I’ve written a bunch about what to do if you need a refund for a flight that’s been canceled due to COVID-19, including these stories:
- Use This Trick If You Want to Get a Refund for a Flight That Hasn’t Been Canceled
- My Experience Calling 5 Different Airlines for Refunds
- Can You Get Refunded for a Canceled European Flight?
But what do you do if you were booked on a cruise that’s been canceled? In case you missed it, the CDC has issued a no-sail order and the State Department is advising against cruising, and cruise lines around the world are pausing operations. USA TODAY‘s Morgan Hines just wrote up a great piece on the subject in which she offers tips from her own experience as well as Royal Caribbean’s spokesperson, a travel agent, and more. Among the tips included in the story (quoted directly):
- “Watch for email updates from the cruise line with which you are booked.
- “Review your options carefully and consider external factors before making a decision. A future cruise credit above the amount you paid may be enticing, but if you have the option to get a refund, that may make more sense for flexibility.
- “Wait to see if the cruise line is going to cancel your cruise or extend their sailing suspension before making any moves. Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy through Sept. 1 allows guests to cancel for a future cruise credit up to 48 hours before setting sail. If you cancel early and then the cruise line later cancels that sailing, it may negate the option for a full refund. Cruise lines have varying policies check on your cruise line’s website, and read the fine print to learn more.
- “If you have worked with a travel advisor on booking your cruise, reach out if you have questions, or reach out to the cruise line directly.
- “When you are cancelling, check in on refunds to any other prepaid expenses such as beverage packages or excursions.”
There’s a lot more in the story, which is worth reading if you’re booked on a cruise that’s been canceled. Check it out here.
Would you cruise in 2020?
I have no cruises booked right now, and as I wrote in this story (and got some heat for saying), I won’t be taking my family on a cruise until there’s a COVID-19 vaccine, even if the no-sail order ends. What about you? Read the story and weigh in here.
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