After the Regal Princess’s second consecutive cancellation from Galveston, Texas, Princess Cruises announced it would increase the Future Cruise Credit (FCC) offered to affected guests, raising it from the original 25% to 50% of the base cruise fare.
The change follows a wave of frustration from passengers who reported costly travel disruptions due to the late cancellations.
A Princess spokesperson confirmed that repairs on the Regal Princess are underway, with the goal of resuming voyages from Galveston by November 10.
“We are actively communicating with guests booked on this voyage to keep them informed,” the spokesperson said, adding, “as a gesture of goodwill, guests affected by the cancellations of the October 27 and November 3 sailings will receive an increased FCC, which will be automatically applied to guest accounts.”
A Pattern of Cancellations Leaves Guests Frustrated
The issues began during the ship’s recent transatlantic journey from Southampton, where mechanical troubles reportedly surfaced.
Although the Regal Princess arrived in Galveston as scheduled, technical issues prevented the ship from starting its planned voyage on October 27, forcing thousands of guests to adjust their plans at the last minute.
One passenger shared their experience with Cruise Radio, detailing how the late cancellation announcement left them scrambling:
“I found out about the cancellation late Wednesday – had to cancel hotel for the night before, transfer to port car rental, flight. Since it was so late, I was penalized on all of them – lost over $350.00 in non-Princess reservations. As an elite member of Princess, I will need to decide if I would use them or find a better cruise line.”
Read More: Techincal Issues Cancel Second Regal Princess Cruise
The disruption was even more expensive for other guests, with some already en route to Galveston, Texas when the news broke.
Another passenger, who had made their way to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before learning of the cancellation, said:
“We were scheduled to embark on the Regal Princess Oct. 27 sailing…We were already at LAX. We had taken the Airbus and stayed a night in a hotel. Now we have to go through Princess insurance to try to recoup those expenses.”
These cancellations meant that guests not only lost their cruise but also took hits on non-refundable reservations, like hotels and transportation, which the FCC does not cover.
Princess Cruises’ Increased Future Cruise Credit
In response to the backlash, Princess Cruises enhanced its compensation offer. The new FCC increase to 50% applies automatically and can be used for bookings made by May 31, 2025, with sailings through May 31, 2026.
Additionally, guests who booked Princess Plus or Premier packages or were part of the Captain’s Circle Loyalty Accelerator promotion will still receive the enhanced loyalty points.
Read More: How to Use a Future Cruise Credit
However, even with this increase, some guests remain unconvinced that the FCC makes up for the hassle and expense incurred.
As one guest put it:
“For the two of us, the total in future cruise credits is about $600. But we were left to deal with hotels, airport transfers, and a scramble to cancel flights. They knew at least a week ago they would not be ready. Cancel sooner and I would have gotten back more of my money.”
What’s Next for Regal Princess?
Princess Cruises remains optimistic that repairs will conclude in time for the Regal Princess’s scheduled November 10 departure.
“Our team remains focused on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard,” the spokesperson noted.
Wrap Up
It’s a waiting game to see if Princess Cruises’ goodwill gesture of a 50% future cruise credit will restore the confidence of 7,200 canceled guests.
It is also a good reminder to read the cruise line passage contract before sailing to know your rights and to purchase travel insurance.
The cruise line is not required to refund any additional money over what was initially paid for the cruise. However, it’s a good idea for guest retention.
Read More: What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance
