If you missed a port, were your port charges refunded and how much

[trishalee]

In 14 RCI cruises, we have missed ports a number of times and never received any refund. We missed a port on our one Carnival cruise and the port fees were immediately refunded to our SeaPass cards. We were amazed! I think this just another way to make more money - just think of the millions they must be raking in each year with this ploy. Almost makes me wonder if cancelling a port at times might be intentional, although I'd hate to think so.:eek:

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

I am pretty sure, (although I am not doubting that large companies like this take advantage in some ways), that those "port charges" are paid whether we dock or not. There is a contract that is signed and money is paid up front, with no refund. Of course I am not a lawyer, nor do I know the specific contract, but I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. Cruise lines take chances by signing the contract, hoping they will be able to frequent this port without having too much bad weather, etc. This is how the islands/countries we visit make money from the cruise lines.

 

Flagger, totally understand what you're saying, but that's the chance you take on a cruise. I'm also sorry you were treated rudely. I personally feel that I get way more than I pay for on a cruise, so it wouldn't be an issue for me, but I do understand what you're saying. Have a good one!

[piercetc4]

we missed g.c. also in nov. on explorer- no port fee refund- we ran into others from other lines in port who also had missed g.c. that week- rough seas was the reason

[trishalee]

But why are the other lines refunding port charges when ports are missed? Wouldn't they all be in the same boat, so to speak? I can't imagine that the other lines are giving money that they already paid and can't get back. Any ideas?

[krazy4kruzin]

We've only missed one port in 6 RCCL cruises---no refund. But one thing to consider is that the ship incurs more onboard expenses/costs when all the passengers stay on board and eat and use the facilities. Having stayed onboard during one port, I know they usually use this port time for employee drills, more major clean-ups, and the like. Plus, they definitely don't like dissatisfied cruisers. Within reason, I think RCCL tries to please. All told, I've been happy with the value for the money.:)

[Cuizer2]

We've only missed one port in 6 RCCL cruises---no refund. But one thing to consider is that the ship incurs more onboard expenses/costs when all the passengers stay on board and eat and use the facilities. Having stayed onboard during one port, I know they usually use this port time for employee drills, more major clean-ups, and the like. Plus, they definitely don't like dissatisfied cruisers. Within reason, I think RCCL tries to please. All told, I've been happy with the value for the money.:)

 

While I don't disagree with what you said, on the flip side the people are also spending money on board that they would not have otherwise. For example, since the ship is not in port, the casino is open and since the people cannot go to a land based bar to drink, they drink on board.

 

I don't know if it is a wash, or if the ship makes money or looses money. However, I don't think fuel is an issue. The ship still has to go from port A to port C. By skipping port B the ship can travel slower, thus using less fuel for the same trip. For example, on a three day cruise to Mexico from LA, the ship made it to the port overnight. Coming back the ship took the entire day, traveling at only 6.5 knots. I am sure that the ship used less fuel coming back, as it was traveling the same distance at a slower speed.

[chasetf]

We have missed ports on both Princess and Celebrity. Both credited our onboard accounts. I do not remember how much each was... but I always checked to make sure.

 

X even opened the bars (free drinks) for three hours in the afternoon as compensation when we missed Montego Bay. :D

[Host Jacquelyn]

I have missed many ports on RCCL cruises, and never had the port charges refunded. I have spoken with several RCCL representatives, and this apparently is their policy...

[BearySweet2Cruise]

i think only a lawer can answer that question,youll need him anyway to get your port charges back:p

 

and what about the cost factor to hire said lawyer, vs the minimum amount one would actually be reimbursed for the port charge, (under 50.00) but many enjoy the sea day anyways. If you travel with travel insurance, they would reimburse any lost fees incured for an excurtion you could not attend if the ship misses the port.

[Cuizer2]

and what about the cost factor to hire said lawyer, vs the minimum amount one would actually be reimbursed for the port charge, (under 50.00) but many enjoy the sea day anyways. If you travel with travel insurance, they would reimburse any lost fees incured for an excurtion you could not attend if the ship misses the port.

 

As a plaintiff you can hire a lawyer on a contingency fee basis. And I am sure you would have no trouble locating one that would take even this case (graduating from law school does not require wisdom).

 

Then there are those that don't care about the cost - it is the principle involved that is important. In fact, I remember one case where the plaintiff lawyer hated someone so much (we will just call her Mrs. E.), that he took the case against Mrs. E. for free. That lawyer was not the only person who hated Mrs. E. Mrs. E. had developed quite a long list of people who hated her. Even the judge handling the case was getting frustrated.

[Autumnrose]

The cruise line invoice's no longer say "port charges". Some cruise lines include these fees with the cruise price some do not. If your invoice stated "port charges" then I would be willing to bet what you are actually looking at is an invoice from your travel agency not the cruise line. Many travel agents still refer to the fees as port charges even though the cruise line doesn't, basically because that is what these fees are. So you agent is probably the one that typed that wording for you. Hope this helps.

[Ltvscout]

I know other lines do in fact refund those charges and wanted to hear from others if they had those fees refunded.

Carnival will refund $25 for a missed port. What I'm not sure on is if it's $25/pax or $25/cabin.