Sunday, March 31, 2024

Cruise Cancellations and Updated Sail Dates

cruise ship cancellations

Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled more than seven months of sailings on its Norwegian Sun ship. The ship’s new inaugural itineraries will include 11 and seven-day Mediterranean cruises on Oct. 4 and 15, 2025, respectively. Those will be followed by a two-week transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Oct. 22, 2025. Royal Caribbean joins Norwegian Cruise Line and others that also cancelled sailings on select ships. While some ships are pausing operations, the majority of cruise ships remain in operation, thanks to the stringent protocols onboard.

July 2020 Mediterranean Cruises for Enchanted Princess

But, notably, weather-related instances are considered a force majeure and not outright covered; in those instances, compensation would be at the discretion of the cruise company. A trusted specialist, with clout and industry connections, can be your best advocate for negotiating with the cruise line. In these circumstances, travelers can expect the option of a full refund or a replacement booking on an alternate sailing. Some lines may take it a step further still and reimburse the cost of any travel arrangements made (like non-refundable flights or hotel bookings), as well as offer additional vouchers for discounted or upgraded future sailings.

Cruise Line Opens Sales on Many 2025-26 Voyages

In early June 2023, the ship was unable to return to Long Beach on schedule, which also delayed the next sailing. Itineraries were also adjusted for additional sailings for the issue to be corrected. Guests will understandably be disappointed at this news, particularly since the November 18 cruise was to have been over the Thanksgiving holiday. With such late notice, it will be very difficult – if not impossible – for guests to make alternative arrangements during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Furthermore, Carnival Cruise Line is reimbursing air change fees of up to $200 (USD) per person if the fees are otherwise non-refundable and no other compensation is provided from travel insurance or the airline. Supporting documentation must be provided for the reimbursement to be considered.

Sapphire Princess through April 8, 2022

Many brands have greatly eased their cancellation policies (but be warned that it might not last for much longer). The 133,868-gross-ton, Vista-class ship developed engine difficulties on her most recent cruise that resulted in cancelling two ports of call in order for the vessel to return to Long Beach as scheduled. All cruise fares on the listed voyages are being fully refunded, including pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions and other onboard purchases, including drink packages, Wi-Fi access, stateroom decorations, bottled water, prepaid gratuities, and other items. The November 11 and December 2 sailings are 5-night cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, while the November 18 departure is an 8-night sailing that also included a visit to La Paz. Because of recent engine problems, the next four sailings of one Carnival ship are now cancelled just days before holiday sailings begin.

cruise ship cancellations

Royal Caribbean opened for sale a slew of 2025 and 2026 cruises to the Caribbean and Canada/New England from a wide choice of ports. Bookings for voyages onboard seven ships opened to Crown & Anchor Society members on February 14, 2024 and to the general public a day later. In what's been a busy week of cruise news, we're got all the major stories, including new ship orders from cruise giants, cancellations and angry guests. The changes come after the line canceled three 2025 sailings on its Norwegian Epic ship in June so the ship could undergo “a revitalization,” as the line said at the time. Norwegian also previously canceled sailings aboard Norwegian Spirit scheduled between early July and mid-September 2024 because of a full-ship charter.

cruise ship cancellations

Royal Princess from September 2022 through March 4, 2023

Cruisers booked on Windstar voyages departing through June 30, 2022, can cancel as late as 48 hours before their scheduled embarkation day. Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment, minus any cancellation fees, which will be refunded via FCC. Before coronavirus struck, reasons for cruise cancellations had been significantly more limited in scope. While cruise lines can usually preemptively reroute ships in the face of approaching hurricanes or other significant weather events, alternate arrangements are not always achievable. In September, for instance, Hurricane Dorian forced several cruise lines to cancel scheduled sailings out of Floridian ports. Passengers who booked by March 31, 2022, for cruises departing on or before Sept. 30, 2022, are protected by Royal Caribbean's Cruise With Confidence policy, which entitles them to 100% of the cruise fare paid in the form of FCC if they cancel for any reason.

MSC Cancels Red Sea Cruises on MSC Orchestra, MSC Sinfonia

Passengers who test positive or who have been exposed will also be granted 100% FCC. For that adjusted sailing, guests were refunded pre-paid shore tours for the cancelled ports, as well as providing $400 of onboard credit per stateroom. Guests booked on the next four sailings of Carnival Panorama will not be able to set sail as planned, as Carnival Cruise Line is making the extreme move to cancel the sailings for repairs to the ship. For the first of these cancellations, the notification comes just 48 hours before embarkation. Changes from air/sea packages to cruise-only and name changes for more than one passenger are considered rebookings and cancellation fees apply.

