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De gustibus non disputandum est.
De gustibus non disputandum est.
That's terrible to hear and unfortunately we also had a customer who was given the same information, Luckily he could reschedule for next year, and for others we have managed to refund deposits etc, but hopefully they will reverse this decision later in the year otherwise the reputation damage will be huge.They cited that all customer guarantees are now null & void because of Corona Virus. This is absurd !!! On contacting the Australian Consumer Commission they also confirmed this is not correct.
Absolutely do Yongala, it's an amazing experience !! Spirit of Freedom is also a great outfit.
We are locals and had a very expensive trip booked with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. (Please note the business is not owned by Mike Ball anymore). They cancelled the trip and have refused to refund anyone for the upcoming trips. We are out of pocket $3,800 !
They cited that all customer guarantees are now null & void because of Corona Virus. This is absurd !!! On contacting the Australian Consumer Commission they also confirmed this is not correct.
A truly terrible experience and service! We cannot believe we have been treated like this, especially being locals! So would not recommend you dive with them.
Not sure if you've seen it but in other threads there are cases where the booking agent is trying to rip-off the client but the actual dive op is not ripping-off the agent.
Not doubting your message but here's an earlier offical announcement in this thread from Mike Ball D.C: Covid-19 (coronavirus) Updates - Liveaboard Cancellation Policy (post 64).
Did you book direct? and if not, please let us know your agent so they can join the @outofofficebrb's SS with the appropriate comments.
They're BS;ing you re Aust Consumer Law, (really surprising they try that with local's in the know) but perhaps they're playing some grab and run game with the $ and will fold their biz meanwhile.
@NQtraveler76
Hi - Are you requesting a refund or a voucher/reschedule? When you mean they are refusing to refund, do you mean that they are refusing to credit your credit card back/write a cheque or do you mean they are refusing to give you a voucher or reschedule you? When is your trip?
I think it's reasonable to try to request a refund, but most ops are not obligated to either due to their terms and conditions (even during "normal" times") as they probably have a Force Majeure clause. I am not familiar with consumer protection in Aus and if there is something that is different there. I would say that they should at the very least give you a voucher for the same product (same itinerary, boat, cabin class) or give you a 100% credit based on what you have already paid to apply to a future sailing, or offer to reschedule you at no additional fee at a later date of your choosing.
What does this mean: "customer guarantees are now null & void" - are these deposits or payments already made are void meaning they are just going to swallow it?!
You are welcome to elaborate more on your situation and provide us more info here: Cancelled/postponed trips due to COVID - please share your outcomes
Once you have your final outcome, we can log it.
Not sure if you've seen it but in other threads there are cases where the booking agent is trying to rip-off the client but the actual dive op is not ripping-off the agent.
Not doubting your message but here's an earlier offical announcement in this thread from Mike Ball D.C: Covid-19 (coronavirus) Updates - Liveaboard Cancellation Policy (post 64).
Did you book direct? and if not, please let us know your agent so they can join the @outofofficebrb's SS with the appropriate comments.
They're BS;ing you re Aust Consumer Law, (really surprising they try that with local's in the know) but perhaps they're playing some grab and run game with the $ and will fold their biz meanwhile.
That's terrible to hear and unfortunately we also had a customer who was given the same information, Luckily he could reschedule for next year, and for others we have managed to refund deposits etc, but hopefully they will reverse this decision later in the year otherwise the reputation damage will be huge.
Right now all operations here in Cairns are closed and I doubt much will be running in June to be honest.