Originally Posted by Often1

This is not a "technical" cancellation. It is a cancellation. The fact that there is a convenient reroute is irrelevant to the question of your option.

Thus, under both AA's COC and US law, you are entitled to a refund on request. Simply make the request using the "prefunds" section online and you will likely see a refund in a few days. If you do not, initiate a chargeback after 7 days and also file a DOT complaint. Make absolutely certain that you categorize this as a refund based on cancellation and point to the specific date and flight number cancelled. The words "rebooking" and "change" are not words which ought to cross your lips (or keyboard). Also, make certain that both your chargeback and DOT complaint are properly documented with your original e-ticket receipt, the notice showing the cancellation, and your request for a refund (as well as any denial or inaction).

For what it is worth, DOT will not take action against AA. However, it will require that AA respond to you with a copy to DOT. It is hard for AA to justify denying and the people who review matters from DOT are a different lot than ordinary customer service people.

For the benefit of others, I would not book risky multi-segment itineraries if there is an end goal, e.g. a cruise. Schedules are shifting constantly and had OP been able to cruise, he might have found himself having to obtain a particularly inconvenient rerouting involving an extra day or two of "cushion."