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Overbooked Cruise: 3 Tips to Avoid Getting “Bumped” off Your Ship and Why It Happens

There’s almost a 0% chance you’ll be “bumped” from your cruise.    And even if a cruise line does overbook your cruise, leaving you behind, the likely compensation should definitely ease the pain.

Many people didn’t think this was even possible before news reports out of Brisbane, Australia started circulating last November.

Headlines were made when Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas set sail from Brisbane, leaving behind several passengers with confirmed bookings.  At least 11 cabins that had been booked by potential passengers were given to other cruisers.

The affected customers received a letter from the cruise line outlining their options due to the oversold ship. One option was to wait on standby for a possible stateroom assignment. A couple of waiting families or groups were ultimately allowed to board, but when the ship reached capacity , these 11 remaining parties were left to make other arrangements.

The impacted guests were ultimately offered a full refund, in addition to future cruise credit equivalent to their original cruise fare.  They even received an included beverage package – not a bad consolation prize.

How is a cruise ship overbooked?

Because of the high demand the cruise industry has seen in 2023 and well into 2024, cruise lines allow for a few extra bookings on a ship, knowing that some last-minute cancellations will open up staterooms.

The reality is it’s a high priority for these cruise lines to sail at full capacity, getting the most out of every sailing.

Often a cruise ship will sail at 105% or greater capacity.  This simply means that all of the cabins are occupied, and some have more than two guests in a stateroom, since double-capacity figures are used to reach that 100% figure.

While not common, incidents like the one on Quantum of the Seas are not exclusive to Royal Caribbean . Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of being affected by overbooking:

Read more: 7 biggest cruise cabin booking mistakes

How to avoid getting bumped on an overbooked cruise?

The Royal Caribbean customers who were bumped from their ship in November of 2023 had something in common.  They had booked staterooms with a “guaranteed fare”.

Cruise lines will offer these guaranteed prices at a lower rate if you allow them to assign you a cabin at a later time.  You get to choose a cabin category at a lower price, and you’re “guaranteed” that category.

Keep in mind that these are the “leftover” cabins after all the other passengers have chosen their own staterooms.

Most know the risk is getting a location that’s less than ideal, but very few know it could also mean they could get bumped off an oversold ship because of it.    Although again, this is a very rare occurrence.

Avoid guaranteed fares

Choosing your own stateroom can keep this from happening to you.  It really shouldn’t happen in the first place, and some cruise lines are trying to address the issue as demand for cruising continues to heat up.

But if you have picked out and paid for your specific stateroom rather than a guaranteed cabin category, you won’t have to worry about being bumped off the list.

Check in early

If you do decide to book a cruise with a guaranteed fare, you should take care of check-in as early as possible.  I always set a reminder on my calendar on the exact date that I can check in online.

The exact number of days before a sailing that you can check in varies by different cruise lines.

With Royal Caribbean you can check in 45 days before a cruise and with Carnival it’s 14 days.  But double-check with your particular cruise line.

The check-in process will expedite the cabin selection process and you will be less likely to get the dreaded cruise bump.

Related: 19 things you should do on cruise embarkation day

Get some travel insurance

And thirdly, always pay the extra money for travel insurance.   It might seem like a waste of money or excess spending at the time, but one incident like this will make it all worth it.

Even though those bumped cruise travelers were given a refund and future cruise credit, they still incurred other travel costs that they were not anticipating.

In addition to trip interruption coverage, cruise travel insurance can give you peace of mind if something comes up at the last minute and you need to cancel your cruise.

Read more:   Cruise travel insurance and why you need it

What to do if you do get bumped

It’s unlikely this will ever happen to you, but if it does here are a few pointers.

• Stay calm, be polite and talk it out – While it’s no fun to miss your cruise, keeping your cool and having a friendly conversation with the cruise line can really help. Just tell them clearly what you’d like (maybe a refund, or sailing on another day) and see what they can do. You might be surprised.
• Understand your options – Whether it’s a full refund, future cruise credit, or a rebooking, make sure you know all of your options first.
• Negotiate – While the cruise line will present initial options, you have the right to discuss additional possibilities. Politely present alternative sailings you find suitable or inquire about compensation for non-refundable travel arrangements impacted by the overbooking.

Related:  5 reasons you don’t need a travel agent for your cruise and one big reason you do

Final Thoughts

While overbooking is rare it can happen.  Embracing early booking, strategic cabin selection, and awareness of cruise line policies.  This way you can minimize the risk and maximize your chances of a worry-free cruise.

If these kinds of incidences happened more regularly, it would only incentivize trying to get bumped in order to enjoy some of the make-goods that are often offered by cruise lines.   But with cruise lines trying to take advantage of the strong demand for cruising, it’s likely this could happen again in 2024.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

“I Left Without Them”: Parents Upset They Miss Their Cruise Ship, Blame Teenager

Cruise line bringing back physical pre-cruise documents, why prices for cruises will appear higher starting july 1, 2024, 12 reasons to take a cruise to hawaii on norwegian’s pride of america, related articles, what happens if there is a hurricane during my cruise dates, ship or shore: 5 times you should stay on the cruise ship when in port, repositioning cruises unlocked: 10 pro tips i wish i knew sooner, 5 things to know when cruising with a third person in a cabin, recent popular posts.

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'Too Crowded': New Data Shows Cruises Are Being Overbooked at Alarming Rates Two major cruise lines have been overbooking cruises, according to a new report.

By Emily Rella May 25, 2023

The cruise industry has made a staggering comeback after pandemic-era restrictions and distancing protocols were lifted.

But now, it appears that the industry might be too popular.

According to data obtained by the Wall Street Journal , two of the biggest cruise lines — Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCL) — reported over 100% occupancy rates during Q1 of 2023.

RCG saw average occupancy rates of 102.1% while NCL saw 101.5%, according to the report.

Naturally, this can lead to more disgruntled customers when things like dining, activities, and general elbow space on the ship become overcrowded.

Travel consultant Sonia Bhagwan posted a clip of an April cruise on Norwegian that showed guests walking up and down steps in a big crowd.

@dreamwithsonia ?It's true: mega cruise ships are so crowded! That is why NCL has a dedicated separate wing called the Haven! ✨This all-suite area has a private restaurant, pool, lounge, bar & elevators. PLUS- when you sail in the Haven you get your own personal 24/7 butler, get to board first and get first dibs on activities and excursions!✨ ??Curious about booking a Haven suite? DM me and we can chat!! . #travelagentsoftiktok #luxurycruising #norwegiancruise ♬ Miami - Will Smith

"We are on the Norwegian getaway right now, and I can tell you that it isn't very pleasant," one viewer commented. "They have a tiny pool for adults and kids. Too crowded."

"With 3000-4000 people on a ship, it can get very crowded in the common areas where people all go," Bhagwan wrote.

Last month, Royal Caribbean was called out for overselling its third cruise in five months, blaming it on an "unexpected inventory error."

"We're aware that this may cause disruption to your booking, so if your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer," the company said in an email at the time .

WSJ explained that these overbookings happen when customers put more than two passengers (the expected number of passengers) per room.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately return Entrepreneur 's request for comment.

