What to Expect When Your Cruise Itinerary Is Impacted by a Hurricane or Civil Unrest
As a travel advisor and frequent cruiser, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when an exciting cruise itinerary is disrupted by unforeseen events like hurricanes or civil unrest.
With Hurricane Helene predicted to hit popular ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán, and areas of conflict such as Russia canceled indefinitely, it’s more important than ever to understand how cruise lines handle such situations.
How Cruise Lines Respond
If cruise lines are aware of an issue in advance, whether it’s a hurricane on the horizon or political instability, they will generally adjust the itinerary well before departure.
In my experience, they will either substitute a different port of call or offer an extra sea day if no suitable alternatives are available.
For example, a cruise I’m set to embark on next week had to cancel its stop in New Caledonia due to ongoing civil unrest. We now have an additional sea day. While it can be frustrating, the safety of passengers and crew is always the top priority.
If a last-minute decision has to be made—such as the sudden strengthening of a storm—cruise lines often communicate changes quickly, either while you’re onboard or through your travel app. These changes can result in a shift to a safer port, or occasionally, an additional day at sea.
My kids honeymoon was supposed to be 3 Caribbean ports, but a hurricane started, and instead, they spent all their days safe in the sunny Bahamas.
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Refunds and Onboard Credits
One reassuring aspect of these itinerary adjustments is that port fees and taxes associated with the canceled ports will be refunded.
In many cases, the cruise line will also provide onboard credit to help compensate for the missed experience, though this isn’t guaranteed. I just received $250 for our missed port, which is enough for me to book a week in the Rainforest Room onboard!
Excursions booked directly through the cruise line will also be refunded in full. If you’ve booked through a third-party provider, it’s important to ensure they have policies in place to work with cruisers in situations like this. Many reputable companies will refund your money or offer a credit for future travel.
Travel Insurance: A Must-Have
If there’s one piece of advice I can’t stress enough, it’s to always travel with comprehensive insurance. While cruise lines are generally accommodating, travel insurance provides an extra layer of protection for unexpected scenarios like trip cancellations, medical issues, or even delays caused by missed ports.
Another essential? Always carry your passport, even if you’re on a cruise with stops in countries that only require a birth certificate or ID. Should you be rerouted to a port that requires a passport, you’ll be glad you have it.
While no one wants their dream cruise to change unexpectedly, knowing how cruise lines handle these situations can provide peace of mind.
Always keep an eye on updates from the cruise line, pack your flexibility along with your sunscreen, and make sure you’re prepared with the right insurance and documentation.
By being prepared, you can still have a great time onboard, even if your original itinerary changes. I always tell my clients to book the ship you want, that way even if your ports change, you know you will have fun. And one more thing; a day at sea is always better than a day at work!
