Cruises are a popular vacation for millions of Americans, especially during the summer months. And why not? For many, it is paradise. You can visit scenic destinations while sailing on a large-scale floating resort that caters to your every whim.
But the promise of paradise can vanish as soon as you show up at the airport. You arrive at the gate, eager to board, and watch the flight information screen flip your flight to the dreaded word: “cancelled.”
You would not be alone. In 2019, airlines canceled nearly 135,000 flights. It’s not looking any better this summer either, with staff shortages and ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks. And that’s not counting the slew of flight delays that have caused cruise passengers to literally miss the boat.
What are your options if a flight cancellation or delay causes you to miss your cruise? None of them are ideal, but you might be able to save at least some of your trip. If you can’t, you may be able to recover at least some, but probably not all, of your money.
Plan ahead
The best thing to do is to plan ahead for the possibility of a flight cancellation. Cruise lines recommend you arrive at your port city one day earlier. Some even say to get there a few days in advance. You may have to pay at least one night at a hotel or Airbnb, but you can be sure to get to the pier in time to board.
Consider paying extra to get a direct flight to your port city. You won’t have to deal with missed matches. And while you may not want to start your vacation before dawn, an early morning flight is less likely to be delayed or cancelled.
Get travel insurance. Yes, it is expensive. Most policies cost between 4% and 8% (some premium packages cost up to 12%) of your cruise costs. As long as you compare policies – and read the fine print – you can get coverage for any additional travel costs, reimbursed if you can’t cruise, and get the peace of mind that comes with it. Be aware that some premium credit cards offer travel protections similar to travel insurance, so be sure to check with your credit card company.
Try to get another flight to your port
If you arrive at the airport and they cancel your flight, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and line up at the customer service kiosk. While you wait, call the airline’s helpline to see if you can reach an agent faster. If it’s a mechanical issue, you may be able to get another flight on the same or a different airline. You might lose your upgrade, but at least you’ll get there in time.
If the weather is bad and all flights are cancelled, you may still be able to fly to another airport and get a connecting flight. Your trip to Miami may take you through San Francisco, but you may still be able to make it to your destination (even if just barely).
How do you pay for this flight? According to the US Department of Transportation, if your airline cancels or significantly delays your flight, you are right to a refund for the price of your ticket. This way, you will at least get back the money you spent on your return flight. Unless you have travel insurance, however, you’re stuck with the extra costs of your new flight. And that can be a lot of money.
If you can, try joining another port
Let’s say the weather in your city is terrible and all flights that day are cancelled. If there is no way to get to your destination in time, you can try to join the cruise in another port city along the cruise route. You may miss a few days of your cruise, but you may be able to save a large portion of your trip. Contact your cruise line and let the agent know about your unexpected change of plans.
If you miss it entirely
Your options are limited if you miss your cruise altogether. Although you will be reimbursed for your canceled flight, cruise lines generally do not reimburse cruises missed due to travel issues. You will lose the money you paid for your cruise.
Can you sue the airline?
You may be really angry and want revenge on the airline for ruining your trip. But don’t count on running to court. When you buy a ticket online, you agree to the airline’s terms and conditions. This forms a binding contract.
We know that few actually read these terms, but if you read it you would see that the airline limits its liability for a canceled flight to the cost of the flight itself. They will also not pay for the consequences of the cancellation for you, such as the cost of the cruise. You are essentially giving up your right to complain.
So what’s the bottom line?
A canceled flight does not necessarily mean a ruined cruise. But the best way to protect yourself is to arrive at your destination at least a day in advance. Enjoy a night in a beautiful hotel. And get travel insurance. It’s worth it.
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