However, the overbookings and mass crowds are still, at the end of the day, helping the cruise business.

As of Thursday afternoon, RCG was up over 52% year over year, and NCL was up 5% in the same time period.

Entrepreneur Staff

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What happens if your cruise is canceled, or you get bumped?

Cruise passengers do not get bumped as often as airline passengers do, and you aren't likely to find out there's no room for you on the ship during the boarding process the way you might on a flight. But cruises can be oversold or canceled in advance for a variety of reasons.

Cruise lines employ some of the same approaches to inventory management as their airline counterparts, resulting in the ever-dreaded bumps. Plus, ship upgrade initiatives or mechanical repairs can cause changes to itineraries departing within weeks, months or even years.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But wait, some of us don't dread airline bumps — we , in fact, seek them out . Could the same apply to cruising? The biggest difference is that you'll rarely be able to volunteer to be bumped, though that can happen in some situations. For example, Royal Caribbean overbooked Allure of the Seas in 2023 and contacted passengers to ask if they would voluntarily swap ships or sailing dates to free up rooms.

Whether you get a rare volunteer option or are involuntarily bumped from a canceled or oversold cruise, there's a chance that you might come out ahead. First, let's look at the reasons cruise lines bump passengers, then at the kinds of compensation you might expect if you get bumped from a cruise.

Reasons cruise lines bump passengers

Because cruise lines and their passengers have far less flexibility than airlines and flyers, every effort is made to avoid bumping guests that have confirmed cruise bookings — but there are several reasons it can happen.

Probably the most common reason for a cruise bump is maintenance and/or safety. Storms sometimes cause cancellations, and even though cruise lines schedule routine maintenance and upgrades, unexpected problems do crop up between those scheduled dry docks. Think damage from collisions, fires, rogue waves or engine failures — all of which have happened on cruise ships, sending them to the repair dock and resulting in last-minute canceled cruises.

Nobody wants to have their cruise canceled that way, but neither should you want to board a ship that might be less than seaworthy. The events that cause this type of bump often make the news, possibly alerting you to your potential bump before it happens. That's small consolation for a canceled cruise, but it might allow you to begin rearranging your travel plans a bit sooner.

Related: Are cruises safe? Here's what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

Behind-the-scenes cruise line maneuvers can cause bumps that rarely make the mainstream news. Fleet changes and charter sales are two of those issues. Luckily, both of these types of cancellations usually provide months of lead time for cruise passengers to make changes to their travel plans.

You'd think dry docks are planned well before a ship's future itineraries are announced, but don't be surprised if dry docks for upgrades or maintenance are scheduled after cruises start booking. That happened in 2023 with Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, causing cancellations of cruises in December 2024 and January 2025. Early planners were bumped from their trips, including holiday sailings.

Fleet changes happen when a cruise line either feels it can make more money from moving a ship to a different destination or occasionally when a destination becomes impossible to cruise to. Recently, the slow resumption of cruising in Asia (especially China) has caused strings of cancellations and bumps.

Fleet changes can also result from ship sales or even transfers between sister companies (like Carnival Cruise Line taking some of sister brand Costa Cruises ' ships). Occasionally these can be short-notice situations, but not usually.

Charter sales are when the cruise line sells a large block or the entire capacity of a ship to a charter company. These sales are worth millions to the cruise line. They generally avoid charters of ships that are already heavily booked, but it does sometimes happen, triggering a number of cancellation emails.

Then there is the oversell. It's easy to assume that cruise lines could manage their cabin inventory through their complicated multistaged cancellation policies without the need to oversell. After all, guests who cancel their cruise at the last minute are not given refunds. Why can't the ship sail with a few empty cabins?

Cruise ships often sail with empty rooms, and most lines use upgrade options to eke out a few extra dollars from unsold rooms at the last minute. But the important factor is that cruisers spend hundreds (if not thousands) on things like drink packages , spa services, port excursions and specialty dining . Empty cabins don't generate that additional money, so cruise lines oversell popular sailings as airlines do with flights. They hedge their bets, and sometimes the gamble fails.

Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

What passengers can expect from the cruise line if they are canceled or bumped

In the case of storm cancellations or emergency maintenance needs that occur pre-cruise, you will likely get a refund of your cruise fare or credit toward a future cruise. In general, cruise lines would rather not give out refunds, so they use bonuses of additional future cruise credits if you choose credit rather than a refund. You will get little assistance for your non-cruise travel arrangements unless those were booked through the cruise line.

For example, when Carnival Freedom's funnel caught fire in March 2024, the line had to cancel its next two sailings for emergency repairs. The line not only refunded passengers on the canceled sailings their original cruise fares but also gave each guest a future cruise credit in the same amount as the original fare to encourage a future Carnival cruise booking.

Fleet changes generally involve offers to move your reservation to a different ship sailing a similar itinerary, the ship you booked on different dates, or a different ship and itinerary altogether. Again, refunds are the cruise line's least favorite choice, so you should expect bonus credit if you opt to either move your reservation or accept credit for an alternative cruise. Because this kind of bump usually comes with advance notice, the offer you get might not include huge bonuses.

In 2023, Celebrity Cruises had a fleet-change situation roughly six months out and offered affected guests alternative cruises and as much as $500 toward ancillary travel cancellation or change fees, which might not be enough to cover nonrefundable airline tickets for many destinations.

Related: 6 tips for booking your first cruise

Oversold cruises, though still quite rare, can result in enticing options for those who either accept a voluntary bump or anyone subject to an involuntary one. Possibilities include upgraded cabins on the alternative cruises offered, price freezes so your new booking doesn't cost more, and a longer cruise than the canceled one at the same rate.

The options you are offered could go the other way, though. During one of its recent oversell situations, Royal Caribbean offered those being bumped from its largest class of ships a replacement cruise on a midsize ship. Sure, it was a similar itinerary, but a cruise on an Oasis Class ship is an entirely different experience than a sailing on a Voyager Class vessel.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

The good news is that the closer it gets to the oversold cruise, the better the offers are likely to be. The caveat, though, is that you might already have paid for airfare, hotel stays and other pre- and post-cruise bookings that cannot be canceled without paying a penalty.

Does travel insurance help with cruise cancellations or bumps?

Having travel insurance that covers cancellation of the full amount of your travel, including airline tickets and hotel reservations, is always the safest choice on any cruise. Insurance coverage can be tricky, so read all policy details carefully before you choose.

The first thing to know is you cannot be reimbursed for your cruise fare from travel insurance if you accept a refund, alternative cruise or future cruise credit from the cruise line. Where it can come in handy is if you had already paid for nonrefundable flights, hotel stays or tours before your cruise was canceled or changed.

I checked the fine print on several policies designed specifically for cruises, and none of the policies I looked at would cover your extra costs like nonrefundable airline tickets or change fees if you take a voluntary bump. Even involuntary bumps due to cruise line fleet changes don't appear to be covered, and forced cancellations due to an oversell by the cruise line are not listed as covered reasons on any insurance policy I checked.

