changes to cruise itinerary

Their trip is unrecognizable from what they booked, but they're still on the hook for it

Editor's note: After publication of this story, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offered the Pachecos a future cruise credit worth 25% of their cruise-only fare.

Diane and Al Pacheco spent years planning their cruise . But just days before departure, their itinerary almost completely changed.

The Scottsdale, Arizona, couple booked a Nov. 10 cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises from Istanbul to Dubai, with stops in Haifa and Ashdod in Israel, Aqaba, Jordan, Luxor, Egypt and more. “This was the trip of a lifetime,” said Diane, 69.

But in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war , Regent canceled the sailing’s Israel stops in mid-October. “It was extremely disappointing, but we understood, obviously,” Diane said. But they were notified of more extreme changes on Nov. 2, just over a week before their departure date. The 22-day cruise aboard Seven Seas Navigator now includes fewer than half of its original stops.

After contacting Regent directly and through their travel agent, Diane said the luxury line declined their request for a future cruise credit (their travel agent declined USA TODAY’s request for comment, citing client confidentiality). Regent also did not offer a refund or other compensation, leaving the couple on the hook for around $35,000. “We paid for things we don’t get to do,” she said. “That, to me, is unacceptable.”

Regent did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The contracts passengers agree to when they book a ticket allow cruise lines to change ports as needed without owing them compensation. But passengers may not always be left empty-handed. Here’s what to know.

Why do cruise lines change itineraries?

Cruise lines primarily change itineraries because of acts of nature such as storms or “diplomatic issues,” according to Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

They also heed the U.S. State Department’s travel warnings, he added. There are multiple advisories in place in and around Israel, and the State Department issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans overseas last month.

While many cruise lines altered their itineraries in the wake of the war, Pickett stressed that it’s generally not a common occurrence. “It’s very rare,” he said.

What can I do if my cruise itinerary changes?

That depends. If you learn of the changes before the final payment due date, you can generally cancel and get a refund or reschedule. But once that day has passed, passengers “are limited in their options because they're under penalty,” Pickett said.

Regent’s cancellation policy requires passengers booked on cruises 15 nights or more, like the Pachecos, to pay the entire fare if they cancel 75 days or less before their sail date.

But while cruise lines may not owe passengers money because of an itinerary change, they sometimes offer it as a goodwill gesture. They could give guests onboard credit, for instance – though Pickett said that’s more likely if the cruise is already underway when its course is altered.

Cruise lines also typically work to replace canceled ports of call and automatically refund shore excursions booked there.

In cases where ports are changed ahead of a sailing, they may offer some leniency, depending on the line and their terms and conditions. “They typically are reasonably flexible on allowing the client to rebook if it's something that's beyond everybody's control,” he said.

But other travelers have faced difficulties in recent weeks. A number of guests sailing with Oceania Cruises – also part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. – struggled to get refunds or credits , even after their cruises became nearly unrecognizable.

Pickett recommended working with a travel adviser who can advocate for clients in such situations.

Does travel insurance cover cruise itinerary changes?

Some cruise insurance plans may have inconvenience benefits, according to Meghan Walch, Director of Product at InsureMyTrip.

“This could include benefits for itinerary changes by the cruise line that occur after your departure that prevent the traveler from participating in a pre-paid event that was scheduled on the original itinerary,” she said in an email.

Trip cancellation or interruption coverage may be available on some plans, as well, and help reimburse nonrefundable trip costs in case of a delay, cancellation or interruption because of weather or another covered event. “With this being said, it is important to read the details of the policy and be aware of any coverage requirements such as what events are covered and the number of hours the delay must last,” Walch added.

Your cruise was canceled: What to do next

She noted that itinerary changes for Israel on upcoming cruises would likely not be covered, partly because it’s a “known issue.”

Faced with the prospect of losing their money, the Pachecos decided to take the cruise, but Diane said they plan to cancel another Regent sailing they have booked in May. “I'm upset because I can't believe a company would treat us this way and not do anything,” she said at the time of the interview.

Shortly after, Diane said, Regent offered them a $500 onboard credit.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

Imagine that Caribbean cruise you've been looking forward to suddenly becomes a voyage to Canada and New England instead, or that the ship you booked isn't the one on which you'll actually be sailing. It's not common, but it's possible for a cruise line to make changes to your sailing after you've booked or even after you've set sail -- which is why it's so important to be flexible when you're a passenger.

