saturday when they will have the planned christening ceremony.

[johnthed0g]

See my post on the other thread.

[dkjretired]

Originally Posted by felix_the_cat

I guess you missed your flight but you might be happy to know that Celebrity has really stepped up to the plate.


The 2 night that you were due to go on Thursday has now been turned into a rescue mission and the Eclipse will be sent to Spain to pick up stranded Brits and return them to England by Saturday when they will have the planned christening ceremony.

Here's the press release...

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Press Releases

[Parrot Mom]

Just as they were about to take off the volcano has decided to blow again.. most likely grounding the planes.. Good for Celebrity stepping up to help European get home.

[johnthed0g]

Nice of them, but the ship would have to go back & forth for weeks to get them all home, there are something like 40,000 Brits alone unable to get home!! & that is just Europe, another estimated 150,000 worldwide, so you see it's a bit more than fitting a few people in empty seats.

[Rev22:17]

johnthed0g,

Originally Posted by You

Nice of them, but the ship would have to go back & forth for weeks to get them all home, there are something like 40,000 Brits alone unable to get home!! & that is just Europe, another estimated 150,000 worldwide, so you see it's a bit more than fitting a few people in empty seats.

I think that they can transit from Vigo, Spain, to Southampton, England, in a day. If so, they might not be constrained by availability of cabins. And in any case, what matters is the number of Brits who can get to Vigo by the transit.

In any case, the Royal Navy has announced that the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal also will be shuttling stranded Brits home from Vigo. Thus, MV Celebrity Eclipse will not be the only ship involved in this operation.

Norm.

[johnthed0g]

Airports are all open now anyway.

[Trip]

John, yes I posted part of the press release on chit chat..I am supposed to leave on Thursday...my leg is still in tact at this point....fingers crossed.

[felix_the_cat]

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Nice of them, but the ship would have to go back & forth for weeks to get them all home, there are something like 40,000 Brits alone unable to get home!! & that is just Europe, another estimated 150,000 worldwide, so you see it's a bit more than fitting a few people in empty seats.

I know, but at least they are trying. Give them some credit.

[Trip]

The ceremonies have been canceled.Not sure if the local dignitaries will continue on, or if the ship will continue with repatriating stranded travelers.
In any case, I applaud Celebrity in their decision.

[felix_the_cat]

I know it must be disappointing to you Trip but you do have a great attitude and I applaud you for me.

[Rev22:17]

johnthed0g,

Originally Posted by You

Airports are all open now anyway.

With flights averaging 80% full, it will take the airlines four weeks to catch up with one week of backlog if they maintain their normal schedules.

In reality, I suspect that the airlines are adding as many extra flights as they can and upgrading flights to larger aircraft where possible until they catch up.

Norm.

[felix_the_cat]

I think you'll find they will be caught up in less than a week. No forget there are thousands who have found alternate routes home who will just be looking for refunds now.

[Parrot Mom]

Kudos to Celebrity.. I understand though the only passengers they are taking on are from SPECIFIC TOUR groups.. From what I understand from somebody in the know.. one line has 10,000 passengers to re-book..

[johnthed0g]

Originally Posted by felix_the_cat

I know, but at least they are trying. Give them some credit.

I said it was nice of them & have commented elsewhere about this.
Airlines are sending out empty planes to bring people back, most of the people stranded are on charter flights, there are no 1st class or business class people to get preference. Eclipse is due in Southampton late afternoon today & as far as I know after the passengers are disembarked today ALL the ceremonies are going ahead as planned, naming & mini cruise on the 24th, pre-inaugural on the 26th, then the official maiden on the 29th (+ me!!). We shall pop down to the coast to watch her arrive I expect.