If the cruise line files for bankruptcy, you will have an easier time getting a refund. Make sure you get to the ship with enough time, even if it means arriving the night before or buying a pre-cruise stay in the city from which the cruise is departing. If that's not possible, ask your airline or travel agent to give you the on-time arrival statistics for the flights you're considering booking, to determine which one has the best record. If you feel you're owed compensation for a disruption in your travel plans, ask for it. Consider requesting shipboard credits or a discount on a future cruise.
Cruise lines are much more likely to offer such compensation in place of cash.
This article was excerpted from Consumer Reports Travel Letter . Click here for subscription information. Copyright 2001 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.