Is there a penalty for changing cruise dates after final payment?

Question

We don't have trip insurance and may have to due to emergency surgery. Would we be penalized if we had to change dates of our cruise?

Answer 1

yes, especially if the cruise dates you change to are higher in price than the orginial cruise you have paid for.

Answer 2

Most likely, yes, you will. Cruise lines, in general, do not allow date changes. They consider it a cancelation and new booking. In general, the penalty phase starts at final payment, and the percentage of the penalty (to the cruise fare paid) increases as the date of the cruise gets closer. Since you mention an emergency surgery, I'm assuming your cruise should be pretty close, so the penalty is likely 100%.

Ask your travel agent if there's anything that can be done to salvage at least part of it. Good agents have established relationships with the cruise lines and MAY be able to do something for you. I was able to get a 75% credit for a honeymoon couple who had to cancel because the groom's mother passed away right after the wedding.

This is why I always insist on travel protection.