Tag: Refund

  • What To Do If You Miss Your Cruise Ship And Will You Get A Refund?

    What To Do If You Miss Your Cruise Ship And Will You Get A Refund?

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    Cruise vacations are making an incredible post-pandemic recovery and are becoming more and more popular with travelers. The influx of new ships, new destinations, and new ports means more cruisers and, with that, inevitably, more mishaps. It is always important to be prepared for anything, especially when traveling, but do you know what to do if you miss your cruise ship? What are your rights, and can you get a refund?

    a larger white cruise ship waits for passengers on a long wooden pier

    Plenty of bad things can happen on a cruise vacation. Accidents and natural disasters can derail a planned sailing. Bad weather or outbreaks of sickness onboard can ruin a vacation for a whole shipload of people. While many bad scenarios are out of your control, there is one common misfortune that typically is not. Missing a cruise ship’s departure is usually avoidable, but it still happens.

    a female in a white dress with a backpack holds a hat as she raises her arms at missing her cruise ship in front of her

    Imagine standing at the dock, watching your ship sail away without you. What if you are in a foreign country, and all your belongings are slowly sailing away from you? Cruisers should always be prepared for this situation and take precautions to avoid it. They should, however, also be prepared for what to do if they do miss their ship and know if they are entitled to a refund.

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    cruise ships sit in a busy cruise port

    What To Do If You Miss Your Cruise Ship

    If you find yourself on the pier running after your ship, you know you’re not in a good situation. Unless you are coming from a shore excursion booked through the ship, it is unlikely that the ship will wait for you. If you’ve tried contacting the ship and they’ve confirmed you cannot board, there are a few things you can do.

    a group of passengers try not to miss their cruise ship by walking down the pier towards two large cruise ships

    First, locate a port agent and explain your situation. Oftentimes, the ship’s crew will have located your passport prior to your missed departure and left it with the port agent. If they do have your passport, you’ll have a few options.

    a female tourists looks at a map while standing next to a large white cruise ship

    Sometimes it is possible to make travel arrangements to meet the ship at its next destination. The cost to do this will come at the passenger’s expense. That means that any ground transportation, hotel stays, and airfare to get there are up to you. If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, they will be able to help with the logistics.

    A large white cruise ship sails through the waters next to a small boat. there are mountains and an orange sky in the distance

    One exception for passengers who miss their cruise departure while on a shore excursion booked through the ship. In that instance, the cruise line will make arrangements and pay for passengers to meet up with the ship at its next destination.

    15 March 2019 Cozumel, Mexico: Royal Caribbean “Harmony of the Seas” is moored at her Puerta Maya Cruise Ship Terminal berth as her guests come and go for excursions, shopping, and food / drink. Harmony of the Seas and her sister ship Allure of the Seas hold the record for largest crew ship in operation. Her maiden voyage was 29 May 2016. The ship is 362.12 m (1,188.1 ft) long with a beam of 66 m (217 ft) and weighs 226,963 Gross Tons. She has 18 decks, carries 6,780 passengers maximum and a crew of 2,300 at a cruise speed of 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)

    If meeting your missed ship at the next port is not an option, you’ll need to make plans to get home at your own expense. Passengers need to contact the cruise line to make arrangements to have any belongings shipped back home and will be responsible for the cost of doing so.

    An unmarked airline flies over the Caribbean

    In the event that your passport was not left with the port agent (assuming you are in a foreign country), you’ll need to locate the nearest embassy of your home country. Officials at the embassy will help you with a new passport. Again, the expense of doing this, and for your onward journey, is up to you.

    a person holds a new U.S. passport

    Will You Get A Refund?

    Missing your cruise ship is a costly mistake. While it is best to avoid doing it in the first place, you should know beforehand what you are entitled to if you do miss your ship. While a full refund is likely out of the question, policies will differ between companies. The reason for a missed departure can also make a difference.

    a woman holds her hand over her eyes as she talks on a white cell phone looking upset

    Don’t count on a refund if you missed your initial departure due to delayed or canceled flights, with one exception. If you booked your flight through the cruise line, they will work with you to get you to the ship or possibly provide you with a travel credit. Either way, contact the cruise company to see what the options are.

    Cruise ship in beautiful cove with sailboats

    If you miss your ship because of illness, you could be eligible for a future cruise credit if enough notice is given. Each cruise company has a different policy, so be sure to check this before you book.

    Passengers who miss their ship because they simply didn’t make it in time are less likely to receive compensation. Regardless of the situation, always call your cruise line and ask what the options are. They might be willing to work with you and offer some sort of compensation to ease the blow of missing out. Cruise lines will sometimes refund the cost of pre-booked activities or other onboard components that have already been paid for.

    Mahahual, Mexico - January 6, 2022: Passengers disembark from one of several cruise ships, including the Liberty of the Seas and Carnival Pride, docked on Mexico's Costa Maya.

