Virgin Voyages is once again shaking up the cruise industry with a major change to how its sailings are booked.
Beginning 7th October 2025, the adults-only cruise line will introduce VoyageFair Choices, a new three-tier fare system designed to provide guests with clearer pricing, more flexibility, and greater transparency.
The announcement follows a record year for the brand, which just launched its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, and continues to see strong demand for its kid-free voyages.
“Travellers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,
“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book a voyage with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”
CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu
Three New Fare Tiers
The VoyageFair Choices system will apply to Sea Terrace and below cabins, with three levels of booking:
Base – The lowest-priced, non-refundable option. Includes new Basic WiFi (social media, messaging, light browsing for one device), a 15-day dining reservation window, and no changes to names, cabins, or dates.
Essential – Closest to Virgin’s current pricing. Includes Classic WiFi (browsing and audio calls for one device), a 45-day dining window, the ability to adjust dates with a Future Voyage Credit, and name changes for additional guests.
Premium – Adds the most flexibility and perks. Includes Premium WiFi (streaming on two devices), a 60-day dining reservation window, a daily Bar Tab drinks credit, and priority support for pre-voyage booking.
For RockStar and Mega RockStar suites, the primary change is earlier dining access, now 120 days before sailing.
All other luxury inclusions – such as Richard’s Rooftop access, priority boarding, and curated in-room perks – remain unchanged.
Gratuities No Longer Included
Another change is how gratuities are presented.
Previously bundled into fares, service charges will now appear as a separate line item at the time of booking.
Guests can pre-pay at $20 per person per night or settle onboard at $22 per person per night. Once covered, no additional tipping is expected anywhere onboard.
Virgin emphasized that this is about transparency – the total cost of a voyage will apparently remain the same, but guests will now see exactly how service charges are applied.
What Remains the Same
Despite the new booking model, Virgin Voyages’ hallmark “Always Included Luxury” continues.
Every fare still includes more than $1,000 worth of value, such as specialty dining from world-class chefs, unlimited group fitness, WiFi, soft drinks, and cutting-edge entertainment.
John Lovell, Virgin Voyages Board Member and Senior Advisor, called VoyageFair Choices a model “built for the modern traveller” and said it was a natural next step for a brand that has already redefined what it means to cruise.
“2025 has been a record year. Virgin Voyages is now firmly on the map and the undisputed No. 1 cruise line. VoyageFair Choices is about opening our doors even wider, giving more travelers the chance to experience the joy, connection and freedom of sailing with us.”
CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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A crew member working aboard the MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, has reportedly raised serious concerns about their living and working conditions while the ship is in drydock.
According to an anonymous message shared with the Facebook page Crew Center, crew on the vessel – which has been in drydock for two weeks – say that internet, electricity, and water have been restricted to just two hours a day.
The crew member described the situation as “unbearable,” with temperatures inside the ship making it difficult to sleep.
“All doors are left open because of the extreme heat. Each room has four people inside. We don’t know when we will be allowed to leave, and we haven’t received our salaries for three months,” the crew member alleged.
“Please, don’t treat us like animals.”
At this time, these claims have not been independently verified.
Crew Reactions: “Normal” or “Not Acceptable”?
Responses from other seafarers and cruise professionals to the Crew Center post reveal mixed opinions.
Some industry veterans suggested that difficult conditions are not unusual during a drydock.
One commenter noted: “Of course you’re going to have days when the air conditioning will not be working, internet will take some time to use, [and] food is going to be a bit different than on a normal working schedule.”
Another wrote simply: “Dry dock is dry dock, it’s a dry for all – both crew and the ship itself.”
Others, however, were shocked by the severity of the claims – particularly regarding unpaid salaries.
“For three months without salary is a big NO! Report to ITF urgently!” wrote one commenter. Another added: “That’s not normal at all and far from acceptable. And I have done many dry docks, both cruise and cargo vessels. This must be stopped!”
Some commenters urged crew members to seek support from maritime unions or authorities, including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Norwegian Seafarers’ Union.
What Happens in Drydock?
Cruise ships are required to undergo regular maintenance in drydock – a process where the vessel is taken out of the water for repairs, inspections, and upgrades.
This period is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with international maritime regulations.
For crew, drydock often means long working days, changes to food and accommodation services, and temporary interruptions to amenities such as air conditioning or internet.
