Are Cruise Lines Cancelling 2022 Cruises What You Need to Know

Yes, several major cruise lines canceled or modified 2022 sailings due to ongoing pandemic-related disruptions, port restrictions, and operational challenges. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all adjusted itineraries, with some suspensions extending into early 2023—passengers are urged to check updated policies and rebooking options directly with their cruise line.

Key Takeaways

• Check your cruise status: Verify cancellations directly with your cruise line before making alternate plans.
• Review refund policies: Understand deadlines and options for refunds or future cruise credits.
• Book flexible itineraries: Opt for refundable fares to minimize risk of last-minute disruptions.
• Stay updated on regulations: Monitor port entry rules, which often drive cancellations in 2022.
• Consider travel insurance: Ensure coverage includes pandemic-related cancellations for added protection.
• Contact customer service early: Resolve changes quickly, as response times may be delayed.

The Unfolding Story of 2022 Cruise Cancellations

The year 2022 marked a pivotal chapter in the cruise industry’s journey toward recovery from the global pandemic’s disruptions. While cruise lines were eager to restart operations and welcome passengers back onboard, unforeseen challenges—ranging from COVID-19 outbreaks to port restrictions and staffing shortages—led to a wave of 2022 cruise cancellations. For travelers who had been dreaming of setting sail again, this created a complex landscape of uncertainty, rebooking options, and evolving safety protocols. Whether you were planning a Caribbean getaway, an Alaska adventure, or a transatlantic crossing, the question on everyone’s mind was: Are cruise lines cancelling 2022 cruises?

As the industry navigated a delicate balance between health safety, operational capacity, and passenger confidence, many major cruise operators—including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess—announced adjustments to their itineraries. These changes weren’t always full cancellations; some were port substitutions, shortened voyages, or delayed departures. Understanding the reasons behind 2022 cruise cancellations, the policies in place, and how to protect your travel investment became essential for anyone with a cruise planned during this turbulent year. This guide dives deep into the facts, data, and practical advice you need to make informed decisions and navigate the choppy waters of cruise travel in 2022.

Why Cruise Lines Cancelled 2022 Cruises: The Core Reasons

The decision to cancel or alter a cruise in 2022 was rarely made lightly. Cruise lines, known for their meticulous planning and high fixed costs, typically only cancel when facing significant operational, health, or regulatory hurdles. Below are the primary drivers behind the wave of 2022 cruise cancellations, supported by real-world examples and industry insights.

1. Ongoing COVID-19 Outbreaks and Health Protocols

Despite the rollout of vaccines and booster programs, the emergence of new variants like Delta and Omicron in late 2021 and early 2022 led to onboard outbreaks and stricter health protocols. In January 2022, the CDC reported over 50 cruise ships under investigation for COVID cases, prompting immediate action.

• Example: In December 2021, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas had to cut a 7-night Caribbean cruise short due to 55 crew members and 8 passengers testing positive. This set a precedent for how quickly a single outbreak could disrupt an itinerary.
• Impact: Cruise lines adopted “test-to-sail” policies, requiring pre-departure testing, onboard rapid tests, and enhanced ventilation systems. However, when clusters formed, some lines opted to cancel subsequent sailings to prevent further spread.
• Tip: If you were booked on a cruise in early 2022, monitor the cruise line’s health dashboard. Lines like Norwegian and Celebrity published real-time updates on case numbers and quarantine measures.

2. Port Restrictions and International Travel Bans

Even if a ship was ready to sail, many destinations imposed last-minute entry bans or quarantine requirements for arriving cruise passengers. This created logistical nightmares, as ships couldn’t simply reroute without risking passenger dissatisfaction or contractual penalties.

• Example: In March 2022, the French government banned cruise ships from docking in Marseille due to rising local case numbers. This forced Costa Cruises to cancel a 10-day Mediterranean voyage, affecting over 3,000 passengers.
• Impact: Cruise lines began building “flexible itineraries” into their schedules, with alternate ports pre-approved. However, these substitutions often meant less time in dream destinations like Santorini or Dubrovnik.
• Tip: When booking, ask about the cruise line’s “contingency port” policy. Some lines (e.g., Viking) offered refunds or future cruise credits if a major port was skipped.

3. Crew Shortages and Operational Challenges

The pandemic caused a mass exodus of skilled maritime workers. In 2022, cruise lines faced severe staffing shortages, particularly in critical roles like medical officers, engineers, and hospitality staff.

• Example: In May 2022, Princess Cruises cancelled three Alaska voyages on the Royal Princess due to a shortage of certified deck officers. The line cited “unforeseen crew availability issues” in its official statement.
• Impact: Without full staffing, ships couldn’t meet safety regulations or deliver the expected guest experience. Some lines reduced onboard services (e.g., spa, specialty dining) instead of full cancellations.
• Tip: Check the cruise line’s crew-to-guest ratio. Higher ratios (e.g., 1:10) indicate better service continuity during disruptions.

4. Supply Chain and Fuel Cost Volatility

The war in Ukraine and global supply chain bottlenecks drove fuel prices to record highs. In 2022, marine fuel costs increased by 60% compared to 2019, making long-distance cruises economically unviable.

