Thread: Accidental cruise Dec. 5

Yup, my workmate said I could hang out with her group (I have no cruise partner anymore). I booked the cruise so I wouldn't be alone on board. Guess what? The next day she apologized. Her hubby had booked the Glory from Miami, not the Sensation from Canaveral. Non refundable for me, paying single supplement.

Gaack! It is not refundable this far out?

I was surprised, just like Neal. This is a four day cruise, and Carnival's contract says that NORMALLY , it should be refundable until 60 days before the cruise. (See section 6 in the Carnival Ticket contract here:
Ticket Contract | Carnival Cruise Lines)

BUT there are 2 exceptions to this and they are if you paid under a Pack and Go program or an Early Saver Fare. The Pack and Go program provides lower fares closer to the departure to the cruise, and if you booked under that, it is NOT refundable.

It certainly can't hurt for you to double check to see whether you have a Pack and Go fare. The fact that you think you can't get a refund tells me you are, but it can't hurt to look.

If instead of the Pack and Go, you booked an early saver fare, you would only lose your deposit.

If you went through a travel agent, you might have them try to switch your cruise. It can't hurt to ask. If you booked it on your own, call Carnival and ask if it's possible. If this this doesn't work, did you get trip insurance? I am not sure if it covers something like this, but you can check.

But if you can't can't cancel without losing money, why not just go? As far as adventures go, this is much safer than many places, and you will not have to worry about fitting into someone else's schedule. In fact, I bet you will meet many people who, once they hear your story, will take you under their wing.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by nealberk

Gaack! It is not refundable this far out?

It was an early saver. That stinks, the price has never gone up!!

Originally Posted by ruthlessboss

It was an early saver. That stinks, the price has never gone up!!

I know you will have fun anyway!

Maybe this is the cruise where you will meet some new lifetime friends!

Originally Posted by Char

I know you will have fun anyway!

Maybe this is the cruise where you will meet some new lifetime friends!

I went on this same trip about 2 years ago solo. (I Soooo needed a "cruise fix"). It was good, but lonely without the chit chat with someone familiar. Formal night was a bummer for me, got weepy. You see, formal night was a BIGGIE on our cruises, the pictures etc.
I think I'll be better prepared this time, will bring my duds and go. As you say, who knows who you'll meet and become friends.

We met two people on one of our cruises who were each 1/2 of a couple who enjoyed cruising. When their spouses died, they realized that they could go together. They have been doing so platonically for many years now.

Originally Posted by ruthlessboss

It was an early saver. That stinks, the price has never gone up!!

Since this is an Early Saver Fare, only the deposit is non-refundable. You can still change ship and/or itinerary, ie, change your sailing to the Carnival Glory from Miami, and all you will have to do is pay a $50 penalty, and any difference in fare, so as advised, call your travel agent or Carnival if you booked directly with the cruise line and you can still cruise with your friends.

Such great support and advice from the CLF Family... Don't you just love it here...

That's what we do here Debbie.