The Majestic Brain Trust

remove this post please............prs-6.11.08

Hey Bruno,

Well, it doesn't surprise me one bit. First of all, now, that MAL announced it's end business really went south. MAL is required to allow the credit card companies which it uses to hold back $20,OOO,OOO. in advanced deposits and fares, and it can't get at that money until there are fewer passengers that might be effected by a halting of their cruises than monies in hold back. MAL wants its monies ASAP. End the season early and don't book any advanced sailings for 2009. They will get their monies sooner than later.

Also MAL has been consistent since their takeover. If you can make a business decision that can be good for the crew, past passengers, passengers, travel agents, the boats, etc they didn't choose it! Rather they chose the one that screws as many of the above at one time as possible.

It's really sad. I'd like to see a poster that reads: WANTED, For the Death of American Steamboatin'. (Insert pic of Joe) He is to be considered armed and dangerous with an insatiable greed and no understanding of providing a cherished American cruise experience. Turn him in Alive to Rep. Oberstar and Sen. Inoway or their buddies at The S.I.U. They can deal with him as they see fit!

Well, I vented, and I hope that I can get on the boat on July 1.

Take care,
Frank

So the person who posted several weeks ago(and was deleted) asking if anyone else had heard about the AQ cancelling in November was right.

Deb and I received a mess of e-mails from crewmembers from a few of the boats last night. No, as expected, Majestic has not told their employees about this reduced schedule...

I sincerly apologize that you heard it from me. It isn't my place to be the bearer, so to speak. Again, I'm sorry...

All I can say, in my most sarcastic voice complete with those Bruno facial expressions is EXCELLENT!

What a piece of work this company is...They don't even begin to deserve the HONOR to own these boats, to own this history...

What a piece of work MAL is this Spring! Now, they don't even tell their employees of the schedule change. Apparently, one needs to purchase trip insurance, and it is not for the normal reason. This year's reason is that you are guarding against the operating company itself, since it is they that are causing the problems. One might want to call this behavior a MALfeasance, but it might be at least a nonfeasance, on their part. Be on guard; it appears that any cruise could be cancelled. Please, someone purchase this company before it self-destructs!

As for your airline, I would think that Delta would not just keep your money. Normally, they give you credit towards a future trip. They might even give you your money back, minus a cancellation charge. I've cancelled trips before and never lost my money.

Please recall that last year it was made known that MAL was dipping into the passenger deposits to pay current bills...I don't think anybody on any future trip should be without trip insurance right now. We're scheduled to see the AQ on the UMR for 8 round trips this year, and quite frankly, I doubt if even that will be accomplished. When the money is gone, the money is gone...and so are the boats...

Hope

Bruno, we all can only hope that MAL and some buyer have agreed on a November 9th date to change ownership!

FYI - They advise purchasing insurance when you make your reservation, as that will cover a pre-existing condition. You can still purchase coverage though, any time before the trip is paid for - once the FINAL payment is made, then you can't do it. Just be sure the policy you purchase covers a bankruptcy or the company simply shutting down - some do and some don't. It's fun reading all that fine print!

Judy Patsch;11107 wrote: it was made known that MAL was dipping into the passenger deposits to pay current bills

I think it's important to mention that this only had been rumors being posted by someone not further identified on the Yahoo Financial message boards. It has never been confirmed by Majestic America Line nor by any trusted source!

Friends, I have to stop any rumors that Majestic America is going bankrupt. The reason the Empress of the North and American Queen are going to have a shorter season is because of extremely low occupancy. Since the boats will be sold soon, their season will resume in 2009. The schedule and pricing will be announced ASAP after the new owners are named.

As far as compensating for the cancellations, Majestic is offering to transfer the monies already paid to another cruise with a 50% discount. If air tickets have already been bought for the cancelled cruise, then please let your travel agent or Majestic know. Once again, the company IS NOT GOING BANKRUPT.

I apologize for not mentioning that I'm sad for the employees who will have shorter seasons on the boats. They have been through so much over the last 7 years. If the group that I'm rooting for, buys the boats, I believe that happy times are ahead. Hope it won't be too long before an announcement is made.

The last cruises for the Empress of the North is August 2nd and the American Queen November 8th.

Please note that the Delta Queen's schedule is not changing. Her last cruise for 2008 is October 21 - 31.

Here´s the official press release by Majestic America Line:

Majestic America Line Statement on Sailing Schedule
June 6, 2008

Majestic America Line will be consolidating its fall Columbia and Snake River program, operating two vessels instead of three. Columbia Queen and Queen West will operate the 7-night Columbia and Snake River cruise itineraries as scheduled.

Delta Queen will operate Mississippi River and Tributaries sailings as scheduled.

Due to soft advance bookings, Majestic America Line will be shortening Empress of the North’s 2008 Alaska and Columbia and Snake River season as well as American Queen’s 2008 Mississippi River season. Empress of the North’s final 7-night Alaska sailing will be August 2 and the vessel will not operate a fall Columbia and Snake River itinerary. American Queen’s final 7-night Mississippi River sailing will be November 8.

Guests currently booked on canceled Empress of the North Alaska sailings and American Queen sailings are being contacted by Majestic America Line and offered earlier sailings at 50 percent of rate paid for the cabin cost on the vessel they are currently booked on or a full refund on their cruise. Guests booked on Empress of the North’s fall Columbia and Snake River sailings can rebook on Columbia Queen or Queen of the West in a comparable cabin or receive a full refund on their cruise.

Carmen