The short answer: the captain can change the route for safety — usually because of wind, waves or port restrictions — and that is part of every cruise contract. You usually get back the port charges for the missed port, not more. If you miss the ship on your own excursion, getting to the next port is at your own cost; on the ship's own excursions, the ship waits.
Why ports are cancelled
- Weather: strong wind or waves make docking or using small boats (tenders) unsafe.
- Port restrictions: strikes, congestion, local rules or security.
- Technical or medical reasons: sometimes the ship must change course to help someone.
The captain decides, and safety comes first. Usually the ship sails to another port or spends an extra day at sea.
What you get back
| What | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Port charges for the missed port | Often refunded to your on-board account |
| The ship's own excursions there | Cancelled and refunded automatically |
| Tours booked with a local company | Depends on that company's terms — check before you book |
| Compensation for the cruise price | Rare: the contract allows route changes for safety |
If the ship leaves without you
Every port day has an all-aboard time, printed in the daily programme and the app, some time before departure. The ship does not wait for guests who explore on their own. If you miss it:
- Go to the port agent — the cruise line's local representative; the number is in the daily programme.
- Get to the next port at your own cost, with the agent's help. You need your passport — another reason to carry ID ashore.
- Call your insurer if your policy covers missed departures.
On the ship's own excursions, the ship waits if the tour is late. On your own, plan to be back at least an hour before all-aboard time, and set an alarm in ship's time — not your phone's local time, which can differ.
If you miss the start of the cruise
A delayed flight or train can make you miss embarkation. Arrive the day before if you are flying, and choose a departure port you can reach without flying if you can. Missed-departure cover in your travel insurance helps if it goes wrong. Read more about travel insurance for a cruise.
Common questions
Can a cruise skip a port?
Yes. The captain can change the route for safety reasons, such as weather or port restrictions. This is part of every cruise contract.
Do I get money back if a port is cancelled?
Usually the port charges for that port and any ship's excursions booked there. Compensation for the cruise itself is rare.
What if I miss the ship in port?
Contact the cruise line's port agent; you will have to reach the next port at your own cost. On the ship's own excursions, the ship waits for late tours.
Should I arrive a day early?
If you are flying to the departure port, yes. A missed flight connection is the most common reason for missing a cruise.
How the club fits in
For any sailing, the club's familiar ways of paying apply: the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. The cruise line's conditions for route changes apply as usual. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search. More about booking with points.
General information; what is refunded after a route change depends on the cruise line's terms and your booking. Check them before you sail. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.