Airlines

COVID-19 Update: ACV, Transat and More

 

ACV, Transat Ease Final Payment Deadlines

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has announced that until further notice it is offering a new flexible final payment deadline of 25 days prior to departure, down from the current 45-day deadline.

Final payment will now be extended to 25 days prior to departure (previously 45 days) for all individual vacation packages to all destinations excluding cruises. Normal cancellation terms and conditions still apply including EBB terms and conditions. The new temporary measure excludes group bookings.

“We are hearing that providing additional flexibility for final payment on future travel is top of mind and we want to help,” said Nino Montagnese, managing director of Air Canada Vacations. “It’s important to us that we continue to support our trade partners and customers during this time; we’re all in this together.”

Transat has made a similar move, with final payment due 25 days before departure instead of the usual 45. This is for travel between May 1 to June 30, individual files only, applicable on all air only and packages (excluding cruise packages).

Spice Island Beach Resort Closed

Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort reports it will be closed through April because of COVID-19.

The property says remaining open at this time is not viable because of the virus.

“We pray for the safety and well-being of all,” resort officials said.

The property said it is now focusing its efforts to prepare for its reopening. The resort’s reservations department remains open and can be reached at [email protected].

https:/www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com

American Queen Extends Temporary Service Suspension

American Queen Steamboat Company is extending its temporarily suspended operations through May 16.

The decision to extend the suspension reflects the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued wide-spread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions.

For the 20 sailings that this has impacted between April 11 and May 1, AQSC is contacting all guests and travel agents regarding their upcoming cruises and available options. For guests that are booked during this time, the company will be providing a future cruise credit for 125% of the cruise fare for those guests impacted from this action.

Coconut Bay, Serenity to Close

St. Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay will be closed from April 1 through May 15 with a reopening planned for May 16.

Officials said the ever-changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic “make it imperative that we put the health and safety of our guests, staff and community at the forefront. It’s been a challenging time for all of us for the last few weeks, and we know that in addition to the concerns of your business, you and your team have been on the front lines, guiding and reassuring our guests and your clients. With the recent Travel Advisories/Restrictions/Cancellations from the US, Canada and the UK, we are now forced to pause and regroup being mindful your clients are respecting all of the government advisories now in place. We are therefore asking you, our preferred partners, to please contact the guests who were still hoping to travel during this time period about re-scheduling their trips starting May 16 onwards.

“As you are aware, on March 16 we updated our policy to ensure guests can change or cancel their reservations without worry or penalty.”

Victory Suspends Service Until May 17

Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower Company, is temporarily suspending operations of its upcoming 2020 season until May 17.

The decision was made following wide-spread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions.

Palace Resorts

Palace Resorts is reminding agents that the following resorts are currently still operating: The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun, and Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun.

The following resorts are temporarily closed: Moon Palace Cancun; Beach Palace; Sun Palace; Isla Mujeres Palace; Playacar Palace; Moon Palace Jamaica; Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Officials hope to have all of properties re-opened as of May 1.

https://www.palaceresorts.com/en/relevant-information