Have a cruise out of Boston? Here are your cancellation options

BOSTON — The U.S. State Department has cautioned citizens against traveling on cruise ships while countries around the world are working to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

But many in Boston may have already cruises out of the Seaport starting in April.

Several cruise lines who sail out of Boston are telling their passengers they can “cruise with confidence” meaning they can cancel within 48 hours of a trip – for a future trip credit – but not a refund.

One company says you have to cancel 30 days before the trip. Each cruise line has endpoints for these offers.

Some are offering incentives not to cancel, despite the State Dept. Advisory.

Here’s what the major cruise lines that sail out of Boston are now saying:

NORWEGIAN

Norwegian Cruise Line is encouraging travelers to plan their next vacation with its new Peace of Mind policy, offering guests who book voyages through Sept. 30, 2020 the opportunity to cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date and receive a 100% future cruise credit for use on any sailings through Dec. 31, 2022. This new offer applies to all new guests as well as those already booked on voyages beginning March 10, 2020.

HOLLAND AMERICA

In order to give travelers greater peace of mind surrounding their upcoming vacation plans, Holland America Line is announcing new programs to offer greater flexibility and choice during these uncertain times.

For guests currently booked on upcoming cruises, Holland America Line is temporarily changing its cancellation policy and allowing guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through May 31, 2020.

Any cancellation will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the amount of the paid fare which can be used for another cruise in 2020 or 2021. The FCC must be booked by Dec. 31, 2020, and the cancellation must be made with a minimum of 72 hours in advance of departure date but no later than March 31, 2020. However, guests booked between now and March 9, 2020 may also cancel under this new policy despite being within 72 hours.

For those who choose to keep their cruise plans on departures through May 31, 2020, an Onboard Spending Credit of $200 per stateroom/$100 per person for voyages longer than 7 days and US$100 per stateroom/US$50 per person for voyages less than 6 days will be automatically applied to their shipboard account as a thank you.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Whether you’re already booked on a cruise, or are thinking about it, we want you to Cruise with Confidence. That’s why Royal Caribbean will let you cancel any cruise that sets sail from now through July 31, 2020. Whether it’s a booking you already have or one you make right now, you’re covered. As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before you set sail, you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit can be used toward any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2021.

HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

Not offering credits yet.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Cruise With Confidence -Your cruise is covered by our new Cruise with Confidence cancellation program. Cancel at any time up to 48 hours before your sailing, for sailings departing up until 7/31/2020, and you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit.

SEABOURN

Now, you can book your cruise with confidence: For existing bookings and new bookings made now through April 30th 2020, for sailings departing between April 1st 2020 and October 15th 2020 guests will be able to cancel up to 30 days prior to sailing and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit of any monies paid to Seabourn and currently within cancellation fees. The Future Cruise Credit must be booked within 90 days for any published voyage(s) departing prior to December 31st 2021.

RITZ CARLTON

No info available on its website

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Note: the cruise ship season in Boston starts in April 8 with a port of call visit by the cruise ship Amadea.

Massport 2020 cruise schedule.

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