Overbooked ship?

My daughter is sailing this weekend and the ship appears to be completely booked. I read in the brochure that if they "overbook" the ship you can be bumped to another ship or receive a refund. Is it possible to show up at the dock and be told - we're overbooked - here's your refund - go home? I have heard rumors that this happens but I have not found anyone that it has happened to - anyone out there that has had this experience?

Thanks for your help!

It doesn't seem very likely, since the line will have had final payments in handwell in advance of the cruise date, know that there is a problem, and have plenty of time to contact passengers and negotiate something to correct the situation.

[jon]

I was on HAL in January(Zaandam) & they overbooked & I was bounced from 2 cabins(one was given to a passenger with a big mouth by a Guest Relations Mgr from Hell) & the other I left because there was no soundproofing between the cabin next door & it was filthy. I ended up sleeping on a sofa for 4 nites( out of 9)

Along with other problems in the diningroom - I was disgusted! As of yesterday HAL feel that a $150 cruise credit is a sufficient reimbursement for their mistakes & mishandling of the situation(it cost me almost $50 in e-mail to my travel agent while onboard trying to get things straightened out).

So buyer beware - in these days of budget tightening it seems you do not get what you paid for! I have been on HAL since 1977& nowe it seems I will no longer sail with them.

[Joe]

Jon wrote:
>
> I was on HAL in January(Zaandam) & they overbooked & I was
> bounced from 2 cabins(one was given to a passenger with a big
> mouth by a Guest Relations Mgr from Hell) & the other I left
> because there was no soundproofing between the cabin next
> door & it was filthy. I ended up sleeping on a sofa for 4
> nites( out of 9)
>
> Along with other problems in the diningroom - I was
> disgusted! As of yesterday HAL feel that a $150 cruise
> credit is a sufficient reimbursement for their mistakes &
> mishandling of the situation(it cost me almost $50 in e-mail
> to my travel agent while onboard trying to get things
> straightened out).
>
> So buyer beware - in these days of budget tightening it
> seems you do not get what you paid for! I have been on HAL
> since 1977& nowe it seems I will no longer sail with them.

This doesn't make sense.

[gliner]

It happens. We were on the Wind in March and they overbooked big time. They left 8 couples sitting on the dock due to their practice of overbooking. Their reasoning is that people cancel at the last minute. Nevermind that they give no refund for last minute cancellations.

[carol]

We booked a Hawaii cruise 1 1/2 years ago on Norweigen. It overbooked and our travel agent called 2 weeks before the cruise to let us know. We were offered a full refund with 1/2 off our next cruise or an alternative cruise for the same price to the Holy Land. Out of 12 couples that were bumped, we were the only ones to take advantage of the alternative trip, which included $200.00 on board credit apiece and an upgrade in cabins. It was the most wonderful cruise we have been on yet.
May change my mind after this coming week, when I leave for Alaska.

Carol