When planning a cruise, it’s exciting to think about the journey ahead, but understanding the cancellation policies of your chosen cruise line is key to avoiding any unexpected surprises. Generally, cruise lines have tiered cancellation penalties that increase as the departure date gets closer. For instance, some cruise lines may allow cancellations up to three months before sailing with little to no penalty, while others may charge a fee immediately after booking. As the departure date nears, cancellation penalties typically increase, sometimes reaching up to 100% of the total fare if canceled within 30 days of departure.
The cancellation policies also vary depending on the cruise line, cruise length, and fare type. To avoid confusion and make sure you are prepared, always review the specific terms and conditions before making your booking. Additionally, purchasing travel insurance can provide an extra layer of protection in case your travel plans change unexpectedly. CruiseClouds.com offers a helpful guide on understanding cancellation policies across major cruise lines so you can make informed decisions.
1. Azamara Cruises Cancellation Policy
Azamara Cruises enforces a tiered cancellation fee structure based on when you cancel. If you cancel within 30 days of departure, expect to pay a 100% cancellation fee. However, if you cancel between 121 to 150 days prior to departure, the fee is typically lower. Fees vary depending on the region and booking type, so it’s always advisable to consult the official Azamara website for the most up-to-date information. Visit Azamara's Cancellation Policy
2. Carnival Cruises Cancellation Policy
Carnival Cruises applies different cancellation penalties depending on the length of your cruise and booking type. For cruises lasting up to 5 days, if you cancel between 75-56 days before departure, a deposit charge will apply, with cancellation fees ranging from 50% to 100% as the date approaches. Certain promotions may include non-refundable deposits as well. Visit Carnival's Cancellation Policy
3. Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy
Celebrity Cruises’ cancellation policy involves various fees based on the cancellation date. If you’ve booked a refundable fare, expect a higher cancellation charge the closer you are to departure. Cancellations made within 14 days of departure will incur a 100% penalty. Non-refundable deposits and specific promotional fares may also apply. Always check the cancellation terms for your specific booking to avoid surprises. Visit Celebrity's Cancellation Policy
4. Celestyal Cruises Cancellation Policy
Celestyal Cruises offers a straightforward cancellation policy. If you cancel up to 90 days before your cruise, no penalty is applied. For cancellations made between 89 and 30 days before sailing, you lose your deposit. However, cancellations made within 29 days of departure will not be refunded. Changing your cruise dates is considered a cancellation and may incur additional fees. Visit Celestyal's Cancellation Policy
5. Costa Cruises Cancellation Policy
Costa Cruises follows a flexible cancellation policy that charges minimal fees for cancellations made more than 90 days before departure. However, if you cancel within 30 days of sailing, a 100% penalty will apply, and no refund will be issued. Non-refundable deposits may also apply, depending on the type of booking. Always check the specific conditions that apply to your promotion or cruise type. Visit Costa Cruises' Cancellation Policy
6. Crystal Cruises Cancellation Policy
Crystal Cruises has a cancellation policy based on when you cancel relative to your departure date. Cancellations made more than 120 days before departure usually involve minimal fees. However, cancellations made within 120 days, particularly within 50 days of sailing, may result in a 100% cancellation fee. Non-refundable deposits and administrative fees for booking changes may also apply. Check specific conditions based on promotions or special offers. Visit Crystal Cruises' Cancellation Policy
7. Disney Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Disney Cruise Line applies cancellation fees based on the timing of your cancellation. If you cancel well in advance, you’ll face a smaller penalty, but as the cruise date approaches, the charges increase. If you cancel within 14 days of sailing, you’ll typically face a 100% cancellation fee, meaning no refund will be issued. Non-refundable deposits may also apply, depending on the promotion or booking type. Visit Disney Cruise Line’s Cancellation Policy
8. Holland America Cancellation Policy
