1. Can I cancel my Carnival cruise for any reason?

Yes, but the refund amount depends on the reason. If you cancel for a non-covered reason (like simply changing your mind), the standard penalty policy applies. If you have Carnival Vacation Protection, you can cancel for any reason and receive 75% back in Future Cruise Credit.

2. What is the refund policy for a Carnival cruise?

Carnival’s refund policy is a tiered penalty schedule based on the number of Days Before Departure (DBD). The closer you cancel to sailing, the less cash you receive, with 100% of the fare forfeited if you cancel 14 days or less prior to departure.

3. Is there a fee to reschedule a Carnival cruise?

Yes, usually. If you are changing your date or itinerary, you may face a change fee (often $50 per person for non-refundable fares like Early Saver) in addition to any difference in the new fare price.

4. Can we get a 100% refund while cancelling a ticket?

Only if the cruise line cancels the sailing. If you, the guest, cancel, you can only receive a 100% cash refund if you cancel outside the penalty window (e.g., 91+ days for long cruises) and purchased a fully refundable deposit fare.

5. What is the 3-1-1 rule for a Carnival cruise?

The 3-1-1 rule is a security regulation from the TSA regarding liquids carried in carry-on bags. It requires liquids to be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, carried in 1 quart-sized bag, with 1 bag per passenger. It has no relation to the cancellation policy.

6. Do you lose a deposit if you cancel a Carnival cruise?

Yes, typically. Deposits for popular promotional fares (like Early Saver) are non-refundable and are converted into a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) if you cancel early, usually minus a $50 service fee per person.

7. How to cancel a Carnival cruise online?

You can cancel a Carnival cruise online by logging into your “Manage My Booking” section on the official Carnival website. Locate the “Cancel Reservation” option and follow the prompts. Calling your travel agent or the cruise line is often the most direct method.

8. What is the refund policy for Carnival excursions?

Carnival excursions are generally 100% refundable if canceled online through the “Manage My Booking” portal up to 48 hours before the scheduled arrival time at the port where the excursion takes place.

9. Why would Carnival charge me $200 for canceling?

Carnival likely charged you a flat fee or kept a portion of your deposit (e.g., $50 per person service fee for converting an Early Saver deposit into an FCC) in addition to any initial non-refundable deposit amount, depending on the fare type you purchased.

10. Can I get a refund if I cancel my Carnival cruise within 24 hours of booking?

Yes, for most standard fares. Carnival usually adheres to a 24-hour grace period for corrections. You can often get a full refund within 24 hours of booking unless your cruise departs within 60 days, where stricter rules apply.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN FAQs

1. What is the deadline to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise without any penalty?

The deadline varies by cruise length: 90 days or more before sailing for 5-14 night cruises, and 75 days or more for 1-4 night cruises. Note that this timeframe only avoids the tiered penalty; Non-Refundable Deposits (NRD) are still forfeited.

2. What is Royal Caribbean’s refund policy on Non-Refundable Deposits (NRD)?

The NRD is not refundable in cash at any time. If you cancel an NRD fare early, the deposit is kept as a penalty. You can, however, change the ship or sail date for a $100 per person change fee instead of canceling entirely.

3. How long does it take to get a cash refund from Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean typically processes cash refunds to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after the cancellation is confirmed. It may take an additional 2-3 weeks for the funds to be posted by your bank.

4. What is the biggest penalty for canceling a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The biggest penalty is 100% of the Total Price, which is assessed if you cancel 30 days or less prior to the departure date for any cruise length. This means you receive no refund of the cruise fare.

5. Can I cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise due to a medical emergency and get a full cash refund?

Only if you purchased travel insurance. Royal Caribbean’s standard policy does not offer exceptions for medical reasons. To receive a cash refund for a medical emergency, you must have purchased the **Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program** (or third-party insurance) prior to the cancellation.

