When a Cruise is Cancelled

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Why are cruises sometimes – but rarely – cancelled? When it happens, it’s usually for one of the following reasons:

Weather. Stormy weather during a cruise may lead to itinerary changes; but if weather damages a ship’s embarkation port, it can result in cruises from that homeport being cancelled until repairs can be made.

Dry dock delays. Cruise lines carefully plan and schedule “dry dock” stints to update and renovate their ships. But when a ship is in dry dock, there may be unexpected delays in the work. That, in turn, may delay the ship’s return to sailing.

Unplanned repairs. If a ship’s structure or systems are damaged and need unexpected repairs, cruises may be cancelled until the repairs can be completed.

War and other crises. When war, widespread unrest, or health emergencies affect a major port or a region of the world, they may cause cruises to be cancelled.

Full-ship charters. There are times when an entire ship is chartered by a corporation, a theme cruise organizer or a big affinity group. If there are already other passengers with reservations for the same sailing, they may be “bumped” to a different ship or voyage. Fortunately, this type of cancellation usually takes place well in advance.

Ship repositioning. A cruise line may reposition a ship to a different part of the world in order to meet increased demand. Like full-ship charters, this usually happens well in advance, giving booked passengers time to alter their plans.

If you experience a cruise cancellation, the cruise line will communicate with you and your professional travel advisor about your options. Typically, passengers are offered the choice to rebook their cruise or receive a full refund. Talk with your travel advisor about which type of compensation will work best for you.

Because the cruise line hopes that you’ll rebook – either on a different sailing of the same ship, or on a different ship in their fleet – they may offer some attractive incentives, such as onboard credits or a cabin upgrade.

If you opt for a refund, it can take a month or two to receive it. If your flights to and from the ship were booked through the cruise line, that expense should be refunded, too.

Finally, travel insurance can help protect you from any other expenses related to a cruise cancellation. Be sure to ask Anita, your professional travel advisor, about policies that will give you the best coverage.

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