Related: Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

If you were really concerned about cancellations, you could purchase a "cancel for any reason" add-on to your insurance plan. These can be pricey and possibly not worth the cost just to protect against an unexpected bump.

Cruise line cancellations due to mechanical failures would likely be covered under the common carrier clause, but only the amounts for which the cruise line doesn't reimburse you. If your cruise line offers you $500 toward flight and hotel changes, and you are out $1,000, you can file for the extra $500 with insurance. If the cancellation happens before you leave, you'll use trip cancellation coverage. If it happens after you have left home, you will file under trip interruption coverage.

Insurance payouts for cancellations due to weather have specific conditions regarding when you paid for the insurance coverage (often it must be 14 days before the cancellation) and whether the storm was named or not at the time you purchased coverage.

Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

Having a 'Plan B' may help you come out ahead on cruise bumps

Just knowing that your cruise could be canceled is a good starting point. Consider that situation when deciding on the rest of your travel plans. Perhaps you want to choose the hotel rate that lets you cancel up until 24 hours before your stay, no matter how tempting the lower, prepaid nonrefundable rate looks. The same goes with airfare.

Also, consider what you might do if your cruise gets canceled or changed. If you do book nonrefundable flights or hotel rooms, are you willing to use them even if you don't take the cruise you planned? Can you change the dates or destinations? Would you consider booking a trip on another cruise line from the same port on the same dates to salvage your vacation — or would you enjoy a land-based holiday in Florida, Seattle or the area around your intended departure port?

Planning for the unexpected is especially important if your cruise is a one-way trip where you fly into one port and home from another (like some Alaska cruises ). Having a Plan B is also crucial if your cruise involves a group or an event like a wedding .

What to do if you are notified of a bump or cancellation

When you are notified of a change in cruise plans, the first step is to read the notice carefully to understand your options. If you booked through a travel agency, call your adviser if they do not reach out first. Have them explain the reason for the bump and any options the cruise line offers. A valued agent might even check cabin availability on other sailings for you before they call.

The cruise line will often offer complimentary replacements on smaller ships or slightly different itineraries. If you don't have an agent, your next step should be researching your options (including cabin availability) before committing to any of the cruise line's choices. If you are picky about ship size, where the ship stops or cabin type or placement, you wouldn't want to swap to the proposed alternative sailing if it wouldn't make you happy.

Once you get a representative (or your travel adviser) on the line, clarify whether your reimbursement options include bonus future cruise credit or a refund. If you're not offered the compensation you prefer, it never hurts to ask for it. The cruise line wants to keep you as a valued customer and knows it has inconvenienced you. The greater the inconvenience, the more the line might be willing to give.

Related: Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Finally, don't wait too long to decide. You won't necessarily know how many passengers are being bumped, but it could be hundreds, all scrambling to rebook something. Even if you're inclined to wait a full year for a replacement cruise, the dates or cabin you want might fill up.

One of the worst situations I've heard of was a group of friends traveling together in six cabins. Half were canceled due to an oversell of the cruise. Handling that kind of bump takes coordination among the travelers, as well as with the cruise line. In theory, the reservations should have been linked, which might have avoided the split, but because the cruise lines don't share their algorithms for who gets bumped, it's impossible to know how any situation can play out.

Bottom line

If you cruise often, you might eventually be subject to a cancellation or bump. Being prepared with insurance coverage, refundable travel arrangements and a plan for what to do with your vacation time if it happens to you can make a cruise cancellation far less difficult to deal with.

My family once had a cruise trip canceled by a hurricane. Once we got our refunds squared away, we hit the road for what turned out to be an epic road trip. What's your backup plan?

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• Travel Updates

Devastated guests turned away in Brisbane after Royal Caribbean oversold cruise

A letter handed out before boarding a cruise in Brisbane has shocked and devastated holiday-makers.

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Devastated passengers on a cruise departing Brisbane have been told there is no cabin on the ship for them after arriving at the port ready for their holiday.

Royal Caribbean confirmed to news.com.au it oversold its Quantum of the Seas eight-night South Pacific cruise, which left from the Queensland capital on Tuesday, after a letter given to unlucky guests at the terminal was shared on social media.

It said: “We regret to inform you we have been unable to allocate a stateroom number to your reservation.

“The time and effort you took to plan your cruise is important to us, and we apologise for the inconvenience. Every aspect of your time with us should be enjoyable, so we have put together some alternate options for you.”

Passengers who had not been given a cabin were given four options.

The first was to remain on standby and “hope that a stateroom will be assigned at the pier before check in closes,” plus $US100 (about $150) of on-board credit.

If no cabin became available, they would get a full refund and a 25 per cent future cruise credit.

Option two was to move to a similar itinerary at the end of January, and option three was to shift to an alternate seven or eight night cruise. Both of those included free upgrades “where available”.

Option four was the choice to cancel and receive a full refund with plus a 25 per cent future cruise credit.

A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman told news.com.au the guests affected were later all given a full refund, 100 per cent future cruise credit and a beverage package for the next time they sail, instead of the four options listed on the initial letter.

Do you know more? Email [email protected]

In a statement to news.com.au the cruise line apologised for the inconvenience.

“Making our guests’ vacations a reality is what we do, and while disruptions to their plans can occasionally happen, we do our best to minimise those chances,” Royal Caribbean said.

“The demand for the recent November 28 cruise on board Quantum of the Seas went beyond the rooms that were available.

“Unfortunately, efforts to accommodate all those who wished to sail that fell short for a group of our guests, and some were unable to sail as planned.”

The statement continued: “We take these disruptions seriously, and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.

“We have worked with each guest that was affected to rectify the inconvenience this has caused.”

Royal Caribbean did not disclose how many people had been affected.

The shocked guest who shared the letter on Reddit said it was their first ever cruise and when they arrived at the port, they and 13 other couples were given the letter.

More Coverage

They claimed only two of the 13 couples were allowed on the ship and the rest were told no rooms were available.

The passenger took to social media to ask for advice as they said they could not book another cruise “due to leave restrictions”.

“Absolutely devastated and completely ruined my holiday,” they wrote.

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Singapore Airlines has made offers of compensation to those who were injured when severe turbulence hit a flight, but an aviation and travel lawyer issued a warning.

Singapore Airlines has offered thousands of dollars to passengers who suffered injuries on-board a flight struck by violent turbulence last month.

The lead investigators digging into what caused the doomed Titan submersible to implode while trying to reach the Titanic have exposed a major finding.

What happens if a cruise ship is overbooked?

1. cabin reassignments, 2. compensation and incentives, 3. waitlist and alternative arrangements, 4. legal implications and passenger rights, 1. what happens if i’m bumped off a cruise ship due to overbooking, 2. can i sue a cruise line for overbooking, 3. how common is overbooking on cruise ships, 4. can i get a refund if my cruise is overbooked, 5. can travel insurance protect me from overbooking issues, 6. can i avoid the risk of overbooking by booking directly with the cruise line, 7. what steps can cruise lines take to prevent overbooking, 8. are there any regulations or industry standards regarding overbooking on cruise ships, 9. how can i protect myself from being affected by overbooking, 10. what should i do if i am bumped off a cruise ship due to overbooking, 11. can overbooking lead to other issues during the cruise, 12. how can i voice my concerns if i am dissatisfied with the resolution of an overbooking issue.

