⚠️ 6 Cruise Terms Gotchas to Watch For
- Itinerary Change Rights: HIGH Cruise lines reserve unlimited rights to modify, skip, or substitute ports without compensation. Your "dream destination" may become a generic beach day
- Mandatory Gratuities: MEDIUM Daily service charges of $15-20+ per person are automatically added to your account. These can total $200-400+ for a family over a week
- Beverage Package Restrictions: MEDIUM All-inclusive drink packages have per-drink limits, excluded brands, and often require all cabin guests to purchase. 18% gratuity added on top
- Medical Care Limitations: HIGH Ship medical facilities are basic. Serious conditions require evacuation at your expense—which can cost $50,000+ without travel insurance
- Arbitration/Forum Selection: HIGH Disputes must be resolved in specific jurisdictions (often Miami or foreign courts) through arbitration. Class actions typically waived
- Cancellation Penalties: MEDIUM Penalties escalate quickly—often 50% at 60 days, 100% at 30 days. Final payment is typically non-refundable
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