This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration — my very first cruise, planned to celebrate being reunited with my 13 year old daughter after being separated for three long years due to my critical illness. I wanted everything to be perfect.When I called Cruises.com to book the cruise, I clearly explained that it was my first time and that this trip was deeply meaningful to us. I paid for the cruise upfront, excited and hopeful. But the very next day, I realized I had chosen the wrong port: I booked the cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami. The Miami departure was important to me because it includes two days on land, not just one, and that extra time mattered.I called Cruises.com immediately the next day to exchange my booking for the Miami port cruise. I was shocked when they told me it was impossible and that doing so would be considered a cancellation. I wasn’t trying to cancel — I just wanted to change ports! Same dates, same cruise line, just a different port.Cruises.com kept telling me it was Royal Caribbean’s policy to call them directly. But when I called Royal Caribbean, they said there was nothing they could do because I had purchased through Cruises.com. It’s been a constant back and forth with no resolution, just repeated "no’s."My daughter and I were so excited to celebrate our reunion, but now we’re going because we can’t afford to lose the money we paid. Of course, we will have fun once on the cruise, but it’s just not the cruise we wanted or envisioned.What hurts the most is that neither Cruises.com nor Royal Caribbean showed any willingness to help or make an exception for a customer’s dream and a deeply personal milestone. If they truly cared, they could have made it right. Instead, I’m left feeling ignored and disappointed.