If a cruise ship is overbooked, it can lead to a range of complications and inconveniences for both the cruise line and the passengers. Overbooking occurs when the cruise line sells more tickets than the ship can accommodate, usually to offset potential cancellations or no-shows. While this practice can be profitable for the cruise line, it can create logistical challenges and upset passengers who may find themselves without a cabin or facing other disruptions. Here is a closer look at what happens when a cruise ship is overbooked.

When a cruise ship is overbooked, the first step the cruise line takes is to reassign cabins for the affected passengers. This typically means upgrading some passengers to higher-level cabins or suites, while downgrading others to lower-level accommodations. These reassignments are made based on availability and the cruise line’s policies.

In some cases, passengers may be asked to share a cabin with another passenger or be provided with alternative sleeping arrangements, such as a rollaway bed or a cot. The cruise line’s goal is to ensure that every passenger has a place to stay, even if it means some adjustments to the original cabin assignments.

When a cruise ship is overbooked, the cruise line often provides compensation and incentives to affected passengers. This can vary depending on the severity of the overbooking and the cruise line’s policies. Compensation may include a partial refund of the ticket price, onboard credit, future cruise discounts, or complimentary amenities and services.

These offers are intended to appease the passengers and compensate them for the inconvenience caused by the overbooking. However, it’s important to note that the cruise line is not legally obligated to provide compensation unless it is stated in the terms and conditions of the ticket.

If the cruise ship is significantly overbooked and there are no available cabins or accommodations to assign to the affected passengers, they may be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist prioritizes passengers based on factors such as their booking date, loyalty status, or any special needs they may have.

In the event that the waitlist does not lead to a resolution, the cruise line may offer alternative arrangements. This can include transferring the passengers to another cruise ship or offering them a future cruise credit to be used on a different sailing. The cruise line’s goal is to provide a viable solution that meets the passengers’ needs and expectations.

When a cruise ship is overbooked, it can raise legal implications and potentially infringe upon passenger rights. Cruise lines have a responsibility to fulfill their contractual obligations and provide the services they promised to their passengers. If a passenger feels that their rights have been violated or they have suffered significant inconvenience, they may seek legal recourse.

Passenger rights can vary depending on the cruise line, the ticket’s terms and conditions, and the applicable laws. If you find yourself in a situation where a cruise ship is overbooked and you believe you have been treated unfairly, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who specializes in maritime law.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are bumped off a cruise ship due to overbooking, the cruise line is responsible for providing you with an alternative solution. This can include reassigning you to another cabin, offering compensation or incentives, or providing you with alternative arrangements, such as transferring you to another ship or offering you a future cruise credit.

Whether you can sue a cruise line for overbooking depends on various factors, including the terms and conditions of your ticket, applicable laws, and the extent of the inconvenience you have experienced. It’s advisable to consult with a maritime law expert to understand your rights and explore your legal options.

Overbooking on cruise ships is relatively uncommon but can occur as cruise lines try to maximize their profits and account for cancellations and no-shows. However, most cruise lines strive to minimize overbooking and take steps to mitigate the impact on passengers.

Whether you are entitled to a refund if your cruise is overbooked depends on the cruise line’s policies and the terms and conditions of your ticket. Some cruise lines may offer a partial refund or compensation in such cases, while others may only provide alternative solutions or incentives.

Travel insurance typically does not cover overbooking issues specifically. However, it can provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen events. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.

Booking directly with the cruise line does not necessarily guarantee protection against overbooking. Cruise lines can still overbook their ships, regardless of whether you book directly or through a travel agent. It’s advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions of your ticket and familiarize yourself with the cruise line’s overbooking policies.

Cruise lines can take various steps to prevent overbooking, including implementing effective reservation management systems, closely monitoring booking trends and patterns, and setting realistic guest capacity limits. They may also offer waitlists and alternative arrangements to quickly resolve overbooking situations without inconveniencing passengers.

There are no specific regulations or industry standards regarding overbooking on cruise ships. However, cruise lines are generally expected to fulfill their contractual obligations and provide reasonable accommodations and solutions to affected passengers in overbooking situations.

To protect yourself from being affected by overbooking, consider booking your cruise well in advance, especially for popular sailings. It’s also advisable to carefully read the terms and conditions of your ticket and consider purchasing travel insurance that provides coverage for trip cancellation or interruption.

If you are bumped off a cruise ship due to overbooking, remain calm and approach the cruise line’s staff or customer service representatives to discuss the situation. They are responsible for providing you with an alternative solution, such as reassigning you to another cabin or offering compensation or incentives.

Overbooking can potentially lead to other issues during the cruise, such as overcrowding in common areas or a higher demand for onboard amenities and services. However, cruise lines strive to manage these challenges and ensure that all passengers can still enjoy their cruise experience.

If you are dissatisfied with the resolution of an overbooking issue, it’s important to follow the cruise line’s complaint resolution process. This typically involves contacting their customer service department or filling out a complaint form. Be sure to provide all relevant details and document any interactions or communications related to your concerns.

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What are your rights for overbooked cruises?

"gma" speaks to passengers who could not get on cruise ships due to overbooking., december 4, 2023, what’s next for russia, what comes next after texas school shooting, what's next for abortion rights in america, the new battle for voting rights, how we can build a clean and renewable future, the fight for kyiv, examining extremism in the military, gun violence: an american epidemic, border crisis: what’s happening at the us-mexico border, remembering george floyd: a year of protest, the source of covid-19: what we know, how did the gamestop stock spike on wall street happen, why are people hesitant to trust a covid-19 vaccine, how climate change and forest management make wildfires harder to contain, disparity in police response: black lives matter protests and capitol riot, 2020 in review: a year unlike any other, examined: how putin keeps power, why don’t the electoral college and popular vote always match up, us crosses 250,000 coronavirus deaths, 2nd impeachment trial: what this could mean for trump, presidential transition of power: examined, how donald trump spent his last days as president, how joe biden's inauguration will be different from previous years, belarus’ ongoing protests: examined, trump challenges the vote and takes legal action, 2020’s dnc and rnc are different than any before, what is happening with the usps, voting in 2020 during covid-19, disinformation in 2020, abc news specials on, impact x nightline: on the brink, impact x nightline: unboxing shein, the lady bird diaries, impact x nightline: it's britney, impact x nightline: natalee holloway -- a killer confesses, impact x nightline: who shot tupac, impact x nightline, power trip: those who seek power and those who chase them, the murders before the marathon, the ivana trump story: the first wife, mormon no more, leave no trace: a hidden history of the boy scouts, keeper of the ashes: the oklahoma girl scout murders, the orphans of covid: america's hidden toll, superstar: patrick swayze, the kardashians -- an abc news special, 24 months that changed the world, have you seen this man.

Watch CBS News

Passengers flock to cruise ships as pandemic fears abate

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee , Alain Sherter

May 30, 2023 / 3:41 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Americans are booking trips on cruise ships at rates not seen since before the pandemic, a sign travelers are more comfortable boarding vessels that were once vectors for coronavirus.

