Question: Can I expect a refund if my cruise was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Event cancellations
I bought tickets for an event that has been cancelled. Am I entitled to a refund?
section_content: 
If your event is cancelled the ACCC expects that you will receive a refund or other remedy, such as a credit note or voucher, in most circumstances.
If the event is cancelled due to government restrictions, this impacts your rights under the consumer guarantees. However, you may also have other remedies outside of the Australian Consumer Law.
For example, you may be entitled to a refund under the terms and conditions of your ticket.
If you had a right to a refund under these terms and conditions at the time you purchased your ticket, businesses are not permitted to change the terms at a later time to deny you a refund.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also have other rights under common law, contract or state legislation.
You should contact the business directly to request a refund or other remedy such as a credit note or voucher.
If you receive a credit note or voucher, it should have an expiration date which is long enough to allow you to use the credit note or voucher.
State and territory consumer protection agencies may be able to assist with guidance or conciliation involving relevant state legislation. Consumers may also wish to seek independent legal advice about whether they may have a remedy under common law, contract or state legislation.
Given the exceptional circumstances, the ACCC encourages all businesses to treat consumers fairly.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Gives good general guidance on how to request a refund after a cancellation due to coronavirus.
This answer relates to events and does not relate to travel or cruise ships.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Bad

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Travel cancellations and changes
My flight, cruise or tour has been cancelled. Am I entitled to a refund?
section_content: 
If your travel is cancelled the ACCC expects that consumers will receive a refund or other remedy, such as a credit note or voucher, in most circumstances. In some cases, consumers will have the right to receive a refund, rather than a credit note or voucher. For example, you may be entitled to a refund under the terms and conditions of your ticket.
If you had a right to a refund under these terms and conditions at the time you purchased your ticket, businesses are not permitted to change the terms at a later time to deny you a refund.
Similarly, if you were previously told by a business that you would receive a refund for your cancelled travel, the business is not permitted to later deny you the promised refund.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also have other rights under common law, contract or state legislation.
Travel cancellations due to government restrictions do impact your rights under the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law. However, you may have other remedies, including potential rights to a refund, outside of the consumer guarantees, as explained above.
You should check your terms and conditions, and any previous communications with the business, and contact the business directly to request a remedy. This may be a refund or credit note or voucher, depending on your circumstances.
If you receive a credit note or voucher, it should have an expiration date which is long enough to allow you to use the credit note or voucher.
State and territory consumer protection agencies may be able to assist with guidance or conciliation involving relevant state legislation. Consumers may also wish to seek independent legal advice about whether they may have a remedy under common law, contract or state legislation.
The ACCC encourages all businesses to treat consumers fairly in these exceptional circumstances.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Gives clear general guidance on how businesses should handle events cancelled due to the pandemic.
This answer addresses travel which falls under cruise ships, so this answer is acceptable.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: Australia):
page_title: COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
section_headers: Travel cancellations and changes
My flight, cruise or tour service has been cancelled. Am I entitled to compensation for related expenses booked separately, such as accommodation?
section_content: 
You should first approach the provider of the related service to see if they are prepared to offer a refund, replacement service or voucher.
You should also check whether you are covered under any travel insurance policy.
You may be entitled to compensation for these expenses under the Australian Consumer Law but this will depend on the specific circumstances. This is unlikely to be the case where the travel is cancelled due to government restrictions.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Gives good general information about requesting refunds for events or services canceled due to the pandemic.
This answer does not relate to cruises and whether a refund can be expected.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Bad