CRUISE LINE CANCELLATION

Cruise line cancellation disputes in Florida are primarily governed by the cruise line’s Ticket Contract, which often includes strict "forum selection clauses" requiring legal action to be filed in specific Florida courts (typically the Southern District of Florida in Miami). 

Dispute timelines for cruise lines are much shorter than standard Florida statutes of limitations. Typically, you must provide formal written notice of a claim to the cruise line within six months of the incident. Most contracts require a lawsuit to be filed within one year of the incident. Failure to meet this deadline usually results in a permanent loss of the right to sue.

Key Dispute Resolution Steps

  1. Review the Ticket Contract: Check the "Forum Selection Clause" and "Statute of Limitations." Many contracts require written notification of a claim within 185 days and filing a lawsuit within one year.

  2. Internal Formal Complaint: Contact the cruise line's guest relations department directly. For example, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have specific forms for feedback and refund requests.

  3. Mediation: Florida courts and the Florida Supreme Court's mediation directory can provide certified mediators to resolve disputes over cancellation fees and insurance coverage without a trial.

  4. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC): If the cruise line fails to perform or refund deposits for a voyage embarking from a U.S. port (with at least 50 berths), you can file a complaint with the FMC’s CADRS office.

  5. Florida Attorney General: You may file a consumer complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office to investigate potential deceptive business practices.

Important Considerations for 2026

  • Credit Card Disputes: While often effective for immediate recovery, disputing a charge can result in the cruise line banning you from future bookings.

  • Refund Timelines: Since 2025, some major lines have reported processing times of up to 90–180 days for certain refund types.

  • Force Majeure: Most contracts include clauses that excuse the cruise line from certain obligations during unforeseen events (e.g., weather or public health crises), which may limit your right to a full cash refund versus a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

  • Port Cancellations: Usually, passengers are not entitled to a full cruise refund for individual port-of-call cancellations; however, port fees and taxes for the missed stop are generally refundable.