Florida-based Royal Caribbean  said earlier this month that the load factor, or percentage of seats filled, of its cruise ships rose to an average of 102% in the first quarter of 2023. By comparison, the occupancy rate was 57% a year ago and 107% in 2019 just before pandemic lockdowns. 

Norwegian Cruise Line reported an average 101% occupancy rate during the first quarter, compared to 48% last year and 105% in 2019. The jump in cruise goers is helping revive the industry, which lost billions of dollars during the pandemic.

"COVID has dissipated as a concern for a lot of travelers" Wall Street Journal reporter Jacob Passy told CBS News. "People are raring to get out there, and cruises are a great way to see multiple locations (and) multiple countries."

Cruise lines are reporting more than 100% capacity because passengers are piling more than the suggested two people per cabin, Passy said. Cruise tickets this year are running between $130 and $260 a day depending on the ship, cabin type and destination, according to online price tracker Cruzely.  

Overbooked ship cabins serve as visual proof of the industry's rebound. Cabin occupancy rates will stay in the triple digits between now and into 2026,  fueled mostly by millennial travelers , the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)  estimated . 

"Cruising is back and is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism, outpacing the recovery of international tourism arrivals," CLIA spokesperson Sally Andrews said. "Consumer intent to cruise is also higher than it was in December of 2019( pre-pandemic) among both experienced cruisers and those who have never cruised before."

In 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised travelers to stay away from cruise ships  after a number of ships reports COVID-19 outbreaks. Bookings plunged, forcing companies such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to furlough workers. Cruise companies globally saw their income sink from $24 billion in 2019 to $8 billion in 2021, according to the most recent CLIA  data . 

The CDC ended its warning about cruise ships last year and is no longer requiring companies to only host passengers who have been vaccinated against the virus.

One of the biggest problems cruise operators faced during the pandemic was passengers booking trips, then backing out weeks before the departure due to health safety concerns, Passy said. These days, cruise lines are more likely to overbook travelers because they're still expecting some to change their minds last minute.

"The issue right now is fewer people are canceling because of COVID, so they're having to readjust that algorithm a bit to account for the fact that more people are just going no matter what," Passy said. 

• Cruise Ship
• Royal Caribbean

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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• Celebrity Cruises

Our cruise is allegedly overbooked..how does it happen?

By hcat , April 19, 2017 in Celebrity Cruises

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We are booked on Silhouette Jan 26 2018..great ship & great itin.Can't wait!

Recently learned there's a small group booked plus a very large group, plus the rest of us.

Cruise is now removed from sale listings, but still appears on our My Cruises list. TAs have been advised the ship is sold out, but no wait list established. We and a roll call member were told it is OVERBOOKED.

X assures it is not chartered and our long standing booked res will be honored and eventually the sailing will return on the listings.

We are wondering how this can happen? (more common these days?)

How will X resolve overbooking? Will they bump non group res and if so how do they decide...and when? We booked early so we paid less.,will they dump us for someone who paid more? Do those who booked a specific stateroom take preference over those with just a category guarantee?

Hope it gets resolved without bumping but in view of recent bump isues...these questions do come to mind..despite assurances we are all OK.....Sort of takes away some of the joyful anticipation.

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Since they can't assign two different parties to the same cabin, my guess is that if it really is overbooked, it would be with as of yet unassigned guarantees. If anyone were to be "bumped" they would be the most likely.

That being said, given your sailing isn't until next Jan I can't imagine there is anything to worry about. There will probably be many cancellations before then - especially once final payment time comes around. It will all work itself out.

Silvery Seas Cruiser

This happened to my sister last year on another cruise line. They were booked on an August Alaska cruise, but very close to their cruise they were phoned by the cruise line and offered a very attractive deal to postpone their cruise to two weeks later. It seems that at the last minute some large group wanted to book the cruise my sister was on.

My sister accepted the offer, but in the meantime the weather turned much colder for the later cruise. My brother-in-law said in retrospect he wasn't so sure that the OBC, other perks and cabin upgrade they were given was worth changing their plans and airline tickets, but I don't know what they could have done if the cruise line had no room for them. I also wonder if they could have held out for an even more attractive deal.

crusinthrough

Since the cruise is in 2018, I wouldn't think it's really overbooked. Since there are two groups onboard, I'm sure the group TA's are holding rooms. This is in addition to rooms normally held by TA. I find it hard to believe that a ship is overbooked prior to final payment. As there is no way to tell how many cabins will go back into inventory after final payment.

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The main problem in my mind is that passengers in the U.S can book multiple cruises, then decide at final payment which they will cancel. The cruise company is ' covering themselves' by taking more bookings than they have capacity for, so that they won't loose out financially.

This scenario wouldn't happen in U.K, as we loose our deposit if we have to cancel.

It's about time all customers were treated equally.

Sorry to say but if this cruise is showing sold out so far in advance it has been chartered - not overbooked. Don't cancel yet but hold out for whatever compensation they will offer you. But I really think you need to plan for not being on this cruise :(

I have had two separate cruises cancelled because the ship was either sold or chartered. On both occasions they showed sold out around a month before the company (RC in both cases) actually admitted it. I realise it's not 'quite' the same company but just advise you to be prepared for the worst - but I hope it works out for the best and it's not the case.

scubacruiserx2

A couple of years ago when we did a TA on the Eclipse a similar thing occurred . We were going to do 2 TA's , one east bound in the spring and a west bound in the fall . That way we could fly one way and cruise the other . But when we went to book the west bound cruise it was full more than a year in advance ! About a month before the fall cruise sail sail it mysteriously became open ! Unfortunately , we had already cancelled the return leg of our flight , thinking that the ship was full .

Last September we had a Med cruise on the Silhouette with a very large group on board and for a while the price kept going up, we had booked a year ahead, then it showed sold out for a while and then after final payment the price dropped dramaticly and we got a "free" upgrade to Aqua. Things are not always what they seem to be....

When groups book, they usually block out a group of rooms for the group for a set period of time. Look again in a few months and I bet you'll see many room available

I would be trying to find out exactly what "groups" there will be.

Some larger groups will can take up pool area, show venues, etc.

Is your ship going to the Caribbean? If so, I found the group booking shown below:

http://www.cruise-eta.com/event/motorcycle-cruise-126-204-2018/

Cruise Raider

Is your ship going to the Caribbean? If so, I found the group booking shown below:   http://www.cruise-eta.com/event/motorcycle-cruise-126-204-2018/

We've been on a motorcycle cruise before ... it was actually a fun group and not all that large. I would say it was 100 or so. But, have also booked a cruise that was chartered and they canceled our reservation about 9 months before the sailing. This might end up being a large group and I would rather not cruise with any one large group. But, as mentioned, hold onto your sailing ... and just have a back up plan in mind. You might get an offer to move to a different sailing. We did and so glad we took it. Some on our roll call were ticked off ... we were happy with our benefits moving to another sailing and had an amazing time. I am aware not everyone is quite that flexible ... glad we were.

