Can I get a deposit back on a cruise?

Question

If not, can I at least get it transferred to another date? I'm booking a cruise but about a year in advance and I want to know if I book it now and just pay the deposit will I be able to get the deposit refunded or transferred if for some reason we can't go when planned. I'm sure it depends on which cruise line but what's the rule of thumb, please.

Answer 1

The cruise lines will let you have your deposit back or change dates as long as your final payment has not been made. That being said, a travel agency may have their own policy on the matter and charge their own fee for cancelling or changing. So make sure to get their policy in writing.

Answer 2

It really depends on which cruise line you book with.  For example, with Norwegian Cruise Lines, if you change the date a year in advanced, you get a full refund, if you change it less than a year, you get half of your money back, and if you wait until the last month, you don't get any money.  I'm not entirely sure if you can transfer though.

Answer 3

ring them and ask, explain your situation they may be able to transfer the dates for you

Answer 4

CANCELLATION FEE SCHEDULE Days Prior to Cruise or Land Package Departure Date, whichever comes first



Christmas, New Year's,

and 20+ day Sailings Non-Holiday Sailings

up to 20 days Cancellation Fee

90 days or more 75 days or more None

89-64 days 74-57 days Brochure Deposit Amounts

63-43 days 56-29 days 50% of Total Charges

42-22 days 28-15 days 75% of Total Charges

within 21 days within 14 days 100% of Total Charges





provided, however, that in the event a lower cancellation fee is applicable to Your Cruise as stated in the relevant brochure, such lower cancellation fee will apply. If You have purchased Princess Travel CareSM or Princess Travel Care GoldSM You must notify Carrier and the insurer of any cancellation as soon as possible. Refunds or credits available under the Princess Travel CareSM program are subject to the terms of said program. All airline tickets are the property of Carrier and must be returned to and are refundable only to Carrier. Your travel agent acts for You in making the arrangements for Your Cruise and any related travel, lodging and tours. Carrier is not responsible for any representation or conduct of Your travel agent, including, but not limited to, any failure to remit Your deposit or other funds to Carrier, for which You shall at all times remain liable to Carrier, or any failure to remit a refund from Carrier to You. No compensation or credit will be provided by Carrier should You have to cancel or cut short Your Cruise unless You have purchased Princess Travel CareSM or Princess Travel Care GoldSM.

Answer 5

I know with Carnival, you can get a refund if you cancel a certain period before the cruise.  It depends on the length.  I went on a cruise this year, and changed the reservation to a different ship and date five times.  I really think that their primary concern is that you do not cancel.

Answer 6

You can usually transfer it to another date.

Answer 7

Yes, you can get a refund, but it does depends upon the cruise line.  You need to look at the web site for the cruise line you are booking with and it will tell you what their refund policy is.  Normally you can get a full refund if you cancel more than 90 days before the cruise.  Then the refund schedules slides.  SO if you cancel 45 days before you can get 50% back and within 15 days 25%, and nothing if its last minute.

Then there are special circumstances where if something extrordinary happens at the last minute within the 90 day you can write a letter and explain it and they may consider refunding all of your money.  I did this once several years ago and got all of my money back.

The other thing you can do is buy travel insurance.  I do this with an independent travel insurance service, especially if I have to fly out of the country, like to England or Spain, to get to the departure port.

You are doing the right thing booking early a yr in advance because it gets you the best price and the best selection of cabins.

Answer 8

When you book your trip they will be able to tell you if its refundable or not and what time frame you can cancel to get your full refund.

Answer 9

It seems that on many cruiselines the percentage of the refund you can obtain goes down as it gets closer to the cruise date.  The best thing is to narrow down which cruiselines you're interested in and then check out the fine print of the contract (you can read it on any cruiseline's website).

Answer 10

Cancellations and refunding a deposit vary with each cruise line. Also, if you're booking with a travel agent, make sure there aren't any fees with them. My suggestion is to purchase travel protection. So in the event, you lose your deposit, you can get it returned to you. If you need any additional information or want to ask any questions, don't hesitate to call me. I am a certified cruise consultant, so I know I can be of assistance.

LaKeisha Chestnut, Certified Cruise Consultant

Cruise Adventure Travel

Answer 11

Every line is different.  If it is a year in advance I am sure there is some kind of date for a refund.  Talk to the line that you are planing to book with.  I know that Holland America allows you to cancel and refund your deposit up to the day before final payment date, but if you buy insurance that is non-refundable.