Cruise Travel Tips: Cancellation and Refund

Have you ever found yourself in the awkward situation when departing date of you cruise approaches yet you have to cancel the trip because of an unexpected emergency?

I. Cruise travel insurance

Cruise travelers are advised to buy trip cancellation insurance in case of any unforeseen emergency. Travel cancellation insurances will reimburse your loss if you have to cancel a cruise travel and can't get a full refund.

II. Cruise line cancellation and refund policy

1. Inquire the cruise line about relevant regulations and policies before you cancel your trip.

2. Get all your paperwork prepared, such as your reservation number and the trip cancellation insurance document.

3. If you decide you need to cancel a cruise trip, call your travel agent or the cruise line to cancel it immediately. The earlier you request cancellation, the less you will be charged for it. If you ask to cancel your trip reservation just a few days before the departure, no money would be refunded.

4. Policies vary from cruise line to cruise line.

5. Some cruise lines do not refund the expense on a ticket that is bought via a third-party discounter.

6. If you use a credit card to cover travel expenses, you can have your money back under "Fair Billing Act" if a cruise line goes bankruptcy and closes.

7. It is rare that the cruise lines cancel a cruise. If they do cancel a cruise due to a hurricane or a tsunami, you will get a refund.