Many travelers often plan their cruises well in advance, sometimes as far out as a couple of years. However, circumstances can arise that necessitate changes to those plans.

Unlike other types of travel, canceling or rescheduling a cruise can involve more complex rules. According to Rob Clabbers, founder and president of Q Cruise + Travel based in Chicago, Illinois, “cruise lines usually have stricter cancellation policies compared to a standard hotel.”

“It’s crucial for clients to be informed about these policies before making their bookings,” he added.

Here’s what travelers need to know when considering changes to their cruise itineraries.

What Should I Do if I Need to Cancel or Postpone My Cruise?

If unexpected issues arise and you must cancel your cruise, it’s important to act promptly. “Attempt to make changes as soon as possible; as the departure date nears, cancellation policies become stricter,” Clabbers recommended.

He advised travelers to return to the original booking source. If you used a travel advisor, contact them for assistance or reach out to the cruise line directly.

If only one traveler from your group cannot make it, some cruise lines allow name changes on the reservation to let another person take their place. However, Clabbers noted that they typically only accommodate one name change per booking. Additionally, it may be possible to change a booking from two people to one; although this might not allow for a refund depending on the cruise line’s terms and available promotions.

“If there is uncertainty about whether a friend will join you, it might be wiser to book as a solo traveler and add them later if possible,” he suggested.

Will I Receive a Refund if I Cancel or Postpone My Cruise?

It’s possible, but late cancellations often incur higher penalties.

“For instance, if I cancel my cruise more than 90 or 120 days ahead—this can vary by cruise line and cruise duration—I might receive a full refund. However, as I approach the departure date, the percentage of penalties typically increases, potentially reaching up to a complete loss of funds,” Clabbers explained. “Canceling just a few days before departure could mean practically no refund. On the other hand, cancelling two months prior might yield some refund, depending on the cruise line.”

To illustrate, Carnival Cruise Line has specific policies for cancellations depending on how close they are to the sailing date, including:

• Cancellations made 75 to 56 days before sailing forfeit the deposit amount.
• Cancellations 55 to 30 days before sailing forfeit either the deposit or 50% of the fare, whichever amount is greater.
• Cancellations 29 to 15 days before sailing forfeit either the deposit or 75% of the fare, whichever amount is greater.
• Cancellations less than 14 days before sailing forfeit the entire fare.

Other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International operate under similar policies.

Clabbers emphasized the importance of understanding the cruise line’s policies during the booking phase. This information is usually available on the cruise line’s website and in the confirmation documents received after making a reservation.

These penalty rules apply uniformly for both cancellations and rescheduled cruises.

He noted that fares associated with nonrefundable deposits may be lower than standard prices, but at the cost of flexibility. “Even if you secure a booking a year or two in advance, that money will not be refunded because with lower rates, you forfeit that flexibility,” Clabbers stated.

Does Travel Insurance Cover My Cruise if I Cancel or Postpone?

That depends on the reason for cancellation.

Meghan Walch, Director of Product at InsureMyTrip, explained via email: “Most travel insurance policies outline a list of ‘covered’ reasons for cancellation that make you eligible for reimbursement. These reasons differ by provider and policy, but a common example might include becoming ill or injured, with a physician advising against travel.”

A Cancel for Any Reason option can offer policyholders greater flexibility, allowing for reimbursement of 50% to 75% of nonrefundable prepaid costs if travelers cancel for reasons not otherwise covered, provided they inform the insurance company at least 48 hours in advance.

If a cruiser plans to reschedule their cruise, they must coordinate with the cruise line and any other relevant service providers, like airlines, Walch noted.

If a traveler has travel insurance and decides to delay their cruise, they are allowed to modify their policy to reflect the new travel dates, according to her.