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UN says ‘high likelihood’ a Russian cruise missile hit Ukraine’s main children’s hospital

By Helen Regan, Michael Mitsanas, Mariya Knight and Hira Humayun, CNN

(CNN) — Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital likely took a direct hit from a Russian missile on Monday, a United Nations assessment has found, as NATO agreed to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses in the wake of the attack.

Russia has repeatedly denied targeting the hospital in Kyiv and alleged, without evidence, that a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile caused the blast. But a UN human rights official said evidence suggested Moscow’s forces were responsible for the deadly strike.

“Analysis of the video footage and assessment made at the incident site indicates a high likelihood that the children’s hospital suffered a direct hit rather than receiving damages due to an intercepted weapons system,” Danielle Bell, head of the UN’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, told reporters Tuesday.

Bell said the attack damaged the intensive care, surgical and oncology wards at Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt hospital , which has been vital in the care of some of the sickest children from across the country, adding that Ukrainian officials have since transferred 600 children to other hospitals.

“This terrible attack shows that nowhere is safe in Ukraine,” Bell added.

Two adults were killed in the strike and 16 others – including seven children – were injured, according to Ukrainian officials, as Russia launched a brazen daytime aerial assault on targets in cities across  Ukraine  during morning rush hour, killing at least 43 people in total.

The strikes across Ukraine were “strongly” condemned by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while the UN’s human rights chief Volker Turk called for “prompt, thorough and independent investigations” into the attacks.

The Russian attacks came as NATO leaders gathered in Washington, where the United States and NATO allies agreed to give Ukraine more Patriot batteries and additional systems to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses, members of the defense alliance said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden also announced plans to supply new air defenses to Ukraine in a speech opening the NATO summit – providing much-needed support for the country at a critical juncture in its defense against Russia’s invasion.

During his speech on Tuesday, Biden vowed that “the United States will make sure that when we export critical air defense interceptors, Ukraine goes to the front of the line.”

‘Targeted attack by Russia’

Images and video from the aftermath of the strike on the Kyiv hospital show children with cancer being treated outside the facility and an injured toddler with blood on his face and arms.

A  CNN team at the site  on Tuesday said the level of destruction there showed how forceful the explosion must have been. A pile of debris could be seen in place of where part of the facility once stood, while underneath a section of flooring lay the remnants of a car that was completely flattened when the building came crashing down.

The UN’s monitoring mission said it was likely that a KH-101 cruise missile launched by Russia struck the children’s hospital. It made the determination “based on video footage, which shows the technical specification of the type of weapon that was used” and that such footage “shows the weapon directly impacting the hospital rather than being intercepted in the air,” Bell said.

A military expert who visited the site following the blast said the damage is “consistent with a direct hit,” according to Bell.

The UN mission’s assessment matches analysis from weapons experts who told CNN that footage of the hospital strike is consistent with a cruise missile rather than a Ukrainian air defense missile.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Washington on Tuesday that “Russia always knows where its missiles hit. Always.”

On Tuesday, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reiterated Moscow’s denial that it had targeted the children’s hospital.

“We have not bombed the children’s hospital,” Nebenzia said at a special meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) convened following the attack. “If this had been a Russian strike, there would have been nothing left of the building at all. All the children and most of the adults would have been killed, not wounded.”

But the US also blamed Russia for the hospital strike. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the UNSC meeting that the Russian “attack makes abundantly clear: Putin is not interested in peace.”

Kyiv described the strike as a “targeted attack by Russia,” with the Ukrainian State Security Service (SBU) saying a Russian long-range cruise missile struck the facility.

“Relevant evidence has already been found at the scene of the tragedy: in particular, fragments of the rear part of the Kh-101 missile with a serial number and part of the steering wheel of the same missile,” the SBU said.

SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk vowed the agency would respond to what he said were Russian war crimes.

“This retribution will be both legal and moral,” he said.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

CNN’s Sahar Akbarzai, Richard Roth, Daria Tarasova, Eve Brennan, Niamh Kennedy, Oren Liebermann and Kayla Tausche contributed reporting.

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Cruise Cancellation Policies: What to Know

While cruise company–initiated cancellations were once relatively rare (owed to few-and-far-between culprits like severe weather, ship mechanical failures, or company bankruptcies), it's a scenario that’s now, in the age of coronavirus, playing out more persistently.

Companies have cruise cancellation policies in place for refunds or postponements if your trip has been canceled—as many have. If your trip hasn’t been canceled but you’d like to opt out of an upcoming booking, know that many cruise lines have adopted significantly more relaxed cancellation and rebooking policies . Here’s everything you need to know about special cruise cancellation policies in place during the COVID-19 pandemic—as well as standard cancellation policies to expect at other times.

Cruise cancellations and coronavirus

Many cruise lines—including major players like Princess, Norwegian, and Celebrity —have temporarily suspended operations worldwide in response to coronavirus-related risks and restrictions. All companies have discontinued ocean-going departures from U.S. ports until at least April 11. “As you can imagine, the situation is rapidly changing day to day, and even hour by hour,” says Erika Richter, senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), a trade association.

Given the situation’s fluidity, travelers booked on sailings over the next few months should anticipate the possibility of a last-minute cancellation by the cruise line. In those cases, your cruise line or travel agent will contact you directly regarding compensation, in the form of either a full refund or future cruise credit.

If the cruise line hasn’t canceled your trip but you’d like to change it, know that many lines have temporarily replaced their standard cancellation or postponement penalties with more flexible policies. Specific terms and conditions vary by company, but most lines will now allow you to get a full cruise credit toward a future sailing date with no penalty; fewer lines are offering cash refunds.

“It’s worth noting that some lines are incentivizing the decision to rebook by offering some additional perks in the form of onboard credit —so you could be getting some added value if you decide to rebook your cruise,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of leading cruise review site Cruise Critic. If you go this route, Cruise Critic advises waiting a few weeks to do so, since lines are now overwhelmed with handling current cancellations and getting passengers returned safely to port from in-progress sailings. The site also advises patience, noting that refunds could take up to 90 days or more to be issued.

For sailings that are farther out, you don’t need to rush to a decision. These relaxed policies—many of which allow cancellations up to 48 hours in advance of departure—allow you to take a wait-and-see approach. Just be sure to review your cruise line’s fine print before reaching any decisions. “If the line ends up canceling off your cruise as part of their suspending service, you could have more leeway in terms of compensation and a refund offering,” McDaniel says. “But that will vary by line and circumstance.”

Richter also suggests employing the services of a trusted travel specialist who can help navigate your cruise cancellation policy and advocate with the company on your behalf. “There are so many unknowns right now as this situation progresses,” she says. “For travelers who are committed to sticking with their future voyage, staying informed is the most important step to take.”

Standard cruise cancellation policies

Keep in mind that these relaxed policies are only temporarily in place. Previously, cruise lines had been considerably more restrictive with their cancellation and modification rules—for instance, you might expect to lose at least part of your payment if canceling within 90 days of your departure, and if you canceled within a few weeks of a voyage, you might lose all of it.

Before coronavirus struck, reasons for cruise cancellations had been significantly more limited in scope. One possible scenario was extreme weather. While cruise lines can usually preemptively reroute ships in the face of approaching hurricanes or other significant weather events, alternate arrangements are not always achievable. In September, for instance, Hurricane Dorian forced several cruise lines to cancel scheduled sailings out of Floridian ports.

Other times, unforeseen mechanical or technical issues can mean a ship is unsafe to sail, as was the case for three of Carnival Vista’s sailings from Galveston last summer , which were canceled due to a malfunction with the ship's maximum cruising speed capabilities.

In these circumstances, travelers can expect the option of a full refund or a replacement booking on an alternate sailing. Some lines may take it a step further still and reimburse the cost of any travel arrangements made (like non-refundable flights or hotel bookings), as well as offer additional vouchers for discounted or upgraded future sailings.