    Tips To Avoid Missing The Boat

    The best thing to do is to avoid missing your cruise in the first place. There are many things cruisers can do to ensure this won’t happen. Here are a few top tips:

    Puerto Vallarta - Mexico: This Cruise Ship from the United States just arrived in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and many of the hundreds of visitors are coming ashore and many inquiring regarding local tours as musicians wander around the newly arrived tourist and on this March day with all the excitement in the air it is a beautiful day under the cloudy sky.
    • Book flights through the cruise line – they’ll be more likely to help you out in the event of delay or cancellation
    • Arrive at least one day early for your cruise departure
    • Set your clocks to “ship time” if you are traveling through different time zones
    • Know your scheduled “all aboard” times and get there well in advance
    • Book your on-shore excursions through the cruise company
    • Contact the ship if you are running late
    • Purchase travel insurance with trip interruption coverage. Be sure to read the fine print, as not all policies will cover a missed departure
    • Don’t overdo it on excursions. Don’t travel too far (unless you are on a ship-sponsored tour). If you plan on drinking, take extra precautions to ensure you’ll make it back to the ship on time
    a Cruise-Ship-Passenger wearing a red and black skirt looks up at a towering cruise ship

    In summary, missing your cruise ship can ruin your vacation. Plan ahead for the worst-case scenario. Always take the necessary measures to ensure you make the boat on time. If you miss your ship you likely won’t receive a refund. Regardless, it is always a good idea to ask for some sort of compensation.

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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  • This Unknown Law Requires Airlines To Refund Americans On All Canceled Flights

    This Unknown Law Requires Airlines To Refund Americans On All Canceled Flights

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    Currently, throughout the U.S. a massive number of flights are being delayed or canceled, with most airlines citing pilot shortages and bad weather as the reason.

    Not only are flight cancellations extremely difficult for passengers to deal with, as they usually happen at the very last minute, but trying to get compensated can be equally as frustrating. So how do customers get a refund and not a dreaded travel voucher? Below we’ll go into detail about what the aviation consumer protection laws say and how they’ll get money back in your pocket.

    girl waiting on cancelled flight

    The Law States Airlines Must Refund Passengers For Canceled Flights

    What most passengers aren’t aware of is all American-based airlines are required to refund the passenger in the event of a flight cancellation, no matter the reason, and regardless if a refundable-type ticket has been booked or not.

    The U.S Department of Transportation states that consumers are entitled to a full refund, not a voucher, if the airline cancels their flight and they no longer want to travel. On their aviation consumer protection page, the government posted the following policy all airlines have to abide by

    “Am I Entitled to a Refund?
    In the following situations, consumers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and/or associated fees.

    • Canceled Flight – A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline canceled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel.”
    Female Traveler Distressed At The Airport Following Cancelled Flight Or Flight Disruption

    There are other situations where a customer is entitled to a full refund, including being unwillingly downgraded to a lower class of fare and a significant change or delay.

    This means an airline must refund you if your flight has been canceled due to:

    • pilot or staffing shortages
    • bad weather
    • mechanical issues
    • security concerns
    • computer glitches
    • or any other reason

    Due to regulations in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the refund must be given even if the passenger books a non-refundable ticket.

    So let’s say for example you purchased a basic-economy, non-refundable ticket and the flight was canceled due to not having enough flight crew. If your travel plans have been so badly affected that you no longer wish to travel, and you want a refund, that’s exactly what you’re entitled to by law.

    How To Get A Refund For A Cancelled Flight

    Now you know you’re entitled to a refund, what is the best way to actually get your money back?

    Let me preface this by saying airlines aren’t going to make this a seamless ultra-smooth process. As a business, they are going to try and keep as much cash as they can and will usually start by offering vouchers instead of refunds. Many customers aren’t aware that they are even entitled to a refund in the first place, so when an airline says “Okay, sorry about the canceled flight, we’ll issue you a voucher right now”, they just unwittingly accept it.

    To start your process for a refund, the U.S. Department of Transportation states you should submit your request in writing. This could be in the form of an email, submission form on the airline’s website, or even with an online chat agent.

    Most likely, the airline will offer you a voucher as a first line of defense. Politely decline the voucher and once again state your intention to receive your refund. If an airline still declines your request, you can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation here

    Step by step, the process should look like this:

    • Start an email, message, or chat thread with your airline
    • Provide them with data like your confirmation code, flight number, etc
    • State you want a refund due to their cancellation of your flight 
    • Decline offers for vouchers or travel credits, stating you no longer wish to travel
    • Open up a formal compliant if needed

    Some airlines have been known to process refunds over the phone, but of course, you have to be ready for those excruciating hold times.

    How fast are refunds from airlines processed?

    It’s no surprise that airlines are going to take a hot minute to process your refund, which is again another reason why some succumb to an instant voucher. While the U.S. Department of Transportation states it must be processed within a ‘prompt’ timeline, the airline’s definition of prompt is anything but. If you paid with a credit card, you can expect your refund in about 7 business days. If you paid with cash, bump that up to around 20 business days.

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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