Here, I'll walk you through what happens when a cruise line alters itineraries or shuffles vessels to new locations, what you're owed if changes occur and some steps you can take to protect your booking.

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My cruise line changed my itinerary

Why it could happen

There are many reasons why a cruise itinerary might change. They include inclement weather that forces a ship to avoid dangerous conditions, medical emergencies that require your vessel to divert to the nearest port of call, port closures, ship mechanical issues, scheduling conflicts and a host of other causes.

What to expect if it does

Because itinerary changes often involve time, money and a big logistical and customer service nightmare, cruise lines will do all they can to avoid making alterations on a whim. If major tweaks are necessary due to foreseen events, they're usually made well in advance, allowing passengers to change their plans if they wish.

In those cases, passengers can expect to receive notice through their travel agents or via correspondence (likely email) from the cruise line.

In cases where last-minute changes are necessary, passengers will either be notified through one of the methods mentioned above or through public address announcements or in-cabin letters if the sailing is already underway.

Itinerary changes can range from minor to sweeping. If it's the former, you might see the ports from your original itinerary show up in a different order. You could also see one port skipped and replaced with another or with a sea day.

In the most extreme cases — particularly those involving tropical storms during hurricane season — I've seen entire regions scrapped and replaced with something else. An example is when a Canada and New England voyage replaces one that had been scheduled to visit the Caribbean.

What am I owed?

Per the terms of the cruise contract to which you consent before sailing, cruise lines do not owe you compensation if they alter your itinerary. If changes are made, you will be refunded for any shore excursions you booked through the cruise line that were to take place in the ports you're skipping. (Check with your tour provider directly if you've booked a third-party excursion.)

In most cases, you will also be refunded for the taxes and fees levied by the missed ports. However, if alternative ports are substituted, you might not get your money back.

Cruise lines sometimes offer compensation as a goodwill gesture, but you shouldn't expect it. I've seen it range from a small amount of onboard credit or partial future cruise credits to full refunds and, in extreme cases, full refunds plus free future cruises.

If the itinerary change is major and announced prior to your sailing, a cruise line might give booked passengers the opportunity to cancel or reschedule their cruise without incurring the usual penalties.

My cruise line changed my ship

As with itinerary changes, ship changes can be made for a number of reasons. However, they're most common when a cruise line releases new deployments for its vessels, causing several of them to shift to new home ports or regions.

The swapping of a ship can also be necessary at times when a vessel is scheduled to go in for routine dry-dock maintenance or if it experiences major mechanical malfunctions that prevent it from sailing safely or at a speed that allows it to complete its scheduled itineraries with regularity.

Cruise lines don't take the switching of hardware lightly and will avoid it whenever possible. Because the reasons for ship changes are generally more widespread, sometimes causing a ripple throughout the entire fleet, they're more rare than itinerary changes.

Because dry-docks and redeployments are almost always planned events, passengers usually receive plenty of notice. If this happens to you, you should be notified by your travel agent or the cruise line.

Vessel changes will almost never take place after a cruise has begun unless there are major mechanical problems or some sort of evacuation is needed.

Although some cruise lines might owe you compensation if a ship swap takes place due to a mechanical breakdown where the line is found to be at fault, it's unlikely that you'll be compensated for a vessel change prior to your scheduled voyage.

Again, cruise lines might choose to compensate passengers in a number of ways, ranging from onboard credit to free cruises, but it shouldn't be an expectation.

The chance of your receiving something for your troubles is dependent on several factors, including how far in advance the changes were made, the reasons they were made and the ship to which your booking is being moved. (If, for example, you were booked on the line's newest vessel, and suddenly you find yourself on its oldest, the line is more likely to offer you something to offset the lack of onboard amenities for which you originally paid.)

How can I protect my booking?

Stay informed

For starters, it's a good idea to book your sailing through a travel agent , who will serve as a point of contact between you and the cruise line if something goes wrong during your trip. The agent can advocate on your behalf so you don't have to deal with the headache yourself, and will be able to relay information from the cruise line to you if alterations are made to your ship or the places you'll visit.

The best way to know what your options are when you book any cruise is to read the fine print. It's available in your cruise contract, which you can access during the pre-cruise online check-in process. It's tedious, but the contract outlines what your rights are and the conditions under which you are owed a refund by your cruise line in the event of changes to the voyage you booked.

