[Barkriver]

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

I had surgery on August 31 to repair the break and luckily, was discharged back home on September 1. I now have in-home physical therapy twice a week and am doing better than expected. Really!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

An NCL representative named Guillermo in an NCL chat room wrote to me that I could expect a $1500 refund. When I asked for a supervisor, Guillermo explained that their supervisors did not work in the chat rooms and so none were available...ever. He suggested I call another customer support number.

The woman on the other end of the customer support number was cheerfully adamant that there would be no refund beyond the $1500, and repeated twice, "that is why you should buy the insurance." She was so chipper delivering this admonishment, she sounded like Effie, in The Hunger Games, "May the odds be always in your favor."

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation. You would think there would be some spirit of goodwill - NCL is aware that my husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's because I completed NCL'S disability form. My husband and I are NCL Gold Latitude members, (which is NCL code for "these folks spent A LOT of vacation money with us.")

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

[Bill14564]

So what you are trying to say is that cruise companies (or at least NCL) follow their published policies.

That is good to know and a cautionary tale for those for those considering whether to purchase travel insurance.

[Rango]

Insurance companies offer travel insurance

[biker1]

Your travel contract will spell out the percentage refund for cancelling at certain numbers of days before the departure date. The fact that you got back $1500 is actually pretty good. A cruise line we sail with regularly has $0 refund for a cancellation less than 2 month before the departure date. You mentioned a "deposit". How is it that you hadn't paid the final balance a month before the departure date? We travel quite often and have an annual travel insurance plan with Allianz. When we were younger we didn't bother.

Originally Posted by Barkriver

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

I had surgery on August 31 to repair the break and luckily, was discharged back home on September 1. I now have in-home physical therapy twice a week and am doing better than expected. Really!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

An NCL representative named Guillermo in an NCL chat room wrote to me that I could expect a $1500 refund. When I asked for a supervisor, Guillermo explained that their supervisors did not work in the chat rooms and so none were available...ever. He suggested I call another customer support number.

The woman on the other end of the customer support number was cheerfully adamant that there would be no refund beyond the $1500, and repeated twice, "that is why you should buy the insurance." She was so chipper delivering this admonishment, she sounded like Effie, in The Hunger Games, "May the odds be always in your favor."

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation. You would think there would be some spirit of goodwill - NCL is aware that my husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's because I completed NCL'S disability form. My husband and I are NCL Gold Latitude members, (which is NCL code for "these folks spent A LOT of vacation money with us.")

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

[kingofbeer]

Originally Posted by Barkriver

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

I had surgery on August 31 to repair the break and luckily, was discharged back home on September 1. I now have in-home physical therapy twice a week and am doing better than expected. Really!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

An NCL representative named Guillermo in an NCL chat room wrote to me that I could expect a $1500 refund. When I asked for a supervisor, Guillermo explained that their supervisors did not work in the chat rooms and so none were available...ever. He suggested I call another customer support number.

The woman on the other end of the customer support number was cheerfully adamant that there would be no refund beyond the $1500, and repeated twice, "that is why you should buy the insurance." She was so chipper delivering this admonishment, she sounded like Effie, in The Hunger Games, "May the odds be always in your favor."

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation. You would think there would be some spirit of goodwill - NCL is aware that my husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's because I completed NCL'S disability form. My husband and I are NCL Gold Latitude members, (which is NCL code for "these folks spent A LOT of vacation money with us.")

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

Any cruise company or airline is unlikely to refund the entire amount. I use insuremytrip.com for travel insurance -- they offer many travel insurance plans. My preference is John Hancock or Berkshire Hathaway. The cost would be about 5%. The policy would refund the travel cost for many reasons, including yours.

[jimhoward]

I am surprised that they are offering a $1500 refund. I usually choose Royal Caribbean, and they give no refund at all. The reason for not going doesn't matter.

I personally don't think buying travel cancelation insurance makes sense unless you cancel frequently. Sure, it cost you $8800-$1500= $7300 on this trip. But on this and the other 10 cruises (or however many you take) you avoid a very expensive insurance cost.

Now travel insurance that covers may haps while at sea is a different matter.

[biker1]

If you take a lot of trips per year, an annual policy will be lower cost than insuring each trip individually.

Originally Posted by jimhoward

I am surprised that they are offering a $1500 refund. I usually choose Royal Caribbean, and they give no refund at all. The reason for not going doesn't matter.

I personally don't think buying travel cancelation insurance makes sense unless you cancel frequently. Sure, it cost you $8800-$1500= $7300 on this trip. But on this and the other 10 cruises (or however many you take) you avoid a very expensive insurance cost.

Now travel insurance that covers may haps while at sea is a different matter.

[VAtoFLA]

Your prediction of not getting sympathy for the cancellation is spot on. I am of course sympathetic and sorry for your injury and your need to cancel.

But you are right, this is one of the primary purposes of travel insurance and you need not buy it through NCL. They offer it if you want to get it from them.

