This is a little late reporting, but in April of this year I was on the Aqua Cat by Allstar Liveaboards. The first morning on the boat after leaving the port, after breakfast, instead of a dive briefing, we were notified that a crew member tested positive for COVID. The crew member did not have contact with the guests (engineering staff), so our risk of exposure was very low. The captain gave us good, honest information and gave us some options. We could turn around and go back into port and quarantine for the week; we could go back to port and end the trip; or we could continue on with the trip. All guests elected to continue with the trip. We missed that first morning dive, but the dive schedule resumed, and the captain said he would make up the missed dive during the week. Great!
On the morning of day 2, we were briefed by the captain that a second crew member (kitchen staff) had tested positive for COVID. At this time, the captain told us that for our safety, the trip would end and we were going back to port. We were allowed to stay on the boat in port until we could make flight arrangements to get back home. Back in April, flights were scarce with limited availability, especially at the last minute. Those guests that came from the East Coast or Midwest were able to fly out quickly, but since I had to fly from Nassau to Oregon, I couldn't get a flight until the next day, and it was not cheap.
As a result of the trip cancellation, Allstar was offering a reschedule of the trip and the funds would move to the new date. If there was a price increase for the later date, we would have to pay the difference. In other words, the trip was not price protected at the current fare. The other option given was a full refund. While I disagreed with not protecting the price, I was pleased that Allstar was offering refunds.
I elected to get a full refund, then rescheduled the trip for May of 2022 and put a new deposit down. On the financial end with travel insurance, you can only get the CFAR (cancel for any reason) protection if your deposit was paid within 2 weeks of getting the policy. Had I rolled the funds into the new trip, I wouldn't be able to get CFAR on the policy.
In addition, Allstar also reimbursed me for the difference in fare for my flight. With the option for a full refund and covering the difference in the flight cost, to me, this is what makes Allstar a stand-out company. I give them high praise for outstanding customer service and to the captain for giving us all the facts and not holding anything back. He was genuinely concerned for his staff and guests and wanted us all to be safe. During our short time on board, the staff were exemplary and made everyone feel comfortable. This doesn't surprise me, because this was to be my third trip on Aqua Cat, and their guest experience is top-notch.
I later found out that the two staff infected with COVID did not get seriously ill and fully recovered. I was also told that every single guest rescheduled for a future date.
On the morning of day 2, we were briefed by the captain that a second crew member (kitchen staff) had tested positive for COVID. At this time, the captain told us that for our safety, the trip would end and we were going back to port. We were allowed to stay on the boat in port until we could make flight arrangements to get back home. Back in April, flights were scarce with limited availability, especially at the last minute. Those guests that came from the East Coast or Midwest were able to fly out quickly, but since I had to fly from Nassau to Oregon, I couldn't get a flight until the next day, and it was not cheap.
As a result of the trip cancellation, Allstar was offering a reschedule of the trip and the funds would move to the new date. If there was a price increase for the later date, we would have to pay the difference. In other words, the trip was not price protected at the current fare. The other option given was a full refund. While I disagreed with not protecting the price, I was pleased that Allstar was offering refunds.
I elected to get a full refund, then rescheduled the trip for May of 2022 and put a new deposit down. On the financial end with travel insurance, you can only get the CFAR (cancel for any reason) protection if your deposit was paid within 2 weeks of getting the policy. Had I rolled the funds into the new trip, I wouldn't be able to get CFAR on the policy.
In addition, Allstar also reimbursed me for the difference in fare for my flight. With the option for a full refund and covering the difference in the flight cost, to me, this is what makes Allstar a stand-out company. I give them high praise for outstanding customer service and to the captain for giving us all the facts and not holding anything back. He was genuinely concerned for his staff and guests and wanted us all to be safe. During our short time on board, the staff were exemplary and made everyone feel comfortable. This doesn't surprise me, because this was to be my third trip on Aqua Cat, and their guest experience is top-notch.
I later found out that the two staff infected with COVID did not get seriously ill and fully recovered. I was also told that every single guest rescheduled for a future date.
... thus 6 monthes waiting, but at least it's a hope sign for me 
