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On our programme on Friday 5 January 2024, travel expert Rob Staines joined us in Rip Off Britain HQ to give tips and advice on what rights you have when the itinerary changes on your cruise.

Here’s his advice on this tricky topic.

If my cruise itinerary changes, can I get my money back?

Not necessarily. Unlike holidays on land, there are specific clauses in cruise contracts to say that changes in itinerary can happen.
Many companies consider a significant change something as simple as when the entire cruise is cancelled, or the start or finish date of a cruise are altered … and everything in between is minor. If the change is considered to be minor by a cruise company, it is very unlikely you will receive a refund from them.

This is why it’s really important to research your company, to understand their terms and conditions, and to make informed decisions BEFORE you book.

tell us our rights when there's a significant change, and they clearly state that alternatives must be offered at no extra cost. Now, it doesn't actually give specific examples of what a significant change actually looks like, and that's where lots of ambiguity comes in. But if it feels significant to you, that's when you should go and speak to your cruise company.

Will my insurer refund or compensate me?

Getting insurance is vital when you book the holiday, do it the very same day, and specifically get cruise insurance - not just a general holiday insurance policy. And within some of those cruise insurance policies you can be covered for itinerary changes like this. Your insurer will look at the merits of the claim - but when choosing your policy check out if they offer this service before you take out the policy.

Who else can you go to, to get help or advice?

If you've booked with a company that is based in the UK or if you book with a travel agent that is registered with ABTA, you can go to ABTA’s This is structured in two stages, stage one will involve ABTA reviewing a case and offer advice to both parties but will not offer compensation or make a final decision. If still not satisfied, stage two will involve the case being sent to an arbitration service handled by an independent body.

While holidaymakers are free to take legal action, the outcome is not guaranteed to weigh on the side of the consumer and it could end up very costly indeed.

Travellers can also refer their complaint to CLIA - Cruise Lines which is a regulatory body.