Another excellent source of information is your cruise line's cancellation policy. The rules for what happens when a cruise line cancels a sailing are often different from those that apply if you, the passenger, opt to cancel . Familiarizing yourself with both of these will help you to better understand your options and entitlements.

Consider travel insurance

Travel insurance is another way to protect your vacation investment. I recommend a policy that's purchased from a third party (not the cruise line) and includes "cancel for any reason," trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage.

If your cruise line changes something about your sailing and you no longer wish to go, a "cancel for any reason" travel insurance policy can help you to recoup any costs that can't be fully refunded by your cruise line when you cancel. A regular insurance policy would not cover costs for a trip you choose to cancel because you don't like the ship or itinerary changes.

However, most insurance plans can help you to be reimbursed for all or part of what you paid if changes to your sailing result in delays.

Note that you will also have to insure other travel arrangements linked to the trip, such as pre- or post-cruise flights and hotel stays, if you want them to be covered.

Bottom line

The best approach to take with any cruise is to know that, although it's unlikely, anything can change at any time, and you generally won't be compensated.

If you have your heart set on visiting a particular place, it's best to plan a land-based trip to that location. Also make sure that you understand the cancellation policies and fine print for the cruise you're booking, as well as those for any third-party excursions you're booking, in case your sailing is altered.

Above all, try to make the most of your sailing, whether it's the one you expected or something a bit different. Remember: You're still on a cruise.

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Cruise Itinerary Changes & Alerts

Hurricane alerts.

Please select the link below for the cruise line you have booked to view their most current information on revised itineraries as well as other important information regarding your cruise. All cruise lines have begun the process of notifying guests and travel partners of guests’ new itineraries in sailing date order. We thank you for your patience as the cruise lines complete this process.

We anticipate that you may experience extended hold times when contacting customer service, due to the unforeseen and immediate nature of these changes. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

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Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises does not currently have any ships in the affected area. They are monitoring the storm to see if any future itinerary changes may need to be made and will advise accordingly.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GUESTS ON ALL SHIPS AND SAIL DATES WITH PORT CALLS IN CUBA

On June 4, 2019 the United States government announced new and immediate travel restrictions to Cuba. As a result, cruise ships are no longer permitted to call at any port in Cuba. Cruise lines are modifying all itineraries which included previously scheduled Cuba port calls. Regardless of your sail date or ship, all stops in Cuba are being removed from the impacted cruise itineraries.

Please select the link below for the cruise line you have booked to view their most current information on revised itineraries as well as other important information for your cruise holiday. All cruise lines have begun the process of notifying guests and travel partners of guests’ new itineraries in sailing date order. We thank you for your patience as the cruise lines complete this process.

Important: The following cruise lines are in the process of updating their itineraries and policies.

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Can Royal Caribbean change a cruise itinerary or Port of Call?

In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason whatsoever, Royal Caribbean® may, at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing or port of call and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another ship or port of call and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to guests by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, deviation or substitution. Royal Caribbean® shall not be responsible for any failure to adhere to the arrival and departure times published in this brochure for any of its ports of call.

While every effort will be made to adhere to the specifics shown herein for a cruise, circumstances may necessitate changes or deviations therefrom. All schedules, itinerary destinations, hours of arrival and departure, hotel and/or conveyances and other aspects of Cruisetour programs are subject to change without prior notice. Neither Royal Caribbean® nor any affiliated party shall be required to refund any portion of fare or other charges or make any compensation under these circumstances.

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A Travel Agent Tells Us How To Handle Last-Minute Cruise Itinerary Changes

E mbarking on a cruise is exciting, but travel uncertainties can lead to unexpected changes in plans. Bad weather, like sudden storms, can force ships to change course quickly for passenger safety. Medical emergencies may lead to a detour to the nearest port. Unanticipated port closures might result in skipping a stop and choosing an alternative destination. Scheduling conflicts might arise, pushing cruise lines to adjust itineraries for logistical reasons. Mechanical problems with the ship could also prompt itinerary changes for swift resolution. Understanding these potential reasons for changes is vital for travelers. These last-minute changes in your cruise itinerary can leave you in a sea of uncertainty.

