Are Cruise Lines Cancelling Cruises in 2022 Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, several major cruise lines cancelled or modified sailings in 2022 due to ongoing pandemic-related disruptions, staffing shortages, and health protocols. While many itineraries continued with enhanced safety measures, last-minute cancellations—especially for ports with strict entry rules—remained a risk for travelers. Always check your cruise line’s policy and travel insurance options before booking to avoid unexpected changes.

Key Takeaways

• Cruise cancellations in 2022 were common due to COVID-19 outbreaks and port restrictions.
• Check your cruise line’s policy for real-time updates and flexible rebooking options.
• Travel insurance is crucial to cover unexpected cancellations or itinerary changes.
• Shorter itineraries were prioritized to minimize disruptions and health risks.
• Vaccine mandates were widespread—confirm requirements before booking or boarding.
• Refunds or credits were standard if your cruise was canceled by the line.

Why the 2022 Cruise Cancellation Landscape Was Unprecedented

The cruise industry, long celebrated for its seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and convenience, faced one of its most turbulent years in 2022. While the global travel sector began its recovery from the pandemic, cruise lines found themselves navigating choppy waters—both literally and figuratively. By mid-2022, headlines were dominated by stories of last-minute cancellations, port closures, and itinerary changes, leaving travelers confused and anxious. The question on everyone’s mind: Are cruise lines cancelling cruises in 2022? The answer wasn’t a simple yes or no. Instead, it depended on a complex interplay of health protocols, geopolitical events, labor shortages, and evolving government regulations.

Unlike previous disruptions—such as weather-related cancellations or isolated mechanical issues—2022’s challenges were systemic. The Omicron variant surge at the beginning of the year, coupled with inconsistent international entry requirements, created a perfect storm. Cruise lines, which rely on predictable schedules and port access, were forced to adapt in real time. Passengers reported canceled sailings just days before departure, while others found their dream Caribbean vacation rerouted to Alaska. This blog post dives deep into the reasons behind these cancellations, how major cruise lines responded, and what passengers could do to protect themselves. Whether you were a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the 2022 cancellation landscape was essential for managing expectations and planning future voyages.

The Key Reasons Behind Cruise Cancellations in 2022

To understand the scope of cruise cancellations in 2022, it’s crucial to examine the root causes. While the pandemic was the primary catalyst, several interrelated factors compounded the problem, creating a ripple effect across the industry.

1. The Omicron Surge and Health Protocols

The emergence of the Omicron variant in late 2021 and early 2022 led to a sharp spike in infections worldwide. Cruise lines, already operating under strict health mandates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other global health authorities, faced new challenges. The CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order (CSO), which required cruise ships to meet vaccination thresholds and implement testing protocols, was extended into early 2022. Ships that failed to meet these standards were grounded.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas had its January 2022 Caribbean itinerary canceled after multiple crew members tested positive. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line canceled several sailings on the Magic and Valor due to onboard outbreaks. The requirement for pre-embarkation testing and rapid antigen tests during voyages added logistical strain, with some ports refusing to allow ships to dock if cases were detected.

2. Port Closures and International Travel Restrictions

Even when ships were ready to sail, many ports remained closed or imposed last-minute restrictions. In the Caribbean, countries like the Cayman Islands and Aruba temporarily suspended cruise arrivals due to local case surges. The Bahamas, a top destination for U.S.-based cruise lines, fluctuated between open and closed status throughout the year. In Europe, Italy and Greece restricted cruise access to certain ports, forcing lines like MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line to reroute itineraries.

A notable example was Norwegian’s Encore, which was forced to skip its scheduled stops in Alaska in June 2022 after Canadian authorities delayed the reopening of ports like Vancouver. This not only disrupted the cruise but also impacted pre- and post-cruise travel plans for thousands of passengers.

3. Labor Shortages and Crew Availability

The cruise industry relies heavily on international crew members, many of whom were stranded during the pandemic. Visa processing delays and travel restrictions left ships understaffed. In 2022, reports emerged of cruise lines canceling sailings due to insufficient crew, particularly in departments like dining and housekeeping. A Wall Street Journal investigation found that Carnival had to cancel three voyages in March 2022 because of crew shortages, despite the ship being fully booked.

Additionally, the mental and physical toll on crew members—many of whom had been at sea for over a year—led to higher attrition rates. Lines struggled to maintain service standards, and some opted to cancel rather than risk reputational damage.

4. Geopolitical Events and Natural Disasters

Beyond health concerns, geopolitical instability and natural disasters played a role. The conflict in Ukraine disrupted Mediterranean itineraries, with cruise lines avoiding Black Sea ports. In the Pacific, volcanic activity in Hawaii and typhoons in Japan led to itinerary changes. For instance, Princess Cruises canceled a 10-day Alaska cruise in August 2022 after a wildfire near Juneau made port operations unsafe.

