Going on a cruise during hurricane season can be risky. There is always a possibility of encountering a storm. So what exactly happens if your cruise gets cancelled due to a hurricane?
It’s Rare
First, know that it is very rare for cruise lines to cancel cruises due to a hurricane. Instead of cancelling cruises, the captain will do everything possible to avoid the hurricane.
Change Itinerary
Instead of cancelling the cruise, it’s very common for cruises to change itinerary. The captain will closely monitor the path of the hurricane and adjust the course as necessary. As a result, you might miss a port and spend more days at sea, or the captain might replace the canceled port with another one.
Delays
Delays are also common during hurricane season. Sometimes, the captain will delay your cruise embarkation to steer clear of an approaching hurricane. Always turn on text and email notifications from the cruise line so you can get the most up to date information.
Extra Cruise Day
The captain might extend your cruise for an extra day to stay away from the path of the hurricane. You might end up having an extra day of sailing at sea or an additional day spent at a cruise port in order to avoid the hurricane. Check out Inside Cabin vs Balcony Cabin on a Cruise: Pros and Cons
How Cruises are Cancelled
In the extremely rare case that your cruise is canceled, you will receive an email notifying you of the cancellation. This email will provide more information on the cancellation and the next steps. Check out How to Make Your Cruise Inside Cabin More Comfortable
Refund
If the cruise is canceled, you can expect a refund of your cruise fare. This is usually a 100% refund to your credit card. Check out 11 Fun Things to Pack on Your Next Cruise
Shore Excursion Refunds
If you booked shore excursions through the cruise line, you will also be refunded. However, if you booked a tour with an independent operator, you would have to contact them directly to get a refund. That’s why, during hurricane season, it’s best to book refundable tours in case cruise ports are cancelled.
Will You Be Compensated?
Typically, for canceled cruises, the cruise line will compensate passengers as a show of goodwill. Aside from a refund, the cruise line might give Future credit dollars that can be used to book a future cruise. The compensation amount may vary from a few hundred dollars to 100% of the cruise fare. Additionally, passengers might also receive compensation for their airfare and other transportation expenses. Check out What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
Why are Cruise Cancellations Rare?
Cruise lines rarely cancel cruises because it’s very expensive for them to do so! Also, it would result in a lot of angry cruise passengers, many of whom have planned their cruise vacation a year or more in advance. It would just be a public relations nightmare for the cruise line. Check out What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)
Backup Cruise Ports
Some cruise lines avoid cancellations by booking backup cruise ports. For example, Celebrity Cruises typically books backup Caribbean cruise ports in case a hurricane forces the cruise ship to cancel ports. They will book Western Caribbean cruise ports as backups for their Eastern Caribbean cruises. That way, they can change course, keep their passengers happy and avoid the hurricane! Check out 36 Essential Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise During Hurricane Season