Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing a “cancel for any reason” enhancement to its travel protection program known as the Cruise Vacation Protection Plan. The new feature will be included in all plan purchases for voyages departing on or after January 1, 2011.
With the new enhancement, those who purchase Carnival’s Cruise Vacation Protection Plan will be able to cancel their cruise — regardless of the reason — and receive a future cruise credit equal to 75% of cancellation charges, provided they notify Carnival prior to the ship’s departure. Those who cancel for a covered reason will receive 100% percent cash reimbursement.
Prices begin at $49 per person and vary by cruise cost. Guests must purchase the plan no later than the final payment date for the cruise to be eligible for the “cancel for any reason” benefit. All plans purchased for voyages departing next year will be eligible for the “cancel for any reason” benefit, including those plans that were already purchased for an upcoming 2011 voyage. The price of the plan remains unchanged.
Carnival’s Cruise Vacation Protection Program offers a package of benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, emergency medical evacuation, medical, baggage loss and baggage delay. The program also provides a 24-hour emergency assistance hotline. Last year the plan was expanded to include severe weather watch/warning protection and job loss protection.
“With the new ‘cancel for any reason’ enhancement, as well as the severe weather and job loss protection, our Cruise Vacation Protection Plan provides consumers with much-needed peace of mind knowing their vacation investment is protected regardless of the circumstances involved,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s executive vice president of sales and guest services.