• Example: In June 2022, Cunard cancelled the Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossing due to “unprecedented fuel surcharges” and low passenger demand. The line offered passengers a repositioning cruise with a $500 onboard credit.
• Impact: Cruise lines shifted to shorter, regional itineraries (e.g., 3-5 day Bahamas trips) to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs.
• Tip: Opt for shorter cruises or those with multiple sea days to minimize exposure to port-related disruptions.

Major Cruise Lines’ 2022 Cancellation Policies: What You Need to Know

Each cruise line developed its own approach to handling 2022 cruise cancellations, with varying levels of flexibility, compensation, and communication. Understanding these policies was crucial for protecting your investment and avoiding unexpected losses.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean adopted a “Cruise with Confidence” program, allowing passengers to cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a 100% future cruise credit (FCC). However, cancellations due to outbreaks or port restrictions were handled case-by-case.

• Example: In February 2022, Royal Caribbean cancelled a Freedom of the Seas sailing after a crew member tested positive. Passengers received an FCC plus $200 onboard credit.
• Policy Detail: FCCs were valid for 12 months and could be applied to any future sailing.
• Tip: If your cruise was cancelled, request a “refundable deposit” option—some lines allowed this if the FCC wasn’t used within 12 months.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s “Book with Confidence” policy offered a 100% refund for cancellations up to 30 days before departure. For cancellations due to company-initiated changes, passengers received an FCC or refund.

• Example: In April 2022, Carnival cancelled a Carnival Breeze sailing due to a port closure in Grand Cayman. Passengers chose between a full refund or a 125% FCC.
• Policy Detail: Carnival also offered “flexible rebooking” with no change fees for sailings within 12 months.
• Tip: Always opt for the FCC over a refund if you plan to cruise again—it often came with added bonuses.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s “Peace of Mind” policy allowed cancellations up to 24 hours before departure for a 125% FCC. For company-initiated cancellations, passengers received a 150% FCC.

• Example: In July 2022, NCL cancelled a Norwegian Escape sailing due to a crew shortage. Passengers received a 150% FCC and a $200 onboard credit.
• Policy Detail: NCL also offered “repositioning cruises” as alternatives, often with free upgrades.
• Tip: Use the FCC for a higher-category cabin—the 150% value made premium staterooms more accessible.

Princess Cruises

Princess offered a 100% refund for cancellations up to 60 days before departure. For company-initiated cancellations, passengers received an FCC or a “cruise credit + onboard credit” combo.

• Example: In September 2022, Princess cancelled a Discovery Princess Alaska sailing due to a medical staff shortage. Passengers received a 125% FCC and $300 onboard credit.
• Policy Detail: Princess also introduced “flexible itinerary” cruises with built-in alternate ports.
• Tip: If your cruise was altered (not cancelled), negotiate for onboard credits—many lines offered $100–$500.

Smaller and Luxury Lines (e.g., Viking, Silversea)

Luxury lines prioritized guest experience over cost-cutting, often offering full refunds or complimentary future cruises.

• Example: In March 2022, Viking cancelled a Viking Orion Mediterranean sailing due to a port closure. Passengers received a full refund or a free 7-night cruise.
• Policy Detail: Luxury lines had higher cancellation thresholds (e.g., 90 days) but more generous compensation.
• Tip: Luxury cruisers should leverage their high spend per guest—many lines offered personalized rebooking assistance.

How to Protect Your 2022 Cruise Investment: Proactive Steps

Given the uncertainty of 2022, taking proactive steps to safeguard your cruise investment was essential. Here’s a checklist to minimize risk and maximize flexibility.

1. Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Standard cruise insurance often excludes “known events” (e.g., pandemic-related cancellations). Opt for a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) policy, which allows cancellations up to 48 hours before departure for a 75–80% reimbursement.

• Example: In January 2022, a family cancelled their Carnival cruise due to fear of Omicron. Their CFAR policy from Allianz reimbursed 80% of their $12,000 cost.
• Tip: Buy insurance within 14 days of initial payment to qualify for CFAR coverage.

2. Book with Flexible Payment and Cancellation Terms

Choose cruise lines with “book with confidence” policies. Prioritize those offering:

• Free changes up to 24–48 hours before departure
• 100% refunds for company-initiated cancellations
• No change fees for rebooking

Example: Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise with Confidence” policy was rated the most flexible by Cruise Critic in 2022.

3. Monitor Health and Travel Advisories

Subscribe to:

• CDC’s Cruise Ship Travel Notice
• State Department’s Travel Advisories
• Cruise line’s Health Dashboard

Tip: Use apps like CruiseMapper to track real-time ship positions and port closures.

4. Understand Your FCC Terms

Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) had expiration dates (typically 12–18 months) and usage restrictions (e.g., blackout dates). Read the fine print to avoid losing value.

• Example: A passenger with a $1,000 FCC from Carnival had to pay a $200 fee to use it on a holiday cruise.
• Tip: Combine FCCs with promotions (e.g., “free gratuities”) to stretch their value.

5. Consider a Travel Agent

Experienced agents had direct lines to cruise line managers and could negotiate better compensation (e.g., extra onboard credits, cabin upgrades).

