Beyond Travel is keeping our 3k Deposit.

[wilso1]

Cancel the transaction made by your credit card. this will form a disputed transaction which you will have a reasonable chance of having the transaction reversed. Best of luck!

I could do this but I don't see why I should, Beyond Travel is a big agent and these people should do the right thing.

I do understand things are tough for agents but I cannot just give them 3k for nothing in return when I did not cancel the cruise. Even if the cruise went ahead, I would not get on a boat after what we now know, well not until we have a vaccine.

Sadly the agents have kept the money but blaming the operator, who probably is the one doing it the toughest.

 

[wilso1]

Contact the ACCC, they are acting on companies who are holding money, especially if cruise are cancelled. The changed Flightcentre who where keeping deposits.

I have been told today to lodge a complaint with these two departments, ASTA & NCAT, I will do these if need be.

As for the ACCC, they wont do anything for consumer complaints, they are known as the big black hole. If you get media coverage they may put out a statement.

 

[wilso1]

Hi Wilso1,

We are having a similar issue with a
Melbourne travel agent.

We paid deposit in November, for cruise departing in June 2020. Thinking back now I feel like the agent pushed me to pay remaining $5400 only 5 days before shut Australian borders shut in March.

I was in remote QLD at the time and didn’t realise how terrible the covid19 situation was, otherwise I would never have paid the full amount.

Now he is telling me it will be 6-12 months before any resolution and that it’s doubtful I Will get any refund, only a credit.

I do have travel insurance but not sure what’s the best course of action now.

I’ve lost faith in the agents integrity as he must have know at that time just how bad it was globally.

Pippi

Hi Pippi, I find it amazing how they are allowed to get away with this, i have been in the construction industry for years and we get hammered for a lot less money, Sadly our governments are weak and have different rules for some, I really don't understand it,, its so wrong.

 

[wilso1]

Hi
You could also see if you qualify to join this class action through Slater & Gordon Class action threat against travel providers over coronavirus vouchers - ABC News

Thanks, I will do that.

 

[wilso1]

Have you asked for a refund? My understanding is they and many others offer a credit or delayed booking in the first instance and a refund if you ask.

Yes, they seem to think the cancelation policy is for them, and stated, if we pay them the remaining 5k they will offer us a cruise for next year, and we are to give them the travel date now for next year. I don't want to lose 3k but I do know its better then losing 8.

 

[wilso1]

We are also with Beyond Travel. They have offered credit notes and like wilso1 are very concerned about the risk and cost. Are in the process of rejecting the offer via Travel Associates, a 'Flight Centre' associated agency. Thoughts and suggestions and advice? Thx.

The agent is probably 100% correct. If not formally cancelled then it is you who is initiating the cancellation not the cruise company.

In relation to travel insurance you need to check your policy carefully as some insurances do cover medical and travel cancellation costs provided the policy was taken out before the pandemic was declared.
And with businesses not refunding the full amount in someways I can understand this. So long as your invoice clearly itemises what each charge is, it would seem reasonable for them to no refund charges for service that they have already rendered. For example if a travel agent says their fee is X, and they have provided their services why should they refund it?
Whilst not nice to loose money due to no fault of your own, fact is business is loosing far more, and as I said if it was for a service they have provided like spending hours booking your trip why should it be refunded?

I am not sure if you have heard but there is this virus in the world that has stopped all plans and ships travelling from county to country, and this makes it impossible for me to get there considering the airlines have already cancelled all my flights.... And I also know, they have cancelled everyone else flights and cruises.

 

[chodo]

I could do this but I don't see why I should, Beyond Travel is a big agent and these people should do the right thing.

I do understand things are tough for agents but I cannot just give them 3k for nothing in return when I did not cancel the cruise. Even if the cruise went ahead, I would not get on a boat after what we now know, well not until we have a vaccine.

Sadly the agents have kept the money but blaming the operator, who probably is the one doing it the toughest.

Wilso1 - do you want to get your money back or not?

If the answer is yes, then your best best is to pull your finger out and immediately lodge a transaction dispute with your credit card company.

Expecting Beyond Travel to do the right thing ain't gonna happen. So make the first move.

It takes all of a few minutes, far quicker than numerous posts on here.

 

[VintageDom]

We are also in a similar situation.
Booked and paid in full for a cruise with Ponant through the travel agency that was arranging a conference. The cruise was an extension of the conference.
The agency has refunded most of the other monies that we paid, less some cancellation charges. Ponant is only offering a credit valid until May 2022 and we need to book with the same agency to utilise the credit.
We have contacted the agency and they claim that it was in the Ponant terms.
Do we contact ACCC, since the product or service was not provided?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do we contact ACCC, since the product or service was not provided?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

It really depends on your contract. Not all contracts provide for a full refund under any circumstances - some contracts exclude exceptional circumstances. The ACCC is clear that where contracts have a carve-out for exceptional circumstances then you may only be entitled to vouchers or a credit.

If the contract says you are entitled for a refund then you could go to your local state consumer affairs for advice.

 

[Isochronous]

Pay a lawyer to sue them.

 

[Anna]

I agree with post #30 but just in case you are someone who does your own car repairs, your own plumbing and your own dentistry and therefore does not want to consult a professional, you could try contacting the Civil and Administrative Tribunal in your state. Some of them (Vic, Qld) are set up to allow self represented people to make small consumer claims without lawyers. Not sure about NSW. SA does not have that facility, it would be off to the Magistrates Court in SA.

 

[Isochronous]

I agree with post #30 but just in case you are someone who does your own car repairs, your own plumbing and your own dentistry and therefore does not want to consult a professional, you could try contacting the Civil and Administrative Tribunal in your state. Some of them (Vic, Qld) are set up to allow self represented people to make small consumer claims without lawyers. Not sure about NSW. SA does not have that facility, it would be off to the Magistrates Court in SA.

NCAT/VCAT typically don't allow either side to be represented by lawyers at the hearing, but the smart play is to get advice from one beforehand to draft your papers and give you a script to read out.