What if the ship diverts from a port where I booked a private excursion?

[JLSE50]

My concern is what would happen if the ship were diverted due to weather and we did not go to a port where we had booked a private excursion?

When we booked a Disney excursion and the ship was diverted, they refunded our money and offered other excursions at the new port.

Jan :earsgirl:

[Michelle]

Jan, unfortunately you're generally out of luck, but that's up to the individual shore excursion operator. As you know, if you book an excursion through Disney and you're diverted they will refund your money. Not necessarily the case if you book on your own; there may be a few out there who would refund your money if the ship didn't make it there but I wouldn't count on it. Always best to find that out in advance from the shore excursion operator. :)

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I'd previously asked that question of <a href="http://www.shoretrips.com">shoretrips.com</a>. They will refund your money in the event the ship was unable to make it to its port of call if you notify them within 12 days. They accept emails and faxes for that notification.

[JLSE50]

Thanks Michelle and Dave!

Jan :earsgirl:

[Familyof6]

the very same question and was told that as long as I called as soon as we found out, up to around 11am for a 1pm excursion that day, they would refund our money. (they just wanted time to be able to put other people in our slot. I guess they have walk ins?) I certainly would recheck that policy each time...policies do change.

Lisa:)

[JLSE50]

Thanks Lisa,

Jan :earsgirl:

[prymsu]

that is the one plus of when you book through Disney, you don't have to worry. Just another thought to think about when booking your own excursions.

[JLSE50]

Sue--you hit the nail on the head--the worry is the biggest issue. I think we will book with Disney.
Jan :easrgirl:

[prymsu]

we do some excursions through the ship, and some on our own. The ones we plan on our own are usually things that you do once you get there, and don't have to pay a deposit, make a ressie, or provide a credit card. just too much stress and hassle wondering if you will be charged...I still think that there are many things you could do on your own, and you shouldn't be worried about always having to do a ship excursion...

[lespaul55]

Just ask whoever you are booking with about their cancellation policy. I'm chartering a private boat at St. Maarten for a shore excursion and I will get all my money back if we don't arrive on the date we are supposed to.

My experience with shore excursions over 6 cruises is that the ship's excursions are way more expensive and not as high a quality as something you arrange on your own. But there were some places that I felt we wanted the ship's excursion [Jamaica]. The more people on the excursion, the more stops, the more you will be waiting [and often for the same people] to return to the bus. I wouldn't take a bus excursion if a taxi would get me to the same places. But I'm also willing to do some research on my own before the cruise. Most people don't have a clue about their ports on a cruise. Of course all the Disboard folks do, that's why we read these boards every day!!!

Leslie

[RellingTwin]

FYI...Captain Marvins will not charge you if your ship is unable to dock. I have it in writting and have heard from many folks that they are as good as their word!

[JLSE50]

Thanks for the info and reassurances!!
Jan :earsgirl:

[IrishCowboy]

Capt Marvin's policy is not to charge you if your ship doesn't reach Cozumel for any reason.

By the way, Capt Marvin's provide a great excursion. It was the highlight of our trip.

[abitjaded]

I have been emailing these folks, trying to arrange a trip, they have been so helpful!

Carla