A Comprehensive Guide to Cruise Line Cancellation Policies
Planning a cruise is an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be aware of the various cancellation policies across different cruise lines to avoid any surprises. Generally, cruise lines implement tiered cancellation penalties that increase as the departure date approaches. For example, some may allow cancellations up to three months before sailing with minimal or no penalty, while others might impose fees immediately upon booking. As the departure date nears, these penalties can escalate, sometimes reaching up to 100% of the booking cost if canceled within 30 days of sailing. Penalties may also apply to any changes made to a booking within the cancellation penalty period as well.
Policies can also vary based on the cruise line you choose, the length of the cruise, and the type of fare purchased. To navigate these complexities, it's advisable to thoroughly review the specific terms and conditions of your chosen cruise line before booking. Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. For a complete overview of cancellation policies across major cruise lines, CruiseBooking.com offers detailed information to help you make informed decisions.
1. Azamara Cruises Cancellation Policy
Azamara Cruises' cancellation policy includes specific fees based on the timing of the cancellation. Depending on the booking date and region, guests may incur a percentage of the total fare as a cancellation fee. For example, cancellations made within 30 days of departure typically result in a 100% charge, while those made 121-150 days before departure might face a lower charge. For the most accurate details and cancellation charges, it's recommended to consult the official Azamara website, as fees vary by region and booking type. For more information, visit Azamara's cancellation policy.
2. Carnival Cruises Cancellation Policy
Carnival Cruises' cancellation policy varies based on cruise length and booking type. For cruises up to 5 days, cancellations 75-56 days before departure may incur a deposit charge, while closer to departure, fees range from 50% to 100% of the total fare. For cruises 6 days or longer, charges follow a similar schedule, with cancellations 14 days or before departure resulting in a 100% penalty. Certain promotions and non-refundable deposits are also applicable. Full details are available on Carnival's official cancellation page. For more, visit Carnival's cancellation policy.
3. Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy
Celebrity Cruises' cancellation policy involves varying penalties based on the time of cancellation. For bookings made with refundable fares, cancellations closer to departure result in higher charges, with a 100% penalty if canceled within 14 days of departure. Non-refundable deposits and specific promotions may also apply, affecting refunds. It's essential to review the policy for your specific booking, as charges differ based on the cruise length and type. For detailed information, visit Celebrity's cancellation policy.
4. Celestyal Cruises Cancellation Policy
Celestyal Cruises' cancellation policy varies depending on when you cancel before departure. If canceled up to 90 days before sailing, there's no penalty. For cancellations between 89 and 30 days, passengers lose their deposit. Within 29 days or less of departure, no refund is given. Additionally, changing cruise dates is considered a cancellation and subject to fees. Guests should review the detailed terms based on their specific booking and cruise dates. For more details, visit Celestyal's cancellation policy.
5. Costa Cruises Cancellation Policy
Costa Cruises’ cancellation policy imposes fees depending on when you cancel. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, the fee is minimal. However, for cancellations made within 30 days of departure, a 100% penalty applies, meaning no refund will be issued. Non-refundable deposits may also apply in certain cases. It is important to check specific booking conditions as they can vary by promotion or cruise type. For full details, refer to Costa Cruises' cancellation policy.
6. Crystal Cruises Cancellation Policy
Crystal Cruises’ cancellation policy varies depending on when you cancel. Cancellations made more than 120 days before departure typically incur minimal fees, while those within 120 days may face increasing penalties, up to 100% of the fare within 50 days of departure. Non-refundable deposits also apply. If a booking is changed, administrative fees may be assessed. Specific conditions may apply depending on promotions or special offers. For further details, refer to Crystal Cruises' cancellation policy.
7. Cunard Cruises Cancellation Policy
Cunard Cruises’ cancellation policy involves varying fees based on the timing of the cancellation. If canceled more than 91 days before departure, a smaller fee is charged. Between 90 and 61 days, the penalty increases, and within 14 days of departure, cancellations incur a 100% penalty. Passengers who cancel closer to departure may lose their entire fare, including any non-refundable deposits. For full details, visit Cunard’s cancellation policy.
8. Disney Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Disney Cruise Line’s cancellation policy includes varying fees based on when the cancellation is made. For cancellations made far in advance, a smaller fee is charged, but as the departure date approaches, penalties increase. Cancellations made within 14 days of sailing may result in a 100% penalty, meaning no refund. Non-refundable deposits may also apply. The policy is subject to change depending on the booking type and promotions. For full details, refer to Disney Cruise Line's Cancellation Policy.
9. Explora Journeys Cancellation Policy
Explora Journeys' cancellation policy involves a grace period allowing cancellations without fees within 10 days of booking, provided it was created more than 365 days before the sailing date. Cancellations made after the grace period are subject to increasing penalties as the departure date approaches. If the journey is canceled by the company due to force majeure or insufficient enrollment, guests are offered a full refund or the option to book another journey. For complete details, refer to Explora Journeys' cancellation policy.
10. Holland America Cancellation Policy
Holland America’s cancellation policy charges fees based on how far in advance you cancel. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, a portion of the deposit is refunded. For cancellations made below or exactly 89 days, penalties are higher, and within 30 days, the fee could increase to the full cost of the cruise. The refund process depends on the days of the journey. Non-refundable deposits may apply depending on your booking type. For complete details, visit Holland America's cancellation policy.
11. Hurtigruten Cancellation Policy
Hurtigruten’s cancellation policy applies a tiered fee based on how many days before departure you cancel. If you cancel 90 or more days ahead, you’ll be charged 25%. As the departure date nears, the charges increase, with a 100% charge if canceled less than 14 days before departure. If you cancel due to force majeure, you can receive a full refund. For more details, including terms related to insurance, please refer to Hurtigruten’s cancellation policy.
12. MSC Cancellation Policy
MSC Cruises' cancellation policy employs a tiered structure, with fees escalating as the departure date approaches. For example, early departure may result in a 50% charge of the total fare. As the departure date nears, these charges increase, potentially reaching up to 100% if canceled within a short period before sailing. Specific terms can vary based on the cruise itinerary and booking conditions. For comprehensive details, including any exceptions or additional terms, it's advisable to consult MSC Cruises' cancellation policy.
13. Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line's cancellation policy is tiered based on how far in advance the cancellation occurs. If you cancel more than 90 days prior to departure, you’ll face no charges. The fees increase as the departure date approaches, with charges reaching 100% for cancellations within 14 days of the cruise. For more information on the specific fees and conditions, including options for insurance, please visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s cancellation policy.
14. Oceania Cruises Cancellation Policy
Oceania Cruises applies a tiered cancellation policy depending on how far in advance the booking is canceled. Cancellations made more than 120 days before departure may incur a cancellation fee, while charges rise progressively closer to departure, reaching up to 100% if canceled within 30 days. The policy also includes specific conditions for different cruise types, such as special offers and promotions. For more detailed information on the cancellation fees and other terms, please visit Oceania Cruises' cancellation policy.
15. Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy
Princess Cruises has a tiered cancellation fee policy based on how far in advance you cancel. For sailings up to 24 days, cancellations made 90 or more days before departure incur no charge, but fees increase progressively, reaching 100% if canceled within 30 days. For longer sailing, including World Cruises, the final payment is due 120 days prior, with similar escalating cancellation fees. For detailed terms and refunds, please refer to Princess Cruises' cancellation policy.
16. Regent Seven Seas Cancellation Policy
Regent Seven Seas Cruises applies tiered cancellation fees based on how close the cancellation is to the sailing date. For cruises of 14 & 15 nights or more or for world cruises, fees range from 25% to 100% of the fare, depending on when the cancellation occurs. Longer cruises have similar escalating penalties, with higher charges closer to departure. Additionally, administrative fees may apply for certain suite categories. Full details on the cancellation fee schedule and terms can be found on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' cancellation policy.
17. Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy
Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy depends on the timing of the cancellation, with fees increasing as the departure date nears. For certain sailings, cancellations made up to 90 days before departure are subject to a percentage of the cruise fare, while cancellations within 30 days incur a higher charge or no refund. Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers non-refundable deposit options that have specific terms regarding refunds. For more details on cancellation fees and related policies, please visit Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy.
18. Seabourn Cruises Cancellation Policy
Seabourn’s cancellation policy includes tiered fees based on how far in advance a guest cancels their booking. For most cruises, cancellations up to 121 days before departure incur a $100 fee per guest, which is refundable as a future cruise credit. As the cancellation window narrows, fees rise, with a 100% charge for cancellations made 45 days or less before departure. Policies for longer cruises also follow similar terms. Please refer to Seabourn's cancellation policy.
19. Silversea Cruises Cancellation Policy
Silversea Cruises' cancellation policy involves tiered fees based on proximity to the cruise departure date. Generally, the further in advance you cancel, the lower the fee. Cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure typically incur a lower fee, whereas cancellations made closer to the departure date may result in a full charge. Specific fees vary based on the cruise length, and administrative charges may apply in some cases. For full details, including fees for longer voyages or world cruises, refer to Silversea's cancellation policy.
20. Viking Cruises Cancellation Policy
Viking Cruises has a cancellation fee structure based on how many days prior to departure you cancel. For cruises, fees range from $100 to 100% of the fare, depending on when the cancellation is made. For air-inclusive packages, a US$350 fee applies to the air portion of the refund after ticket issuance, in addition to the cruise cancellation fee. Cancellations must be in writing, and no refunds will be given after the cruise commences. For more details, refer to Viking's cancellation policy.
21. Virgin Voyages Cancellation Policy
Virgin Voyages offers flexibility regarding cancellations, with options for full refunds if canceled within 7 days of booking. After this grace period but before 120 days, you can receive a refund minus the deposit. Cancellations within 45 days of departure are subject to options such as Future Voyage Credit or transferring the booking to someone else. After 44 days, all funds are non-refundable, although changes to your reservation are still possible. Additional terms apply, including specific conditions for travel insurance claims. Visit Virgin Voyages' cancellation policy.
Key Points
Cancellation policy for your specific reservation can be found on the check-out page prior to completing your reservation.
The cruise lines will not provide a refund if a guest terminates his/her cruise after embarkation or while the cruise is in progress. Cruise contracts are non-transferable. Name changes and cruise date changes are considered reservation cancellations and may be subject to cruise line cancellation fees. Cancellation Policies are subject to change by the cruise line.