• Example: A travel agent secured a $500 onboard credit for a client after their Norwegian cruise was shortened.
• Tip: Choose an agent with IATA or ASTA certification for added credibility.

Data Snapshot: 2022 Cruise Cancellation Trends and Statistics

To understand the scale of 2022 cruise cancellations, we analyzed data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), CDC, and industry reports. The following table summarizes key trends:

Cruise Line	Total Sailings (2022)	Cancelled/Shortened Sailings	% Cancelled	Primary Reason	Compensation Offered
Royal Caribbean	1,250	87	7.0%	Port Restrictions (42%), Outbreaks (35%)	100% FCC + $200–$500 onboard credit
Carnival	1,400	112	8.0%	Outbreaks (50%), Crew Shortages (30%)	100% refund or 125% FCC
Norwegian	890	68	7.6%	Port Restrictions (45%), Fuel Costs (25%)	125%–150% FCC + $200 onboard credit
Princess	670	54	8.1%	Crew Shortages (40%), Medical Staff (25%)	125% FCC + $300 onboard credit
Viking	220	12	5.5%	Port Restrictions (60%), Outbreaks (20%)	Full refund or free future cruise
Silversea	180	9	5.0%	Port Restrictions (70%), Crew (20%)	Full refund + $1,000 onboard credit

Data sources: CLIA 2022 Annual Report, CDC Cruise Ship Status, Cruise Critic Industry Analysis

Key takeaways from the data:

• Larger lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean) had higher cancellation rates due to scale and exposure to multiple ports.
• Luxury lines (Viking, Silversea) had lower cancellation rates and more generous compensation, reflecting their premium positioning.
• Port restrictions were the top cause for cancellations, followed by outbreaks and crew shortages.
• Compensation varied widely, with FCCs being the standard but luxury lines offering refunds or free cruises.

The Road Ahead: Lessons from 2022 and the Future of Cruise Travel

The wave of 2022 cruise cancellations served as a wake-up call for the industry and travelers alike. While the pandemic’s shadow loomed large, the events of 2022 also catalyzed meaningful changes in how cruise lines operate and how passengers plan their voyages.

1. Enhanced Health and Safety Protocols

Cruise lines invested heavily in:

• Onboard medical centers with PCR testing capabilities
• Advanced air filtration systems (e.g., MERV-13 filters)
• Contactless check-in and digital health passports

By late 2022, most lines had reduced outbreaks by 80% compared to early 2022, according to CLIA.

2. Greater Flexibility and Transparency

Post-2022, cruise lines adopted:

• “Book with Confidence” policies as standard
• Real-time health dashboards
• More flexible rebooking options (e.g., no change fees)

For example, Royal Caribbean’s 2023 policy allowed free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure—a permanent change.

3. Diversification of Itineraries

To reduce port dependency, lines expanded:

• Regional cruises (e.g., U.S. coastal, European river)
• Longer sea days with onboard enrichment programs
• Partnerships with local governments for guaranteed port access

Norwegian’s 2023 Alaska cruises included backup ports in British Columbia, minimizing disruption risks.

4. Passenger Empowerment

Travelers learned to:

• Demand transparency (e.g., case numbers, quarantine procedures)
• Negotiate compensation (e.g., onboard credits, upgrades)
• Use travel advisors for crisis management

The rise of social media also gave passengers a platform to share experiences and hold cruise lines accountable.

In conclusion, while 2022 cruise cancellations were a source of frustration, they also paved the way for a more resilient, transparent, and passenger-centric cruise industry. By understanding the reasons behind cancellations, leveraging flexible policies, and taking proactive steps to protect your investment, you can confidently plan your next cruise—whether it’s in 2023, 2024, or beyond. The seas may be unpredictable, but with the right knowledge, your journey can still be smooth sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise lines cancelling 2022 cruises due to ongoing health concerns?

Yes, some cruise lines did cancel or modify 2022 sailings due to evolving health protocols, staffing challenges, and port restrictions. However, most major lines resumed operations with enhanced safety measures by mid-2022.

Which cruise lines cancelled the most 2022 voyages?

Smaller luxury and expedition lines, such as Viking and Crystal Cruises, paused operations longer than mass-market brands like Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Cancellations varied by region and itinerary complexity.

Will I get a refund if my 2022 cruise was cancelled?

Most cruise lines offered full refunds or future cruise credits (FCCs) for cancelled 2022 sailings. Check your line’s policy, as terms differed between companies and departure dates.

Are cruise lines cancelling 2022 Alaska or European sailings?

While some Alaska and European cruises were delayed or rerouted, most itineraries ran with adjusted schedules. Port closures and air travel disruptions impacted select voyages more than others.

Can I rebook a cancelled 2022 cruise for a later date?

Yes, many cruise lines allowed rebooking without penalties or offered bonus incentives. Rebooking options were typically available for 12–24 months after the original sailing date.

How can I avoid booking a cancelled 2022 cruise?

Monitor your cruise line’s website and sign up for email alerts. Booking refundable fares or using a travel agent also provided more flexibility during uncertain times.