No Show At Boarding?

[CALMOM]

We have 3 Balcony cabins for an Alaska cruise in July. There are 2 in each cabin. However, it may be possible that one of the passengers can't make it but not sure yet. There is no triples available to switch to. What happens if we get to the ship and that person doesn't show? I would expect no refund but will they charge more then what they have collected for that cabin? My TA said they just don't give a refund for that passenger that didn't show, and no extra charge. I'm just trying to find out, I don't want any surprises on my final bill at the end of the cruise.

[momtwins]

Just curious is the price for a single the same as the price for two. Seems to me that the single rate would not be more than the rate for two so the cruise line is getting by cheaper because they will not feed one person.

 

Sorry I can't help but I will be waiting to see what the responses are.

[cb at sea]

If someone doesn't "show", then one person will have a cabin all to themselves....probably no refunds....but hey, the "no-show" is the one who will lose the $$$.

They will not move anyones room, and all will be well.

[Pam in CA]

Just curious is the price for a single the same as the price for two. Seems to me that the single rate would not be more than the rate for two so the cruise line is getting by cheaper because they will not feed one person.

 

Sorry I can't help but I will be waiting to see what the responses are.

If the person cancels the cruise and notifies the cruiseline, the person remaining will be charged the single rate for the cabin, which can be anywhere from 150 - 200% of the per person rate, depending on the ship, itinerary and cabin category. Sometimes, the single rate will be more than the original total cost for two people because the rate is recalculated based on current pricing. For almost all of my cruises, pricing has gone up, not down, close to sailing so that is certainly a possibility.

 

If the person doesn't show up, the person remaining is not penalized. The person who doesn't show up would then claim the cost of their cruise through their insurance (if it has a "cancel for any reason" or applicable clause).

 

You can change the name of the 2nd person in a cabin after final payment for only $50 so sometimes, it's worth trying to find someone to take their place. Otherwise, your TA is right but it really all depends on whether it's after final payment and the person not showing up or canceling has insurance, and if so, what that insurance covers. Either way, it can get sticky.

[DonnaK]

If the person doesn't show up, the person remaining is not penalized. The person who doesn't show up would then claim the cost of their cruise through their insurance (if it has a "cancel for any reason" or applicable clause).

 

 

Are you positive about this, Pam? I am in a similar situation, and I've been told that if the person sharing my cabin doesn't show, I can still be reticketed for the single supplement at the current rate (which is about $600 more than I originally paid). It was mentioned that they could charge the different to my credit card at check-in or to my account once onboard.

[Pam in CA]

Are you positive about this, Pam? I am in a similar situation, and I've been told that if the person sharing my cabin doesn't show, I can still be reticketed for the single supplement at the current rate (which is about $600 more than I originally paid). It was mentioned that they could charge the different to my credit card at check-in or to my account once onboard.

What you do when you check in is, if asked, say you don't know where the other person is. Otherwise, don't open your mouth. Since the check-in people don't have the booking engine on their computers and they just have a list of passengers and cabin assignments, there's no way they can look up a price or charge you anything additional. They can't change a thing, even your dining preference, so it's an impossibility for them to charge anything.

[CALMOM]

If someone doesn't "show", then one person will have a cabin all to themselves....probably no refunds....but hey, the "no-show" is the one who will lose the $$$.

They will not move anyones room, and all will be well.

 

I paid for all 3 cabins and the person who may be a no-show does have insurance but not the coverage for "cancel for any reason" so the insurance is not a consideration. I have accepted that I am out that money, I just don't want any additional charge, that's all. Thank you for your help.

[Colo Cruiser]

What you do when you check in is, if asked, say you don't know where the other person is. Otherwise, don't open your mouth. Since the check-in people don't have the booking engine on their computers and they just have a list of passengers and cabin assignments, there's no way they can look up a price or charge you anything additional. They can't change a thing, even your dining preference, so it's an impossibility for them to charge anything.

 

Pam it does not matter whether the person says anything or not. The purser will still make the adjustment onboard when the 2nd person never shows.

[Colo Cruiser]

Are you positive about this, Pam? I am in a similar situation, and I've been told that if the person sharing my cabin doesn't show, I can still be reticketed for the single supplement at the current rate (which is about $600 more than I originally paid). It was mentioned that they could charge the different to my credit card at check-in or to my account once onboard.