This is not my cruise, I just found the information and was posting it as an 'FYI."

Oh yes ...I gathered. As much for the OP as for anyone. thanks for taking the time to post!

Cruising Princess

I've been booked on this cruise for over a year and watched it slowly fill up. It's a great itinerary spanning over 2 weekends. Looking forward to it. Not surprised others feel same way!

Thanks all for your contributions to this inquiry..,

we know abt the cycle group..no problem....

Also located possible charity cruise....

But the Cruise salesperson on board said (not to us) it was large Greek group...no idea if that meant Greek people, greek fratetnity..only a large group..

Really annoying being in the dark,..would not want a frat cruise but love the itin, ship and our price. We will hold our space, hoping large group shrinks....and we are not bumped..tiring quickly of the booking stresses, after many happy yrs of cruising,,,,,

debshomespun

I am also on this cruise, and have had my booking since May/2016. I am also a travel agent, and back in February/2016, any unsold group space being held by travel agents had to be returned to Celebrity. This situation also happened with our 2/20/17 Equinox cruise. It was an 11 night sailing to New Orleans for 2 nights during Mardi Gras. About 3-4 months after its release, it was selling so well, any unsold group inventory needed to be returned to Celebrity. The ship was never listed as not available or sold out, just very high pricing. I think when final payment rolls around, there will be cabins open up. Many people will change their mind just before final payment. Only time will tell.

Our cruise on Equinox disappeared for several months as there was a charter and they weren't sure which weeks they wanted. Three cruises were impacted. Finally the week after our cruise end was selected and our itinerary modified to accommodate the now selected dates. As a result our cruise wasn't heavily sold as no one had been able to see it during the 'decision' period and a few weeks before final payment some great deals came out. If the dates had been our cruise dates then we would have been dumped as the charter wanted the whole ship.

The Equinox scenario in the Med was an annual occurrence as Atlantis chartered it most years, prior to her move to the Caribbean. I think our plans were altered 2 or 3 years in a row because of chartering. It looks like Reflection has now taken her place as I recently read a post stating she'd been chartered for next August (2018) and some pax were looking for alternative sailings.

Yes. Our cruise was in August. Clearly popular for charters. And also by Atlantis.

The main problem in my mind is that passengers in the U.S can book multiple cruises, then decide at final payment which they will cancel. The cruise company is ' covering themselves' by taking more bookings than they have capacity for, so that they won't loose out financially. This scenario wouldn't happen in U.K, as we loose our deposit if we have to cancel. It's about time all customers were treated equally.

This was exactly my thought. The ability to cancel without any financial loss impacts in other ways too. I looked at a cruise, and the cabin category I wanted was booked out. So I chose what I could from those available only for the exact cabin I would have liked to suddenly become available months later when someone changed their mind. As offers and perks had changed in the meantime I would have had to cancel, lose my deposit, and re-book to change the booking.

I really do not understand how a cruise company can ever know whether a cabin is actually sold or not. It may simply be 'booked' while the customer continues looking elsewhere before making a final decision. It must be a business nightmare to have to second guess what all their customers, from the areas where the deposit is refundable, are actually going to do. I am not sure this happens in other industries.

I would like to know that when I pay a non-refundable deposit and choose my cabin that I have a contract with the company to deliver what I have paid for. I understand there are reasons, out of their control, that may cause cancellations and I am happy with that, but overbooking is not out of their control.

I am on this cruise with 2 other cabins. We all had balcony guarantees and all were given cabin number in the guarantee category a month after booking.

I have my air already booked.

I think, if Celebrity is going to kick us off this cruise, they probably will do it before final payments then they only have to give us back our deposits.

xxpinksaltxx

I am on this cruise with 2 other cabins. We all had balcony guarantees and all were given cabin number in the guarantee category a month after booking.   I have my air already booked.   I think, if Celebrity is going to kick us off this cruise, they probably will do it before final payments then they only have to give us back our deposits.

We are also booked on this cruise. If this was to happen we would be truly frustrated and annoyed. Just offering to refund deposits is not ok. Especially if you have airfare booked. Refunding deposits is not much use when you have airfare booked from Australia and plans made a year in advance.

Can'tstopcruising

I agree. While not from Australia, our air is over $700pp and we also prepaid hotel. To add insult to injury, we are b2b with the Eclipse Feb.4. So if we are bumped, Celebrity will have to make good on all our extra expenses.

After booking our Celebrity cruise next January, I found out there are 2 charters on board. We have a group of 10 cabins. I would assume we would not be affected since we are a group too but time will tell.

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Thinking of booking a cruise? Here are the lines you should — and shouldn't — sail with.

Posted: June 10, 2024 | Last updated: June 10, 2024

• Before you book a cruise , it's important to understand that not all cruise lines are equal.
• Each cruise line has amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers.
• Carnival is good for families, Virgin Voyages for solo adults, and Cunard for mature travelers. 

I am a very, very avid cruiser. Last year alone, I spent 73 days on cruise ships .

I've sailed with most major lines, from kid-focused Disney Cruise Line to the sometimes-naughty Virgin Voyages. When people ask me which cruise ships I recommend , my answer isn't so straightforward.

Each cruise line is unique, offering amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers. What you book will depend on your needs, wants, budget, and what you'd rather avoid.

So, I've done some research about popular cruise lines and combined my personal experiences to help you decide which cruise line to book with.

After all, this is kind of the year of the cruise , with travelers predicted to set sail at some of the highest rates in years throughout 2024.

Here's what you need to know about some of the major cruise lines before you book your next trip.

Editor's Note: Price ranges were calculated at the time of publication based on available listings on each cruise site. Cruise pricing is per person, based on double occupancy and the cheapest stateroom/fare available. Prices were calculated before taxes, port charges, and other fees. Itineraries with added tours built-in were not included when calculating this information.

Carnival Cruise Line

Cost: $ | Prices range from $156/pp for a two-day getaway from Sydney to $3,273/pp for a 10-day Alaska cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, intergenerational groups, families, and partiers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-class, elegant experience or a quiet, laid-back vibe

Highlight: All Carnival cruises come with itineraries loaded with fun activities. Some ships have especially exciting features like the first roller coaster at sea, SkyRide zip-line-style aerial bikes, and themed parties.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to wear a tux or ball gown or have a quiet cruise experience.

Launched in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is one of nine cruise lines owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc. It's the company's largest cruise line, with 27 ships. Its cruises typically range from two days to 29 days.

Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round cruises in Australia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico and seasonal cruises in Alaska , Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and New England.

Celebrity Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $233/pp for a three-night Key West & Bahamas cruise to $6,912/pp for a 7-night Galapagos cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo travelers

Skip if: You're looking for a slower-paced classic cruise

Highlight: All Celebrity Cruises come with amazing outdoor spaces like The Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck of Solstice Series ships and the Rooftop Terrace on Millennium Series ships. You also won't want to miss the Magic Carpet , which allows guests to hang out while suspended above the ocean on some ships.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who want to attend lectures about their ports of call.

Celebrity Cruises began sailing in 1997. There are 16 ships, which sail on itineraries ranging from three to 19 nights to nearly 300 ports of call in 70 countries.