Fortunately, Lynn Farrell, president of the Foremost Travel Group, which includes Windy City Travel , Oswego Travel , and Traveloni , spoke exclusively to Explore to provide expert advice on navigating last-minute cruise itinerary changes. Her invaluable insights can help you handle unexpected modifications and turn them into a painless part of your travel experience.

Read more: 10 Reasons Why A Hotel Might Kick You Out

A Travel Advisor Is Your Best Ally In Cruise Itinerary Changes

When faced with sudden cruise itinerary changes, don't panic. Instead, reach out to your travel agent or advisor. Farrell emphasized the importance of having a reliable point of contact between you and the cruise line. "If you have ever tried to call the cruise line, be prepared to sit on hold!" she exclusively told Explore. Booking your cruise through a travel advisor allows them to serve as your advocate. They have established connections with cruise lines, making them effective mediators in navigating changes before or during your trip. "We have relationships with the cruise line, and relationships matter," Farrell said.

When faced with a modified cruise itinerary, one of the burning questions is whether you can rebook without penalties. According to Farrell, cruise line terms and conditions typically state that they do not owe compensation for alterations to the itinerary or ship at any time before or during sailing, as itinerary changes can occur for many unpredictable reasons. She advised that if a specific destination is a priority, opting for a land vacation might be a more secure choice.

Additionally, passengers often wonder about the timing of itinerary changes. Farrell stressed the need for awareness, noting that changes can happen at any time before the cruise departs or even during the voyage. Being mentally prepared for potential alterations can help ease the impact on your travel plans.

Excursion Changes And Insurance Tips

Another critical aspect of last-minute cruise itinerary changes is how they affect planned cruise shore excursions . "You will be refunded for any shore excursions you booked through the cruise line and that were supposed to take place in the ports you are missing," Farrell exclusively reassured us. She also highlighted the possibility of a tax refund if you paid taxes for the affected port stop.

When it comes to protection against unforeseen changes, travel or cruise insurance becomes a crucial consideration. Farrell recommended opting for third-party insurance that offers "cancel for any reason" coverage rather than cruise line insurance. "A cruise line insurance will not cover the cost for your trip if you choose not to travel because you don't like the changes to an itinerary," she stressed.

If you're dealing with unexpected changes to your cruise itinerary, Lynn Farrell's expert advice can help you turn any problems into new and exciting adventures. Remember to follow these guidelines, and you'll have a great time on your cruise.

Read the original article on Explore .

What Should You Do if a Cruise Itinerary Changes?

By Eric Jordan

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Q: In January 2014, my wife and I booked a Princess cruise to Australia, scheduled to sail June 22 to July 8. The itinerary included ports in Bali Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. On June 11, I received an email from Princess with an itinerary change. The ship had experienced technical difficulties and couldn’t operate at full speed. Bali was replaced with Alotau, New Guinea and we would miss the Great Barrier Reef. Princess offered each guest a goodwill credit of $100 AUD applied to their on-board account.

After much discussion, my wife and i decided to cancel. we did not want to travel halfway around the world and settle for such a significant itinerary change. it was meant to be the trip of a lifetime to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. because we paid for insurance, princess credited us the cost of the cruise, but we must use it by december 2015. we also lost more than $700 in non-refundable airfare. we corresponded with customer relations, but it was unwilling to adjust the offer. can you help us resolve this —thomas m., oak ridge, nj.

We have received many similar letters over the years. In most cases, there is little we can do since the policy is clear and consistent. The most irksome detail here is that Thomas was notified by Princess one day after he and his wife could have cancelled for a full refund. Still, no matter how you may view that $100 AUD credit, Princess more than met its obligation. Like all cruise lines, it can change its itinerary at any time for any reason. What follows is a brief excerpt from the “Right to Deviate…” section of the Passage Contract :

“Carrier may, for any reason, without prior notice…deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or cancel or modify any activity on or off the ship…

“You shall have no claim against Carrier, and Carrier shall not be liable for damages or a refund of the Cruise fare, any portion thereof, or other refund, payment, compensation or credit of any kind; nor for hotel or meal charges, travel expenses or other loss, delay, inconvenience, disappointment or expense whatsoever…”

Feel free to click on the link above if you want to read the full contract. While not meant to be a scintillating text, it is potentially enlightening. It can be beneficial, after all, to know the policies before you purchase your ticket. Knowing those policies may also cause you to purchase the protection program offered by your cruise line, since it is often your last line of defense if things go awry – see if it has one that allows you to cancel for any reason. And sticking with the theme, read the terms and conditions, because not all protection is created equal.

