Two Cruise Lines Step In With Fee Waivers For Los Angeles Residents Affected By Wildfires

If you've ever had to deal with a last-minute cruise cancellation, you know it can be a hassle full of red tape and fine print. Sadly, some Los Angeles residents may be dealing with canceled cruise plans amid a much greater tragedy after massive wildfires hit the region in early January, burning cities and everything in them to the ground. And while you shouldn't skip the fine print on your cruise documentation, it's nice to know that cruise lines are stepping up to the plate to help these victims of a devastating disaster.

Norwegian and Princess Cruises have announced steps to help affected passengers by waiving cancellation fees and extending some flexible rebooking options. While LA cruisers need to prioritize their safety, at least this takes one worry off their minds if they've already invested in a trip.

Also, passengers with sailings from ports in California could see itinerary changes or delayed departures during this time. Travelers should stay updated on their cruise line's policies and communicate directly with customer support to find out more. Not only is this support welcome in such a tragic circumstance, but it underscores just how important it is for travel companies to be able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters.

Travel insurance is great for when a travel delay causes you to miss your cruise, but what about when an unimaginable disaster strikes? For many LA residents, their entire lives have gone up in flames, and probably the last thing on their minds is vacation. Luckily, other companies in the travel industry are acting with compassion for their customers who have had to cancel travel plans.

Airlines like United and Southwest (among others) have waived change fees for flights heading to Los Angeles, as well as fare differences for rebookings in some cases (usually by a set date). This gives more flexibility for passengers who need to reschedule or even cancel their California travel. Hotels in the area have also stepped up in a major way, offering discounted rates and flexible booking policies for residents who have been displaced as well as emergency responders.

Also, Airbnb has offered temporary housing to displaced residents for free, specifically focusing on those who have had to evacuate or lost their homes. Cell company Verizon is helping out by offering free cell service to people in the hardest-hit areas, and other companies like AT&T and T-Mobile have adjusted their policies to help out as well. Not only is this good practice on the business side for these companies, but it's a huge sigh of relief for people dealing with a disaster completely out of their control.