Royal Caribbean Extends Cancellations for Labadee Through May 2024 - Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean Extends Cancellations for Labadee Through May 2024.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:11:28 GMT [source]

But the cruise line had altered the route, removing Paradise Bay and replacing it with scenic cruising near Elephant Island, which is farther from the Antarctic mainland but still technically part of Antarctica. The class debuted in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas, followed by Allure of the Seas in 2010; Harmony of the Seas, 2016; Symphony of the Seas, 2018; and Wonder of the Seas, 2022. The sixth in the class, Utopia of the Seas, is under construction and due to enter service in July 2024.

Four Sailings Aboard Carnival Panorama Are Cancelled

Viking notes its river cruise departures along the Nile in Egypt are still proceeding as planned, with the cancellation of select overland extensions to Jerusalem. With the conflict continuing to escalate – and the increased possibility it could spread beyond the borders of Israel and the Gaza Strip – cruisers are starting to wonder what may become of their cruises to the region in the coming months. Luxury line Silversea canceled a 17-night voyage from Mumbai to Athens aboard Silver Whisper, citing the geopolitical situation in the Red Sea region. British line Marella Cruises is the latest in a string of cruise lines to adjust itineraries amid the ongoing Red Sea conflict and crisis in the Middle East. We will keep tabs on the situation as it develops, but if you have a cruise booked in this region it is best to reach out to your cruise line for all the latest information on changes and cancellations.

The ship, which will be the final vessel in the Edge-class, is scheduled to debut in November 2025. Tests of onboard features are also done, including the FlowRider surf simulator and the Oculus Fall thrill ride in the ship’s AquaDome. Final touches are now underway onboard the ship, including to the carousel in the Surfside neighborhood.

The handover of the 140,600-gross ton ship that carries 3,260 guests was attended by shipyard and cruise line executives, some 1,400 crew members who will staff the ship, and her co-captains, brothers Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis. Along with signing the paperwork, the ship’s handover event featured raising her flags that indicate she is a Celebrity Cruises vessel. Cruise directors play crucial roles on all ships, since they engage and interact with virtually all guests and help to set the line’s Fun Ship atmosphere.

Two additional ships, AIDAsol and AIDAblu, will restart at the end of May in Germany and Greece. In July, AIDA Cruises will launch additional new voyages in Germany, with AIDAsol departing from Rostock-Warnemünde through July 18, followed by a fourth ship, AIDAprima, which will restart on July 3. Some brands, like Princess, are re-routing ships away from the conflict areas and opting to travel around the horn of Africa. Others, like Costa, have elected to sail ships empty through the Suez Canal en-route to their spring European cruise seasons. The October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas led to a number of lines canceling port calls (see below), while the latest attacks on cargo vessels in the Red Sea in early 2024 has led to cruise lines canceling itineraries in that region. The good news for those itching to cancel a booking is that it's easier than you might think with some lines — at least for now.

Cruise Cancelations 2022: Every Cruise Cancelation Due to COVID-19

cruise ship cancellations

However, if a ship is damaged while in service, it may need to go to dry dock immediately for repairs. Faced with Omicron, many cruise ship operators are now canceling voyages. Princess Cruises has pushed back the inauguration of its newest ship and canceled several sailings for next year in the process. Celebrity Ascent is the line’s fourth Edge-class ship, but offers some design changes.

Regal Princess Cruises in Europe Departing April 9, 2023 through September 3, 2023

On her most recent cruise, two port calls had to be cancelled so that the ship could return to its homeport on schedule. The cancelled cruises all are Mexican Riviera sailings operating roundtrip from Long Beach, California, with departures set for November 11, 18, and 26, and December 2, 2023. MSC Cruises, which maintains a strong presence in the Arabian Gulf with cruises aboard MSC Opera, also told Cruise Critic in an email that those voyages – which operate far removed geographically from the current conflict – would continue as planned.

Island Princess Cruises Up to and Including World Cruise 2022 Departing through April 4, 2022

The ship has developed difficulty that affects her maximum cruising speed and must be removed from service for repairs. Excel-class enthusiasts will be watching to see what unique features the new-build will offer. The newest in the class, Carnival Jubilee, introduced new “zones,” including Currents and The Shores, inspired by ocean and beach, and a Grand Central atrium, among others. Cruise insiders in recent weeks had been expecting an announcement of a new ship for Carnival Cruise Line, after unconfirmed reports indicated that parent company Carnival Corporation was poised to disclose the development.

