Your cruise is booked and you have started planning your port day excursions and onboard activities. Then, you are notified that there will be changes to your cruise itinerary. Wait…What?
I can’t think of another vacation that could involve going to someplace different from where you planned. Airlines cancel or have to re-route planes regularly. But, if you are planning on vacationing in San Diego for the week, the airline doesn’t fly you to Scottsdale and say, stay here instead.
So, why is that the case with cruising?
It’s actually in the contract
Did you know that you actually sign a contract prior to your cruise? Among other things, cruise documents state that the cruise line reserves the right to change itineraries at their discretion. Many times these changes take place at the last minute due to weather. Other times, they happen following ship reassignment, port availability or issues with a particular ship but we will get into that in a minute.
If this occurrence is clearly documented, why do so many people complain when there is an itinerary change? (screaming GIF on Facebook anyone?) Is it because that out of thousands of sailings, it’s a rare occurrence? Is it just natural for people to feel that it’s “unfair” that it’s happening to them? Maybe because there really isn’t another vacation option that could throw you a change of itinerary at the last minute.
As those in my cruise Facebook Group know, we were booked on a cruise this summer that was set to sail to Havana, Cuba. Well, oops…now we are NOT going to Cuba. So, it got me thinking.
What else can cause changes to your cruise itinerary
Here are 5 common reasons for changes to your cruise itinerary.
1. Mother Nature – When Weather changes your cruise itinerary.
Weather is one of the most common reasons you may see changes to your cruise. When weather impacts your cruise itinerary it’s typically a last minute change. Storms roll in and the captain and weather team will do their best to make your cruise as comfortable as possible. This requires a change in course and therefore a change in itinerary for you.
Even in cases of strong storms or even hurricanes, rarely does weather cause a cruise to cancel. They will do everything in their power to avoid the storm, but the cruise line will also do everything in its power to maintain the sailing. $$$
I remember sailing in July of 2017. Just weeks after returning home a hurricane popped up. Remember the big 3 of 2017? It was the most costly hurricane season on record to date- Harvey, Maria, and Irma. We are kind of weather nerds in our family so I was following the cruise line websites for updates on changes or cancellations.
The port of Galveston was actually closed, but Carnival cruise line still had not canceled their next sailing. It struck me as odd that people would apparently still need to travel to Galveston on the off chance that the port would suddenly be re-opened. Can you imagine the phone line into Carnival that week…and those poor travel agents?
To read more about the Caribbean after Hurricane Maria, check out my Dominica, St. Maarten and San Juan posts.
2. Changes to the ship’s condition or performance
Although it seems quite rare, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships have had their share of engine related issues that limit the speed and therefore the distance the ship can travel. This led to several itinerary changes for both the Allure and the Oasis.
Carnival Cruise line recently canceled several sailings and adjusted others due to speed/propulsion issues. But, we will save cancellation details for another post.
3. Travel warnings and political unrest can also bring changes to your cruise itinerary
If the cruise line feels that it is unsafe to dock in a particular region or that it may be unsafe for their passengers, they may skip or replace a port of call. This type of change to your itinerary is usually determined prior to your sailing and you will be notified of the change. In recent years, Turkey has been a country in the Meditteranean which has hopped on and then off again of several cruise itineraries. (But, if you can make it there I hear it’s wonderful!)
Yes, cruise lines are in the business of making money. But, trust me, they would not want to take passengers somewhere where they could be in imminent danger.
Travel warnings can also be government mandated such as U.S. Citizens traveling to Cuba. We were scheduled to sail to Cuba this month but with the recent travel ban 2 out of our 3 ports were altered. At the time of booking, our itinerary was Key West, Havana, and Grand Cayman. We are now scheduled to go to Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. – Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Facebook.
While we are very bummed about missing our chance to sail to Cuba, our mindset is…it’s still a cruise and we will make the best of it! There are many that took to social media to blast their anger but to what end? Don’t we have enough angry posts in the world? (Sorry, I’m hearing John Lennon in my head right now)
4. Port Congestion – All the logistics
Think about the Cuba example. All of the ships that were scheduled to dock in Havana on a given day, now need to be relocated to another port of call. Well, all of the other ports of call, already have ships scheduled. This is when cruise ship logistics become a little like air traffic control. Cruise lines must communicate with each other, various port authorities and more to make sure that there is a spot for everyone.
This can lead to further changes including adjusting port visit times or even a change to another location. It may lead to having to tender to a port when previously your ship had a dock position. I am so glad that I’m a travel writer and don’t have THAT job!
5. A disagreement in financial terms between the cruise line and port
Although it seems very rare, occasionally an issue between the cruising industry and a particular port country cannot agree on fair terms. The country feels like they are not making enough money from the cruise industry for allowing them to bring their passengers in. The cruise line may feel that the country or relevant tourism board isn’t doing enough in their offerings for their passengers. It can be a struggle over the almighty dollar. Thankfully this is not a common occurrence and is usually addressed well in advance.
So, with just these 5 reasons for possible changes to your cruise itinerary, why would anyone choose to cruise? Why? Because it’s fantastic! I feel like you either love it or it’s not for you. There is a small percentage of people who think, “Yeah..that wasn’t bad. I may or may not want to do that again”.
In my experience, people either are hooked from their first cruise and can’t wait to go again…or they determine that a land-based vacation suits them better.
What about you? 
Worrier’s Guide:
- If you are booking a cruise with a DREAM destination – make sure you get “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. Keep in mind that 99% of the time, your itinerary will be as you have planned, but if you will be devastated if a particular port is removed, you may want to book a land-based vacation to that destination.
- With the exception of weather changes, you will typically be notified of an itinerary change prior to your departure.
- If it’s a significant change (Cuba) typically you will be given the option to cancel with a full refund or compensated in another manner. At the end of the day, you’ll make the right decision for you. But, either way, don’t take it personally. The situation is beyond anyone’s control and it isn’t meant to anger you.
- Go with the flow! I know…it’s so hard for us worrier’s to do. But, keep in mind that you are on vacation. A vacation that many people only dream of or save years for so appreciate every minute of it – even if there is a change of plan. 🙂
Have you had changes to your cruise itinerary? Share in the comment section below.
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Happy Travels!
Jillian
