cruise itinary will change due to hurricane damage

angie_tj

HI all, we've booked a cruise for next March unfortunately most of the islands have bene badly hit by hurricane and have another on the way St Martin and Puerto Rico (we not sure about Labadee yet). We understand they will change ports of call itinerary before the departure. If we are not happy with the changes can we refuse and have a refund?
We have holiday insurance and have already booked and paid for flights

thanks
Angie TJ

FBaby

Really? For a cruise next March? You mention Labadee so I am guessing you are going with RCI? If so, they only cancelled a few trips when Irma hit, and the rest just went to different destinations or just shortened the journey. I haven't seen any report of change of destinations in the near future, let alone next March.

Changes to ports can happen at any time for many different reason, some not related to the weather, it could be because someone has been taken ill. That the risk that comes with it. RCI are unlikely to give any refunds. You need to look at your insurance. Did you take Cruise cover specifically?

angie_tj

thanks FBaby - no specific cruise insurance - take it we'll be stuck with what they give us then?
We booked as the cruise is mainly same sex couples - not all Caribbean islands are tolerant to same sex couples. Guess we'll be 'sisters' when we go off ship x

theonlywayisup

Who did you book through and have you read their T&C on changes/amendments?

A lot of the islands are not pro same sex couples so I understand your concern. You need to read up on what you booked specifically.

baza52

did a carribean cruise last year and loved it. You will spend most of your time on the ship and will only be ashore for a few hours in each port.
Just enjoy your holiday and your time as a couple on the ship.

Westin

One of the gestures to support those poor people on many of those recently hit islands would be to continue to visit and get off the ship in port and spend a little money in the various shops, restaurants, bars and at attractions. Their economies are so dependant on tourism they will suffer more if their livelihoods are impacted more if tourist arrivals drop.

FBaby

That's a very good point Westin. That's what we'll do.

Angie, did you actually receive any notification of a possible change because honestly, I can't imagine that they would plan any changes at this time for a trip in March, that's a long way away and their priority will be to resume normality asap.

travellerboy

All cruise lines have the right to amend their itinerary for the safety of their passengers and crew, you agreed to this when you booked your cruise. You should have read the small print also you will also have no joy with your Insurance company either.
It's definitely too early with six months to go, have faith and go with the flow.
Check out Caribbean island status - https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2017/09/21/your-caribbean-cruise-destination-still-open-port-by-port-look-after-irma-maria/685467001/