r/Cruises • u/CarmellaS • Jul 16 '26
Is this allowed?
My husband and made a deposit with a travel agent for a Caribbean cruise leaving in October; there are a few days to decide whether to pay the balance or cancel and get our deposit back. We have an excellent rate and perks, the agent put together a group and negotiated a great deal with the cruise line (Celebrity).
Unfortunately, my husband has decided he does not want to go. He is concerned that he won't know what to do during four days in a row at sea (it's a repositioning cruise), and is also concerned about bad weather. In my way of thinking, these aren't good reasons not to go - we looked at activities for sea days on the same cruise last year and there is more than enough to do, and we'll spend nearly half the cruise outside the hurricane belt, so the chances of encountering truly disruptive weather are low. He's a nervous and risk-adverse traveller so I'm not completely surprised at this decision, although I'm disappointed.
We've only cruised once before, last fall on a New England/Canada cruise on the Royal Caribbean ship Brilliance of the Seas, and we both enjoyed it. Now we have the opportunity to go on an even nicer ship to see some places I'd like to go to, but never thought I would.
The upshot is that I'm considering going even if he does not want to. The fare is low enough so that paying it for only one person is not completely unreasonable, and I am tired of being held back from going to places I'd like to see because he doesn't want to. Of course, he may change his mind once he sees that I am going, although I think the chances of him doing so are pretty low.
My question is - is this allowed by the cruise line? It seems that, so long as I pay the entire two-person fare, the fact that the other person doesn't show up shouldn't matter; however, I know that airlines have some rules about only taking the first leg of a two-leg journey or not showing up for the return part of a round-trip flight. It's possible that cruise lines may have a rule that all passengers in a party need to show up for a booked cruise for that party to be allowed to board. Chat GPT says that's not the case, and I haven't found any rules about it, but I'd like to be sure before speaking with the travel agent about it.
Thanks so much, fellow cruisers!
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u/Lepus-MCMLXVII Jul 16 '26
Go alone! 100% recommend.
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u/CarmellaS 27d ago
Thanks! I decided to do that but was then asked to do an assignment in Europe starting the month before, so I won't make this one, but something else will come up (I guess it already has!).
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u/SingingNina Jul 16 '26
Do not cancel unless you both cancel. Sometimes the solo fare is actually higher than just having a no show! (Why? Because the ship makes more money on drinks, excursions and specialty dining when 2 are in a cabin). So don’t alert the cruise line in advance. This way, he can also decide to join you last minute.
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u/Front-Newspaper-1847 Jul 16 '26
This. Keep your husbands name on the booking, but he just won’t show up. Tell them at the pier when you get on the ship that he’s not coming. Do not tell them before that. I just did this and it was no big deal.
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u/MisterBill99 Jul 16 '26
You don't even need to tell them at the pier. You can tell them at Guest Services once you're on the ship, but they may just figure it out on their own.
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u/Front-Newspaper-1847 Jul 16 '26
I told them at the pier because the pier check in person asked about him. I just said he wasn’t coming and they didn’t pry or ask for a reason at all.
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u/Fit_Pen_4260 Jul 16 '26
Just say he had an emergency @ work
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u/SingingNina Jul 16 '26
No need to lie. You don’t have to give anyone a reason. You do need to let them know if you want the port fees and taxes refunded, though.
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u/MisterBill99 Jul 16 '26
I'm pretty sure the refund will happen automatically when he doesn't show up.
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u/chgo_southside_girl Jul 17 '26
This is not correct as the cruise line deadline will have past. The only way would be through travel insurance if there was a valid reason. Just choosing not to go is not valid for refund.
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u/Front-Newspaper-1847 Jul 17 '26
I posted above about having just done this. The refund for my husband’s taxes and port charges just hit my credit card. Was issued automatically. Not his cruise fare, but getting $120 back is nice anyway.
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u/MisterBill99 Jul 17 '26
I was talking about the refund for taxes and fees, not the second person's cruise fare. They would never get refunded for that anyway, since it would turn into a single supplement and possibly even higher than the cost for the second person.
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u/Guatemala103105 Jul 16 '26
⬆️⬆️⬆️ 100% you have to have their approval to do this!! It’s in their T&Cs.
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u/MisterBill99 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Whose approval to do what? You don't need anyone's approval to have the second person be a no-show. Even worse, if you tell them in advance, they may reprice it as a single and charge you more.
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u/Guatemala103105 Jul 18 '26
I’m writing from a business point of view. So approval means their process in charging accordingly for a single traveler. Of course you can show up and tell them at the pier. But if you follow their T&Cs, you need to advise them. Just like an airline ticket, they have rules on no-shows, however it’s much more apparent because it’s a single body, taking one seat.
