Storm Clouds Rising

Categories

Part of being a travel agent is to educate and inform our clients.  The recent passing of Hurricane Matthew through the Caribbean and then along the eastern coast of the United States disrupted millions of travel plans.  In the aftermath there was a lot of complaining and frustration by those affected.  I certainly understand their frustration; however, most of the complaints and frustration could have been avoided if they had used a travel agent and if their travel agent had educated them.  Here are a few things you should know about cruises and weather issues.

 

Just like in life, storms are going to arise on a vacation.  Some of these storms are going to cause issues with your travel plans.  The first thing you should do is to protect yourself and your investment.  Travel insurance is the best way to do that.  Travel Insurance gives you options and in worse case scenarios covers the unimaginable.  Always purchase Travel Insurance rather than hope and pray you don’t need it.

 

With major storms flights get delayed and canceled, ship itineraries change, and ports get shut down.  What exactly are your options and the vendor’s obligations?  That varies greatly so don’t get caught up in the emotion of it all.  Cruise Lines have not only the safety of their ships in mind but your safety as well.  They will deviate from itineraries to go around a storm, drop a port completely (either because the port is closed due to weather or the new course will not permit them to reach the port in time to dock), or stay out to sea longer delaying the disembarkation of the ship.  Know that they don’t take these changes lightly.  They are doing it for safety reasons.  These types of changes do not entitle you to a refund or compensation of any kind.  If they do offer compensation, it is in an effort to keep you as a valued client.

 

Sometimes accidents happen.  I have read about two instances this year where a ship pulling into dock or enter a port got caught by a sudden strong gust of wind pushing the ship into obstacles and damaging the ship.  When the ship is no longer sea worthy, they have no choice but to disembark the ship and send it for repairs.  In these cases, the cruise line will make every effort to compensate you.

 

Most land vendors will make similar changes and adjustments to itineraries as the cruise lines.  It is always in your best interest as far as safety is concerned when tour operators make these types of changes.  The weather is never guaranteed and is not a reason for refunds but many will offer compensation when appropriate.

 

You work hard for your vacation time.  Protect it with travel insurance, be understanding when Mother Nature turns nasty, and look for the silver lining!  There usually is one…if you look hard enough.