As far as cruise destinations, here’s the thing to remember: unless the only way to get there is by cruise ship, don’t book a cruise if your main purpose is to visit a specific port of call. Instead, book a location-specific trip and plan events and activities to suit your wants. This isn’t to say you can’t have a fantastic time on a cruise and enjoy great shore excursions, but those excursions might take place in a different city, or even country, than the one you anticipated. As long as you’re willing to swim with the tide, bon voyage.

Have a travel question you want answered? Email [email protected] , or tweet us @CNTraveler #dearombudsman.

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Technical Issue Onboard Norwegian’s Pride of America Leads to Itinerary Change

• April 19, 2024

The current sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is seeing significant changes due to what the cruise line called a technical issue.

“Ensuring the safety of both our guests and crew remains our top priority,” Norwegian said in a statement sent to guests onboard.

“Despite our best efforts to maintain our original itinerary, unfortunately, on April 16, 2024, a technical issue impacted our departure from Hilo, Hawaii, leading to the cancellation of our scheduled visits to Kona, on April 17, 2024, and Nawiliwili, Kaua’i, on April 18, 2024,” the company continued.

“Our dedicated team, in collaboration with local experts, worked diligently to resolve the issue and provide updated information as soon as it became available. We sincerely apologize for any confusion caused by this fluid situation and are pleased to confirm that the issue has now been resolved,” Norwegian Cruise Line added.

AIS data shows that the Pride of America finally left the port of Hilo on Thursday morning, after three days docked.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, before ending the current cruise in Honolulu on April 20, 2024, the 2005-built vessel is set to make a shortened visit to Nawiliwili.

“We are eager to resume our journey around the Big Island, committed to making the remainder of your time with us as relaxing and enjoyable as possible,” the company said.

Due to multiple modifications and as a genuine acknowledgement of the inconvenience caused, Norwegian added, passengers will receive a $200 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom, in addition to a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

The FCC will be equivalent to 20 percent of the paid fare for the current cruise and can be used towards any of Norwegian’s published itineraries scheduled through December 31, 2025.

Pre-purchased excursions for the cancelled ports of call are also being fully refunded, Norwegian Cruise Line added.

“We sincerely hope that, despite the points raised, you have found enjoyment during your time onboard with us, and that Norwegian Cruise Line continues to be your preferred cruise line for your next vacation,” the company concluded.

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Cruise Itinerary changes

By hobgoblin , April 16 in Ask a Cruise Question

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Just wondered how you stand when your cruise choice was based on certain locations and if you are likely to be able to change cruises if these ports are then removed?

I have a cruise with HAL  stopping in Alexandria and Istanbul in September and its a 14 day cruise so these stops were the main reason for going .

Given troubles in eastern Mediterranean Im wondering if we will still be going !

Has anyone any experience with this type of scenario?

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Unfortunately, it sucks, but per the cruise contract they are allowed to change the ports. I've always said, if there is a destination you have your heart set on, book a land tour there.

leaveitallbehind

Unfortunately port cancelations are a fact of the cruising world and are often caused by circumstances out of control of the cruise lines when those decisions are made.  Even with developing situations as they unfold in different parts of the world it is very difficult to predict far in advance what would result that may cause a cancelation.  They would be using the same crystal ball in their determination as you would. 

If you feel uncertain and it is still prior to final payment and you can cancel with limited or no penalty, that would be your option to exercise.  But the cruise line will likely hold out on any decision to cancel ports of call (or itineraries) until the last possible moment as that decision is far more reaching in complexity and consequences than an individual decision to cancel.  Unfortunately it sometimes comes down to a roll of the dice.

1 hour ago, 1025cruise said: Unfortunately, it sucks, but per the cruise contract they are allowed to change the ports. I've always said, if there is a destination you have your heart set on, book a land tour there.

Not entirely true - I understand that under US contracts the cruise line has a free hand to change itineraries at will, but the OP is in Scotland, and presuming that he booked from the UK or in the EU the contract is subject to much stronger consumer protection laws. 

If a cruise line chooses - of its own free will or for reasons within its control - to make significant changes to the itinerary or any other major changes it is in breach of UK and EU (and I think Aus.) contracts, and would have to refund, recompense, cover costs etc.