However, conditions vary widely by company.
Several seafarers commenting on the post contrasted their own positive drydock experiences with other lines, where food, water, and crew welfare were reportedly prioritised.
About Miray Cruises
Miray Cruises, based in Turkey, has operated the MV Gemini for a number of years, using the vessel for both regional sailings and charter services.
The ship gained recent attention when Miray launched “Life at Sea Cruises,” a proposed three-year residential cruise programme, which ultimately faced delays and cancellations.
The company has not issued a public response to the recent allegations shared by crew on the MV Gemini.
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Cruising ducks have long been a light-hearted pastime at sea, with guests hiding and hunting small rubber ducks for others to discover.
But a prank twist on the tradition is now creating problems aboard Carnival Cruise Line vessels, leading to a warning from the company’s brand ambassador.
The issue isn’t with the ducks themselves, but with fake tags attached to some of them.
These labels use Carnival’s whale tail logo and claim that the finder is entitled to a complimentary drink.
“Congratulations! You have found one of our ducks! 1 free drink redeemable at the casino bar!” the tags read.
Carnival has confirmed that no such promotion exists, and staff have been put in the uncomfortable position of denying guests who believe they’ve won a free drink.
“This is not fair on the guest and it is not fair on the bartenders and bar servers who have to say ‘sorry, there is no free drink,’” explained brand ambassador John Heald, urging whoever is behind the prank to stop immediately.
Could Ducks Be Banned?
For years, Carnival has embraced the “cruising ducks” trend, making clear that the guest-led activity is a fun and welcome part of the onboard experience.
However, Heald warned that if prank ducks continue to cause confusion or disappointment, the line may be forced to rethink its stance.
Other cruise lines have already put restrictions in place.
For example, ducks are banned in Royal Caribbean’s Central Park neighborhoods after damage occurred from overzealous duck hunters searching through the landscaping.
Some Carnival fans suspect the prank may even be a deliberate attempt to force the company to clamp down on the ducks altogether.
“Looks like someone who doesn’t like the ducks and wants it canceled,” one guest commented.
One commenter even decided that this prank was fair considering the ‘cutbacks’ to the perks offered by the cruise line due to the upcoming change to Carnival Rewards, a comment which earned the ire of John Heald:
There Have Been Genuine Prize Ducks Previously…
While Carnival has never run an official duck giveaway, prize-oriented ducks have appeared on its ships before.
Jewellery retailer Effy has previously hidden sparkling ducks as part of a store promotion, with finders able to redeem them for prizes.
That event was independent from the cruise line itself, and Carnival stresses that no ducks hidden onboard today carry any real offers.
Some fans have suggested that Carnival could one day embrace the duck craze more formally, introducing official prize ducks offering treats like a free drink, onboard credit, or even the popular “ship-on-a-stick” trophy.
For now, though, guests should remember the ducks are strictly for fun – and any claims of freebies are simply not true.
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What should have been a smooth repositioning voyage has turned into an uncomfortable journey for some guests aboard Grand Princess, with technical issues impacting air conditioning and even toilet facilities.
The 16-night cruise left Los Angeles on 15th September 2025, as the 107,500-gross-ton ship shifted from her Alaska season to new Caribbean itineraries from San Juan.
Along the way, she is visiting ports including the Mexican Riviera, Costa Rica, Panama, and Aruba before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on 1st October.
Cooling Problems and Malfunctioning Toilets
As the ship moved from cooler northern climates to warmer regions, stateroom air conditioning systems struggled to keep up.
According to a letter distributed to impacted passengers, adjustments are needed in certain cabins to maintain comfortable temperatures.
At the same time, parts of the vessel’s plumbing system have been disrupted.
“Ongoing treatment to the system is causing temporary disruptions,” Princess Cruises explained, adding that engineers are working to restore full service as quickly as possible.
While not every cabin has been affected, the problems are widespread enough that the line is compensating guests.
Compensation for Guests
Cruisers with affected staterooms are receiving partial refunds covering the days they’ve endured the disruptions.
Taxes, port fees, gratuities, and extras such as drink packages are excluded, but the refunded amount varies based on each passenger’s cruise fare and the number of days impacted.
In addition, Princess Cruises is providing a future cruise credit worth 25% of the full fare.
The credit will appear in guests’ Captain’s Circle accounts after this voyage and must be used on sailings booked by 1st April 2026, for departures no later than 1st April 2027.