While the particulars of individual cruise line contracts vary, most lines we contacted stated that such policies are typically determined on a case-by-case basis. All major lines adhere to the Cruise Line International Association's Passenger Bill of Rights , which explicitly outlines that guests are entitled to a refund for cancellations due to mechanical failures. But, notably, weather-related instances are considered a force majeure and not outright covered; in those instances, compensation would be at the discretion of the cruise company. "Be sure to contact your travel agent if you used one," McDaniel says. A trusted specialist, with clout and industry connections, can be your best advocate for negotiating with the cruise line.

How travel insurance can help

Obtaining independent travel insurance is generally a good idea, especially for cruises. It can help cover your investment in the case of a cancellation or unplanned change on your end, while additionally tacking on extra coverages like international medical insurance, trip interruption or delay benefits, and medical evacuation options. Not only will insurance recoup your fare in the event of cancellation, but also flights, hotels, and other prepaid travel expenditures that the cruise line might not reimburse.

When it comes to the current coronavirus outbreak, however, standard policies are no longer covering pandemic-related claims. For that, you’ll need to upgrade to a pricier and more comprehensive cancel for any reason policy to help ensure some degree of travel protection. Read our story, All Your Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance, Answered , for more details.

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If You Test Positive for Covid, Can You Still Travel?

With coronavirus cases on the rise, summer travelers are once again facing difficult questions. Here’s the latest travel guidance from health experts.

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By Shannon Sims

As new coronavirus variants gain traction across the United States, summer travelers are facing a familiar and tiresome question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect travel plans?

In light of updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the answers may be slightly different from those in previous years.

Here’s what to know about traveling this summer if you’re worried about — or think you might have — Covid-19.

What’s going on with Covid?

Recent C.D.C. data show that Covid infections are rising or most likely rising in more than 40 states. Hospitalization rates and deaths, while low compared with the peaks seen in previous years, are also on the rise.

The uptick is tied to a handful of variants — named KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 — that now account for a majority of new cases .

At the same time, record numbers of people are traveling by car and plane.

I’d planned to travel, but I’m sick with Covid. What should I do?

In short: You should probably delay or cancel your trip.

If you tested positive or are experiencing Covid symptoms, which include fever, chills, fatigue, a cough, a runny nose, body aches and a headache, the C.D.C. recommends that you stay home and keep away from others.

According to its latest guidelines, the agency advises waiting until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free and your overall symptoms are improving before going back to normal activities, including travel.

What are the isolation rules?

New C.D.C. guidelines issued in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with Covid.

The agency now says that you can resume daily activities if you meet two requirements : You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and your symptoms are improving overall. Previously, the agency recommended isolating for at least five days, plus a period of post-isolation precautions.

Even after your isolation period, you may still be able to spread the virus to others, which is why the C.D.C. encourages you to continue to take precautions for the next five days: Use masks, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, clean your air by opening windows or purifying it, and continue testing yourself before gathering around others.

Are there any lingering testing or vaccine requirements?

Travelers no longer need to show proof of being vaccinated against Covid or take a Covid test to enter the U.S. (This applies to both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.)

The same is true in Europe and most other countries.

How can I prepare before traveling?

First, make sure you stay up-to-date with Covid vaccines .

Next, plan to bring any items that would be helpful should you become sick while traveling.

“Make sure to take a good first aid or medication kit with you,” said Vicki Sowards, the director of nursing resources for Passport Health , which provides travel medical services. Ms. Sowards recommended that your kit include medications that you usually take when you are ill, as well as Covid tests.

You may want to consider packing medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of Covid, like painkillers, cold and flu medicines, and fever reducers. Bringing along some electrolyte tablets (or powdered Gatorade) can also help if you get sick.

Ms. Sowards also suggested speaking with your physician before traveling, particularly if you’re in a vulnerable or high-risk group. Some doctors might prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid as a precautionary measure, she said, to be taken in the event of a Covid infection.

How can I stay safe while traveling?

Wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded areas is still a good idea, said Ms. Sowards. Covid is spread through airborne particles and droplets, “so protecting yourself is paramount, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions.”

If you do get sick, start wearing a mask and using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or joint aches, Ms. Sowards advised.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

CruiseDirect Review: Still worth the hype in 2024?

Whether you're looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing getaway, there's a cruise line that's perfect for you. CruiseDirect has your next adventure at sea. Check out our post to see if its worth it!

Have you ever cruised before? Set sail on a majestic vessel, checking into a luxe cabin with an ocean view. Strolling around the deck, you take in the fresh sea air as you watch seagulls glide through the sky. You can feel the excitement in the air as traveler's from around the world come together to explore new destinations.

If you haven't cruised before, then you're missing out! But don't worry, today I'm going to review CruiseDirect so you can see if they're worth the hype in 2024 and beyond.

CruiseDirect is a cruise company that offers a variety of cruises to different destinations around the world. They have cruises for all budgets and interests, so there's something for everyone. And with over 25 years of experience, they're one of the most experienced cruise companies.

But does CruiseDirect live up to the expectations? Let's find out!

What Is CruiseDirect?

CruiseDirect.com is a cruise company that helps you research, book, and arrange cruises online. With their latest technology updates, they've made it super simple to find cruises that fit your budget and schedule.

Their philosophy is that your vacation should start as soon as you visit their site. CruiseDirect has provided customers with rich, inspiring content to help ease decision-making. CruiseDirect is driven by its passion for cruise ship travel and its commitment to helping its customers find the perfect packages and book their dream vacations for less. Since 2001, their upgraded booking engine has been the best in the business, and they offer excellent customer service.

CruiseDirect can make your cruise dreams come true, whether it is your first time cruising or a seasoned cruiser. CruiseDirect makes booking cruises easy with their online search tool that lets you find cruises by departure date, length of cruise, destination & more.

Who Owns CruiseDirect?

John Maguire is the founder of International Voyager and CruiseDirect. He has always had a passion for traveling, which he pursued after college. During his time in this company, Maguire helped launch and later managed a port lecturing program. The program promoted Caribbean shopping and activities on all major cruise lines.

Maguire is known for his successful business ventures and love for family, travel, technology, sailing, skiing, and scuba diving. He's cruised on more than 100 different cruise ships! Talk about a well-traveled guy. Maguire is also an avid sailor and has captained boats worldwide, from the northeast United States to the Caribbean to Thailand.

Where Do CruiseDirect Cruises Go?

CruiseDirect cruises go to many unique places all around the world! Some of their most popular destinations include Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and Panama.

CruiseDirect cruises allow travelers to see some of the most beautiful places on earth while enjoying their ship's luxurious amenities.

What Do CruiseDirect Cruises Include?

Cruises are a great way to see the world and have a ton of fun while you're doing it. And when you book with CruiseDirect, you know you're getting a great deal.

When you book with CruiseDirect, your cruise includes a variety of amenities and activities to keep you entertained throughout your journey. For example, all cruises have a free open bar, so you can enjoy cocktails by the pool or in the casino without worrying about racking up a bill.

In addition, free wifi is available on all CruiseDirect cruises so that you can stay connected with friends and family back home. And if you want to explore ashore, most cruises include free CruiseDirect shore excursions in each port of call. To top it off, CruiseDirect also offers free specialty dining on selected voyages.

Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner for two or a festive meal with friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, drink packages are available for purchase if you want to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout your cruise. With so much included in the price, booking with CruiseDirect is the best way to get the most value for your money.

How To Book A Cruise From CruiseDirect?

Cruising is a great way to see different parts of the world while only unpacking once! CruiseDirect is an excellent option if you're considering booking a cruise. Here's how to book a cruise from CruiseDirect:

Visit their website or talk to a representative to see what plans they offer.

Once you've decided on a schedule, select your desired cruise, date, and destination. Enter the number of guests, ages of guests, and your email address on the next page. Then select your room type from the interior, outside, balcony, or suite plans. Check your total, apply any special offers if you have them, and then press "select."

Next, you'll be prompted to select your stateroom. Choose your desired room from the available rooms highlighted in purple and press select. Check your price details, and add your dining preferences on the next page. Also, input each passenger's information, and enter your phone number. Then press "book now."

On the next page, confirm your payment schedule and enter your card details. Also, add your billing information and tap on the "make payment option." And you're done. Now you can enjoy all that CruiseDirect has to offer without a care in the world.