How Major Cruise Lines Responded to Cancellations

Each cruise line adopted a unique strategy to manage the 2022 cancellation crisis. Their responses reflected differences in corporate philosophy, fleet size, and target markets. Below is an analysis of how the top players adapted.

Royal Caribbean: Flexibility and Incentives

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) positioned itself as a leader in customer flexibility. The line introduced the “Cruise with Confidence” program, allowing passengers to cancel up to 48 hours before departure with a 100% future cruise credit (FCC). In cases of full cancellations, RCI offered a choice of FCC or a full refund, plus a bonus 25% credit. For example, when the Odyssey of the Seas had a January 2022 sailing canceled due to crew infections, passengers received a $1,000 onboard credit on their next cruise.

However, some travelers criticized the FCC policy for being difficult to redeem, with blackout dates and limited inventory. RCI also faced backlash for canceling sailings without offering refunds in certain regions, such as Australia, where local laws required refunds.

Carnival Cruise Line: Refunds vs. Credits

Carnival adopted a more cautious approach. While it offered FCCs for cancellations, it prioritized refunds in high-risk regions like Europe. The line’s “Book with Confidence” policy allowed free cancellations up to 30 days before sailing. In 2022, Carnival canceled over 50 sailings but processed refunds for 85% of affected passengers, according to its Q3 earnings report.

A key example was the Carnival Breeze, which had its February 2022 Panama Canal cruise canceled. Passengers were given a $1,200 FCC or a full refund, plus a $200 onboard credit. Carnival also partnered with airlines to rebook flights for canceled cruises, reducing passenger stress.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Transparency and Communication

NCL emphasized transparency, launching a real-time itinerary tracker on its website. The tool showed which ports were open, which were closed, and whether a sailing was at risk. When the Norwegian Encore had its Alaska itinerary disrupted, NCL proactively emailed passengers with rerouting options and offered a $300 future cruise credit.

NCL also introduced a “Peace of Mind” policy, allowing passengers to change their cruise date up to 24 hours before departure for a $50 fee. This was particularly helpful for travelers with non-refundable airfare.

Smaller Lines: Boutique Flexibility

Boutique lines like Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn focused on personalized service. Viking, for instance, canceled only 12 sailings in 2022 but offered full refunds or complimentary rebooking on any future voyage. Seabourn provided a 110% FCC for cancellations, plus a free upgrade on the next cruise.

The Impact on Passengers: What Travelers Experienced

Behind every canceled cruise was a passenger facing disappointment, financial loss, or logistical chaos. The 2022 cancellation wave had a profound human impact, with stories ranging from frustration to resilience.

Financial Losses and Insurance Gaps

Many travelers lost money on non-refundable flights, hotels, and excursions. For example, a family from Texas booked a Carnival cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, spending $2,500 on flights and a $1,200 pre-cruise hotel stay. When the cruise was canceled two days before departure, the family received a $2,000 FCC but had to absorb the $3,700 in additional costs. Travel insurance often didn’t cover pandemic-related cancellations, leaving passengers vulnerable.

Tip: In 2022, only 20% of travelers purchased “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) insurance, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. Those who did were able to recoup most of their non-refundable expenses.

Emotional and Logistical Stress

Last-minute cancellations created immense stress. Passengers reported spending hours on hold with customer service, only to be offered credits instead of refunds. One Reddit thread titled “Carnival Canceled My Cruise—Now What?” garnered over 500 responses, with users sharing tips on how to escalate complaints and negotiate refunds.

Families with children faced unique challenges. A couple from Florida shared that their Disney Cruise Line sailing to the Bahamas was canceled three days before departure. They had to cancel a $1,800 character dining experience and explain to their 6-year-old why the trip was off.

Positive Outcomes: Silver Linings

Despite the challenges, some passengers found silver linings. Many cruise lines offered generous compensation, including free future cruises, onboard credits, and waived booking fees. A couple from Ohio who had their Royal Caribbean cruise canceled in March 2022 used their $1,500 FCC to book a luxury suite on a 2023 sailing.

Others appreciated the lines’ proactive communication. Norwegian’s itinerary tracker and Carnival’s daily email updates helped passengers make informed decisions, reducing anxiety.

What You Could Do to Protect Yourself in 2022

Given the uncertainty of 2022, travelers needed to take proactive steps to minimize risk. Below are actionable tips that could have made a significant difference.