It is unclear whether the future cruise credit will extend to all passengers onboard or only to those whose staterooms were directly affected.
Should Every Technical Issue Mean Refunds?
While most guests are likely glad for some financial relief, the incident raises questions about when cruise lines should offer compensation.
Stateroom comfort is subjective – one guest may find 68 degrees (20 degrees centigrade) acceptable while another considers it too warm – but widespread failures such as non-functioning toilets clearly warrant attention.
Ultimately, reporting issues promptly is the best way for guests to ensure problems are addressed.
Cruise lines cannot resolve what they don’t know about, and engineering teams will always prioritize comfort and safety.
With luck, Grand Princess’s problems will be resolved before she completes her repositioning run in Florida on 1st October leaving guests with better memories of their journey.
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Sometimes cruise etiquette debates blow up online – from saving sun loungers to piling your plate too high at the buffet.
But the latest viral discussion? Where people are keeping their SeaPass cards.
And in this case, I think I might be one of the passengers being called out!
The Reddit Post That Sparked It
Over on Reddit’s r/Cruise forum, a passenger currently sailing on Independence of the Seas shared their frustration:
“I’m currently on Independence of the Seas and twice I’ve seen ladies reaching into their blouses to locate their SeaPass, which was stashed in their bras.”
The thread, cheekily titled “Ladies – Get a lanyard”, went on to describe the habit as “frankly disgusting for the crew members and for everyone who has them touch their drink glasses afterward. Please just buy a lanyard.”
The post quickly gained traction, with plenty of people jumping in with their opinions – both for and against.
Here’s the thing – it was posted on 21st September 2025. Guess who was onboard Independence of the Seas on that day, and who might have been tucking their SeaPass into their bra?
Me.
Is It Really That Gross?
I’ll admit it: I definitely tucked my cruise card into my bikini top while on Independence of the Seas last week. And honestly? I don’t think it’s that bad.
In my view, boobs are a whole lot cleaner than hands.
Think about it: how many people genuinely wash their hands with soap and water every single time they leave the bathroom, or before hitting the buffet? I know I do, but I know not everyone does!
Cruise lines even have staff stationed at the entrances of restaurants practically begging people to wash their hands. Compared to that, a card coming out of a bra doesn’t seem so unhygienic.
One Reddit commenter summed it up perfectly:
“People do not wash their hands so often that cruise ships have to almost beg them to before visiting the buffet. Boob sweat is the very least of your worries, my guy.”
Exactly.
The Pocket Problem
Of course, not everyone loves lanyards either. Some passengers hate how they bounce or sway, especially around their necks in the hot sun.
Wristbands might be a good alternative – Virgin Voyages already uses them, and Princess Cruises has the Medallion, which you can easily add to a wristband.
But really, a big part of this issue comes down to women’s clothing.
Why don’t more swimsuits, shorts, or dresses come with decent pockets? A bra isn’t always the most practical place, but sometimes it’s the only place.
One Redditor put it bluntly:
“‘Dear clothing designers, why don’t you make pockets in clothing for women so they don’t need to use their bra?’ There. Fixed it for you.”
Couldn’t agree more.
I actually found a swimming costume with built-in pockets, which would solve the whole problem neatly (and keep Reddit happy). This might be the solution we’ve been waiting for:
Tech Alternatives
Others in the thread called on cruise lines to modernise.
Why not offer NFC wristbands as standard, or even Apple Wallet integration? Disney Cruise Line already uses its “MagicBands”, and Virgin Voyages has its wearable “Sea Band.”
As one commenter put it:
“From the perspective of customer-centricity, it would be better for cruise lines to offer NFC wrist bands (in addition to cards). Give customers a choice.”
That would certainly prevent the need for bra storage!
Cruise Etiquette Debates Are Nothing New
This isn’t the first time cruise etiquette has gone viral.
Last year, a TikToker called out rows of “reserved” pool loungers on Utopia of the Seas, sparking another online debate about entitlement on cruise ships.
Controversy around lounger hogging isn’t new – and it’s something cruise lines are trying to tackle.
And chances are, it won’t be the last. Whether it’s towels on chairs, piling plates too high, or yes – stashing SeaPass cards in bras – social media loves to amplify these small quirks of cruise life.