Cruise Cancellations and Updated Sail Dates

At this time, further details of the engine problems have not been disclosed, nor has any information been released about whether or not just these four sailings are affected or if additional cruises may be cancelled or adjusted. Guests booked on Carnival Panorama in the coming weeks should stay in close contact with Carnival Cruise Line or their travel agent for timely updates. The Oasis-class Allure of the Seas will return to Galveston to offer 7-night Western Caribbean sailings, while two ships will deploy to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for winter cruising. Brilliance of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will sail Southern Caribbean itineraries, calling at exotic ports such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Trinidad and Tobago. While the particulars of individual cruise line contracts vary, most lines we contacted stated that such policies are typically determined on a case-by-case basis. All major lines adhere to the Cruise Line International Association's Passenger Bill of Rights, which explicitly outlines that guests are entitled to a refund for cancellations due to mechanical failures.

Royal Caribbean cancels cruise because of Houthi Attacks in Red Sea - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean cancels cruise because of Houthi Attacks in Red Sea.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 01:04:06 GMT [source]

Other cruise lines cancelled cruises too

If they are rebooked on a voyage that costs less than their original sailing, they would be refunded the difference, but if the new sailing costs more, they would need to pay the remaining balance. Despite the fact that cruise ships are no longer required to abide by CDC guidelines, the agency has very much warned against the mode of travel in the wake of surging COVID-19 numbers. Following her 7-night maiden sailing, Carnival Firenze will operate 4-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, and  5-night cruises calling at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. The 4,000-guest ship’s Italian vibe will be seen in her design, inspired by the city of Florence, and in her Italy-themed public spaces and activities. The November 11 and 18 cruises were 5 nights, and the November 26 departure was to be 6 nights. Princess Cruises will resume operation on board Regal Princess from the United Kingdom on July 31, 2021.

Cruise directors are crucial to the operation of every cruise, and at Carnival Cruise Line they are tasked with making sure guests enjoy the line’s Fun Ship vibe. Another Oasis-class ship is on the horizon at Royal Caribbean, after the cruise line confirmed it placed an order for what will be the seventh vessel in the class. The February 15, 2024 agreement with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France calls for delivery of the ship in 2028.

MSC Cruises Cancels Another Voyage Citing Operational Reasons - Cruise Hive

MSC Cruises Cancels Another Voyage Citing Operational Reasons.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:46:27 GMT [source]

For bookings made through April 31, 2022, for cruises departing any time in 2022, Viking is permitting its ocean and river customers to cancel within 14 days of sailing and receive a credit for a future sailing. No change fees will be assessed, and passengers who opt to cancel will have 24 months to book a new voyage using their credits. Plus, unlike most other lines' credits, Viking's are transferable, so you can gift them to a friend or family member if you don't think you'll use them. For bookings made by May 31, 2022, for sailings departing on or before September 30, 2022, Princess allows passengers to cancel 30 days or more prior to the sailing date as long as a public health emergency remains in effect. They will receive 100% of the cruise fare paid to the original form of payment, minus any penalties or nonrefundable fees, which will be returned in the form of FCC to be used to book a future voyage with the line.

cruise ship cancellations

Celebrity, Holland America Line and Celestyal Drastically Alter Itineraries

Charter-related cancellations tend to take place with more notice than emergency dry docking, according to Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants. She said she has never seen passengers bumped as a result of a full-ship charter less than nine months to a year ahead of sailing. The cruise line gave the family a refund and a credit on a future sailing and offered to reimburse them “for non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred,” according to an email from the line Mitchell shared with USA TODAY.

The credit is to be used by June 30, 2023, either to book another sailing departing by June 30, 2023, or toward payment for another existing booking. Sailings range from five to 12 nights, depending on departure date and port. Highlights of the newly opened cruises include three ships sailing from Bayonne — Odyssey of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.

cruise ship cancellations

Carnival Firenze is being transferred from sister line Costa Cruises, and will become the second Carnival Cruise Line ship to offer the brand’s new Fun Italian Style experience. UnCruise Adventures has announced they will return Spring 2021 for cruises to Alaska. A-ROSA River Cruises resumed cruise operation on the Rhine and Danube after April 18, 2021. Oceania Cruises will resume operation on August 29, 2021 from Copenhagen on board their ship Marina.

We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. In its statement, Virgin Voyages said that passengers on the former legs of the original repositioning voyage will have guaranteed spots on the new sailings at no additional cost and a price protection commitment in place. Cruisers also have the option to receive a future cruise credit based on their paid balance or a full refund. The line has also made allowances for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, has a member of their party test positive or who has been deemed a close contact within 14 days of sailing.

Refund requests must be received within six months of cancellation or the embarkation date (whichever is earlier). If a refund request is not made by that time, passengers will automatically receive credit for a future voyage. However, sailings booked after April 30, 2021, don't qualify, so any bookings made in the latter half of 2021 or in 2022 will fall under the line's standard refund policy. Under that policy, cruisers will forfeit anywhere from 15% to 100% of the amount they've paid, based on when they cancel and how long their sailing is. The line will also retain a $100 penalty fee, which is returned to guests in the form of onboard credit to be used for a future booking.

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