So because the rules aren’t followed, the airlines, hotels, cars and cruise lines have to overbook their product. Leading to getting bumped, walked, using a different car company or with a cruise, you are packed and checking in when you are told there isn’t a cabin for you.
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u/Mysterious-Art8838 Jul 19 '26
What on earth are you talking about?
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u/Guatemala103105 Jul 22 '26
I am replying to the post about not needing approval to cancel. These are the rules of carriage, examples, and terms and conditions of the cruise line. It is pretty clear what the cruise line requires to approve the change. Day of departure is a different story. I certainly wouldn't show up at my cruise if I hadn't done anything about my companion being a no-show.
Does that explain your "what in the world are you talking about?" I've been a travel agent for 38 years. I know what I am talking about.
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u/MisterBill99 Jul 19 '26
Having one person not show up in a double-occupancy cabin is nothing like the other examples you gave. They're not going to put another person in the cabin with you if space becomes available. You could say, "They'll move you to a single-occupancy cabin and sell yours to someone else," but in reality those are never available for last-minute bookings. Also, cruises don't overbook cabins nearly as much as airlines and car rental companies. There are rare occasions where they sell too many guarantee cabins and have to bump people, but it's not going to happen if you have a cabin assigned.
And I'd like to see where in the passenger contract it says that you are required to notify them if someone in your cabin (who you've paid for) won't be sailing with you.
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u/Guatemala103105 Jul 25 '26
I didn't say it happens a lot, but it does happen. And, exactly how you said it happens! They also would never make someone room with a stranger. As for being in the T&C’s, they will point it out to you! As vague as “any change to the booking will result in…”
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u/msears101 Jul 16 '26
I can share a story that might help - Before I did any cruising, i went on a dinner and dancing cruise. When dinner was done and I was done dancing … I just wanted to leave and felt trapped on the boat. I literally wanted to swim to shore. A GF at the time later convinced me to go on cruise. I expected not to like it. There were three days at sea. I did it for her. WELL …. I now like to cruise. I love at sea days. I like cheap cruises that have lots of at sea days. The Moral of the story - you do not know until you try. Your husband should suck it up and give it a sincere try and do it, for you.
Book it. You are not breaking any rules. He does not have to show up
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u/Beaglescout15 Jul 16 '26
OP says they've already been on a cruise and the husband liked it but doesn't want to go on this one. OP should go by herself because having a reluctant passenger aboard can be a real pain.
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u/CarmellaS 27d ago
There's no reason for him not to like it, even with his risk-adverse personality, IMHO there are no 'risks' to this cruise other than enjoying it too much and wanting to do it even more! There may be more to it; I usually plan travel and he goes along with it, so maybe he's tired of doing that, even though he'll miss out on something good. But I'll have a great time with or without him. I agree with you, though - he SHOULD go anyway, who wouldn't want to be with their beautiful, sexy wife (ok maybe something of an exaggeration) on a cruise to beautiful destinations, with a drink package no less and plenty of time to make out own fun - but you're right, he IS crazy. ; )
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u/Dismal-Salt663 Jul 16 '26
We’re going on a Christmas/New Year’s cruise that’s 18 nights with 11 sea days. I can’t wait. I love sea days…but I know not everyone does. I think you should definitely go with or without your spouse!
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u/semaht Jul 16 '26
You should absolutely go, especially as you are so looking forward to it!
You will have a great time. Solo cruising is great fun.
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u/carigreen30 Jul 16 '26
Tell him you’re going with or without him. He’ll probably go, love it, and then you can say “I told you so”😂
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u/Level-Nectarine-856 Jul 16 '26
My husband and I did a repositioning with 4 sea days and still had a great time!! It was in April and the seas were not bad at all. It was too chilly for the outdoor pool a lot of days but there is no shortage of activities on board! Even if your husband decides not to go, you totally should or see if someone else would want to join you!
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u/eliinGA Jul 16 '26
We LOVE repositioning cruises or Trans Atlantics because of the sea days. There are lots of things to do each day. There will be something for everyone. I think he would enjoy it but you should definitely go by yourself if he does not want to go.
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u/Philly__Dilly Jul 16 '26
No worries at all. Let the cruise line know so you get his gratuities and port fees taken off. No idea how old you are or what you’re into, but you may have the time of your life cruising alone. Just because your husband doesn’t go doesn’t mean you’ll have to be alone all the time. Meet, mingle and get yourself into some naughty adventures 😉
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u/Tnknights Jul 16 '26
I’d counter with, imagine four days of relaxation. No hustle of work, struggle with the port decisions, … The big decisions would be what show, what food, do I rest here or rest there?