How much do CruiseDirect cruises cost?

Cruises are fabulous, affordable vacations that offer a little bit of everything for everyone on the team. At CruiseDirect, you can find cruises for as little as $75 per person, depending on the time of year, length of the trip, destination, and add-on amenities. Higher-end cruises can cost up to $1500 per person.

Cruises are a great way to see multiple destinations without worrying about packing and unpacking your bags every few days. Plus, there's always something to do on a cruise ship, whether taking part in one of the many scheduled activities or simply relaxing by the pool with a good book. And let's not forget the food! Cruise ships are known for their all-you-can-eat buffets and 24/7 room service.

But wait! Don't forget to look at my cruise packing list before you depart for your cruise trip; it will save you from chaos and mishaps down the road.

Bon, voyage!

CruiseDirect's Cancellation Policy

When you book a cruise with CruiseDirect, you can be confident that you're getting the best price possible. They offer a Price Match Guarantee on every cruise, so if you find a lower price elsewhere, they'll match it. Plus, they have special deals and discounts you can take advantage of to save even more.

If you need to cancel or make changes to your booking for any reason, their team is there help. They understand that things come up and plan change, so they've designed their Cancellation Policy to be as flexible as possible.

There are no cancellation fees if you cancel more than 60 days before your cruise departs. And if you need to change your travel dates or make any other changes to your booking, the following is the fee schedule you need to follow.

Fees you might incur with CruiseDirect

These fees may be assessed if changes are made after deposit or if the booking is canceled:

Air deviation: $35.00 - $50.00 per passenger

Bounced check: $50.00 per check

Cancellation: $35.00 per person

Name change: $35.00 per name

Reissue or reroute documents: $15.00 per package

What Are People Saying About CruiseDirect?

CruiseDirect has earned a reputation for being a customer-friendly company that goes above and beyond to ensure its clients are satisfied. Travelers from all over the world have praised CruiseDirect for their helpfulness before and after cruises and their competitive pricing.

In addition, many customers appreciate the company's wide selection of cruise options, noting that there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a luxurious getaway or an affordable family vacation, CruiseDirect is sure to have an option that suits your needs.

Hans Vega of CruiseDirect is known for his excellent customer service. When one customer had difficulty booking a family cruise trip, Hans went above and beyond to help. He even offered to book the rooms next to each other or across the hallway.

This level of customer service sets CruiseDirect apart from other travel booking websites. Eugene Marc also called the customer when he said he would, further establishing CruiseDirect's commitment to its customers. These two customer service representatives are just a few of the many reasons why CruiseDirect is the best choice for booking your next vacation.

What Are The Critical Reviews Of CruiseDirect Saying?

Overall, the customer reviews for CruiseDirect are positive. Customers appreciate that they can find great deals on cruises through the site and find the chat function helpful in answering questions quickly. However, a few critical reviews mention some negatives about the company.

Some customers have complained that they were charged more than the published rate. Others have had problems with their rooms, either being given the wrong room or being unable to get a different room when requested.

Despite these few negative CruiseDirect reviews, the vast majority of customers report having a positive experience with CruiseDirect.

Are CruiseDirect cruises worth it?

In short, yes! Most CruiseDirect travelers think so! In fact, CruiseDirect received a 4.55-star rating from more than 180 CruiseDirect reviews on public rating sites.

Some common complaints include hidden fees for changing or canceling a cruise and not getting a preferred room on the cruise.

Despite these drawbacks, many cruisers find the experience worth the price tag. The all-inclusive nature of most cruises means that food, drink, and entertainment is covered in the initial cost, super convenient! In addition, cruising offers opportunities to visit multiple destinations in a single trip - perfect for those who love to explore.

But, if you want to compare CruiseDirect against another similar cruise company. Check out our full-length review on Uniworld River Cruises .

So, are cruises worth it? It depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. But if you're looking for an all-inclusive getaway with plenty of opportunities to see new places, CruiseDirect might be the right choice for you.

Our Rating: 4.4/5 ‍

• Multiple cruise deals
• 12+ types of cruise lines
• Smooth onboarding experience
• Includes specialty dining options
• Fees for canceling/changing the cruise
• Unfriendly customer agents

Ready to start planning?

Cruise Direct is a great resource for planning your next vacation, but you can make the process even easier.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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The Guide to Alaska Airlines’ Cancellation Policy

Josh is a freelance travel writer who is passionate about remote work and finding amazing travel deals. He has visited over 60 countries and tries to work from a different location each month.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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Table of Contents

Why are Alaska flights canceled?

What to do if alaska cancels your flight, how to get a refund from alaska, check your credit card policies to take advantage of flight cancellation benefits, consider travel insurance, alaska flight cancellations, recapped.

Understanding Alaska Airlines' cancellation policy can ensure that your disruption is minimized and that you receive all the benefits to which you’re entitled if your flight is canceled.

There’s good news for Alaska flyers: Alaska Airlines has the smallest percentage of canceled flights of the 10 largest U.S. airlines by passenger miles, based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics arrival data analyzed by NerdWallet in 2023 .

In 2023, only 0.81% of Alaska flights were canceled (compared with 2.1% of JetBlue Airways flights, 1.4% of United Airlines flights and 1.02% of Delta Air Lines flights).

Even though Alaska Airlines has a good track record, there are several reasons that your Alaska flight might be canceled, including:

Extreme weather.

Mechanical issues.

Staffing shortages.

Security issues.

Air traffic control issues.

Visit https://www.alaskaair.com/flightnotifications and opt-in to get notified about whether your Alaska flight is delayed or canceled.

If your Alaska flight is canceled, follow any steps the airline communicates by text, email or at the gate, which may include an option to rebook a later flight.

Know Alaska’s policies on canceled flights

Alaska has a customer service commitment that covers delayed and canceled flights, which provides the following benefits if your flight is canceled:

Rebooking . Alaska will rebook you on the next available Alaska flight at no additional charge. If the cancellation was caused by something within Alaska’s control and the next available Alaska flight isn’t until the next day, Alaska will rebook you on a partner airline if it has seats available in the same cabin.

Accommodations . If your Alaska flight is canceled for reasons within Alaska’s control, resulting in an overnight stay at an airport that’s 100 miles or more away from your home, Alaska will either provide a voucher for a hotel or reimbursement for reasonable hotel and round-trip ground transportation costs.

Meals . If your flight is canceled and you need to wait three hours or more for a new flight, Alaska will offer a reasonable meal to each ticketed guest at the airport. Specific options will depend on airport vendor availability.

Other benefits . If your Alaska flight is canceled and you need to wait three hours or more for a new flight, the airline will give you the option of receiving either a discount code of at least $50 toward a future flight or 2,000 Mileage Plan miles .

Recent NerdWallet analysis on the value of Mileage Plan miles determined each mile is worth 1.4 cents a piece, making the 2,000 miles option worth a value of $28. You're better off taking the straight $50 cash.

If your flight is canceled due to air traffic control, bad weather, a passenger’s illness or a “force majeure” circumstance beyond Alaska’s control, you will not be entitled to any of the benefits above.

» Learn more: The guide to Alaska flight delay compensation

Understand your rights under federal law

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule in April 2024, which is set to go into effect around October 2024, in which you may qualify for an automatic refund if your flight is canceled.

Under the new rule , passengers will be entitled to an automatic refund (paid either in cash or back to the original form of payment) if their flight is canceled and the passenger does not accept alternative transportation or the travel credits offered.

One way to make the most of this new rule is to rebook yourself on a new flight if it's less expensive than your original fare. For example, if your Alaska flight was canceled and the next Alaska flight isn’t for three hours but there’s a Delta flight available that leaves in an hour, you could simply reject Alaska’s offer to be moved onto the next Alaska flight, receive a full refund and book the Delta flight.

If your Alaska flight is delayed or canceled, you can elect to receive a refund for your ticket rather than being rebooked.

You can take the following steps to cancel your flight and get a refund:

Cancel online . If you purchased your flight directly from Alaska, look up your reservation and select “Cancel.”

