Sometimes how we plan the trip suddenly changes due to an emergency issue, or travel dates do not go with our plan; to avoid these kinds of problems or know how much of your money is safe or you are getting a refund is essential; you need to have all the information before you book or cancel the plan. This guide has included all the information that you need to know; if you have booked your trip with Princess Cruises, you need to know the Princess Cruises refund policy and cancellation policy.
What Is the Princess Cruises Refund Policy?
The Princess Cruises refund policy is determined by how far in advance a guest cancels their booking and how long the cruise itinerary is. Cancellation fees are calculated as a percentage of the total cruise price, and these percentages increase the closer the cancellation date is to departure. Government taxes, fees, and port expenses are always refunded in full, regardless of when a cruise is cancelled.
If a non-refundable deposit or a 100% non-refundable promotional fare was purchased, no refund, credit, or compensation is issued under any circumstance for that deposit or fare. This exception is applied strictly, so it’s worth double-checking your fare type at the time of booking.
Also Read: Princess Cruises Drink Package – Prices, Benefits & What Included
How Much Will I Be Refunded If I Cancel My Princess Cruise?
Refund amounts are tiered based on cruise length. Here’s how the standard schedule breaks down:
Sailings of 1–13 days (final payment due 90 days before departure):
- 90+ days before departure: Only the deposit is forfeited
- 75–89 days: 25% of Total Charges is charged as a fee
- 61–74 days: 50% of total charges are charged
- 31–60 days: 75% of Total Charges is charged
- 30 days or less: 100% of Total Charges is non-refundable
Sailings of 14–24 days (final payment due 120 days before departure):
- 120+ days: Deposit only
- 113–119 days: 25% fee
- 91–112 days: 50% fee
- 61–90 days: 75% fee
- 60 days or less: 100% fee
Sailings of 25–44 days:
- 120+ days: Deposit only
- 113–119 days: 25% fee
- 61–112 days: 50% fee
- 60 days or less: 100% fee
Sailings of 45+ days (including World Cruises):
- 320+ days: Deposit only
- 120–319 days: 15% fee
- 113–119 days: 30% fee
- 61–112 days: 50% fee
- 60 days or less: 100% fee
Guests are encouraged to review their booking confirmation email, since the exact cancellation schedule and final payment date will always be listed there.
What Gets Refunded Even If My Cruise Fare Doesn’t?
Certain charges are refunded by Princess Cruises regardless of the cancellation timeline. These include government taxes and fees, prepaid shore excursions (cancelled before the excursion’s closing time), and prepaid onboard purchases or gifts. Refunds for these items are typically returned to the original payment method once processing is complete.
However, some promotional or bundled items, such as certain gift purchases or special service packages, may be excluded from refund eligibility, so it’s worth checking the fine print of any promotional fare before finalizing a booking.
Also Read: Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy: Fees & Refund Rules
How Do I Cancel My Princess Cruise Booking?
Cancellations are handled differently depending on how the cruise was booked. Guests who booked directly with Princess Cruises can initiate cancellation through the Customer Support and Information page or by phone. Those who booked through a travel advisor must contact their advisor directly, as Princess Cruises will not process the cancellation on their behalf.
Once a cancellation is submitted, it’s considered effective as of the date and time it was communicated, based on Pacific Standard Time.
Can I Get Cruise Credit Instead of a Cash Refund?
Under the standard Princess Cruises refund policy, cruise credit is not automatically granted for cancellations. However, guests residing in the U.S. and Canada (excluding New York, British Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Quebec) may become eligible for future cruise credit if they’ve purchased Princess Vacation Protection. This optional add-on is strongly recommended by Princess Cruises, since it offers broader financial protection than the standard cancellation policy alone.
What Is Princess Vacation Protection, and Is It Worth It?
Princess Vacation Protection comes in two forms: Cancellation Protection and Platinum Protection. Cancellation Protection is available globally, excluding residents of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, while Platinum Protection is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents (excluding New York, Puerto Rico, and Quebec).
Platinum Protection may allow cancellation fees to be refunded as cash or future cruise credit, depending on the reason for cancellation. Some plans also include a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause, which can reimburse up to 100% of the cancellation amount as future cruise credit, provided cancellation is communicated at least 72 hours before departure. Since standard fare cancellations offer limited protection in the final 30–60 days before sailing, this add-on is often considered a worthwhile investment for guests booking well in advance.
What Happens If Princess Cruises Cancels or Delays My Cruise?
If Princess Cruises cancels a sailing or delays it by more than three calendar days and a guest declines the alternative offered, a full refund is issued for the cruise fare, accommodations, services, and related charges. This claim must be submitted within 180 calendar days of the original scheduled embarkation date, along with a travel summary, proof of payment, and the official cancellation or delay notice.
Also Read: What Are Princess Cruise Name Change Rules, Fees & Deadlines?
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Princess Cruises refund policy before booking helps guests avoid unpleasant surprises if plans change unexpectedly. While cancellation fees are structured and non-negotiable outside of vacation protection coverage, taxes, fees, and many prepaid extras remain protected. For maximum flexibility, purchasing Princess Vacation Protection at the time of booking remains the most reliable way to safeguard a cruise investment.
FAQ
Q.1 Does Princess Cruises Refund the Full Amount If I Cancel Early?
Ans: If you cancel “90 days or more before departure” (or earlier, depending on the cruise length), only the deposit is typically forfeited unless you booked a non-refundable deposit or promotional fare.
Q.2 Are Taxes and Port Fees Refundable With Princess Cruises?
Ans: Yes. Government taxes, fees, and port expenses are generally refunded in full, even if the cruise fare is subject to cancellation penalties or is non-refundable.
Q.3 How Long Does It Take to Receive a Princess Cruises Refund?
Ans: Princess Cruises states that refund processing times may be longer than usual during periods of high request volume, although the company continues to process refund requests on an ongoing basis.
Q.4 Can I Get Cruise Credit Instead of Cash If I Cancel?
Ans: Standard cancellations do not automatically include Future Cruise Credit (FCC). However, eligible U.S. and Canadian residents who purchase “Princess Vacation Protection” qualify for Future Cruise Credit under the program’s terms and conditions.