 

That is correct, the current price would be figured for the solo not at the rate when you booked.

[Pam in CA]

Pam it does not matter whether the person says anything or not. The purser will still make the adjustment onboard when the 2nd person never show.

Really? That sucks.

[CALMOM]

What you do when you check in is, if asked, say you don't know where the other person is. Otherwise, don't open your mouth. Since the check-in people don't have the booking engine on their computers and they just have a list of passengers and cabin assignments, there's no way they can look up a price or charge you anything additional.

 

That is exactly what my TA said, Pam. I am trying to find someone to replace that person and pay the $50 fee, in case he can't make it. Unfortunately, I won't know till a couple of days before we sail. I really don't understand the cruise lines logic, why they have to charge more then double for a single passenger, when only one person is eating and looked after. I guess it's just cruise line greed. This is a very special family cruise as it will probably be our last family vacation together, so whatever I have to pay, I will. Thank you for your help and everyone elses.

[CALMOM]

That is correct, the current price would be figured for the solo not at the rate when you booked.

 

Well, if they do that, then it will be substantial since the cabin price per person has went up $700 based on double occupancy since final payment. I guess we will just have to cancel one or two of our excursions and that will be a real disappointment.

[RickEk]

That is exactly what my TA said, Pam. I am trying to find someone to replace that person and pay the $50 fee, in case he can't make it. Unfortunately, I won't know till a couple of days before we sail. I really don't understand the cruise lines logic, why they have to charge more then double for a single passenger, when only one person is eating and looked after. I guess it's just cruise line greed. This is a very special family cruise as it will probably be our last family vacation together, so whatever I have to pay, I will. Thank you for your help and everyone elses.

 

Well, it's actually lost revenue for them when a passenger doesn't show up. That person won't be buying drinks, playing in the casino, going on excursions, etc. Remember, even hotels quote prices based on double occupancy...

 

And, I guess, if there wasn't some form of "penalty" for a no-show, then everyone would be doing it...

[CALMOM]

Well, it's actually lost revenue for them when a passenger doesn't show up. That person won't be buying drinks, playing in the casino, going on excursions, etc. Remember, even hotels quote prices based on double occupancy...

 

And, I guess, if there wasn't some form of "penalty" for a no-show, then everyone would be doing it...

 

I don't think everyone would want to lose $1,800, if it was not necessary. Remember, the Cruise Line already has the $1,800 and if they choose to charge me additional penalty then I will have to give up 2 cruise line sponsored excursions and certainly won't be going to the casino or spending any extra money, that I might of. No one in our party drinks alcohol, so they wouldn't of made any income from us, there. The point is, that when the cruise lines charge these unreasonable fees, then they have to realize that something will be cut out of the passengers budget. I have no problem with them keeping the $1,800, I would just be very disappointed if they charged me an additional $600. I guess it is my choice to perhaps in the future sail with a cruise lines that doesn't charge 230% for a last minute solo passenger. Sad, because I love Princess. I really hope it works out, our family has really been looking forward to this 5 year planned cruise.

[u2cruiser]

This is indeed a tricky situation. I would go with Pam's advice and act dumb at check in, but be prepared for an adjustment to your account and try not to let it spoil your precious cruise.

 

It hardly seems fair to penalise the lead passenger when one in the party doesn't show but all companies have procedures in place and if this is Princess's procedure for cancellation/ no shows, there's not much you can do about it, other than offer some lucky person a free cruise and pay the name change fee to save you the extra supplement. Hopefully, it won't come to that.

 

Shouldn't the no show passenger be made aware (by you) that the extra charges will go to them even if you have paid the fare? Couldn't they claim the extra from their own insurance?

 

Would your own insurance possibly cover this extra charge which could be made to you?

 

Best of luck with it. I'm sure someone on here will have some experience of this and will be able to advise you. :)

[cherylandtk]

It is my understanding that the cruiseline generally will not re-fare the remaining pax at the single rate if you keep your mouth shut when you check in. If asked, just say they are arriving separately. If asked once onboard, just say you understand he/she missed the ship and is trying to get to the next port to join you.