But for me, at least, this latest storm in a teacup was a little different.
Because if that Reddit passenger spotted someone retrieving a SeaPass from their bikini top on Independence of the Seas this summer… there’s a good chance it was me.
And I stand by it.
Maybe People Disagree With Me…
Of course, I know not everyone will agree. It wouldn’t be the first time one of my choices at sea has caused a bit of controversy.
For example, I once wrote about leaving my kids onboard in the kids’ club while my husband and I went ashore.
Some cruise lines actually allow it – the staff are trained, the kids are safe, and we were never at risk of missing the ship. Still, that post caused a stir on Facebook, with plenty of parents lining up to tell me exactly what they thought of our decision.
Another time, I admitted to jogging on the promenade deck of Celestyal Journey, despite a “No Jogging” sign. Technically I broke the rule, but the cruise line’s own website described it as a jogging track!
I ran mid-morning when the ship was already bustling, and it felt harmless. But when I shared it online, the story snowballed and I was labelled “entitled” by some readers – to the point my own husband jokingly threw me under the bus in the comments.
So yes, I’ve been on the receiving end of cruise community backlash before. Maybe you’ll think I’m wrong about SeaPass storage too. That’s fine – part of what makes cruising interesting is that we all do it differently.
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Royal Caribbean has confirmed a major step in its shipbuilding strategy, securing a fresh order for its Icon Class series and extending its long-standing partnership with Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.
On 23rd September 2026, the cruise line announced that Icon 5 will debut in 2028, while also extending its collaboration with Meyer Turku through to 2036.
The deal not only secures construction of future Icon vessels but also leaves the door open for a brand-new ship class in the coming years.
Icon Class Growth Continues
The Icon Class is Royal Caribbean’s flagship ship design, each vessel accommodating more than 5,600 guests at double capacity, and featuring themed neighbourhoods, advanced technology, and headline entertainment.
Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship at 248,663 gross tons.
Star of the Seas followed in August 2025.
Legend of the Seas is due in summer 2026.
Icon 4 is scheduled for 2027.
Icon 5, now confirmed, will sail in 2028.
Royal Caribbean also holds conditional options for Icon 6 and Icon 7, potentially extending the class further if financing is approved.
Meyer Turku has already built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean since the mid-1990s, making the Icon project another chapter in a long and successful partnership.
New Land Destinations in Development
The expansion isn’t limited to ships. Royal Caribbean is heavily investing in private destinations and beach clubs:
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau opens in December 2025.
A Cozumel Beach Club is set for 2026.
Perfect Day Mexico, a mega waterpark with the world’s longest lazy river, opens in 2027.
A new destination on Lelepa, Vanuatu will follow in 2027.
These projects are designed to complement the Icon Class experience and extend the company’s reach both in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.
Discovery Class Ships in Design
Alongside the Icon order, Royal Caribbean is also designing a new Discovery Class of smaller ships.
These vessels will be able to access more intimate ports and are expected to eventually replace the line’s Vision and Radiance Class ships.
Details on the ship class are still sparse – but it has been talked about for some time, and so an official announcement on the first ship in the class is expected in the near future.
What’s Next
With Icon 5 now confirmed and Icon 6 and 7 under consideration, Royal Caribbean’s pipeline includes at least nine new ships and seven new destinations through 2028.
The announcement reflects the brand’s confidence in the Icon Class and demonstrates its broader strategy to dominate both at sea and ashore.
There are rumours that Royal Caribbean may be challenged on its hold of the largest cruise ship title, with speculation that the next ship class launched by MSC Cruises could be bigger.
But for now, it’s clear that the Icon Class is going nowhere, and mega ships will remain part of the plans for Royal Caribbean going forward.
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For many cruise passengers, driving to the port and leaving their car in a nearby lot is the easiest option.
But for some unlucky guests sailing from Southampton earlier this month, their return from holiday was met with shock – their vehicles were gone.
Image credit: Google
According to The Daily Echo, a total of 17 cars were stolen from a Southampton Cruise Parking Services facility on First Avenue in Millbrook between 9–10 September 2025.
The company advertises its lot as “indoor and secure” with locked warehouse parking, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
The website even promises, “We guarantee that your car will not leave our premises.” Unfortunately, 17 cars did just that – without their owners.
Police have not confirmed the makes or models of the stolen vehicles, nor whether specific types of cars were targeted.