Call Alaska . If you purchased your flight from Alaska but do not see an option to cancel online, you’ll need to call Alaska customer service at 800-252-7522.

Contact a third-party booking company . If you purchased your flight from a third-party booking company , such as Expedia, you’ll need to contact that company directly. 

Refunds will be posted to your original form of payment, generally within seven to 21 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 business days for cash purchases. If you’re having any issues with your refund, call 206-392-7722 or email [email protected] for help.

We recommend booking your Alaska flight on a credit card with travel insurance benefits. Before your flight, you should become familiar with your credit card’s flight cancellation benefits, which may include a right to be reimbursed for nonrefundable travel expenses, like hotels and tours.

Below are a few cards that have travel insurance included as a benefit:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger. Terms apply.

If you do have a credit card with travel insurance included, try to make a habit of booking your flights on that credit card so you can take advantage of the travel cancellation protections.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

You can also opt to purchase travel insurance as a stand-alone policy. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, there are a variety of travel insurance policies from which to choose.

This includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), medical insurance and trip interruption insurance.

If your Alaska flight is canceled, be sure to follow the steps provided by the airline so that you’re rebooked on the next available Alaska flight. Additionally, make sure you know Alaska’s flight cancellation policies and your rights under federal law, to ensure you get all the benefits you're entitled to for a flight cancellation.

Finally, if you have a credit card with travel insurance, book your Alaska flight with that card and learn (and take advantage of) the flight cancellation benefits that come with the card.

(Top photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines)

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

I missed my cruise departure due to a cancelled flight – now Royal Caribbean won’t refund me

Gill Charlton has been fighting for Telegraph readers and solving their travel problems for more than 30 years, winning refunds, righting wrongs and suggesting solutions.

Here is this week’s question:

Earlier this year, my wife and I booked a Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, departing on May 25. The cruise was part of a one-week package that included flights and transfers, for which we paid a total of £4,995. 

The day before we were due to fly out to Venice to join the ship in Ravenna , I received an email from Royal Caribbean saying our flight had been cancelled by British Airways. We would be flown out on May 26 instead. 

I called Air2Sea, the Royal Caribbean travel team in the UK, to say we would miss the departure. Agents there spent three hours trying to find an alternative flight before admitting defeat (it was a bank holiday weekend) and suggested we apply for a refund of the holiday, which we did.

Now Royal Caribbean is refusing to refund the cost of the cruise itself. It says that because we refused to accept the “option to downline” (join the ship at a later port) we would get only taxes and gratuities back. It suggested we try claiming on our travel insurance. Can you help us get a full refund?

- Andrew Wynn

Dear Andrew,

Andrew told me that nobody at Air2Sea had mentioned anything about downlining and, anyway, the first port of call was in Santorini , two days later. Acting as a UK-based tour operator in this instance, Royal Caribbean is bound by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 and liable for the proper performance of Andrew’s holiday contract. 

While Royal Caribbean could have insisted he accept being “downlined” in order to salvage a portion of his holiday and avoid cancellation fees, its agents must facilitate this. They did not.  

I contacted Royal Caribbean to remind them of their responsibilities under the regulations. These say that where the travel organiser “does not remedy the lack of conformity [in the arrangements listed in the holiday itinerary] within a reasonable period set by the traveller… the organiser must offer the traveller an appropriate price reduction”. In Andrew’s case this should be a total refund. 

In response, Royal Caribbean said it accepted that its customer services team had made a mistake – a miscommunication between departments, I was told – and it has now agreed to refund the cost of the holiday. 

It was fortunate that Andrew had booked the cruise as part of a package deal. If he had booked his own flights to join the ship, it would have been his responsibility to board on time. Travel insurance policies rarely provide more than token cover in these situations, because they are all too common during busy holiday periods. If you can, fly out a day earlier, because so much can go wrong at the last minute.

- Gill Charlton

Your travel problems solved

Gill takes on a different case each week – so please send your problems to her for consideration at [email protected] . Please give your full name and, if your dispute is with a travel company, your address, telephone number and any booking reference. Gill can’t answer every question, but she will help where she can and all emails are acknowledged.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Was your WestJet flight cancelled this weekend? Here's what you need to know

Thousands of passengers affected after surprise mechanics' strike on july 1 holidays.

'So disappointed': Toronto travellers frustrated by WestJet cancellations, delays

Social sharing.

Roughly 33,000 travellers have been impacted by the unexpected news on Saturday morning that WestJet had cancelled a slew of flights after mechanics announced a surprise strike.

Here's what you need to know about how to get moving and/or compensated if you're among the affected travellers.

• WestJet cancels 235 flights as mechanics strike in surprise move on busy long weekend

What are the rules in a situation like this?

Airlines have to comply with Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which give air passengers using Canadian airlines certain rights by laying out the minimum requirements companies must follow for air travel.

• Air passenger complaint backlog hits new high, but agency says it's processing complaints faster

The regulations also detail the standards for communication with passengers, and for compensation when flights are delayed or cancelled, or when your baggage is lost. The Canadian Transportation Agency oversees the APPR. 

According to the regulations, affected passengers can expect an update every 30 minutes until they have a new departure time or itinerary.

Can I still get where I'm trying to go?

An airline must offer passengers a choice between helping you continue to your destination or returning to your point of origin with a refund, according to  Air Passenger Rights , an independent, non-profit advocacy group.

WestJet can rebook you on another of its flights or that of a partner airline within 48 hours of your original departure time, said Gabor Lukacs, president of the group.

"But if it cannot, then WestJet will have to take out its corporate credit card and buy passengers tickets on flights of Air Canada or any other competitor — that's the law," he told CBC News Network on Saturday morning. 

Traveller affected by WestJet delays says vacations 'a hard thing to come by these days'

The APPR say you can even look at flights leaving from other airports within a "reasonable distance" and expect WestJet to help you get to that point of departure.

If the only seats available are in a higher class of service than you originally booked — such as first or business class — the airline must book you on them without asking you to pay the difference, according to the APPR.

If the opposite is true — you booked a higher class of service and can now only fly economy — then the airline must refund you the difference.

Can I take matters into my own hands?

In a statement posted to its website on Friday,  WestJet says there are "limited re-accommodation options available," suggesting it would be difficult for some people to make alternate plans to get where they're going.

On Saturday, the airline cancelled 235 flights and said another 150 wouldn't proceed if a solution to the dispute isn't reached by early Saturday afternoon.

If you run into trouble with WestJet's "re-accommodation options," you could rebook flights yourself and pursue compensation later, Lukacs said.

"If you do want to fly, you do not utter the word 'refund,'" Lukacs  said. "You are not seeking a refund. You are seeking a rebooking. If you are seeking a refund, WestJet will just refund you and wash its hands from your expenses down the line."

He recommends keeping a careful record of your conversations with the airline — even by going so far as to record your conversations — and keeping track of all the expenses you incur.

Small claims court is an option, he added.

What if I want a refund?

The simple answer? You are entitled to get your money back.

"Money back is always an option," Lukacs said. "If you didn't get a flight you paid for, the airline has to give you back your money. That's a no-brainer."

The regulations also say that if you're not at your point of origin when you ask for a refund, the airline must also fly you back home.

But asking for a refund means you might be leaving some money on the table in the long run, Lukacs warned.

Under the regulations, you must receive your money back within 30 days if you go this route.

With files from Jenna Benchetrit

Related Stories

• WestJet cancels hundreds of flights as mechanics strike in surprise move on busy long weekend

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What kind of refund am I entitled to if I cancel my cruise booking?

Select fare programs require the payment at the time of booking of a nonrefundable deposit. That deposit amount shall not be refunded at any time after it has been paid. Change fees will apply to bookings for which the deposit is nonrefundable.

Cancellation of Cruise or CruiseTour

Cruises that are cancelled prior to the sail date, and CruiseTours that are cancelled prior to the first day of the CruiseTour, may be subject to a cancellation charge. The amount of the cancellation charge shall be determined as shown in the table below and shall vary depending on how far in advance of the sail date (or first day of the CruiseTour) the Operator receives notice of cancellation.