 

If the pax actually cancels (tells the cruiseline before departure) then all bets are off. Also, to claim on insurance, even any reason, one usually must cancel prior to the start of the cruise. Being a no-show and then claiming, without cancelling, will most often result in a denied claim. OP has indicated insurance will not come into play in their case, but for anyone else thinking of using insurance, be aware that you would have to have a really good reason for not cancelling earlier, and substantial third-party proof of that reason (such as being suddenly hospitalized the day before the cruise).

[u2cruiser]

'I paid for all 3 cabins and the person who may be a no-show does have insurance but not the coverage for "cancel for any reason" so the insurance is not a consideration.'

 

My bad, I missed that bit, sorry.

It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

[pablo222]

I paid for all 3 cabins and the person who may be a no-show does have insurance but not the coverage for "cancel for any reason" so the insurance is not a consideration. I have accepted that I am out that money, I just don't want any additional charge, that's all. Thank you for your help.

 

Some insurance covers the single uplift for the remaining passenger,

if one has to cancel. Might be worth checking into.

[cherylandtk]

Almost all insurance covers the re-faring IF the reason for cancelling is a covered reason. In this particular case, the OP has said the reason is not covered.

 

For Princess insurance, the any-reason coverage can be used for cancellation by either party, BUT if only one cancels for a non-covered reason the other party will be re-fared which is NOT covered by insurance.

[michigan tim]

That is exactly what my TA said, Pam. I am trying to find someone to replace that person and pay the $50 fee, in case he can't make it. Unfortunately, I won't know till a couple of days before we sail. I really don't understand the cruise lines logic, why they have to charge more then double for a single passenger, when only one person is eating and looked after. I guess it's just cruise line greed. This is a very special family cruise as it will probably be our last family vacation together, so whatever I have to pay, I will. Thank you for your help and everyone elses.

 

 

I'll do it!

[CALMOM]

I have a person to replace the passenger that had a good chance of not being able to make it. The original passenger said it wasn't fair for me to lose that much money, especially since it was not a covered reason for insurance so he has decided with cancel and allow another family member take his place. I called my TA and she said she will call Princess and make the change. She thought that maybe Princess might not charge me the transfer fee but if they do, that's O.K., it's not Princess fault. I'm just glad there will be a happy ending except we will miss the family member that had to cancel.

 

Thank you everyone for your help and support. I consider CC my family and know they are always there for me. Thank you again.

[Pam in CA]

I have a person to replace the passenger that had a good chance of not being able to make it. The original passenger said it wasn't fair for me to lose that much money, especially since it was not a covered reason for insurance so he has decided with cancel and allow another family member take his place. I called my TA and she said she will call Princess and make the change. She thought that maybe Princess might not charge me the transfer fee but if they do, that's O.K., it's not Princess fault. I'm just glad there will be a happy ending except we will miss the family member that had to cancel.

 

Thank you everyone for your help and support. I consider CC my family and know they are always there for me. Thank you again.

I'm glad it's working out. Have a wonderful family cruise.

[u2cruiser]

That's good news. You can relax and look forward to it now.

 

I've often wondered how many 'no shows' occur on each cruise.

[COMBOY]

We have 3 Balcony cabins for an Alaska cruise in July. There are 2 in each cabin. However, it may be possible that one of the passengers can't make it but not sure yet. There is no triples available to switch to. What happens if we get to the ship and that person doesn't show? I would expect no refund but will they charge more then what they have collected for that cabin? My TA said they just don't give a refund for that passenger that didn't show, and no extra charge. I'm just trying to find out, I don't want any surprises on my final bill at the end of the cruise.

 

If one person fails to embark their reservation would be canceled and the cabin would revert to exclusive solo occupancy. End of story. Even if the traveling party was repriced at exclusive occupancy at 200%; the remaining paid fare of the canceled party would be applied to the traveling party since it's non refundable. So it's a wash or in effect the party that didn't show paid for half the single occupancy cabin. I highly doubt the cruise line would try to collect additional funds once on board the ship. Princess really doesn't care who actually sails or not as long as they get their money for 2 people. Call Princess to confirm if you are worried.

[jagsfan]

I'm so glad you will have someone to share the stateroom with you. Very considerate of

the person who can't go not to wait till the last minute. Sometimes things happen, and

I know your cabinmate didn't want to cancel. Have a wonderful family cruise, and I

hope things work out that you are able to do it again.