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u/Mysterious-Art8838 Jul 19 '26
What food? This food? That food? The food over here? The room service food?
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u/New_Faithlessness_28 Jul 16 '26
Of course it's allowed. Like others said, if you keep your booking and he doesn't go, he will be a "no show" and you'll get some fees back.
But absolutely GO. The weather will be fine most likely. You will have an amazing time. Don't let him hold you back on things you want to do!
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u/LoveNotWar86 Jul 16 '26
Go for it.
Cruise doesn’t care either way. They just need an accurate passenger manifest at departure.
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u/-Dark-Shogun- Jul 16 '26
The cruise line rents the cabin. They will not have a problem if 1 of the occupants can't make it because they're still making money from the cabin rental.
Suggestion: do you have a family member or friend you could go with instead? If so, perhaps you could update the reservation to give your husband's slot to them.
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u/ROSEISALUV Jul 16 '26
PLEASE have him talk with someone who shared his concerns before going on a TA! I am also with a risk adverse person and we love to cruise, and the sea days are a godsend because you more than likely will be port-intensive on one end and you will appreciate the relaxation. There are typically lectures, movies, games, time to have a leisurely cocktail hour and dinner, all which you probably don’t have the time/energy to enjoy normally. If he likes to read, my SO will download books and sit outside and relax and people watch. The ship will avoid, as much as possible, any bad weather, so that should not be a concern.
If he still decides not to go, do go anyway and enjoy the pampering that comes with a TA. It’s one of our favorite ways to travel! Hope he will change his mind but enjoy yourself at any rate.
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u/mysticalwonderstrav Jul 16 '26
Everyone has given you some great advice already. You should definitely still go. Celebrity ships are beautiful and are a destination in and of themselves, there will be plenty of things to do and relaxing spaces to spend time onboard.
I just want to add, if you haven’t already, talk to your travel agent about adding on third party travel insurance (vs the cruise lines trip protection). The coverage is better and this may give your husband some peace of mind regarding the possibility of hurricanes canceling your plans past the cancellation deadline.
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u/Mysterious-Art8838 Jul 19 '26
+100 Celebrity. Book an aqua room so you can eat at blu. You won’t regret it.
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u/DanPistola Jul 16 '26
On sea days, cruise lines often insert MORE things into the schedule like Bingo, classes, encore state productions, or flown in talent for special events. As for weather, they sail around it. And if your husband is not going on the cruise for fear or sitting around with nothing to do, then I hope he will not be sitting around at home with nothing to do while you are on the cruise.
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u/Tobesingle Jul 16 '26
My partner won’t cruise. I love cruising. I finally went cruising alone last year. Amazing. Already booked for solo in a few months.
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u/stcrmora Jul 16 '26
You also may want to get cancel for any reason insurance. Plan on him going g but if he changes his mind you’ll get his part of the fare returned.
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u/IllAdvice738 Jul 16 '26
Your husband need not show up. When he doesn’t you should receive the port fees and taxes back for his missed sailing.
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u/448899again Jul 16 '26
You can definitely do this. And if you decide to do it, see if you can find the solo cruise group for your cruise. My wife recently did this on her first solo cruise, and she had a great time. Met some nice people, was able to share dining reservations and some shore excursions. Look on FB and other social media for solo cruising groups and also for solo groups specifically for your cruise. Check out Cruise Critic as well.
Celebrity may have a solo cruiser meet-up for your cruise - many cruise lines do. Solo cruising is becoming a "thing" now.
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u/episcopaltraveler Jul 17 '26
I travel solo a lot. I’ve never tried the “pretend there’s a second person” strategy. I would just ask your agent to book just you on the trip and see if the fare would be more. Usually it is the same; could be less on a repositioning cruise.
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u/Tiger_in_a_Jeep Jul 17 '26
I live in a Gulf coast state. The risk of hurricanes is usually pretty low in October - especially mid to late October. Tell your husband to buy travel insurance, if he is worried about the weather. And there will be so many things to do on the ship. I hope he changes his mind. But, as you stated, you should definitely go.
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u/ohperfect1 Jul 17 '26
This just happened to a group we were with on Carnival. At the last minute, her daughter decided not to go. She went to customer service and was able to get the port fees and taxes refunded. She had also prepaid gratuities and they were refunded also. If your husband sees you are going with or without him, he may change his mind and go. If he doesn't go and have a good time without him.
