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No cruise enthusiast wants their getaway to be interrupted by a hurricane, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Regrettably, Carnival Valor is facing such an interruption for its upcoming voyage from New Orleans, yet Carnival Cruise Line is providing substantial compensation for affected guests.
The ship was initially set to embark on a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise on Thursday, September 12, 2024, with a scheduled stop in Cozumel, Mexico.
However, due to Hurricane Francine affecting the New Orleans area as a Category 2 storm, Carnival Valor has been delayed and cannot follow the original itinerary.
As a result, the ship will now operate a 3-day cruise without any port stops. Guests will still be able to take advantage of all the amenities, entertainment, and activities available on the 110,438-gross-ton Conquest-class vessel. All onboard options remain unaffected, and the ship is fully operational.
Due to the shortened cruise and elimination of the port visit, Carnival Cruise Line is offering compensation options for passengers.
Guests opting to participate in the abbreviated voyage will receive a pro-rated, one-day refund for any pre-purchased packages, such as Wi-Fi and drink packages. Additionally, every stateroom will be credited with $100 (USD) for onboard use.
Refunds will also be issued for all taxes and fees associated with the Cozumel stop, as well as for any shore excursions booked through Carnival Cruise Line.
These credits will be applied to guests’ Sail & Sign accounts for use during the cruise.
Moreover, all guests who set sail will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of their cruise fare to account for the loss of vacation time. This refund will be returned to the original payment method, but it may take up to three weeks to process depending on individual banks.
Guests will additionally receive a 50% future cruise credit (FCC) for use on another Carnival cruise, with a few exceptions. This credit must be redeemed by September 30, 2025, but can be applied to any cruise currently available for booking. However, it cannot be used for deposits, onboard credit, or gratuities for the new trip.
For passengers with non-refundable air travel change fees, receipts can be submitted for reimbursement consideration up to $200 per person.
It is important to note that Carnival’s Cruise Ticket Contract, Section 8(d), states that no compensation will be provided if itinerary changes occur due to weather events.
“Carnival may alter the duration and/or itinerary of the cruise at any time, including but not limited to adverse weather and hurricanes. Carnival shall have no liability for any compensation or other damages resulting from such itinerary changes.”
The cruise line does extend these compensation offers as a gesture of goodwill for guests, yet these should not be anticipated or demanded.
Options for Guests Staying Home
Not all travelers may wish to participate in the now-shortened cruise. Carnival Cruise Line is also providing options for those who prefer not to embark on the adjusted cruise, whether due to disinterest, inability to reach the port, or local damage that prompts them to stay home.
Read Also: What Is a Cruise to Nowhere?
Guests who decide against setting sail can contact Carnival Cruise Line or their travel agent before 8 p.m. Eastern Time to cancel their trip. They will receive a full future cruise credit for their cruise fare, alongside a complete refund for any pre-purchased add-ons related to the sailing.
Those opting for this cancellation must make their decision by 8 p.m. Eastern Time, noting that Port NOLA operates in the Central Time Zone (7 p.m. local time). Carnival Cruise Line’s headquarters is in Miami, Florida, which observes Eastern Time.
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