Notice to Passengers: Hurricane Harvey

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has become aware that passenger vessel operators (PVOs), commonly known as cruise lines, with scheduled calls at U.S. Gulf Coast ports have announced itinerary changes and cancellations resulting from the port and inland conditions due to Hurricane Harvey.

Cruise passengers should stay in close contact with their PVOs, airlines, and travel agents for the most up-to-date information about their travel and their cruise.

Passengers should always carefully read their ticket contract, which states the cruise line’s obligations with respect to cancelled cruises and changes in itinerary due to weather.

If cruise passengers have purchased travel insurance, they should consult their policy to determine whether to file a claim.

The FMC has limited authority over cruise lines and administers the legal requirements that PVOs maintain financial responsibility for the protection of passengers for non-performance of a cruise or death or injury while on a cruise. (46 U.S.C. §§ 44102 and 44103; 46 CFR Part 540).

If you wish to request assistance regarding a dispute with a cruise line, contact the Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services at 202-523-5807 or at complaints@fmc.gov.

Helpful Links

National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Port of Galveston: http://portofgalveston.com/

Carnival: https://www.carnival.com/

Disney Cruise Lines: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/

Royal Caribbean International: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/