Last-Minute USA, Caribbean, and Mexico Travel Deals - Feb. 2012

CruiseTweet.com - Planning on taking a cruise this year or next? Make sure to read the fine print first before signing into any cruise travel contracts as it varies from cruise company to cruise company.

In fact, cruise line contracts are stacked against consumers and are among one of the worst, if not the worst in the travel industry today. When reviewing the contracts, keep a close eye on a few important key points that are subject to some cruise line by cruise line basis.

Below are a few typical catches from various cruise lines. If you are not certain about any, please contact your cruise or travel representative before you book.

PRICE AND FEES. The cruise line can increase base rates without prior notice. If you’ve paid in full, you’re exempt from such increases, but not if you’ve just made a partial deposit. In addition, most cruise lines “reserve the right” to pass along government fees and taxes, however assessed, and impose fuel surcharges, sometimes with a specified maximum. View Source

CANCELLATION FEES. In general, you lose 100 percent if you cancel less than 15 days in advance, and lower-level penalties start to kick in as early as 90 days in advance. You can avoid such penalties by buying either a cancellation waiver (cheaper, but poor coverage) from the cruise line or third-party trip cancellation insurance (more expensive, but better coverage). View Source

ITINERARY CHANGES. In an itinerary deviation subject to the cruise line’s control, you can get full cash refund or accept alternative vouchers. But if you decide to cancel, some cruise lines assess regular cancellation penalties, others are a bit more generous. Once at sea, the cruise line owes you nothing in a deviation for any reason. And if a ship can’t continue, the cruise line may dump you at an intermediate port, without further compensation. View Source


BAGGAGE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. Unless you buy extra insurance, the cruise line imposes a strict limit on liability for damaged, lost, or stolen property. This limit can be as low as $50 per traveler, $50 per bag, or $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of travelers or bags. View Source

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. You may not board with any alcoholic beverages, except for one bottle of wine, and the cruise line can search your baggage. You may buy “duty free” beverages in low-tax ports, but the cruise line keeps any you buy and returns it to you just before debarking. View Source

Liability Limit. If your cruise does not touch any U.S. port, the cruise line’s liability for death or personal injury is limited by an international convention at about $60,000. And the typical cruise contract exempts the cruise line from “pain and suffering” or “emotional” damages. The cruise line denies liability for any accidents of subcontractors. Cruise lines typically impose strict time limits for filing any damage suits. View Source