I had reason to challenge a missed port of call due to a mechanical issue which meant that shortly after leaving a port the ship had to turn back because of a faulty generator and we spent the next day in that port waiting for a spare part to be flown out. The cruise line gave meagre comp. Maintenance is within a cruise line's control, and I felt it worth significantly more. It never reached a Court of Law because the cruise line buckled under the threat of court action. 

Check your contract with the cruise line - if you can find the equiv. US contract you'll see the differences. 

Things like the weather, industrial action, or civil unrest aren't within the cruise line's control, but there are no troubles in Mediterranean Egypt, or in Istanbul or areas like Antalya where cruise ships visit, and no governments (US or UK or EU or most others) currently advise against travel to those places - but of course if that changes for the worse it becomes something beyond the control of the cruise line.

I do agree with @1025cruise  that it's risky to rely on making a particular port because there are so many reasons why a ship can fail to make that port.

BTW Istanbul is worth waaaaay more than a one day port of call.

And not that difficult or expensive to fly there for a few days

MBP&O2/O

John Bull. I agree with you. Is it under the Package Holiday Regs or similar? They must have a valid excuse ... sorry a valid reason ..  to make " a significant change. If they don't then you can claim a refund.

Minefield area 🙂

I sympathise with the OP ... we have one booked for November and it was booked purely on the itinerary. If they mess about with it I will be seriously dischuffed!

Yes ,might be seriously dischuffed  but will wait and see and hope it all turns out good!

Thanks folks for your input .

We live in Florida and take a fair amount of Caribbean cruises.  We have had some itinerary changes but we trust the judgement of the cruise line and its captains.  You always go home with a story of your adventure.  Not everything is under our control.

Toofarfromthesea

I think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary.  Things happen at sea.

1 hour ago, Toofarfromthesea said: I think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary.  Things happen at sea.

I guess everyone who travels is foolish because things can happen with any kind of travel.   

I understand that the ship and cruise line play an important part in this decision, but what other than where the ship is going would one normally consider?  Choosing a cruise based on one or maybe two ports of call in an itinerary can lead to disappointment, but IMO the overall itinerary is certainly a primary reason to choose a given cruise.

Trouble in the Eastern Med?

20 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said: I understand that the ship and cruise line play an important part in this decision, but what other than where the ship is going would one normally consider?  Choosing a cruise based on one or maybe two ports of call in an itinerary can lead to disappointment, but IMO the overall itinerary is certainly a primary reason to choose a given cruise.

I'm talking about people who book a cruise based on a particular 'can't miss' port or two.  Of course the overall itinerary matters.  You're going to be on a ship, in a particular part of the world.  But the details of particular ports may change.

20 hours ago, ldubs said:   I guess everyone who travels is foolish because things can happen with any kind of travel.   

They chances of missing a port on a sea voyage are much different than the chances of missing a city on a land tour.  

7 minutes ago, Toofarfromthesea said:   I'm talking about people who book a cruise based on a particular 'can't miss' port or two.  Of course the overall itinerary matters.  You're going to be on a ship, in a particular part of the world.  But the details of particular ports may change.

Perhaps you missed that I indicated just that in my response:

"Choosing a cruise based on one or maybe two ports of call in an itinerary can lead to disappointment"

Your statement of " I think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary"  didn't indicate that, which I why I responded as I did.

I agree completely with your most recent comments.

2 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:   They chances of missing a port on a sea voyage are much different than the chances of missing a city on a land tour.  

Many of us, if not most, book based on itinerary.  I am glad to see you clarified the intent of your comment in a later post. Still, one might argue the risk will vary greatly depending on the port, time of year, and part of the world.  

9 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said: Perhaps you missed that I indicated just that in my response: "Choosing a cruise based on one or maybe two ports of call in an itinerary can lead to disappointment"   Your statement of " I think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary"  didn't indicate that, which I why I responded as I did.   I agree completely with your most recent comments.

I still think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary in the broader sense.  Nobody books purely on itinerary - cruiseline, ship, amenities, cost, length of cruise, time of year, etc. also play a huge part.

12 hours ago, ldubs said: Many of us, if not most, book based on itinerary.  I am glad to see you clarified the intent of your comment in a later post. Still, one might argue the risk will vary greatly depending on the port, time of year, and part of the world.  

