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Cruise options following bereavement

3 replies

Rubberducksallround · 07/11/2026 13:54

Hoping for some advice as I'm just not really thinking straight at the moment.
We are booked on a p&o cruise for next year, my husband and our two kids, and MIL in an adjoining cabin. Unfortunately my mil took her own life earlier this week. At the moment we aren't decided if we want to go at all. If we do go, I absolutely cannot stay in the original cabin and look at the adjoining door, knowing she should have been on the other side but isn't. What options are we likely to have? If we cancel and lose all the deposit thats fair enough. I don't think insurance will pay due to the manner of her passing, but I don't really care about losing the money. If we do go, would we be able to just remove her cabin from the booking? And would they let us change the cabin we have chosen (I think I'd just select a different floor or part of the ship)
I know the most obvious answer is I need to ring and speak to them, but I genuinely cannot bring myself to do that yet. I'm hoping to get things clearer in my mind about what I'd like to happen then ring them in a few weeks when I'm feeling stronger.

OP posts:
tartyflette · 07/11/2026 14:04

I'm so sorry for your loss, suicide is especially hard to cope with.
I think you are probably right that the cruise line will do all they can to help under these circumstances, although you might have to send them a copy of the death certificate.
Very distressing, I know.
You are right to leave it for a little while, as long as there is no pressing time element just yet. I would also get in touch with your insurers, when you feel able to, just in case they might be able to help.
I do hope the cruise line can arrange something for you, I would think a cabin change is the least they could do.

MFL · 10/11/2026 09:25

I would contact the insurance company. Or ask someone to do it for you. Often you can swap a holiday in difficult circumstances so a friend could find out if you can swap to a different ship or holiday. I’m sorry this has happened. Thinking of you.

ScaryM0nster · 10/11/2026 09:49

Given the time til the planned holiday - adjusting it seems like the sensible option.

Someone will need to contact the cruise company at some point, so can cover both in one phone call in all likelihood.

Change cabins, change boats, change dates, change itinery. Or some combination. Sounds like the cabin is the main thing.

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