Holland America charges cancellation fees depending on how far in advance you cancel. Cancellations made more than 90 days before departure usually result in a partial refund of the deposit. For cancellations within 89 days or less, the penalties increase, and if canceled within 30 days, a 100% cancellation fee may apply. Non-refundable deposits may apply depending on the fare type. Visit Holland America’s Cancellation Policy
9. MSC Cruises Cancellation Policy
MSC Cruises applies a tiered cancellation fee structure based on when you cancel. For example, early cancellations could result in a 50% charge, with penalties rising as the departure date nears. Cancellations made close to sailing may result in a 100% fee. Specific terms may vary depending on the cruise itinerary or booking conditions. Visit MSC Cruises' Cancellation Policy
10. Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line charges cancellation fees depending on when you cancel. Cancellations made more than 90 days before departure incur no penalty, but fees increase as the departure date gets closer. Cancellations within 14 days of departure could face a 100% penalty. Non-refundable deposits and promotional fares may also apply. Visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cancellation Policy
11. Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy
Princess Cruises has cancellation penalties that escalate as the departure date nears. For sailings up to 24 days, cancellations made 90 days or more before sailing typically incur no charge, with penalties rising as you get closer to departure, potentially reaching 100% if canceled within 30 days. For longer sailings like World Cruises, final payment is due 120 days prior to sailing, and similar escalating cancellation fees apply. Visit Princess Cruises' Cancellation Policy
12. Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy
Royal Caribbean’s cancellation fees increase as the departure date approaches. For some sailings, cancellations made up to 90 days before departure result in a percentage of the fare being charged, while cancellations within 30 days may incur a 100% fee. Non-refundable deposits are also available and come with specific terms regarding refunds. Visit Royal Caribbean’s Cancellation Policy
13. Silversea Cruises Cancellation Policy
Silversea Cruises’ cancellation fees depend on how close you are to departure. Cancellations made more than 120 days before sailing typically incur a lower fee, but those made closer to the sailing date can result in a 100% cancellation charge. Some administrative fees may apply, particularly for longer cruises or world voyages. Visit Silversea Cruises' Cancellation Policy
14. Viking Cruises Cancellation Policy
Viking Cruises uses a tiered cancellation fee structure based on the timing of your cancellation. For regular cruises, the cancellation fee can range from $100 to 100% of the total fare, depending on how many days before departure you cancel. If you’ve booked an air-inclusive package, there is an additional US$350 fee for the air portion of your refund once the ticket has been issued, in addition to the regular cruise cancellation fee.
Cancellations must be in writing.
No refunds will be issued after the cruise has started.
For the most detailed and up-to-date cancellation terms, refer directly to Viking Cruises' cancellation policy. Visit Viking's Cancellation Policy
Insurance Recommendation
CruiseCllouds strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover trip cancellations or interruptions. This can provide you with peace of mind in case of unexpected circumstances.
Liability Disclaimer
CruiseClouds is not responsible for any canceled or interrupted trips for any reason, and we do not assume liability for the consequences of cancellations.
Customer Responsibility
It is the customer’s responsibility to obtain appropriate travel insurance and cover any potential losses associated with cancellations or interruptions.
CruiseClouds.com is a privately owned, independent cruise booking platform operated by CallFlightNow LLC. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially endorsed by any cruise line or cruise brand. All cruise options and pricing are made available through partnerships with licensed third-party travel suppliers.
Please Note: Cruise fares and availability displayed on our site are subject to real-time changes based on cabin inventory, travel dates, cruise line policies, and market conditions. Rates are not guaranteed until your reservation is confirmed. Additional charges such as taxes, port fees, and service fees may apply depending on your selected itinerary and cruise provider.
By booking through CruiseClouds.com, you understand that you are using an independently operated service and agree to comply with all applicable booking terms, supplier policies, and cruise line regulations. We strongly encourage all customers to carefully review fare details, cancellation policies, and itinerary terms prior to completing a reservation.