In the event of a cancellation of a Cruise or CruiseTour, any applicable Taxes/Fees or Fuel Supplement charges shall be refunded.  For bookings made outside of the United States and Canada, a different cancellation policy may apply. Contact your local office or travel advisor for details.

Cancellation notices are effective when received by the Operator.

For Passengers who have booked a CruiseTour and desire to cancel their tour portion while retaining the Cruise, refunds of the CruiseTour Fare (including any applicable supplement charges) shall be made in accordance with the following cancellation policy. Guests who convert their CruiseTours to a cruise only booking within forty-two (42) days of the start date of the tour segment of the CruiseTour will be subject to a cancellation charge. The amount of that charge varies depending on the location of the CruiseTour and/or its length. The cancellation charge policies set forth above vary for single occupancy or for the third, fourth or higher occupants in a stateroom or for groups. Consult your travel advisor or call Royal Caribbean for further details.

Cancellation by the Passenger after the Cruise or CruiseTour has begun, early disembarkation of the Passenger for any reason, including pursuant to any provision of this Ticket Contract, or “no-shows” shall be without refund, compensation, or liability on the part of the Carrier whatsoever.

If Carrier received payment via credit card, the refund will be made to that credit card. If Carrier received payment from your travel advisor, the refund will be provided back to that travel advisor.

Carrier reserves the right to offer promotional cruise fares or other offers that may modify the cancellation policies set forth above.

For cancellations of air flights, hotel stays, transfer services, shore excursions, pre-purchased amenities, Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program SM , pre-booked services (such as spa, photography or wedding services) and pre-booked arrangements such as specialty dining, see the applicable terms and conditions for any applicable cancellation charges.

Non-Refundable Deposit Fares

Outside of final payment, when a non-refundable deposit cancellation occurs, the full deposit amount will be held in penalty. Any additional payments made will be refunded.

Should you choose to change your original ship and/or sail date, if you booked directly with us, please contact our Consumer Outreach team where a representative will assist in making the desired changes, while also applying the qualifying change fee(s) and collecting payment, if not already done so.  If you booked via a travel advisor, please contact them for any booking changes.

Refunds for Delayed Sailings or Sailings Cancelled by Royal Caribbean

If we cancel a voyage, or delay embarkation by three (3) days or more and you elect not to sail on the delayed voyage or a substitute voyage we offer, you can obtain a refund or a future cruise credit (FCC).  Although our practice is to issue a future cruise credit automatically, you may instead  contact us to request a refund. Refund requests must be made within six (6) months of the date the cruise was cancelled or the scheduled embarkation date, whichever is earlier.

Please note this policy does not apply to guests booked on chartered sailings.  If you were booked on a chartered sailing that was canceled or embarkation was delayed by three (3) or more days, and you wish to inquire about refunds or future credits, you must contact the third party reseller that sold you the cruise.

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Summer Travel 2024: Record Air Travel, Fewer Cancellations, Better Airports, More Passenger Protections

Year-to-date flight cancellation rate is just 1.4% during a record-breaking summer travel season​​​​​

WASHINGTON – Despite record-breaking levels of air travel this year, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) numbers show that the flight cancellation rate for the first half of 2024 was just 1.4% – nearly the lowest rate in over a decade. The latest data from airlines reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that weather continues to be the leading cause of flight cancellations.

On June 23, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 2.99 million individuals in a single day at U.S. airports – the most airline passengers the agency has screened in its history. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals this Independence Day travel season, which is a 5.4% increase over last year. At the same time, airfares are down 6% over the last year and below pre-pandemic prices.

“This year’s record-breaking air travel is another good sign for our economy as more Americans take to the skies than ever before,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “To help avoid travel headaches, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to modernize airports and expand passenger protections for a smoother travel experience.” 

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $25 billion in U.S. airport infrastructure over five years. This unprecedented investment is not only improving runways and air traffic control towers but also adding gates and adding flight capacity, modernizing baggage systems, replacing passenger boarding bridges, reconfiguring security screening areas, improving safety, and more to finally deliver world-class airports in the U.S. and meet anticipated demand in the decades to come. Just this week, the Federal Aviation Administration announced $289 million in airport infrastructure grants in 40 states and an additional $1 billion in available funding to modernize airport terminals. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly 200 terminal projects are already under construction to modernize America’s airports and make air travel safer and smoother. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to improve airline passenger rights and oversight of the airline industry: 

• The rule makes clear that airline passengers are entitled to a refund when their flight is canceled or significantly changed and they no longer wish to take that flight or be rebooked, when their checked baggage is significantly delayed, or when extra services they paid for – like Wi-Fi – are not provided. The rule also requires refunds to be automatic, prompt, in the original form of payment, and in the full amount paid. Airlines must comply with the rule by late October.  
• Provisions of the final rule on airline refunds were fortified through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that President Biden signed into law on May 16, 2024. 
• The rule creates a more competitive airline market by requiring airlines to disclose critical extra fees – like change fees and baggage fees – upfront to ensure consumers can better understand the true cost of air travel. The rule also bans “bait-and-switch” advertising tactics and requires airlines to clearly tell passengers upfront that a seat is included with the cost of their ticket. This rule is expected to save consumers over half a billion dollars every year.  
• Launched the flightrights.gov dashboard, after which all 10 major U.S. airlines guaranteed free rebooking and meals when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to through enforcement action.  
• Secured nearly $4 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.  
• Issued nearly $170 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations since President Biden took office. In comparison, between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• Set up a system to expand the Department’s capacity to review air travel service complaints by partnering with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general , which will help hold airlines accountable and protect the rights of the traveling public.

Impacts may be 'catastrophic' as Hurricane Beryl pounds Jamaica: Live updates

Editor's note: This page reflects news on Hurricane Beryl from Wednesday, July 3. For the latest news on Hurricane Beryl please follow USA TODAY's live updates on the storm for Thursday, July 4 .

Hurricane Beryl was retreating from Jamaica late Wednesday and is expected to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight as a major hurricane, bringing intense winds and heavy rain, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 2 a.m. ET Thursday, Beryl was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph and was about 110 miles southeast of Grand Cayman — the largest of the Cayman Islands. After roaring by Jamaica's southern coast, the hurricane was expected to unload "devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves" across the Cayman Islands, according to the hurricane center.

The Cayman Islands could get up to half a foot of rain through Thursday. Weather officials are also warning about life-threatening surf and rip currents along parts of western Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the coast of Belize.

Beryl was on track to approach the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula about 24 hours later, still as a hurricane but weakened by expected wind shear.

In Jamaica, emergency crews evacuated people living in flood-prone communities and nearly 500 people were in shelters by Wednesday afternoon, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“We’re concerned about widespread damage and potentially catastrophic impacts in Jamaica,” said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather's chief on-air meteorologist. "Flooding may last days to even weeks. Widespread power outages are expected. Beryl will likely damage many homes and businesses and cause severe coastal inundation."

The chances of Beryl impacting part of the Texas Gulf Coast have increased with the projected path veering northwest, AccuWeather reported , although it would not bring anywhere near the ferocity of its devastating assault on the southern Windward Islands earlier this week. The current track calls for Beryl to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses the Yucatan and then becomes a hurricane again before making landfall along the coast near the border of Mexico and Texas.

The storm is projected to drench Jamaica with 4 to 8 inches of rain, and 12 inches are forecast in some places, which could cause "life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said. Holness declared all of Jamaica a "disaster area" and imposed an islandwide curfew Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Monday, Beryl made landfall in Grenada's Carriacou island as a Category 4 hurricane, ravaging the southern Caribbean Islands, flattening hundreds of buildings and causing the deaths of at least seven people. On Monday night, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record. Driven by record-hot ocean temperatures, Beryl's rapid strengthening has stunned experts.

Amazing drone footage: As Hurricane Beryl tears through Caribbean, a drone sends back stunning footage

Developments:

∎ The death toll from the powerful hurricane rose to at least 10, according to Reuters. But that figure is expected to increase as communications come back online across islands damaged by flooding and intense winds.

∎ The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica posted on X that a small section of the roof of its passenger boarding pier was damaged by Beryl. "Once the storm has completely passed, a full assessment of damage will be done," the airport stated on X.

