If you’re planning a cruise, then you’re likely considering various excursions to take part in when the ship docks at each port of call. These excursions can range from island tours to snorkeling adventures, and many come with a hefty price tag.
But what happens if you book an excursion and then find out that you can’t go Are cruise excursions refundable Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Cruise Excursion Policies
Before booking any excursion, it’s important to understand the policies around cancellations and refunds. Most cruise lines have strict cancellation policies in place, and this extends to excursions as well.
When booking an excursion through the cruise line, you’ll typically be required to pay in full at the time of booking. This means that if you cancel the excursion after paying for it, you may not be entitled to a full refund.
Cruise Line Excursion Cancellation Policies
The cancellation policies for cruise line excursions vary by company, but most have similar guidelines in place:
- If you cancel more than 24 hours before the excursion: You will usually receive a full refund
- If you cancel within 24 hours of the excursion: You may not receive any refund at all
- If the cruise ship misses the port of call: You will usually receive a full refund
- If the excursion is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances: You will usually receive a full refund
Third-Party Excursion Cancellation Policies
Booking an excursion through a third-party vendor can be more risky when it comes to cancellations and refunds. These vendors may have different policies in place, and it’s important to read the fine print before booking.
Some third-party vendors may require a deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due closer to the excursion date. In this case, cancelling may result in losing your deposit or paying a cancellation fee.
Tips for Avoiding Excursion Cancellation
While cruise excursion cancellation policies can be strict, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of needing to cancel:
- Book excursions that don’t require a lot of physical activity if you have any health concerns
- Check weather forecasts before booking water-based excursions
- Leave plenty of time between excursions and departure times to avoid rushing and potentially missing an excursion
- Read reviews from previous cruisers to get an idea of what the excursion involves and whether it’s worth the price
In Conclusion
Cruise excursion policies vary by company and vendor, but most have strict guidelines in place when it comes to cancellations and refunds. To avoid losing money on an excursion you can’t attend, it’s important to read the fine print before booking and take steps to minimize your risk of needing to cancel. By doing so, you can enjoy your cruise without worrying about losing money on missed excursions.