Travel Tip: Updated Cruise Credit Rules

May 30, 2022

Are you holding “Future Cruise Credits” due to covid-related cancellations? We know we are working with many families to use up these credits. You will be interested to know that the Federal Maritime Commission, the agency that regulates passenger sea travel, has issued new consumer protection rules that went into effect in April for any cruise booking in the future. Any cruise line canceling or delaying a trip by three or more days is placed in the “non-performance” category. You are then entitled to a full refund of all money, including any ancillary fees including port fees and taxes paid, but excluding such items as airfare, hotel accommodations, and tour excursions. In addition, cruise lines are required to make refund policies prominent and clearly displayed on their websites. The deadline permitted for requesting a refund may not be less than six months after the scheduled voyage was to occur.