∎ The Meteorological Service of Mexico issued a hurricane warning for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, a popular tourist destination, according to the NHC. Tropical storm warnings were also issued for other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

∎ Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, and senior officials in her traveling party were injured by a falling tree Tuesday night while surveying an area near the country's Caribbean coast where the Manzanares River overran its banks after heavy rainfall caused by Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of storm

Will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

Portions of South Texas are now within the forecast cone of Hurricane Beryl , which meteorologists say could arrive in the state over the weekend or early Monday.

However, forecasters remain unsure of what Beryl will do and how strong it will be as it approaches the Gulf Coast after hitting Mexico: "High uncertainty remains with both the track and intensity of Beryl," the  National Weather Service said Wednesday.

"From Panama City, Florida to New Orleans, there is a low risk of direct impacts from Beryl, but from about Corpus Christi to Brownsville, Texas, the risk increases significantly due to the potential for Beryl to have more direct impacts,"  AccuWeather  meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "That southern portion of the Texas coast is the zone we have to really watch."

Coastal threats could begin this weekend, Weather.com warned: "Well ahead of Beryl, onshore winds could lead to increasing surf, rip currents and coastal flooding along parts of the Gulf Coast from eastern Mexico to Texas and western Louisiana beginning as soon as Saturday, and continuing until just after Beryl's final landfall, Weather.com  said. The rip current threat could also even extend farther east along the northern Gulf Coast.

Brennan said Tuesday that "folks in the Texas coast, as we go into the holiday weekend, you're going to want to make sure you check back on the forecast and make sure you're ready for any potential impact. If we were to see tropical storm conditions affect those areas in the far western Gulf of Mexico, it could be during the day Saturday."

– Doyle Rice

More than 90% of the homes, buildings destroyed

More than 90% of homes and buildings across at least three islands were destroyed or severely damaged after Beryl tore through the southeast Caribbean, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency reported Wednesday. The agency was assisting with the disaster response in Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Beryl struck the islands with winds of 150 mph and higher gusts on Monday, causing significant impacts to the islands, according to Elizabeth Riley, the disaster management agency's executive director. In addition to infrastructure damages, some islands have also faced power outages and disruptions to communications.

In a briefing late Tuesday, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described "total destruction" on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

"There's really nothing that can prepare you to see this level of destruction," Mitchell said. "It is almost Armageddon-like, almost total damage and destruction of all buildings. Complete devastation and destruction of agriculture. Complete and total destruction of the natural environment."

— Dinah Voyles Pulver

Airlines waive fees for some in Hurricane Beryl's path

Six major U.S. airlines said they're waiving various fees for travelers who have flights booked in Beryl's path. In most cases, flights booked before July 1 are eligible for the changes. The listed flights include departures from or arrivals in airports in Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Belize.

American , JetBlue , United , Delta , Southwest , and Spirit Airlines are offering a variety of fee waivers because of the hurricane. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with the airlines on what amended policies apply to them.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on its website travelers on international flights may be able to recover expenses from a delayed or canceled flight by filing a claim with the airline.

"If the claim is denied, you may pursue the matter in court if you believe that the carrier did not take all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damages caused by the delay," the agency said. 

− Krystal Nurse

Resort manager in Jamaica maintains composure as Hurricane Beryl approaches

The coming hurricane doesn't scare Tamar Atkinson, the manager of a small resort in Hanover, a community on Jamaica's northwest coast.

"The way I look at it, I can't stop it," she told USA TODAY. "If the hurricane is going to blow your house down, it's going to blow the house down."

Atkinson, 42, who moved back to Hanover a year ago after she lived in the U.S. for 20 years, already has her sea legs in weathering Jamaica's hurricanes. She remembers facing Hurricane Gilbert, a Category 5, as a little girl – the storm blew the roof off her aunt's house, where she sheltered, but left her mother's house in "perfect condition."

When Hurricane Ivan hit two decades ago, Atkinson sheltered at a nearby school. Once again, the storm blew out the school's windows but left Atkinson's house untouched. "I'm not leaving my house, and I'm not going to go crazy like the rest of the people," she said, adding that she's told her guests to "relax their nerves."

Jamaica closes all international airports as Hurricane Beryl nears island

The Jamaica Tourist Board announced Wednesday that the Sangster, Norman Manley, and Ian Fleming international airports were closed as Hurricane Beryl approached the island.

Jamaica's travel website, VisitJamaica.com, doesn't list a reopening time for the airports and encourages travelers to contact their travel agents and/or airlines for flight updates. The website also encourages travelers to heed any instructions from their hotel or private accommodation on sheltering.

"We also encourage you to register with your Embassy for country-specific guidance and support," the board said on the website.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is open on a limited basis and encourages Americans to not visit the embassy for shelter and instead seek a government-run shelter. Citizens in Jamaica are encouraged to call the embassy at (876) 702-6486 if they need assistance. 

– Krystal Nurse

Ahead of Hurricane Beryl, Jamaicans prepare their homes

Donae Maye stocked up on water, candles, and food earlier this week, before supermarkets across her hometown of Montego Bay, a city on Jamaica's northern Coast, emptied.

"There was no bread, no essentials that you actually need, no candles, very few tin products," she said on Wednesday, after a recent visit to some local grocery stores.

Maye, 27, also prepped her home, where she will shelter with her fiance, her son and his father. "We cleared away any trees that might be blocking any electrical wires and stuff like that that might fall and break the window," she said.

She's confident that her house, which is made of concrete, will stand up to the storm better than many buildings did to Hurricane Ivan 20 years ago. Back then, more structures were made of board, which didn't fare well in the storm, she said. Today, "most structures are built to withstand the winds and the hurricane," she said.

Humanitarian groups rally relief for impacted countries

Global Giving and Americares are among the humanitarian organizations collecting money for those affected by Hurricane Beryl. Both promise donations to support various impacted communities, focusing on those who are disadvantaged and on decimated medical facilities.

Cora Nally, international emergency response director of Americares, said the organization focuses on restoring damaged medical facilities and expects to deploy its workers to Jamaica soon after Beryl leaves.

"That is really going to serve as a home base for them, and we are asking them to do an assessment of all the impacted islands in the Caribbean, and we are going to be keeping an eye on the storm as it moves towards Mexico and the United States," she said.

Is Cancun in the path of Hurricane Beryl?

Among the parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas under hurricane warnings were Cancun and the island of Cozumel, two popular tourist destinations packed with luxury resorts and cruise ship ports.

The hurricane warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service of Mexico as forecasters warned residents and tourists of the projected impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Brennan, the director of the NHC, said in a YouTube livestream on Wednesday that the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, faces 3 to 5 feet of storm surge as well as up to 8 inches of rain.

The record-breaking hurricane is expected to make landfall along the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday night or early Friday, NHC said.

In Jamaica, tourists shelter in hotel ballroom from Hurricane Beryl

Cecilia Garcia and her family initially planned to weather the beginning of the hurricane in the bathroom of their hotel room in Ocho Rios, on Jamaica's northern coastline. "We do have windows in our room, so I think the safest option would probably be to go in our restroom," she said.

Moon Palace Jamaica, where Garcia, 25, is staying with her parents, brother, sister and two kids, told hotel guests to evacuate to a ballroom. When Garcia and her family first visited the shelter, they found it too chaotic. "We ended up back in our room because it was very crowded," she said. "It was very hot in there."

But later on Wednesday morning, as the winds picked up, the family returned to the packed ballroom, where thin cots were arranged in rows, according to a video Garcia shared with USA TODAY.

Garcia and her family's flight back to their home of Houston, Texas, isn't until Saturday – the hurricane will strike at the midpoint of their week-long vacation. Garcia said if they chose to end their stay earlier, they wouldn't get a refund. 

Looking out at skies still partially clear on Wednesday morning, Garcia said the family was keeping calm ahead of the storm. "We're kind of used to bad weather and floods like that in Houston," she said. "But again, it's different when you're not at home, so that's the only scary part."

