Within the last two years, eight airlines and more than 45 tour operators have hit the financial rocks, in many cases disrupting trips or costing their passengers thousands in unreimbursed payments. That doesn't count fly-by-night scam operators who have bilked would-be travelers out of more than $10 million.

Seattle-based Exploration Cruise Lines filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Nov. 16, suspending its operations, hoping to resume them next year. A few days later, American Cruise Lines of Haddam, Conn., also filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. According to American, which specializes in East Coast and Mississippi River trips, its three ships will begin operating again in March.

If you look for reimbursement from the local travel agency that booked your trip, you may be out of luck. Since travel agents are paid commissions by tour operators, cruise lines and other suppliers and don't arrange package trips themselves, courts have generally ruled that travel agencies aren't liable unless they can be proven negligent-that, for example, a travel agent didn't pass along payments on schedule, or knew a tour operator was in financial straits but didn't express that concern to his client.