Nekton (Bad News)

[Mossman]

I just canceled a trip to Bangkok. It only cost me $150 cancellation fee at Cathay Pacific, which they would waive if I rescheduled. But my friends in Bangkok--who usually brush this sort of thing off--are not too optimistic about a return to normalcy any time soon.

No, it doesn't sound like there will be any normalcy, at least not until after elections in the fall. Still, the airport is currently open for business and that's what counts.

We could cancel the flights and have the miles redeposited for only a $100/each service charge IIRC. Unfortunately I'd be out $9K for the Wakatobi package, plus the several hundred I spent on worthless trip insurance :depressed: Other option is to book last minute flights on another airline, but doing so in biz class would probably cost more than we've already invested in Wakatobi. So, we takes our chances.

 

[wsben]

They have cancelled our group of 14 divers twice in a row, Nekton did sent email last week and told us the following, "..... We will reschedule your group for any available date plus we will give everyone an additional free trip less taxes and fees to use in the next 2 years. We have available spaces on the dates of June 19 to the NW Bahamas , June 26 to Medio Reef, July 10 to Medio Reef, July 17 to NW Bahamas, July 24 to Medio Reef, August 14 to NW Bahamas, August 21 to Cay Sal Bank and October 16th to the NW Bahamas. After October 16th we start our winter trips to St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas out of San Juan and also Mona Island out of San Juan, Puerto Rico...." I'm not sure if I can trust them now, our group have a total of 1 rebook trip and 2free trips now, but we even can't go on the rebook trip they just keep coming out with excuses and cancel the trip.

 

[Shasta_man]

An interesting email question for them would be: What are you waiting for to bring the boat back online that you don't have now? Specifically.

I don't know at what scale the Attorney General would be interested.

 

[katieva]

I was on one of the cancelled trips and was able to reschedule for July 4th weekend. They couldn't even fill up a boat on a holiday weekend.

We are also schedule for that trip, but thus far have only paid the deposit on my credit card. Was pondering paying the balance today (had unexpected surgery last week and not sure I will be 100% able to dive without assistance with my tank----that, along with the oil spill), and the husband suggested I look at Scuba Board. Boy, am I glad I did!

Still pondering, but thinking we may be better at eating the $800 deposit at this point, and planning a different trip elsewhere. :depressed:

 

[vladimir]

Still, the airport is currently open for business and that's what counts.

Yes, and probably will remain so.

So, we takes our chances.

That's what I'd do. Good luck.

 

[DaveScuba]

We are also schedule for that trip, but thus far have only paid the deposit on my credit card. Was pondering paying the balance today (had unexpected surgery last week and not sure I will be 100% able to dive without assistance with my tank----that, along with the oil spill), and the husband suggested I look at Scuba Board. Boy, am I glad I did!

Still pondering, but thinking we may be better at eating the $800 deposit at this point, and planning a different trip elsewhere. :depressed:

I hope you heal well either way. I wouldn't send any money until the boat is functioning. Demanding a working boat is a good reason to withhold payment.

 

[kpickerell]

It was I Travel Insured. However, now I'm using Travel Guard... much better company.

 

[mike_s]

We are also schedule for that trip, but thus far have only paid the deposit on my credit card. Was pondering paying the balance today (had unexpected surgery last week and not sure I will be 100% able to dive without assistance with my tank----that, along with the oil spill), and the husband suggested I look at Scuba Board. Boy, am I glad I did!

Still pondering, but thinking we may be better at eating the $800 deposit at this point, and planning a different trip elsewhere. :depressed:

I'd just tell them that you want to go on the trip, but if you see no sense paying until there is a boat in the water.

I hope that Nekton pulls this out.... but no sense pouring more of your money into the hole until they get it figured out.

 

[DiveMaven]

IF they manage to get the Rorqual functioning and you decide to take your July 4 trip, make sure you pay the extra fee and charge the trip on your credit card instead of paying cash. At least if something happens you will be able to dispute the charges and hopefully get your money back.

Frankly, anyone who is waiting to make their final payment with this company for ANY trip should be putting it on their credit card instead of taking the "cash discount". What a scam that cash discount seems to have turned out to be.....no trip, no refund....though I sure hope that isn't the case and the Rorqual gets back up and running.

 

[robint]

I think I would go ahead and book another trip, with someone else.
I have been a Nekton supporter for a long time, but no more. I think they have pushed any loyalty we had right over the cliff. From the website, it looks like they are still advertising trips and taking people's money... . I really don't expect to see their boats back in operation.