Yep - itinerary is top of the list for us too.

But a lot - especially those on short cruises such as the Caribbean from the US - book a  "resort ship" & won't even get off the ship at many ports, and they're the target market of the over-sized leviathans with all the whistles & bells of a resort hotel.

Each to their own.

5 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said: I still think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary in the broader sense.  Nobody books purely on itinerary - cruiseline, ship, amenities, cost, length of cruise, time of year, etc. also play a huge part.

We cruise for the destinations, and whilst other factors play a part only the depth of our pockets has a significant influence on our choices.

Our best cruise ever was 28 days in SE Asia on a very very old & tired ship with little entertainment, a pool about 15ft x 12 ft, no casino, no speciality dining, no TV other than a rolling movie DVD each day, no balcony cabins.

No en-suite - just a bucket in the corner. No beds - just hammocks. *

Yes, the risk of a ship not making every port. But the few that we've missed have been mainly in the Caribbean and weather-related.

* Please be aware that I have a tendency to exaggerate. 

9 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:   I still think it is foolish to book a cruise purely on itinerary in the broader sense.  Nobody books purely on itinerary - cruiseline, ship, amenities, cost, length of cruise, time of year, etc. also play a huge part.

Not arguing your point and I don't disagree that all of the above factors are important and come into play when choosing a cruise. It's a holistic decision that would consider everything mentioned. But where the ship goes and with what you hope to experience in those ports of call on that given itinerary is IMO a primary driving factor in that decision.

I would guess that most cruisers think first of where they want to go and then consider all of the other factors you mention in deciding how to best get there to fit their cruising preferences and expectations. And as previously said, if only one or two key ports of call drive that itinerary choice, then they certainly could have a disappointing outcome.  JMO.

navybankerteacher

9 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:   … Nobody books purely on itinerary -…

A lot of people book “purely on itinerary”.   Folks who book transAtlantic repositionings, or QM2 straight shots between New York and Southampton, do it.  Their purpose is to get across the Atlantic by means other than flying - and the itinerary is what does it for them.

Surely they dont choose JUST on itinerary?

I wouldnt book a trip in my dream location then stay in a budget hovel.

So I wouldnt book a cruise on my dream itinerary if the ship doing it was an MSC or P&O and I could only get a room with no balcony or window.

I am on holiday, I want as much luxury as possible. Surely everyone is like that?

2 hours ago, DarrenM said: Surely they dont choose JUST on itinerary?   I wouldnt book a trip in my dream location then stay in a budget hovel.   So I wouldnt book a cruise on my dream itinerary if the ship doing it was an MSC or P&O and I could only get a room with no balcony or window.   I am on holiday, I want as much luxury as possible. Surely everyone is like that?

Yup, that is why all those cabins with no windows or balconies are always vacant.    🙂

The ship comes into play for me because I enjoy the shipboard experience.  No matter which cabin it is a pretty luxurious experience.  

I don't stay in hovels and I don't stay in luxury hotels.  Somewhere in between and then there will be much happiness.  

17 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said: Nobody books purely on itinerary - cruiseline,

I do..IIRC 100% of the time.

8 hours ago, DarrenM said: I am on holiday, I want as much luxury as possible. Surely everyone is like that?

Nope. But I've done land trips in Turkey, Israel, SE Asia and lots of S. America.

Oh, wait, here's a pic of my husband in his bunk on our Norwegian coastal cruise. And we were booked on it again, except for covid.

Honolulu Blue

19 hours ago, DarrenM said: I am on holiday, I want as much luxury as possible. Surely everyone is like that?

Not me.  Comfort is more important to me than luxury.  Most luxurious touches are wasted on me, and this is true on a cruise as on any other vacation - or indeed real life.

To each his own.

11 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said: Not me.  Comfort is more important to me than luxury.  Most luxurious touches are wasted on me, and this is true on a cruise as on any other vacation - or indeed real life.   To each his own.

I suppose we have different definitions of luxury.

I have a balcony cabin on Celebrity. Thats luxury to me.

Being in a suite with a strange man (Butler) entering the room frequently isnt. Thst just creepy to me. Our room is our own private kingdom, and our balcony is our luxury. I dont need someone to dress me. or make my coffee. I am not bone idle.

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Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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