An investigation is underway, and security protocols are being reviewed. Southampton Cruise Parking Services has yet to release an official statement.
Guests From Multiple Cruise Lines Affected
Southampton is one of Europe’s busiest cruise hubs, with ships from many major lines sailing the same week as the thefts.
During the affected days, vessels from Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea all departed the port.
It is not clear which guests – or which cruise sailings – were impacted. The cruise lines themselves are not responsible for the parking facility.
Guests whose vehicles were stolen will need to pursue claims through the parking operator, their insurance providers, and local authorities.
Protecting Your Car at Cruise Parking Lots
This incident is similar to a 2022 case in Norfolk, Virginia, when dozens of parked vehicles belonging to cruise guests were vandalised despite 24-hour security.
In most cases, ports and parking providers are not liable for theft or damage. The responsibility usually lies with the guest, making good insurance coverage essential.
Travellers are advised to remove valuables from sight, lock all doors and windows, and take photos of their vehicle’s condition when leaving it in a public or third-party facility.
These precautions can make any claims process smoother if the worst should happen.
Alternative Options for Cruise Travellers
While the theft of 17 vehicles from a Southampton parking facility is concerning, it’s worth noting that such incidents are exceptionally rare.
Cruise terminal car parks are generally considered safe, with security features such as CCTV, barriers, and locked compounds.
For many travellers, the convenience of parking right by the port still makes these facilities the most practical choice.
That said, there are alternative options for guests who want added peace of mind.
Coach transfers are popular for passengers living further afield, while those closer to the south coast may prefer the train, which runs directly into Southampton Central station just a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals.
Another possibility is to book a “cruise and park” package at a nearby hotel.
These typically include one night’s accommodation plus parking for the duration of your voyage, with a transfer to and from the port.
Because these car parks are attached to hotels – often a little further from the terminals – they are less obvious targets for organised theft. In theory, opportunistic criminals are less likely to target scattered hotel lots than a large, well-known cruise-only parking warehouse.
For many travellers, a combination of convenience, cost, and personal comfort will dictate which option to choose.
But whether parking at the port or considering alternatives, taking sensible precautions such as removing valuables from view and double-checking locks is always advisable.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a passenger who did not reboard Carnival Horizon in Bonaire last week deliberately chose not to return, rather than being a missing person in distress.
The guest, identified as 47-year-old Jessica Collins, left the ship on Wednesday, 17th September 2025 while the vessel was docked in Kralendijk, Bonaire, during an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing.
According to Carnival, Collins left the ship with all her belongings in a backpack, even leaving behind a gratuity and thank-you note for her stateroom attendant.
She later texted a member of Carnival’s Care Team to say that she was safe and did not wish to be contacted again.
While local authorities continue to treat the case as a missing person report, the evidence strongly suggests Collins had no intention of returning.
Carnival Horizon continued her A-B-C itinerary to Aruba and Curaçao as scheduled, returning to Miami on time before beginning her next voyage.
Standard Procedures Followed
As with any guest who does not return by the posted all-aboard time, announcements were made to attempt to locate Collins on board before the ship departed.
Security photos show her dressed in casual attire with a fully packed bag, which at the time did not raise suspicion as many guests carry similar bags for long excursions or beach days.
After her initial disappearance, the photos were circulated online as guests and other cruise fans were concerned for her wellbeing, especially after some recent incidents on cruise ships (albeit in other destinations) where guests had gone missing while hiking, and ended up in medical distress or even passing away.
However, this latest confirmation shows that apparently Collins is well, and took this action deliberately to leave the ship.
Carnival is continuing to cooperate with the authorities in Bonaire, though the cruise line reiterated that this was not an accidental disappearance but rather a deliberate action.
Emigration Considerations
Choosing to abandon a cruise ship is not a legitimate or legal way to emigrate to another country.
While Collins’ motivations are unknown, the decision highlights questions around long-term stays on Caribbean islands.
In Bonaire, US citizens may enter without a visa but must apply for a residence permit to stay beyond the short-term limit.
Permits are typically valid for one year and renewable for up to five years.
Longer-term residency or Dutch citizenship requires meeting strict conditions such as language knowledge, financial independence, and renouncing other citizenships.
The incident serves as a reminder that while cruise holidays can spark a desire to relocate, official procedures must always be followed.
