A Comprehensive Guide to Cruise Line Cancellation Policies
Planning a cruise is an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to understand the various cancellation policies across different cruise lines to avoid unexpected charges. Most cruise lines follow a tiered cancellation structure, where cancellation fees increase as the sailing date approaches. Some cruise lines may allow cancellations up to three months before departure with little or no penalty, while others may apply non-refundable deposits immediately upon booking.
As the departure date gets closer, cancellation charges may increase significantly and can reach up to 100% of the cruise fare if canceled within 30 days of sailing. Penalties may also apply to reservation modifications made during the cancellation penalty period, including name changes, sailing date changes, or itinerary adjustments.
Cancellation policies may vary depending on:
- The cruise line selected
- Cruise duration
- Cabin category
- Promotional or discounted fares
- Group or charter bookings
Guests are encouraged to carefully review the specific terms and conditions of their selected cruise line before confirming a reservation. Purchasing travel insurance is also highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may impact travel plans.
Below is an overview of cancellation policies followed by major cruise lines available through GetMyCruise.
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 is recommended to consult the official Azamara website, as fees vary by region and booking type.
Carnival Cruises Cancellation Policy
Carnival Cruises' cancellation policy varies based on cruise length and booking type. For cruises up to 5 days, cancellations made 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 made 14 days or less 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.
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 is essential to review the policy for your specific booking, as charges differ based on the cruise length and type.
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 is generally no penalty. For cancellations between 89 and 30 days before departure, passengers typically 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.
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 generally minimal. However, cancellations made within 30 days of departure may incur a 100% penalty, 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.
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, reaching up to 100% of the fare within 50 days of departure. Non-refundable deposits may also apply. If a booking is changed, administrative fees may be assessed. Specific conditions may apply depending on promotions or special offers.
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 may be charged. Between 90 and 61 days, the penalty increases, and within 14 days of departure, cancellations may incur a 100% penalty. Passengers who cancel closer to departure may lose their entire fare, including any non-refundable deposits.
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 may be 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.
Explora Journeys Cancellation Policy
Explora Journeys offers a grace period allowing cancellations without fees within 10 days of booking, provided the reservation 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 may be offered a full refund or the option to book another journey.
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 may be refunded. For cancellations made 89 days or fewer before departure, penalties are higher, and within 30 days the fee may increase to the full cost of the cruise. The refund process depends on the duration of the journey. Non-refundable deposits may apply depending on the booking type.
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 may be charged 25% of the fare. 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 circumstances, you may be eligible for a full refund, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
MSC Cruises Cancellation Policy
MSC Cruises' cancellation policy employs a tiered structure, with fees escalating as the departure date approaches. Early cancellations may result in a partial charge of the total fare, while cancellations made closer to sailing may incur penalties of up to 100%. Specific terms vary depending on the cruise itinerary, destination, duration, and booking conditions.
Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line's cancellation policy is based on how far in advance the cancellation occurs. Guests canceling more than 90 days before departure may incur no cancellation charges, depending on the fare type. Cancellation fees increase progressively as the sailing date approaches and may reach 100% of the cruise fare for cancellations made within 14 days of departure.
Oceania Cruises Cancellation Policy
Oceania Cruises applies a tiered cancellation policy depending on how far in advance the reservation is canceled. Cancellations made more than 120 days before departure may incur a cancellation fee, while penalties increase progressively closer to departure. Cancellations made within 30 days of sailing may result in a 100% cancellation charge. Additional conditions may apply for promotional fares and special offers.
Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy
Princess Cruises applies cancellation fees based on the number of days prior to departure. For shorter sailings, cancellations made 90 days or more before departure may not incur charges. Penalties increase as the departure date approaches and may reach 100% of the cruise fare within 30 days of sailing. Longer sailings, including World Cruises, may have separate payment and cancellation schedules.
Key Points
- The cancellation policy applicable to your reservation will be displayed during the booking and checkout process before payment confirmation.
- Cruise lines generally do not provide refunds if a guest voluntarily terminates the cruise after embarkation.
- Cruise contracts are non-transferable.
- Name changes, sailing date modifications, and itinerary changes may be treated as cancellations and may incur cancellation fees.
- Cancellation policies are subject to change by the cruise line without prior notice.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
GetMyCruise strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against:
- Trip cancellations
- Travel interruptions
- Medical emergencies
- Missed departures
- Weather-related disruptions
Travel insurance may help recover non-refundable cruise expenses in eligible circumstances.
Liability Disclaimer
GetMyCruise is not responsible for canceled, delayed, interrupted, or modified trips caused by weather conditions, government restrictions, medical emergencies, operational changes, supplier decisions, force majeure events, or any circumstances beyond our control.
It is the sole responsibility of the customer to obtain appropriate travel insurance coverage and bear any uncovered financial losses.
Important Disclaimer
This Cancellation Policy is provided solely for informational and convenience purposes. It offers a general overview of the policies and terms of applicable cruise suppliers and GetMyCruise but does not replace, modify, or supplement the official Terms & Conditions of GetMyCruise or the respective cruise line.
In the event of any inconsistency or conflict, the official Terms & Conditions of the applicable cruise line and/or GetMyCruise shall prevail.
This policy is not intended to constitute legal advice or create any contractual obligation beyond the official booking terms accepted at the time of reservation.