Cancelling cruise at last minute

[CM Dad]

I have never cancelled a cruise that we have booked, but might have to cancel 1 (or 2) that we have booked for this month.

We did not purchase any trip insurance.

Unfortunately, my wife recently had surgery for cancer that was diagnosed recently. I had asked the surgeon ahead of time about our plans for upcoming cruises, and he said we should have no problems. We have about a week and a half before the first cruise, and my wife doesn't think that she will feel up to traveling by then. We have a followup appointment with the surgeon later this week, so maybe he can provide us with some ideas, but if it turns out that we can't cruise I have some questions.

I know that we will forfeit the entire cost of the cruise itself, but what about excursions and things like tastings and Palo brunch. If we don't cancel those 3 days before the cruise, will DCL charge us for them? If not, I'll just keep activities and not worry about it. If they would charge, and we are still not sure, I may cancel just before the 3 day limit and if we do go, try to rebook once we board.

Similar question for the second cruise. For that one, I have rented a tuxedo package. Has anyone cancelled this before a cruise? I think I remember something about cancellation penalties when I placed the order, but I don't remember if it was a flat amount, or for the total rental.

Thanks for any input.

Public service announcement. I recommend trip insurance for people, since you never know when the unexpected can happen.

 

[sethschroeder]

I would call Disney and explain the situation. They may throw magic your way with options.

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

My husband had emergency surgery one week before our very first cruise. We thought, what a better place to recover than on a cruise ship. recovery was easier on me as a care giver, once we got on the ship, as I did not have to worry about cooking cleaning etc for a full week.
I am just sharing our experience as it might help you decide to cruise or not.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I would call DCL and see if you can transfer the entire cost to another cruise in a future date. I have sailed DCL while going through chemotherapy (a few months after my surgery). It was a wonderful way to relax in the middle of my treatment and something to look forward to as well.

Good luck to you and her!

 

[Bonnie1222]

I would call Disney and explain the situation. They may throw magic your way with options.

This. If after her appointment she still does not feel up to traveling, call Disney and explain what is happening. Maybe they can make some magic.

 

[mmouse37]

I would not count on DCL making magic....of course you can try and you may be surprised but I have heard too many "sorry but that's what insurance is for" scenarios.

Check your credit card that you used to pay for the cruise. Some credit cards provide travel insurance automatically when you book a trip.

Good fortune to you and your wife. Hope she makes a speedy recovery.

MJ

 

[CM Dad]

Check your credit card that you used to pay for the cruise. Some credit cards provide travel insurance automatically when you book a trip.

I don't think discounted Disney gift cards provide travel insurance :-(

 

[CM Dad]

I would call Disney and explain the situation. They may throw magic your way with options.

Since I booked through a TA, I don't think that I can talk to Disney directly, and would have to have her check on any magic. I am not expecting any.

 

[mmouse37]

I don't think discounted Disney gift cards provide travel insurance :-(

Dang.....

 

[mmouse37]

duplicate post

 

[KantLose]

While they may not help with the forfeited cruise cost, I do think Disney may have some leeway on the cancellation fees for excursions/Palo/tuxedo, so it's definitely worth a call to Disney or asking your TA to look into the specifics for you. Good luck to your wife in her treatment and recovery, and to you as well!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I had to cancel last minute once. I cancelled the morning of. I wasn't charged for the Palo reservation that I had.

Your wife might feel much differently in a few days. I sure hope she does. It's really going to be about comfort. My husband sailed a couple post shoulder surgery earlier this year. He was surprisingly fine. We just had to ask for extra pillows sine he had to sleep propped up, but he was just as comfortable on the ship as he would have been at home. Probably more comfortable on the ship because he didn't feel like he needed to do anything.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

We had to cancel a DCL cruise a couple of weeks prior to sail date in 2018 and DD had to cancel two cruises (b2b) the day prior to the sail date for the first cruise in August. We all had travel insurance, so that covered non-refundable costs up to the policy limits (third party insurance policies). DCL refunded the port fees and taxes and did not charge for Palo or any excursions or tastings that had already been booked. DD was charged for the resort to port bus transportation because it was too late to cancel that (she already had the letter with the pickup time for the following day) but did not get charged for the port to airport that was booked for debarkation day. Can’t help with the tux rental question.

 

[MariaJ]

Long shot, but worth asking--might you have paid with a credit card that offers insurance? We have a Chase card with included trip insurance for your kind of situation. Best of luck to both of you, I can't imagine how hard it would be to have a cancer diagnosis and have to cancel something that you've probably looked forward to for some time. Keep us posted?