Cruise Clauses

Have you really read your cruise contract? A comment made me think... Acts of nature (ie weather or a hurricane) does not mean the cruise line have to give you a refund if something has been changed/delayed/missed...

I found this old article (2010) http://www.nbcnews.com/id/38792765/ns/travel-cruise_travel/t/clauses-beware-your-cruise-contract/#.V_vg0PkrLcs

which was interesting.

I found RCI's cruise contract and here is just a blurb: Except as provided in Section 6(e) below, Carrier shall not be liable for any claim whatsoever by Passenger, including but not limited to loss, compensation or refund, by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.

e. In the event that a Cruise (or the cruise component of a CruiseTour) is canceled or terminated early due to mechanical failures: i) Passenger shall have a right to a full refund of the Cruise Fare if the Cruise is canceled in full, or a partial refund if the cruise is terminated early; ii) Carrier may cover or reimburse Passenger for additional costs (e.g. airline change fees) as deemed appropriate by the Carrier. iii) If the passenger has travelled to the Vessel Passenger shall have a right to transportation (by means selected by the Carrier to the Vessel’s scheduled port of disembarkation or the Passenger’s home city; and iv) Passenger shall have a right to lodging (selected by the Cruise Line) if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required due to the Cruise or cruise component of a CruiseTour being cancelled or terminated early because of such mechanical failures.

Would be a good "light" read if someone has never read through them.

Tags: Cruise contracts clauses cancellations

14 Answers

Yes Virginia there really is a sanity clause

I read the contracts almost every time. We buy insurance 90 percent of the time.

Groucho: ."....... that's in every contract. That's what they call a sanity clause "

Chico: " hey you can't fool me, there ain't no sanity clause "

That or wanting prior notification. If they can, they will, but many times, it may be a last minute call, or a call that someone above the cruise lines make.

You can't please everyone... So get insurance Wink

I think the cruise lines have been very generous in dealing with weather and other situations. I read about people complaining about wanting more when the cruise lines aren't obligated to do anything in the first place.

Very true for both! If something major happens that impact the masses, I would think, and hope, and for the most part, have seen the lines take care of their passengers for good customer service, but ALWAYS read the contract and insurance contracts.

You should read your cruise insurance contract. Especially the parts involving the weather.

That says what they are obligated or not obligated to do or provide. However in many cases the cruise lines do go beyond what they have to in order to make their passengers happy. I think the cruise lines do pretty well and in general treat their passengers well. Unfortunately not everyone sees it that way.

Lucky!

Hubby is an attorney. He lives to read the fine print of any contract. LOL

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