Deadly swine flu virus in Mexico

[hanna]

Leastpond - if it comes down to it can you cancel without penalty.. and then rebook a couple weeks out if things look good? Seems like they are probably hurting for business down there with everyone cancelling.. so maybe if you say you will cancel.. they will modify their policy for you? Seems like US owned companies are way more strict and Mexican businesses are more lenient about this stuff.. Best wishes!!

[JaimeLynne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yamille Yay Klila. Nice info. I'm over this swine flu drama(my mom not so much but whatev) I leave in 13 days !! My dad was given a script for Cipro just in case.

Cipro is only to fight "Montezuma's Revenge" not the swine flu.. just wanted to make sure y'all knew that

[Lindz]

Ive been missing from posting on this thread due to the fact that I am sitting in a classroom all day but I secretly open up this site to read the latest updates.....and I have to say my heart goes out to those bride/grooms that have been effected by this stupid swine flu....and am thankful to see the positivity and even humor coming! Thanks for a informative place to go!

[pixystix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leastpond Does anyone have any experience with the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar - in Cabo? They have a cancellation policy for guests who booked through the wedding block of rooms. According to their policy, if guests cancel within 30 days, they will be financially penalized for their entire stay. Our wedding in on June 13th and while we are hopeful that we can go forward, we wanted our guests to have as much time possible to decide whether they feel comfortable going - without being financially obligated more than they already are with their flights. We just learned that the Sheraton is NOT adjusting their cancellation policy!! This seems ridiculous to me that the Sheraton is being so inflexible. And frankly this may lead to us cancelling or wedding entirely!! We are worried that - if forced to make a decision in the next few days - our guests will cancel rather than assume the financial obligation. Just wanted to know if anyone has any insights in working with the Sheraton. Thanks!

Hey! I am getting married on June 20th at the Sheraton!! In your contract is says that your contract will be null and void in the case of an act of god, government restrictions, war, etc. So if the Swine Fly does start up again and causes a major issue which I don't think will happen you should be covered by the legal terms. It seems like everything is dying down and the CDC is even relaxing their policies such as the travel warnings and the school closures. I did speak to Viviana though about the situation and she was very sympathetic to what is going on and has really tried to work with us. I'm actually very happy with how they have handled the situation so far and they haven't even actually had a case of swine flu there. We have had more cases in San Jose, Ca where I currently live. We have also been given the OK by the doctors in my moms office as well as the doctors who teach at the medical school my fiance goes too. So try to stay positive!! I'm sure it will all work out. Which areas of the resort are you getting married at?

~Shawna

[leastpond]

Hi Shawna,

 

Thanks so much for your response! It's very appreciated. We are working with Marco, but he's been out of the office. He is supposed to call us, but hasn't yet. Yes, I am very happy that they have the clause! The main issue is with our guests who have booked at the hotel who are now on the fence. They need to decide by next week or else they will be forced to pay the entire amount of their stay (assuming we move forward - which is our current plan). We are worried that they will just cancel to avoid the penalty whereas if the Sheraton does work with us, then they may stick with us. For us, this event is about being a party for our friends and family, so we really do want as many people there as possible.

 

We are actually getting married at Cabo del Sol but are planning to do the welcome dinner at the palapa! Since we are one week before you, I am more than happy to email you and let you know what it's like when we are there (hopefully!!)

 

Thanks for your response!

Lisa

[Stina168]

Hey girls! Just wanted to let you know that I got back from Riviera Maya on Monday (had my wedding as planned on Saturday) and everything is totally fine there. Swine Flu is not in that part of the country - only in Mexico City. So many guests left early and cancelled their weddings, and it's completely unnecessary. At the resorts, you would have no idea there was a Swine Flu "crisis" going on - everything is business as usual. Unfortunately so many people have cancelled that the hotels are laying off their workers. It's so sad that thousands of hardworking employees are out of jobs bc the media hyped this whole thing up. Please don't cancel your plans. Everything is just fine and my wedding turned out to be absolutely perfect!!

[tylersgirl]

That is so great to hear Stina! Congrats!!!

[pixystix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leastpond Hi Shawna, Thanks so much for your response! It's very appreciated. We are working with Marco, but he's been out of the office. He is supposed to call us, but hasn't yet. Yes, I am very happy that they have the clause! The main issue is with our guests who have booked at the hotel who are now on the fence. They need to decide by next week or else they will be forced to pay the entire amount of their stay (assuming we move forward - which is our current plan). We are worried that they will just cancel to avoid the penalty whereas if the Sheraton does work with us, then they may stick with us. For us, this event is about being a party for our friends and family, so we really do want as many people there as possible. We are actually getting married at Cabo del Sol but are planning to do the welcome dinner at the palapa! Since we are one week before you, I am more than happy to email you and let you know what it's like when we are there (hopefully!!) Thanks for your response! Lisa

No problem Lisa! I know I like to have as much info as possible so I am happy to share everything with you. I'm glad you mentioned Marco not emailing you back because Viviana told me when she was speaking with on the phone that his wife was in an accident and he has been out of the office. So, if you need fast answers I would email or call Viviana until he gets back to you. I think she said he would be back in the office today but he probably has a ton of emails to respond to so it may take him a day or so to get back to you. I'm so glad you guys are planning on going though! When do you depart from Cabo??

[gemstone]

Oh Stina.

I'm so glad everything went well on your wedding at the Iberostar. Reyna and Yanin did a great job of mine when I was there in April.

And I totally agree with you..... I think the media is sensationalizing the Swine Flu so much that people are not traveling and Mexican workers are losing their jobs and livliehood. It is so sad.... I was on the World Health's website and they have in no way recommended people not to travel. They advised there is no statistics to prove that travel will decrease the spread of a virus or disease. They are correct. There are more cases of Swine Flu from where I live then in the Mayan Riviera. .....I think I would be safer there..Darn...If I had the money, I'd be back in a flash.

My girlfriend returned from Cancun 3 days ago and she said the same as you, no worries of Swine Flu there. It's all just hyped right now on the news.

 

Future Brides, hang in there. It feels like things are starting to die down. Hopefully all will be well soon.

 

Gen

[JaimeLynne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stina168 So many guests left early and cancelled their weddings, and it's completely unnecessary. At the resorts, you would have no idea there was a Swine Flu "crisis" going on - everything is business as usual. Unfortunately so many people have cancelled that the hotels are laying off their workers. It's so sad that thousands of hardworking employees are out of jobs bc the media hyped this whole thing up. Please don't cancel your plans. Everything is just fine and my wedding turned out to be absolutely perfect!!

That is just terrible!!!

Seriously, IMHO those Canadian and UK travel agencies are going to have some serious explaining to do after this dies down!! I'm so mad at them for basically banning travel WITHOUT government bans!!! So many people still WANTED to go but they made it nearly impossible!! Mexico is such a delicate country... it's just horrible what this is doing to them, it makes me so sad

On another note, YAY for you! Glad your wedding was a success!!!!!!