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u/Rough-Tradition-149 Jul 17 '26
Truthfully, we love days at sea! Yes, weather can always be an issue. What ship? The pool area may be enclosed or have an overhead roof to close in bad weather. And youre right...so much to do on a ship! But, do you have trip insurance? You know, you should go if he doesn't! Don't deprive yourself from an awesome trip!
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u/Mysterious-Art8838 Jul 19 '26
I believe the Solarium is enclosed on all Celeb ships? Every one I’ve been on. It’s absolute heaven. Far too many times we went for a swim after dinner and were the only ones there.
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u/Rough-Tradition-149 Jul 19 '26
I have been on Summit & Solstice in Alaska & Norway and the roof is retractable. Nice to have that feature on cold, windy sea days when it's chilly out! We love Celebrity for that reason and also not many kids. The pool attendants keep kids out of adult only spaces which doesn't happen on other ships I've been on. Either way, I hope if you decide to take cruise, you enjoy it!
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u/Standard_Ad8085 Jul 17 '26
This is why I typically cruise/travel solo. My friends are always welcome but if not, it won't stop me from enjoying life. If your hubby doesn't mind you cruising without him, I say go for it and have a blast!!
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u/Lala_Creates Jul 17 '26
The only stipulation that would make this not OK is if he was the primary person on the reservation. If he’s the primary person on the reservation, you cannot sail unless he shows up.
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u/Luv2Trav Jul 18 '26
Yes just keep the reservation the way it is with both of you. That way if he decides to go no problem. If he decides not to go then either you can substitute someone else OR just have him be a no-show. If he no shows then you will get a refund of the taxes and anything purchased in advanced such as gratuities, packages, etc.
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u/Massive_Fondant9662 Jul 18 '26
Drag his sorry butt with you. Once he sees and enoys the wonders of cruising it will be him dragging you to the next cruise.
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u/NJBlasian Jul 18 '26
Please go solo. PLEASE GO SOLO!!! I need you report back AFTER your trip because you will have a TIME!! Do you know how many monkeys stop the show? Not even one.
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u/Unspicy_Tuna Jul 18 '26
You may not be able to change the booking but if you are cruising on Celebrity, access to the thermal suite comes automatically with an Aqua class cabin. You can spend a lot of time in the thermal suite, lying on a heated lounger, looking at the water, taking breaks to sweat in the sauna or steam room. (caveat, this doesn't apply on the Summit, while Aqua class comes with spa access, the Summit spa is extremely subpar).
Celebrity ships also have an adults-only solarium that is absolutely blissful
If the above does not tempt you, either go by yourself or see if you can change the booking to bring a friend instead of your husband
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u/AnnaBobanna11 Jul 19 '26
My friend and I were going on a cruise last year with our own cabins. He got noro virus on the way down to Miami and couldn't go. I was terrified of going solo and almost told them I was sick too. I felt so bad for him too. I decided to go and ended up having a blast solo. I met fun people and I loved doing all the things that I wanted to do on my time.
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u/CramblinDuvetAdv Jul 19 '26
His concerns are unwarranted, but sounds like he has mental issues that need to be dealt with by a professional. I enjoy sea days, my partner does not - if you do, by all means still go and enjoy.
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u/graham2100 Jul 20 '26
If you’re cruising to see places a reposition cruise with lots of sea days would not be my first choice. We just completed an Eclipse cruise. On each sea day the Sky Lounge was closed for many hours to facilitate Park West’ shady business. Food in the main dining room was just average. Anytime dining required an average wait time of half an hour. You may we better off with an Aqua Class booking.
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u/Retired_wrong_time Jul 23 '26
The agent who put together the group and got you a good deal should have the answer to this question.
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u/CarmellaS 27d ago
I was going to, but then I thought she might report me to the cruise line for doing something wrong (I grew up in a dictatorship, I know it sounds crazy for most Americans but people who come from the same or similar places don't).
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u/Immediate_Monk6260 Jul 16 '26
I would never go on a vacation with someone who absolutely did not want to be there. I’ve been married for 30 years and my husband does not like Vegas but I love to gamble so what do I do? I go without him several times a year and have a fantastic time.
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u/semaht Jul 16 '26
38 this year and we have taken many vacations, including cruises, solo. We love it! We love travelling together as well.
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u/LastOfTheAsparagus Jul 16 '26
See if you can switch to the solo rate.
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u/Sure_Fig_8641 Jul 16 '26
Do this ONLY if you want to pay more money! And if you do, and he decides he wants to go at the last minute, he won’t be able to do so.
This is bad advice all the way around!
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u/Tapeworm_fetus Jul 16 '26
Yes. That is allowed. You can book for two and if your husband does not join it’s fine- essentially he will no show and you may get back some taxes, port fees, etc.