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What should have been a light-hearted moment on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship quickly became either a nightmare scenario or a comedy moment, depending on who was watching.
A short social media clip shows a female guest stuck at the low point of the Ocean Loops waterslide, unable to slide forward or back.
The clear section of the tube juts out dramatically over the side of the vessel, high above the ocean, creating a vertigo-inducing view that sparked panic among viewers.
Ocean Loops on Norwegian Ships
The Ocean Loops slide is a signature feature on three Breakaway-plus class ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.
Riders must be between 120 and 300 pounds and at least 48 inches tall.
While the exact ship in the video was not identified, all three vessels were sailing in Alaska at the time the footage was posted.
The design of the slide makes it easy for guests to get caught at one particular upturn, sliding back into the clear section over the water.
Fortunately, the feature is built with a safety hatch close to that section, and crew are always nearby to help guests out.
Getting stuck isn’t unusual and is considered part of the experience by some thrill-seekers.
Emma Cruises recently posted about getting stuck in the same NCL waterslide twice in a row!
Viral Reactions
The 13-second video was uploaded to TikTok on 19th September 2025 and has already been viewed more than seven million times.
The comments range from light-hearted jokes to genuine panic.
Many viewers said they would suffer a panic attack in that situation, with comments such as “new fear unlocked” gaining thousands of likes.
Others pointed out how terrifying it would be to feel trapped over open water.
The viral reaction may have been heightened by recent waterslide issues elsewhere.
In August, a section of the Icon of the Seas “Frightening Bolt” slide cracked while in use, leading to repairs and a redesign of the affected section.
In contrast, the Ocean Loops video shows no malfunction or injury – just a guest stuck in the loop exactly as the ride sometimes allows.
Crew quickly help anyone in this situation exit safely through the hatch, making it more of a quirky memory than an accident.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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It may come as a surprise, but yes – there is a chance you could be bumped from your upcoming cruise.
Cruise lines do reserve the right to cancel or change bookings, and there are several scenarios where this can happen.
The good news? When it happens, most cruise lines offer more than just a refund – they typically provide alternative sailings, discounts, or onboard perks to soften the blow.
Still, it’s worth understanding why these situations arise and how to protect yourself, at least as much as possible…
1. The Ship Has Been Chartered
Cruise ships are sometimes chartered by companies, groups, or events that rent out the entire vessel.
While cruise lines try to avoid selling cabins on dates they know may be chartered, sometimes a charter is confirmed late in the booking cycle. If the ship still has a large number of unsold cabins, the cruise line may accept the charter and cancel existing reservations.
In some cases, charters are organized for special interest groups (like music festivals at sea), or corporate events. On rare occasions, ships have also been chartered by government agencies – for example, to house relief workers during natural disasters – leading to mass cancellations.
While cruise lines will typically avoid cancelling cruises for a charter if a lot of cabins have been sold, ultimately they might still pick the charter option – especially if it’s from a wealthy party that is willing to pay top dollar.
It’s frustrating – the cruise line is basically admitting that they value the other business over your own cruise booking – but they’re within their rights.
Guests affected by charters are usually given a full refund and offered options to rebook on another sailing – either the same itinerary at a different date or a similar route on another ship.
Additional incentives like cabin upgrades, onboard credit, or airfare change fee reimbursements are commonly included to ease the inconvenience.
Those will typically depend on how far out the ship is chartered, and how much notification you get. The closer to the sailing date, the more perks you’ll be offered as a gesture of goodwill.
Most charter cancellations happen many months in advance, so often it’s just a standard refund that you’ll be given.
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2. The Ship Has Been Sold
Sometimes a ship is sold or transferred to another cruise line. In the case of an older ship, it may even be sold for scrap.
I once booked a cruise on a 50-year-old cruise ship owned by the now-defunct Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Unfortunately, she was scrapped before I could sail.
When a ship is sold, all future sailings after the handover date are cancelled, as your booking doesn’t transfer with the vessel.
Guests are usually contacted and offered either a full refund or a comparable cruise on a sister ship, often with some goodwill compensation.
If a new destination becomes popular, then a ship may be reassigned to serve that region. Or conversely, if a region starts to experience some political troubles, then ships may be redeployed to move away from that region. The Red Sea region is the perfect example.
When this happens, passengers already booked on the original itinerary may be transferred to another ship or date, or given the option of cancelling.