Hurricane Beryl spoiling graduation trip

Mona Parhar, 23, and Arezoo Rafkhani, 24, didn't start searching for early return flights from their vacation to Jamaica until Tuesday night, less than 24 hours before Hurricane Beryl was expected to sweep across the island. By then, they learned airports had closed.

"We really have no choice but to stick it out," Parhar said Wednesday from their hotel room at the Hotel Riu in Montego Bay on the island's northern side.

The two Toronto natives booked their trip to celebrate their recent graduations – Rafkhani from Toronto Metropolitan University and Parhar from York University. "We've never experienced something like this as Canadians," Rafkhani said. "It's kind of nerve-wracking."

The pair were comforted by the hotel staff, who kept guests informed and safe. "Since last night, they've been sending us messages about how to get prepared, what they're doing and will be doing this morning," Rafkhani said. "They've been keeping us calm," Parhar said.

Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl

Jamaican officials warned residents to stock up on food, batteries, candles, and drinking water. Residents in flood-prone areas were also advised to prepare for evacuation.

"Secure your critical documents and remove any trees or items that could endanger your property," the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica said on X on Tuesday. "Everyone, including those living alone, should take these necessary steps now."

As a precaution, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Tuesday night that electricity and water services will likely be shut off "if the storm reaches a serious threshold" to prevent fires and protect equipment.

"Only one hurricane has ever affected Jamaica during July," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell. "Category 4 Hurricane Dennis in 2005 did not make landfall but killed one person and caused a lot of damage."

Record-breaking path: Hurricane Beryl tears through the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl breaks records

Forecasters have projected 2024 to be one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. Beryl has already surprised forecasters and broken records since it formed, including becoming the earliest Category 4 or 5 storm on record.

Beryl broke the previous record set by Hurricane Emily on July 17, 2005, for the strongest Category 5 hurricane. Beryl rapidly strengthened from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in about 48 hours.

The storm is also the earliest Category 4 or larger storm by more than a week, breaking the record set by Hurricane Dennis, a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005.

It was fueled by  much warmer than normal  ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and aided in that development by light winds that allowed it to build a strong inner core.

— Jennifer Borresen, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Ramon Padilla

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of Category 5 storm

Smaller islands hit hard by Beryl

Beryl hit St. Vincent and the Grenadines especially hard, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

"The hurricane has come and gone, and it has left in its wake immense destruction," he said, adding that Union Island had 90% of homes "severely damaged or destroyed."

After making landfall in Grenada's Carriacou Island on Monday, strong winds and high water levels smashed fishing boats in Barbados, downed power lines in Grenada and St. Vincent, and knocked out drinking water in St. Lucia, according to officials.

Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell noted on Tuesday that the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were significantly impacted by the hurricane. In addition to downed power lines, roads remained impassable and fuel stations were destroyed.

"The situation is grim. There is no power. There is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings," Mitchell said.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida ; Reuters

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NOTICE - THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER VALID. PLEASE CONTACT DIRECT LINE CRUISES AT 1-800-352-8088 for UPDATED cancellation policies.

Modified cruise line cancellation policies.

Given the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus situation, several cruise lines have temporarily modified their cancellation policies for active sailings. Below is an overview on cruise line modified cancellation policies. * NOTICE: Restrictions apply - For complete details with terms & conditions, please ensure you refer directly to the applicable cruise line website.  Please be aware that the below information is simply an overview and you MUST refer to cruise line website for complete terms & conditions along with eligibility requirements. 

Adding a few new options to Azamara’s existing Cruise with Confidence policy, you can now choose the one that is right for you. To be eligible, the reservation must be an active booking (not previously cancelled) with no other cancellation offers previously accepted.

Previously announced on March 6, 2020, the flexibility to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit will continue, though the eligible sailing window has been extended to now include all sailings through April 2022 (all open deployment as of May 6, 2020).

NEW! Stick with us and you are eligible to take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to the start date od your cruise vacation, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion. Price variances will result in a rate adjustment if requested outside of final payment or an Onboard Credit when inside final payment period.

If desired, guests wishing to cancel prior to final payment can absolutely do so for a full refund of all monies paid to-date, and all nonrefundable deposits returned in the form of a Future Cruise Credit. After final payment, the standard cancellation penalties apply for those guests not interested in taking advantage of the Cruise with Confidence policy.

For complete terms & conditions on this program, CLICK HERE . IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to cancel and be eligible for this temporary Azamara Policy Change, please still make sure to complete the cancellation request process through the Direct Line Cruises website.  The cancellation REQUEST must be completed through this website.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Policy is subject to change at anytime. Below is an overview of the policy. You must refer directly to cruise line website for complete updated details along with terms & conditions.

As of May 6, 2020, Celebrity's's “Cruise with Confidence” policy has been enhanced. What changes can be expected?

Adding a few new options to Celebrity's existing Cruise with Confidence policy, you can now choose the one that is right for you. To be eligible, the reservation must be an active booking (not previously cancelled) with no other cancellation offers previously accepted.

Previously announced on March 6, 2020, the flexibility to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit will continue, though the eligible sailing window has been extended to now include all sailings through May 3, 2022 (all open deployment as of May 6, 2020).

NEW! Stick with us and you are eligible to take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to the start date of your cruise vacation, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion. Price variances will result in a rate adjustment if requested outside of final payment or an Onboard Credit when inside final payment period.

For complete terms & conditions on this program, CLICK HERE . IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to cancel and be eligible for this temporary Celebrity Cruises Policy Change, please still make sure to complete the cancellation request process through the Direct Line Cruises website.  The cancellation REQUEST must be completed through this website.

If you’re booked on a Cunard voyage sailing on Queen Mary 2 after May 28, 2021, on Queen Victoria after May 16, 2021, or on Queen Elizabeth after June 4, 2021, and wish to cancel your vacation, the standard cancelation policy in our Booking Conditions applies and Cunard shall be entitled to levy a cancelation charge as a percentage of the fare paid in accordance with the scales on our  Passage Contract page . For complete details along with terms & conditions, please refer to Cunard website . NOTICE: Cancellations must still be processed through Direct Line Cruises website.

Enjoy peace of mind when booking your Disney cruise with these temporary modifications that let you adjust your sail date or receive a full refund should the need arise.

• Final Payment: For sailings through August 2021, Guests are able to make their final payment until up to 60 days prior to sailing. View Important Details.
• Cancellation Fee Schedule: For sailings through August 2021, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed. View Important Details.
• Cruise Date Flexibility: For any sailings booked by March 31, 2021 scheduled to sail on or before August 31, 2021, you can change your sail date up to 15 days prior to departure.
• Flexible Refund Policy: Within 14 days of the sailing, booked Guests with COVID-19-related health concerns (symptoms or exposure) can receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future sail date.

Important Details:

Final Payment

• For sailings through August 2021, final payment is temporarily extended until 60 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in unrestricted stateroom categories.

Cancellation Fee Schedule

• For sailings through August 2021, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed from beginning as early as 119 days prior to sailing to beginning 59 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories. For Guests booked in Suite and Concierge categories, cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing.
• Reservations for Inside, Outside and Verandah Categories with Restrictions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Cruise Date Flexibility

• Guests who have booked before March 31, 2021 have the ability to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to embarkation. Guests scheduled to sail on or before August 31, 2021 may take advantage of this offer.
• Guests who wish to change their sail date must move their sail date to one that commences prior to May 31, 2022. Standard prevailing rates will apply.
• Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this offer.
• Should you cancel your new sail date, any cancellation fees applicable to the original sail date will be deferred and applied as a minimum cancellation fee to the future sailing.
• Standard air cancellation fees apply for Guests who booked flights through Disney Cruise Line.

Flexible Refund Policy

• Guests who wish to change their sail date must move the sail date to a future sailing that commences prior to May 31, 2022.
• Guests cannot change their reservation back to the original sail date after taking advantage of this policy.
• Have symptoms of COVID-19
• Have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater
• Have had known exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days
• Have tested positive for COVID-19
• Guests who do not wish to select a new sail date will be provided a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees in their original form of payment.
• Guests who experience one or more of the qualifying scenarios on the day of embarkation will not be able to sail and will receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees.

