Cancellation Policy Changes at Blue Angel

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The Villa Aldora, and indeed Aldora Divers has never retained a deposit over 25 plus years. That is stupid business if you are in for the long haul.

David Dillehay
With all due respect, I am certain Aldora never went through a global pandemic in its history either. These are different times we are living in.
 
With all due respect, I am certain Aldora never went through a global pandemic in its history either. These are different times we are living in.

I believe the OP subject was keeping deposits. Aldora has not, nor will not. Doing so only creates ill will and is not in the best interest of a business in it for the long haul. That is a philosophy I left behind.

Dave Dillehay
 
I believe the OP subject was keeping deposits. Aldora has not, nor will not. Doing so only creates ill will and is not in the best interest of a business in it for the long haul. That is a philosophy I left behind.

Dave Dillehay
Then why even take deposits?
 
I booked recently (a couple of weeks ago) with BA and they were very clear BEFORE we paid the deposit that those were the terms. They sent that same email either with the invoice for the deposit, or just before. OP I’m sorry that you didn’t get the same clear message. That would sour my experience too. For me, those were the terms, they stated them before I gave any money, I could take them or leave them, and I chose to take them.
...Everything crossed we get to go on our (third time rebooked) Coz trip next month, but if not we will rebook for next year.

I believe a business has the right to set any rules and policies it wants, regardless of how ill-advised we think they are, so long as they let you know beforehand. In your case, sounds like they did. However, why not update the publicly posted cancellation policies? Some may have booked through a travel broker like Orbitz or Expedia based on their public cancellation policy and where they did not have such direct communication prior to payment.

You might rebook next year if they are still around next year. Normally that might be a safe bet but many are predicting up to 30% of businesses will not make it through this pandemic. And the policy indicates a cash flow problem which is often the beginning of the end for businesses.
 
Personally, I would have no concerns with a "No Refund" cancellation policy because short of my demise or a horrific accident, I will go back to BA in the future. In fact, I am already planning my next Coz/BA trip for this March-April.

You will go back but will they be there? I'm sure there will be a hotel and dive resort there but who knows if it will be under same ownership and if such liabilities and obligations survive a transfer of ownership.

Btw, seen Ruben play many times. A few years ago we were staying at BA and I think he was just starting out there for the dive shop.
 
You will go back but will they be there? I'm sure there will be a hotel and dive resort there but who knows if it will be under same ownership and if such liabilities and obligations survive a transfer of ownership.

exactly. will they still be there ?

as far as transfer of liabilities to a new owner......usually when purchasing a business you buy all assets and liabilities. perhaps a bankruptcy would be different.
although even up here i have seen business refuse to honor gift cards or credits of any kind once it changes hands. in mexico ?? i would not assume anything other than my money is gone.
 
I believe a business has the right to set any rules and policies it wants, regardless of how ill-advised we think they are, so long as they let you know beforehand. In your case, sounds like they did. However, why not update the publicly posted cancellation policies? Some may have booked through a travel broker like Orbitz or Expedia based on their public cancellation policy and where they did not have such direct communication prior to payment.

You might rebook next year if they are still around next year. Normally that might be a safe bet but many are predicting up to 30% of businesses will not make it through this pandemic. And the policy indicates a cash flow problem which is often the beginning of the end for businesses.
I don't disagree at all that the publicly posted policies should match the current policies. In my experience with a few dive resorts, their websites are often woefully out of date. It doesn't make it right but it is a thing. I was really wanting to share my own recent experience to add something to a potential perception that BA are whipping deposits away and informing guests afterwards. And I'm not a blind BA-fan, this will be our very first trip there (several times at SCC, and to date loyal SCC-ers but until very recently they seemed unlikely to be open for our trip dates and I am DESPERATE to get underwater!)

Running a service-industry business myself in these times I am well aware that they may not be there next year. Hell, I may not be able to afford to go next year :):) With that knowledge firmly on board I still parted with my hard-earned money. Some may deem that foolish but in these unprecedented times I'll forge ahead with bookings, wager my few hundred bucks, and hopefully help them to keep the doors open and their staff paid for as long as possible.
 
You will go back but will they be there? I'm sure there will be a hotel and dive resort there but who knows if it will be under same ownership and if such liabilities and obligations survive a transfer of ownership.

Btw, seen Ruben play many times. A few years ago we were staying at BA and I think he was just starting out there for the dive shop.

Great points! This would be a risk for any business dealings in Coz and other places in the current economic environment.
I play the stock market. Win a lot and lose some. Net Net has been profitable. (I am not saying booking a hotel should be like buying stocks)

Ruben Alejandro Castillo Larregui (Red Eye Band Lead Singer and Guitar) is a very talented guy! My son did his AOW with him. He is a great instructor!
 
Then why even take deposits?

Dear Dandy Don,

The purpose in taking deposits is to get a gage of seriousness, and prevent jealous competitors from generating scads of fake reservations. It does happen. With available assets, Aldora Divers can go on for years, and the Villa Aldora Longer.

Dave
 
Thnx for posting this. It will have us looking elsewhere on Cozumel
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

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