When this happens, passengers are typically offered a refund, or the option of being rebooked on a different itinerary – sometimes with an upgraded cabin.
Cruise ships require regular maintenance and must occasionally undergo emergency repairs.
Scheduled dry docks are usually planned well in advance and factored into published itineraries. However, technical issues or regulatory requirements can trigger unplanned dock time.
In rare cases, cruises may be cancelled just days (or even hours) before departure due to propulsion issues, failed safety inspections, or mechanical failure.
More commonly, sailings may be shortened by a day or two to allow time for scheduled maintenance.
When a cruise is cancelled due to repairs, the standard compensation includes a full refund plus a credit for a future cruise – often equal to 100% of the original fare.
If the cancellation happens further out – because of planned maintenance – it’s more likely to be a refund with a smaller future cruise credit, or an offer of bonus onboard credit when you rebook.
If your cruise is shortened, cruise lines may offer a hotel stay, partial fare refunds, and future cruise discounts to make up for the lost time.
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5. The Cruise Has Been Overbooked
Just like airlines, some cruise lines overbook to account for last-minute cancellations.
While systems have improved to reduce this risk, it does occasionally happen. If too few people cancel, the cruise line may find itself with more bookings than beds.
In most cases, passengers are contacted in advance and asked if they’d voluntarily change to another cruise – often in exchange for perks.
However, there have been instances where travellers received the news unexpectedly, even at the airport en route to the cruise.
Voluntary rebooking often comes with generous incentives: cabin upgrades, free cruise credits, onboard spending money, or a longer cruise for no additional cost.
If you’re involuntarily bumped, compensation typically includes a full refund, an alternative sailing, and possibly added perks to make up for the disruption.
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6. The Ship Isn’t Ready
Booking a maiden voyage on a brand new cruise ship is a lot riskier than you think. All sorts of delayed can happen in the shipyard for all sorts of reasons – and if the ship isn’t ready for guests, the first sailing will be cancelled.
For this reason, I would never book a maiden voyage. It’s just too risky. I did once book the cruise after the maiden voyage on Arvia, but when the first cruise was cancelled due to shipyard delays, our cruise became the new maiden.
While we were certainly luckier than the guests before us, the delays meant that there was less time for crew training than anticipated. And as our cruise departed on 23rd December, several guests felt that their Christmas Day had been ‘ruined’ by the experience.
Usually, only one or two cruises are cancelled due to shipyard delays, but it can be a lot more. Disney Cruise Line’s ship, Disney Adventure, has been delayed for a whopping three months – with thousands of cruisers affected.
In this case, cruisersd will receive a full refund, along with a 50% discount on a future sailing. Those due top sail on the maiden voyage will be rebooked onto the next maiden, several months later, with the option to cancel.
What to Do If You’re Bumped
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a cancellation notice, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Stay calm. It’s frustrating, but most cruise lines aim to make things right. And unfortunately you likely can’t argue your case, because your contact allows them to make these changes.
Understand your options. You’ll usually be offered a refund or a chance to rebook. Look carefully at the choices and see what works best for you.
Negotiate thoughtfully. If the line doesn’t offer to cover certain expenses – like prepaid hotels or airline changes – it’s okay to ask. Be polite but firm.
Have a backup plan. Consider alternate dates, itineraries, or even other cruise lines if you’re flexible.
How to Minimise the Risk
While you can’t prevent every scenario, here are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being bumped:
Avoid booking a Guarantee cabin. If a cruise is overbooked then the people with a Guarantee cabin are often the first to be bumped involuntarily.
Buy travel insurance. A comprehensive third-party policy can protect not only your cruise fare but also related expenses like airfare and hotels. Some policies include “cancel for any reason” clauses that add extra flexibility.
Work with a travel agent.Cruise-focused travel agents often have insider knowledge, can flag ships likely to be chartered or redeployed, and are better equipped to advocate for you if things go awry.
Book early – but not too early. Booking too far in advance increases the risk of itinerary changes, charters, or redeployments. Booking a few months out may reduce the risk of unexpected changes.
Final Word
Being bumped from a cruise is rare, but it can happen – and usually for reasons beyond your control.
The best defence is awareness, flexibility, and good preparation.
If you do get bumped, know that cruise lines generally try to make the situation right – and sometimes, what starts as a setback can turn into an upgrade.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