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $249/pp for a two-night cruise from Southampton, England to Hamburg, Germany, to $19,158/pp for a 111-night World Voyage

Ideal for: Sophisticated travelers and mature cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-energy cruise, hoping to travel with children , or craving adventurous activities

Highlight: All Cunard cruises come with white-glove service. You won't want to miss Cunard's famous 3:30 p.m. afternoon tea, gala evenings, and fine dining arranged by stateroom grade.

Possible cons: This is a very formal cruise with strict dress codes. You won't find water slides or pool parties here.

Founded in 1840, Cunard offers a classic cruise experience with cruises ranging from two to 116 nights.

Its four ships sail to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Disney Cruise Line

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $422.40/pp for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia, to $5,592/pp for a 12-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles cruise

Ideal for: Disney adults , families, and intergenerational groups

Skip if: You don't want to vacation around a bunch of children and you crave peace and quiet

Highlight: All Disney Cruise Line cruises come with heaps of Disney magic in the way of special events and details. You won't want to miss character meet and greets, pirate-themed parties with fireworks, and passengers trading pins and leaving treats inside decorative pouches hung on stateroom doors.

Possible cons: There is a significant child population on most of these cruises and not much adults-only entertainment. Dinners in the main dining can get loud, and, just like at the theme parks, there can be many queues for activities and other offerings.

Disney Cruise Line first set sail in the 1990s and has five active ships, with the new Disney Treasure set to debut in December. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 15 nights.

Holland America Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $94/pp for a one-day Pacific Northwest cruise to a $27,399/pp for a 132-day Grand Voyage

Ideal for: Music lovers and sophisticated world travelers who appreciate European hospitality and smaller ships

Skip if: You're young, traveling with children, or want to party

Highlight: All Holland America Line cruises come with a dose of Dutch hospitality and elegance. During my cruise with the line, I enjoyed the Dutch cuisine and Music Walk , which features live performances at B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

Possible cons: The line takes its formal nights really seriously and attracts an older crowd.

Holland America Line has had ships sailing the globe for over 140 years. Its 11 ships cruise to more than 425 ports of call on seven continents, and cruises range from one to 118 days.

MSC Cruises

Cost: $ | Prices range from $80/pp for a three-night Mediterranean cruise to $46,149/pp for a 116-night World Cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, families, intergenerational groups, big groups

Skip if: You're looking for lots of food options or top-tier entertainment

Highlight: All MSC Cruises offer great value — and good pizza

Possible cons: The cruise fare does not include many dining options, and the evening entertainment skews old-school and a bit more basic than some other cruise lines that do Broadway-worthy shows.

MSC Cruises has 22 ships, with one more projected to join its fleet by 2025. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 118 nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $79/pp for a one-day Australia cruise to $4,379/pp for a 10-day European cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for structure, ballroom dancing, and fancy dinners

Highlight: All Norwegian Cruise Line cruises offer freestyle dining. You won't want to miss its Broadway-level shows and generous drink package, which is often offered complimentary.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like formal dress codes, and some dislike the à la carte pricing.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing the world for over 57 years. Its 19 ships visit 400-plus ports on seven continents, and cruises typically last one to 25 days.

Princess Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $127/pp for a two-day Australia Seacation to $24,098/pp for a 98-day World Cruise

Ideal for: Mature solo travelers, couples, and retirees

Skip if: You're looking for lots of activities and party vibes. Princess Cruises tend to attract an older crowd, and the shows and activities reflect this. There aren't many events offered each day. On the three cruises I sailed with Princess, the entertainment was primarily musicals, piano players, and singers backed by an orchestra. There were only a handful of children on each cruise.

Highlight: All Princess Cruises offer Discovery and Animal Planet-exclusive shore excursions — and many have an excellent onboard lecture series.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to party, love water slides, or have teenagers.

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises has 16 ships that sail to 330 destinations worldwide on itineraries from three to 111 days

Royal Caribbean

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $196/pp for a two-night Hong Kong cruise to $8,266/pp for a 13-night Arctic Circle cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and intergenerational travelers

Highlight: All Royal Caribbean cruises come with fun activities and a broad range of entertainment options. Some have the Ultimate Abyss , the tallest slide at sea, or the glass capsule North Star , the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. You won't want to miss the Oasis Class ships' seven distinctly themed neighborhoods and Royal Promenade, a mall-like thoroughfare with shops, restaurants, and lounges that runs the length of the ship.

Possible cons: Many of its ships are mega-ships, so this isn't the line for you if you want a more intimate trip.

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean sails to about 240 destinations on six continents. Cruises range from two to 22 nights.

Royal Caribbean has many of the world's largest cruise ships in its fleet of more than 20 vessels.

Virgin Voyages

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $415/pp for a four-night roundtrip cruise from England to Amsterdam to a $3,072/pp for a 13-night Canada, Carolina, and Miami cruise

Ideal for: Child-free travelers, health enthusiasts, the glamorous, and those who don't like strict rules

Skip if: You want a classic cruise, need structure, or can't handle playfulness (and, sometimes, naughtiness)

Highlight: All Virgin Voyages are child-free, and everyone gets unlimited WiFi, access to group fitness classes, and gratuities included in their fare. You won't want to miss its famous Scarlet Night, 20 eateries (every venue is considered specialty dining), and eclectic shows like "Untitled DanceShowPartyThing."

Possible cons: There aren't traditional song-and-dance shows, assigned dining times, and nightly portrait photography

Virgin Voyages has been sailing its "Lady Ships" inspired by superyachts since 2021. Three nearly identical ships are currently in service, and a fourth one is set to set sail later this year.

Virgin Voyages sails to about 100 destinations in Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom on cruises ranging from three to 16 nights.

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Should I book a cruise online? Here's what to know.

• Travelers can book cruises online through the cruise line or third-party sites.
• Booking online offers convenience, but there can be some drawbacks.
• Travelers who need help with their booking may have to contact the cruise line or third-party site.

Travelers can buy almost anything they need for a cruise online, from flip-flops to sunscreen to the trip itself.

Many travelers book cruises through travel agents, but that’s not necessarily the right move for everyone. “Some people don't want to deal with people,” said Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants. “They want to go online. They don't want to have one conversation.”

But with seemingly endless search results and websites vying for prospective guests’ attention in ads, the experience can be overwhelming. And while booking online offers convenience, there can be some drawbacks. 

What are the best websites to book a cruise online?

When booking online, Kuther recommended going directly through the cruise line – if you know which one you want to sail with.

Travelers can easily browse itineraries, the line’s ships and their layouts, and other add-ons and promotions offered. If customers reserve other aspects of their trip, like flights, directly through the line, they will also have greater protection in the event of disruptions.

Cruise booking tips: There's more to it than picking your travel dates

“So if there's a cancellation or a delay, it's their job to get you to that ship,” Kuther said. “That's their commitment.” However, she noted that travelers may not have as many choices as when booking their flights themselves. (Cruise lines often have in-house vacation planners who are familiar with the brand.)