Please refer to Disney Cruise Line website for complete terms & conditions.

Holland America Line has temporarily adjusted our cancellation policy to make it easier for you to cancel or change plans. Book any cruise that departs through October 31, 2021—you must book by March 31, 2021—and you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of non-refundable fees collected by Holland America Line (the remainder will be refunded to you). You can use the Future Cruise Credit when you're ready to book your next cruise vacation.

Cancellations Under This Offer

You must have booked a cruise on or before March 31, 2021 (sailing on or before October 31, 2021) and then complete the following:

• Cancel your booking no later than 30 days prior to sailing
• Submit the Book with Confidence Form to request your Future Cruise Credit
• Receive an email notification that your Future Cruise Credit has been issued

How To Book With Your Future Cruise Credit

Once your Future Cruise Credit has been issued to your account, you have 12 months from date of issue to book another cruise (departing on or before December 31, 2022) using the credit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE : Policy is subject to change at anytime. Below is an overview of the policy. You must refer directly to cruise line website for complete updated details along with terms & conditions. What is Total CruiseFlex? If your booking date and cruise date matches the above information, MSC Cruises USA allows you to change your cruise up to 48 hours prior to departure by 5pm EST. You can move your money to any other cruise (any ship, any sail date) on or before Apr. 30, 2022.   How do I know if my cruise qualifies for Total CruiseFlex? If your cruise booking is made through March 31, 2021 AND your cruise departure date is through April 30, 2022 then you qualify!  Excluding World Cruise & World Cruise segments. How do I participate in Total CruiseFlex? You must be able to answer yes to the following questions: If you would like to change your cruise plans, you MUST call our Contact Center and advise them you would like to take advantage of Total CruiseFlex (you must call 48 hours prior to your cruise by 5pm EST). 

If you booked through a travel advisor: please contact your travel advisor so they can work with MSC Cruises to get your cruise changes applied.  For complete details along with terms & conditions on this program, CLICK HERE.    NOTE: If you wish to cancel and be eligible for this temporary MSC Policy Change, please still make sure to complete the cancellation request process through the Direct Line Cruises website.

Simply put, for new and existing bookings made by March 31, 2021 on any voyage through and including October 31, 2021, guests are free to cancel anytime up to 15 days in advance of embarkation. Anyone choosing to cancel will receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit to be used for sailings that embark through December 31, 2022.

We have modified our final payment schedule for voyages that embark through October 31, 2021. Final Payment for active voyages embarking through October 31, 2021 has changed from 120 days prior to sailing to 60 days prior to sailing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to cancel and be eligible for this temporary Norwegian Cruise Line Policy Change, please still make sure to complete the cancellation request process through the Direct Line Cruises website.  The cancellation REQUEST must be completed through this website.

TEMPORARY POLICY CHANGE FOR OCEANIA CRUISES

Guests and travel partners can now have total peace of mind knowing that should they need to cancel, for any reason, they will not lose a dollar. Guests who have paid in full may cancel up to 15 days prior to their departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid.

Additionally, guests and Travel Advisors can book with confidence knowing that up to the day of sailing, should there be another applicable Oceania Cruises public promotion that offers a better value through amenities or price, they may take advantage of that promotional offer and/or price.

PROGRAM APPLICABILITY AND CONDITIONS:

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

• Valid for all bookings, sailings, and destinations.
• Valid for all Oceania Cruises public, published, pricing and amenity-based promotions.
• Promotion or Pricing Adjustment requests are subject to voyage and accommodation category availability at time of request.
• Pricing adjustments after final payment date will be in the form of a Shipboard Credit, Future Cruise Credit, or upgrade, at Oceania Cruises’ discretion.

NO-PENALTY CANCELLATIONS

• Once paid in full, cancel for any reason up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid.
• Valid for all reservations made between August 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021, for scheduled voyages departing on or before October 31, 2021.
• Future Cruise Credit is valid for redemption for one year from date of issue for travel departing no later than December 31, 2022.

PREVIOUS TEMPORARY CANCELLATION POLICY EXTENDED

• Now extended to include sailings up to October 31, 2021, from the previous April 30, 2021, cut-off date.
• If you booked your cruise before March 2, 2021, instead of incurring cancellation fees when you choose to cancel, you'll receive your cancellation fees as a Future Cruise Credit.
• FCCs can be used on any sailing that departs within one year of your original departure date, or May 1, 2022, whichever is later.

For complete details along with updated terms & conditions, please refer to Princess Cruises website .

TEMPORARY POLICY CHANGE FOR REGENT SEVEN SEAS

To ensure you feel confident about sailing with Regent, we are evolving Regent Reassurance. For reservations made between September 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021, on voyages embarking through October 31, 2021, guests who have paid in full have the option to cancel up to 15 days* prior to departure date and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any new reservation within one year on any Regent voyage sailing before December 31, 2022.

For complete details along with updated terms & conditions, please refer to Regent Seven Seas website .

Important Notice: Policy is subject to change at anytime. Below is an overview of the policy. You must refer directly to cruise line website for complete updated details along with terms & conditions. As of May 6, 2020, our enhanced Cruise with Confidence program gives you even more flexibility.

Whether you’re already booked on a cruise, or are thinking about it, we want you to Cruise with Confidence. That’s why Royal Caribbean will let you cancel any cruise that sets sail from now through April 30th, 2022. Whether it’s a booking you already have or one you make right now through April 30th, 2021, you’re covered. As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your sail date, you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit is valid to book by April 30th, 2022 and sail by September 30th, 2022.

As of May 6th, 2020 we have also added the new "Best Price Guarantee" option outlined below.

• Best Price Guarantee -Spot a better price on your booked cruise? Our Best Price Guarantee lets you take advantage of a better price up to 48 hours before your sail date — just give us a call. You’ll receive the difference as a non-refundable onboard credit inside final payment or rate adjustment outside final payment.

What you need to know :

• As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your sail date, you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit.
• The Cruise with Confidence program covers bookings that are booked on or before April 30th, 2021, that set sail on or before April 30th, 2022.
• Future Cruise Credits are valid to book by April 30th, 2022 and sail by September 30th, 2022.
• You may owe any difference in cruise fare if your new booking exceeds the Future Cruise Credit’s value.
• Some restrictions may apply.
• If you opt into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit, you do not qualify for any Future Cruise Credit offers or refunds related to our Global Suspension of sailings.

Need to change or cancel your cruise? If you need to change or cancel your cruise, please contact us by phone or submit our online form to cancel your reservation, or call our Royal Customer Service Team (24 hours / 7 days a week) to change your ship and sail date: 800-256-6649. If you booked with a Travel Advisor, please contact them for assistance. Please know, hold times may be longer than expected. We appreciate your patience.

For complete terms & conditions on this program, CLICK HERE . IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to cancel and be eligible for this temporary Royal Caribbean Policy Change, please still make sure to complete the cancellation request process through the Direct Line Cruises website.  The cancellation REQUEST must be completed through this website.

Important Notice: Policy is subject to change at anytime. Below is an overview of the policy. You must refer directly to cruise line website for complete updated details along with terms & conditions.

We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time.

That is why Viking is offering a limited-time offer—the most flexible of any cruise line—so that you can plan your voyage with peace of mind. The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 24 hours before their planned departure—and Viking will waive any fees. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between May 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021.

Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works

• To be covered by this guarantee, you must make a reservation between May 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021.
• This guarantee is combinable with all other Viking offers available.
• For those with flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of flight departure.
• For those who arrange their own flights, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of cruise embarkation or hotel check-in, whichever is first.
• Reservation changes under the Risk-Free Guarantee will be reimbursed in the form of a Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100% of all monies paid to Viking.
• Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Vouchers are transferable, so that you have the flexibility to gift them to a loved one.
• Guests will have 24 months to select their new date and use their Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise.

Please refer to Viking River website for complete details.

If you have purchased Travel Insurance through Travel Insured International, you may be eligible for a credit / voucher.  For details or to request a credit through Travel Insured International, please use the following link: Request Voucher / CREDIT  

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