In most cases, you will be rebooked onto the next flight, and while that might add some frustration to your trip, it won't completely derail it. If you miss a ship in port, however, you will be stuck with the financial burden of meeting it at its next stop or returning home.

If your cruise ship is forced to miss a scheduled port of call—usually due to high winds, rough seas, or a medical emergency—several things happen automatically. First, the ship will typically spend the day at sea, and the cruise director will quickly organize additional onboard activities to keep guests entertained. Regarding your money: any shore excursions booked directly through the cruise line will be automatically refunded to your onboard account. However, if you booked a private tour independently, you are responsible for contacting the operator; many offer "no-port" refunds, but it is not guaranteed. You will also typically receive a small refund for the "Port Taxes and Fees" that were part of your original fare. While some lines might offer a small amount of "Onboard Credit" (OBC) as a gesture of goodwill, they are not legally required to provide compensation for a missed port, as cruise contracts specifically state that itineraries are subject to change for safety.