What options if a cruise line changes intinerary after trip?

[disneyfan2]

My brother called me late last night as he had a message on his machine that the Carnival cruise he was taking in Feb has changed itinerary for all ports. He was doing the Panama Canal cruise and now they have changed it to a totally different ports? They told him that that they would honour the new cruise, but this is the exact same cruise he did last year, and he does not want to do it again. they said he could cancel but subject to penalties. It doesn't seem fair if they did major changes to where he had intended to go. Can anyone give advise on what he can do or what other options he can take. He did take out Travel insurance and Medical insurance but is now thinking of canceling the cruise and doing an all inclusive island. The TA added his Southwest to the cancelation insurance but he is not sure if they will return that credit or not?

 

[minnie56]

Goodness, I know they do have the right to change ports but all of them??
He has made final payment? I would have his TA call back and try to speak to someone else in authority to see if there's something that can be done, even transferring to another sailing of his original itinerary or perhaps being allowed a Carnival credit. Not sure that Insurance would cover an instance of not wanting to go because of itinerary change?

 

[NancyK]

Here's a link to an unofficial Carnival cruise message board. I bet they can help you.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Will they let him transfer to another cruise? That might be a possibility.

Unfortunately, when you sign up for a cruise, they warn you that the ports of call are subject to change. So, if they want to change them, they can.

But he does have trip insurance, right? So it's not a huge deal.

 

[minnie56]

I don't think trip Insurance will cover 'not wanting to go anymore' due to itinerary change? It is for Emergencies and Medical issues...
I cannot see Carnival not honouring a switch to another sailing or a credit for future use.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I don't think trip Insurance will cover 'not wanting to go anymore' due to itinerary change? It is for Emergencies and Medical issues...

I think it really depends on the type of insurance that he has. There are trip cancellation insurances that pay out whenever a trip is cancelled without limitations. They are usually sold as "Cancel for Any Reason" and this option is usually available through most insurance brokers.

However, even without this specific policy, it may be possible to cash in your insurance when your trip gets completed re-routed. That could be seen as an "unforseen circumstance."

The long and short of it is, this person would have to review their policy and speak to an agent for its interpretation if they would like to cancel their trip completely.

 

[minnie56]

Hm-Yes, I do suppose they could have that type of coverage such as Travelguard offer etc..they do need to read the policy and see what the TA advises for sure. Unusual circumstances with all ports changed

 

[disneyfan2]

Hi, it appears that the cruise ship has some type of mechanical problems which would prevent it from doing all the porst in in the Panama Canal area in the given time of the cruise. They told him that the problems has resulted in the ship not going as fast so they are doing a shorter and totally different area for the ports? I never heard of this. but because of some type of Mechanical problems, my Brother opted out completly from the trip. He did try to get to another ship doing the itenarry earlier but they would not let him, telling him the cruise was all sold out

Anyways, they had agree to reimburse him the trip for the cruise but not the Southwest travel funds. The TA is going to rebook to an island but because SW is only within USA he is out of luck for rebooking the SW funds. They are going through the Insurance co to see if they will cover the airfare.

It would be understandable if 1 port could not be done and switched but this was for the entire 8 day cruise, so they are refunding the cruise portion,

 

[minnie56]

Happy it worked out. At least the SW airfare is not outrageous I am sure. Never know, the Ins might reimburse. One of those 'grey areas' of coverage.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Even if he has to cancel his airfare, they may very well be able to give him a credit to use at a future date on that airline.

 

[minnie56]

Yes. Not sure what the SW policies are as far as cancelling...I know with Jetblue now it is $100 to change or cancel

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Also, it depends on the type of ticket he bought. Often you can buy a slightly more expensive ticket that will allow you to cancel or make changes.

 

[mkmommy]

Southwest you can put the money in a ticketless travel account and the funds sit there for a year from the purchase to be used for other flights. The funds can be used by anyone not just the person who bought the tickets.

 

[disneyfan2]

The Travel Insurance advised they should be able to reimburse for the SW credits, as he will not be travelling within the year. They expire in Aug 09. However, they need a letter from SW that the flights are cancelled and that SW will put a hold on the travel funds so that they cannot be used. But when we spoke to SW, they said they have never heard of this.
Eventually he will get the Insurance co. to reimburse the funds, but it looks like he might have to wait til Sept 09 to prove that the credits were not used for any other flights. Which for 4 people was $1300 but unfortunately, he won 't be getting the money anytime soon, as he planned to fly to Dominician instead of the Cruise, but won't get the money intime to rebook. SO looks like he won't be going anywhere now. But at least at he can try for next winter instead