I recommend insurance on a cruise, not primarily for cancellation reasons, but instead for health and medical. The cost of having to be medevacked from a cruise ship can be life altering.

Again, I'm sorry for you injury, but the cruise contract is really straight forward. NCL did nothing wrong in this case.

Hope to see you on the seas one day.

[Kelevision]

This post is confusing. The insurance company is who you’re getting insurance through. Not NCL themselves? You can also buy travel insurance from any insurance company you want. It doesn’t have to be through NCL but if you get it through them, it’s either Nationwide or Allianz.

[Aces4]

I'd go anyway and let NCL accommodate your handicap.

[Spartan86]

If you paid with a credit card check for travel interruption and cancellation coverage there. Most cruise lines I have worked with have the same policies- inside about 120 days your refund amount drops off substantially. I’m sorry for your injury. We cancelled a Viking cruise several days out due to a broken ankle. They refunded zero. We were made mostly whole by a travel insurance policy.

[Arctic Fox]

Are you saying that NONE of you is going, or just you (and maybe your husband, too) are pulling out?

I'm not sure even if you'd taken out insurance that the company would have covered (what looks like) three cabin cancellations just because one person is injured.

[MarcStephen]

Did you ask if they would credit the deposit for another cruise given your status with NCL? Might be worth a shot!

Originally Posted by Barkriver

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

I had surgery on August 31 to repair the break and luckily, was discharged back home on September 1. I now have in-home physical therapy twice a week and am doing better than expected. Really!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

An NCL representative named Guillermo in an NCL chat room wrote to me that I could expect a $1500 refund. When I asked for a supervisor, Guillermo explained that their supervisors did not work in the chat rooms and so none were available...ever. He suggested I call another customer support number.

The woman on the other end of the customer support number was cheerfully adamant that there would be no refund beyond the $1500, and repeated twice, "that is why you should buy the insurance." She was so chipper delivering this admonishment, she sounded like Effie, in The Hunger Games, "May the odds be always in your favor."

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation. You would think there would be some spirit of goodwill - NCL is aware that my husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's because I completed NCL'S disability form. My husband and I are NCL Gold Latitude members, (which is NCL code for "these folks spent A LOT of vacation money with us.")

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

[jimkerr]

Originally Posted by Barkriver

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

Then you risk losing your money like you did. You were stubborn and now have to face the consequences.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

This is a perfect example as
To why you buy trip insurance!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

Correct. It’s in their contract with you, which you agreed to

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation.

This is standard practice. Again, you should have bought trip insurance which you already know.

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

You also have the choice to not spend your money with them.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

Hard lesson learned.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by Barkriver

I had purchased a 7-day New England cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on October 3, 2025. My husband and I were to join my sister, brother, and his wife.

I did not (and never have) purchase NCL's proprietary travel insurance. The concept of paying protection money to a company for a service they own has always left a bad taste in my mouth.

On August 29, I slipped in the rain and fell in a parking lot. I broke my hip and fractured my pelvis. (Thank you to all the compassionate strangers who assisted me that afternoon and saw me safely into an ambulance.) ❤️

I had surgery on August 31 to repair the break and luckily, was discharged back home on September 1. I now have in-home physical therapy twice a week and am doing better than expected. Really!

My complaint is with NCL. I contacted them as soon as I returned home to let them know I needed to cancel our reservation. I immediately learned NCL would not be refunding the $8800 deposit we paid for the cruise.

An NCL representative named Guillermo in an NCL chat room wrote to me that I could expect a $1500 refund. When I asked for a supervisor, Guillermo explained that their supervisors did not work in the chat rooms and so none were available...ever. He suggested I call another customer support number.

The woman on the other end of the customer support number was cheerfully adamant that there would be no refund beyond the $1500, and repeated twice, "that is why you should buy the insurance." She was so chipper delivering this admonishment, she sounded like Effie, in The Hunger Games, "May the odds be always in your favor."

I'm going to make a long story short(er). NCL fully intends to keep my paid deposit of $8,800 despite my having provided complete medical documentation. You would think there would be some spirit of goodwill - NCL is aware that my husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's because I completed NCL'S disability form. My husband and I are NCL Gold Latitude members, (which is NCL code for "these folks spent A LOT of vacation money with us.")

My beef is that it is unethical to coerce passengers to either buy NCL travel insurance, or face financial hardship upon cancellation for legitimate, unavoidable, (particularly medical) circumstances. Talk about a conflict of interest.

Now, I have no illusions regarding the readership of TOTV. I know that many of you believe that my husband and I got what we deserved - after all, isn't that what insurance is for? Shame on us. Definitely our bad. And I would agree with you if our cancellation had been for a frivolous or inconsequential reason. But it wasn't. We fully intended to sail. Time is short and this was a wonderfully anticipated adventure with family.

Just consider this a cautionary tale.

Travel insurance is very reasonable compared to the amount this cancellation is costing you.