6. If I cancel, do I get my prepaid gratuities and port fees back?

Yes, always. Both **Government Taxes/Fees** and **Prepaid Gratuities** are fully refundable, even if your cancellation occurs within the 100% penalty window. They are returned in cash to the original payment method.

7. Can I cancel my reservation online, or must I call Royal Caribbean?

You can cancel many pre-cruise purchases (like dining or excursions) via the **”My Royal Cruise”** online planner. However, the cruise booking itself often requires contacting your travel advisor or calling Royal Caribbean directly to ensure the cancellation is immediately effective and penalties are correctly calculated.

8. What is the penalty for canceling a short Royal Caribbean cruise (1-4 nights) between 74 and 61 days out?

The penalty for canceling a short 1-4 night cruise in this window is **50% of the total cruise price**, plus the loss of any non-refundable deposit amount.

9. Can I get a full refund if I cancel within 24 hours of booking?

Royal Caribbean does not officially advertise a blanket 24-hour “no penalty” grace period, but they often allow penalty-free changes or cancellations if done **within 24-72 hours of booking** and if the sailing date is still far out (outside of 75-90 days). Confirm with an agent immediately after booking if you need this option.

10. What is the $100 fee for changing my Royal Caribbean cruise date?

The $100 per person fee is the administrative charge to change the sail date and/or ship when you have booked a **Non-Refundable Deposit (NRD)** fare. This fee allows you to save your booking and avoid the full cancellation penalty.

1. What is the deadline to cancel a Princess cruise to avoid the 100% penalty?

For most Princess cruises (1-24 days), the 100% cancellation penalty begins 30 days or less prior to departure (for bookings made March 4, 2024, or after). You must cancel at least **31 days** out to receive any partial refund.

2. Are Princess Cruise deposits refundable by default?

No, not anymore. For bookings made on or after October 15, 2025, Princess Cruises defaults to a Non-Refundable Deposit (NRD). Guests must specifically select and pay a higher fare or deposit fee to secure a refundable option.

3. How long does it take to get a cash refund from Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises typically processes cash refunds for credit card payments within 10 to 15 business days after the cancellation date. Refunds for onboard account credits issued via check can take longer, usually around **4 to 6 weeks**.

4. What is the penalty for canceling a cruise 70 days before departure?

For a standard 1-24 day Princess cruise, canceling at 70 days before departure incurs a penalty of 50% of the Total Charges (Cruise Fare, Cruisetour, etc.). The 50% penalty window applies between 61 and 74 days before sailing.

5. Can I transfer my Princess booking to a new person to avoid the cancellation fee?

Name changes are usually allowed, but only one original passenger must remain on the booking. Minor corrections are free, but a full transfer of all guests is treated as a cancellation, which triggers the penalty schedule.

6. If I purchased Princess Vacation Protection, can I still get a cash refund?

Yes. If you cancel for a covered reason (e.g., specific medical or family emergencies) under the Princess Vacation Protection plan, you are generally eligible for a 100% cash refund of your penalties and non-refundable costs.

7. If Princess cancels my cruise due to itinerary changes, do I get a refund?

If Princess Cruises cancels your voyage, you are entitled to a choice between a 100% full cash refund of all monies paid or a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), which may include a bonus percentage.

8. Does Princess refund my pre-paid shore excursions and spa treatments?

Yes. Shore excursions, onboard purchases, spa treatments, and specialty dining packages are all 100% refundable if canceled before the non-penalty cutoff (usually 48-72 hours) and are not subject to the cruise fare penalty schedule.

9. What is the penalty window for World Cruises or sailings over 25 days?

For Princess World Cruises and extended sailings, the cancellation deadlines are stricter. The final payment is due 120 days before sailing, and the 100% cancellation penalty starts much earlier, at 60 days or less prior to departure.

10. Does the cancellation fee apply to Government Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses?

No. Princess Cruises’ cancellation fees are based only on the “Total Charges,” which excludes Government Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses. These non-fare items are **always fully refundable** in cash, regardless of when you cancel.