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I’m in a bit of a pickle. Booked back to back virgin cruises yesterday through an agent over the phone. Also booked return united flights.
Just joined the Facebook pages for the cruises this am and people saying Virgin told them they couldn’t do B2B on that itinerary.
Apparently us maritime law states if a cruise starts in one us port but finishes in a different us port, the ship needs to visit a distant port in between. B2B cruises are regarded as one cruise legally apparently.
My itinerary was
NYC-Quebec
Quebec-Miami
None of the ports will be regarded as distant ports.
I booked B2B as Quebec is really difficult to get to from EDI/GLA.
Agent offices closed until Monday.
Virgin voyages closed until 11am I think.
I have 24hrs to cancel flights but need to do that before virgin voyages open for calls so can’t even check details.
Anyone know if the Facebook posts are accurate?I’m not a lawyer nor an expert on The jones Act (although have a passing knowledge of it from my business dealings). This does appear to be correct – a back-to-back cruise is seen as one cruise so you may well not be permitted to do this as you’re not visiting a “distant” foreign port in between.
All very odd under the circumstances – but may be worth cancelling your flight whilst it’s fully refundable and then seeking clarification from your “agent” who made the cruise booking.Cancelled my flights then phoned Virgin Voyages who confirmed that there are 3 back to back Brilliant Lady itineraries restricted by maritime law including my back to backs.
I think it should be made clearer on the website as back to back voyages are pretty common.
Guess my UK cruise agent knows nothing about US cruise law…..Pleased you got the flight cancelled in time
It is unusual – but you’re right, cruise agents should be aware of thisGuess my UK cruise agent knows nothing about US cruise law…..
The Jones Act doesn’t mention cruises but there is a separate (and older) law that has roughly the same provisions.
This has a good summary of the Jones Act
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/jonesact.asp
It only applies to non US registered, owned and built ships that have to have a high % of US citizens working on them.
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