Cruise Lines Move Ships and Policies

The good news for travelers on cruises affected by hurricanes is that unlike a hotel, a ship can move out of the way. That's not always adequate consolation for passengers sailing an itinerary different from the one they booked, but after two active hurricane seasons, some cruise lines are giving customers more options when schedules changes.

All cruise lines reserve the right to skip or change ports during a cruise, a not-infrequent occurrence in hurricane season. Companies aren't required to compensate passengers in those cases, but some do offer partial refunds, shipboard credits or discounts on a future cruise.

Susan Robison, a spokeswoman for Norwegian Cruise Line, said her company decides case by case. If a ship's departure is relocated a short distance - say, from Miami to Fort Lauderdale - passengers would not be allowed to cancel without penalty. But for bigger shifts, the line is trying to be more accommodating.

For instance, Norwegian is relocating the Norwegian Sun from New Orleans to Houston beginning Oct. 16, then to Miami in mid-January, changing the itineraries as well. Anyone booked on the Sun can cancel and get a full refund; those who choose to sail from the new ports get a on-board credit.

Whenever a cruise is canceled, passengers are entitled to a full refund, but Carnival Cruise Lines allows customers to cancel without penalty if a ship's departure port changes, according to Jennifer de la Cruz, a company spokeswoman.

Passengers who book their own air fares, however, usually have to deal directly with the airline if their cruise's schedule changes, though Royal Caribbean did offer to compensate passengers up to 0 for airline change fees necessitated by cruise delays in Galveston caused by Hurricane Rita. Passengers who chose to cancel, though, were only given a credit toward a future cruise, not a refund.

"I wouldn't say there's been a huge outpouring of generosity, but cruise lines have certainly gone beyond what is required," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com, an online forum and guide.