Travelers can book cruises via third-party sites as well and may be able to find deals doing so. Booking.com introduced a cruise option late last year, allowing travelers to book sailings, flights and hotels in one place. Other sites like Expedia and Orbitz also offer the category, and there are cruise-specific sites as well like Cruisebound.com and Cruise.com.

Those can also offer a comprehensive way to see what cruises are out there. Brandon O. Smith, who runs the YouTube channel The Weekend Cruiser , said Vacations To Go’s search function is particularly good. Many travelers also like Costco Travel because it’s “kind of built into their ecosystem,” he added.

Travelers booking through online travel agencies may have to pay fees that cruise lines do not charge, however, Smith said.

What if I need help with my booking?

Customers who book online on their own may have to contact the cruise line or third-party site when they have questions or issues, and the customer representative’s familiarity with the kind of trip they’re taking might vary. “And I think that's one of the big shortcomings,” Smith said.

Some travelers who have used third-party booking sites have had to jump through hoops to get help when their plans have gone awry.

Should first-time cruisers book a cruise online?

There is a wide range of lines and ships that cater to different types of vacations.

( click here for USA TODAY’s cruise line guide).

Smith recommended new cruisers work with a travel agent who can help them determine what kind of voyage is right for them. “Word of mouth is a great way to find people, and finding people who know your style of cruising,” he said. “So, if you're a family of five, you want to find somebody that's familiar with looking for larger families.”

If a traveler is looking for highly personalized advice, he said, “You're not going to get that through an online booking tool.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

I've worked on cruise ships for years. I always see passengers make these 13 mistakes.

• I've worked on cruise ships for over six years, so I've seen many passengers make mistakes.
• Missing the ship at port or booking excursions with outside operators could be costly and risky. 
• If you don't set your phone to airplane mode, you may rack up overseas roaming charges.

After over six years working on ships for a major cruise line , I've witnessed tons of travel blunders that prevent guests from having the best possible experience.

Here are 13 common mistakes I see travelers make:

Not reading the fine print can lead to conduct issues later

Passengers usually come on the ship excited for a good time, and for many, this involves a drinks package . And with lots of drinks can come rowdiness. 

I've come across a few troublemakers who had no idea that smashing Champagne glasses in the hot tub could get you booted off the ship.

Every passenger consents to a hefty conduct policy when they book the cruise, so make sure to read through it to know what's prohibited on board.

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges

Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill. 

Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to put yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

Really, just turn your phone off unless you're using it to take photos or access the ship's WiFi.

Many passengers don't take advantage of the different dining options on board

I often see passengers eat all three meals at the buffet every day. I know some people just really love the self-serve option, but it surprises me how many guests have no idea what's included with their trip.

Many times, the biggest shock to most first-time cruisers is that the dining room is included on most ships. Yes, this means a sit-down meal where you can order seven appetizers, five entrées, and 12 extra cookies for a midnight snack.

There are also so many spots with free food around most ships, like a pizza station, 24-hour ice-cream machine, and small cafés. Just be aware that specialty dining, like the steak house , might cost extra.

Leaving your room key behind is more of a hassle than you'd expect

It is not just a room key — it's your onboard credit card, ticket on and off the ship, and identification for the week.

Everything is connected to that card, so make sure to set up your information online ahead of time so you can start swiping the moment you get on board.

Security will scan it when you pass through the gangway to know who is on or off the ship, so it's especially important to have it on port days.

If you lose it, report it to the service desk immediately to ensure that no one else spends your money.

Many guests don't know they can bring their own wine on the ship

While many people think no outside alcohol is permitted on the ship, many major cruise lines allow passengers over the age of 21 to bring a bottle or two of wine on boarding day, so you can stop smuggling drinks in empty mouthwash bottles.

Some terminals will even sell wine to boarding travelers. If you buy alcohol in a port, you'll usually have to check it upon reentering the ship, and it'll be delivered to your room on the last night.

Missing the all-aboard time on port days is an expensive mistake

In my years of working cruises, I have seen more than a handful of guests miss the ship.

Although this is a huge fear for most passengers, it usually happens to avid cruisers — people who have been to the port many times before sometimes assume the all-aboard time is always the same.

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But this time varies by cruise, and it's stated on multiple signs at the exit gangway, in the daily planner, and in the captain's announcement.

Also, always triple-check whether the all-aboard time is based on the ship's clock or the local time.

If you miss the ship, you'll often have to get yourself to the next port, which can be very pricey.

Passengers miss out on discounts by not booking their next cruise while still on the ship

Booking a future vacation while on a ship can get you bigger discounts on cruises , access to new itineraries not open to the general public yet, and a lot of onboard credit.

These booking appointments are usually filled up by the last few days of the cruise, so head there at the beginning of your stay for more deals and no wait.

Booking a tour with an outside operator can be risky

Although it might be a lot cheaper to book your tours independently, it's also a lot riskier. 

Excursions booked through the ship are with verified operators. Most cruise lines will wait for the ship's tour to return before leaving the port, even if it's hours late. 

But this is not the case if you book on your own, and running through the port to find the ship sailing away is probably not the excursion you're looking for.

Immediately removing the automatic gratuity affects many staff members

On most cruise ships, there is a preset daily gratuity charged per passenger unless it's removed at the guest-services desk.

I see so many people come on board and immediately remove the charge, but this fee is usually split between your housekeeping, dining, and cleaning staff. It is essential to their jobs and affects their livelihoods.

I'd recommend waiting until the end of the cruise to make sure you're happy with the service instead of removing it on day one. You can also increase or decrease the amount instead of cutting it. 

Packing prohibited items can lead to a headache

As confident as you are that you can sneak on your portable iron, I seriously advise against packing anything that's not allowed on board. 

Security scans your bags on embarkation day, and if a prohibited item — like an iron, a bottle of vodka, or a candle — is found, they will hold your bag.

Your luggage won't be delivered to your door, and you may have to wait several hours until security contacts you, brings you to the holding area to search the bag, and confiscates the item until the end of the cruise.

Prepare your necessary travel documents to avoid trouble at ports

Cruise ships travel all over the world, so check if you need specific visas or documents based on your nationality.

You are responsible for knowing and bringing your own paperwork. If you don't have the right documents, you might not be able to get off at a port or, even worse, be allowed back on the ship.

I saw this happen when traveling to India with many American guests, a handful of whom didn't realize they needed a visa.

Dressing down on formal night can limit your dining options

Even though walking through the promenade in shorts is your choice, many guests aren't aware that there's usually a formal evening on most cruises.

Most passengers don evening gowns and suits on formal nights, and I've met cruisers who wished they would've packed at least one nice item — besides their Margaritaville shirt, of course.

Passengers not formally dressed on this evening usually aren't allowed to eat in the ship's main dining rooms, though the buffet is open to everyone.

It's worth learning the difference between port and starboard

Different announcements will direct passengers to either the port side or starboard side of the ship, so it's best to brush up on the jargon before your vacation.

Port is the left side of the boat and starboard is the right, always configured facing the front of the ship.

Just remember that "port" and "left" are both four letters. You'll thank me later.

This story was originally published on June 28, 2021, and most recently updated on June 7, 2024.

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