Here’s how to cancel or postpone a cruise due to COVID-19
- Our Voice by Mupenda
- Jan 9, 2022
- 2 min read
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
Are you booked on a cruise scheduled to begin in the coming weeks? We wouldn’t blame you if you’re having second thoughts.
With the omicron variant spreading and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to avoid cruising, you might be wondering if there’s a way to cancel or postpone your voyage. In most cases, the answer is yes.
The good news for those itching to cancel a booking is that it’s easier than you might think — at least for now. Many cruise lines have greatly eased their cancellation policies. In most cases, you will be offered either a future cruise credit equal to the amount you paid, a refund to your original form of payment or a combination of the two. Future cruise credits can then be used to rebook a sailing with the same cruise line at a later date.
Ultimately, the type of refund you’ll receive depends on the specific policies for your cruise line, how close you are to the sailing date, whether or not you’ve made your final payment and whether or not you have COVID-19.
Given most lines’ current flexibility — some lines allow cancellation as close as 48 hours to embarkation day — even if you’re tempted to cancel right now, it could be prudent to wait to see how the situation plays out. That’s especially true if your sailing is several months away. Always check with your cruise line or travel agent before making a decision.
Click on your cruise line’s name below to find out more.
Note: Generally, extra purchases — such as shore excursions, alternative dining, spa treatments and drink packages — will be refunded to the original form of payment and will not be added to any future cruise credits.
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