When a ship returns to its home port late, Lorraine can’t help but wonder how many non-refundable airline tickets will be lost.

Yep! How not to lose it? BOOK THROUGH THE CRUISE LINE ! No matter what happens, you’re covered!

Sure – you may save a few bucks by booking yourself, but there’s always the chance of a delay, say in case of a medical emergency, or engine problems, or inclement weather, or any number of reasons.

And while we’re on the subject – what about shore excursions that you booked yourself? If for any reason the ship has to miss that port, you’re done for – no refunds!

Or consider the larger problem of taking a non-ship-authorized excursion…… you may be left standing at the dock watching the ship sail away should your excursion return late.

Yes, it may cost a few bucks extra – or maybe not – the rates are usually pretty close, and isn’t your peace of mind (and wallet) worth it?

When Lorraine experienced the dilemma of a stolen passport in Barcelona and was unable to make her scheduled airline departure for home the next morning, she simply notified the ship’s port agent of the problem and it was taken care of. Her flight was rescheduled for the following day and all turned out well. Thank goodness she had booked her return through the cruise line and not on her own – especially if it had been a non-refundable fare – and yes, there were several available when she decided to book through the “safe” route!

Simply said – don’t risk ruining your cruise by trying to go it on your own! Cruises generally run pretty smoothly and make all the scheduled ports and arrive home right on schedule.

But, sometimes “ship happens.”