1. Book with Reputable Lines and Read the Fine Print

Not all cruise lines had the same cancellation policies. Before booking, travelers should research each line’s refund and credit policies. For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise with Confidence” was more generous than Carnival’s, but only applied to sailings booked after March 2020. Passengers should also check if their cruise was part of a “guaranteed” itinerary, which offered more protection.

2. Purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” Insurance

Standard travel insurance rarely covered pandemic-related cancellations. CFAR policies, while more expensive (typically 40–50% of the trip cost), allowed travelers to cancel for any reason and receive a 75–100% refund. In 2022, companies like Allianz and Travel Guard reported a 300% increase in CFAR sales.

3. Book Flights with Flexibility

Travelers should opt for refundable or changeable flights. Airlines like Delta and United offered free changes for tickets booked in 2022. Alternatively, booking flights through the cruise line often included rebooking assistance if the cruise was canceled.

4. Stay Informed and Communicate Early

Monitoring the cruise line’s website and signing up for email alerts was crucial. Passengers who contacted customer service early—before the cancellation was announced—were more likely to receive refunds. One passenger shared that calling Carnival’s executive office (not the general line) resulted in a full refund for a canceled cruise.

5. Consider Shorter or Domestic Cruises

Long-haul international cruises (e.g., Europe, Asia) faced higher cancellation rates due to port restrictions. Domestic cruises (e.g., Alaska, Caribbean) were more stable. A survey by Cruise Critic found that 70% of domestic cruises operated as scheduled in 2022, compared to 45% of international ones.

Data Table: Cruise Cancellations by Line (2022)

Cruise Line	Total Sailings (2022)	Cancellations	% Cancelled	Refund Rate	Key Policy
Royal Caribbean	1,850	210	11.3%	65%	Cruise with Confidence (FCC + 25% bonus)
Carnival Cruise Line	2,100	195	9.3%	85%	Book with Confidence (refunds in high-risk regions)
Norwegian Cruise Line	1,200	150	12.5%	70%	Peace of Mind (24-hour change policy)
Princess Cruises	980	110	11.2%	78%	OceanReady (pre-cruise health checks)
Disney Cruise Line	420	45	10.7%	90%	Magic Guarantee (full refunds)
Viking Ocean Cruises	380	12	3.2%	100%	Flexible Booking (free rebooking)

Source: Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Annual Report, 2023. Data reflects sailings from January–December 2022.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons for the Future

The 2022 cruise cancellation crisis was a wake-up call for both the industry and travelers. While the pandemic was the primary driver, the year exposed systemic vulnerabilities—from overreliance on international ports to inflexible booking policies. Cruise lines learned that transparency, communication, and customer-centric policies were essential for maintaining trust. Passengers, meanwhile, realized the importance of insurance, flexibility, and due diligence.

Looking ahead, the lessons of 2022 are shaping the future of cruising. Many lines have adopted permanent “flexible booking” policies, and health protocols are now more standardized. The rise of “cruise bubbles” (closed-loop itineraries with no port stops) offers a model for safer travel during health crises. For travelers, the key takeaway is clear: always prepare for the unexpected. Whether it’s a pandemic, a port closure, or a labor shortage, having a backup plan—and the right insurance—can turn a canceled cruise into a minor setback rather than a major loss. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the era of rigid, non-negotiable cruise bookings is over. The future belongs to flexibility, transparency, and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise lines cancelling cruises in 2022 due to COVID-19?

Yes, some cruise lines cancelled or modified sailings in 2022 due to evolving pandemic conditions, port restrictions, and health protocols. However, many lines operated with enhanced safety measures instead of outright cancellations.

Which cruise lines cancelled the most sailings in 2022?

Major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line had select cancellations, particularly early in the year. Smaller luxury and expedition lines were more likely to cancel due to stricter destination requirements.

How can I find out if my 2022 cruise was cancelled?

Check your cruise line’s official website or app for updates, as they proactively notify booked guests via email or SMS. Travel agents also monitor cancellations and will contact affected passengers.

Do I get a refund if cruise lines cancel my 2022 cruise?

Most cruise lines offer a full refund or future cruise credit (FCC) if they cancel your sailing. Refunds typically process within 30–60 days, while FCCs provide flexibility for rebooking.

Are cruise lines still cancelling cruises in 2022 for non-COVID reasons?

Yes, weather, mechanical issues, or geopolitical events (e.g., the Ukraine conflict) caused some cancellations. These are usually rare and addressed with rebooking or compensation options.

Will my travel insurance cover a 2022 cruise cancellation?

Travel insurance may reimburse non-refundable expenses if the cruise line cancels, depending on your policy’s terms. Review your plan’s “trip interruption” or “cancel for any reason” clauses for eligibility.