# [Can I Cancel My NCL Cruise Without Penalty?](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy)


Yes, but you must give cancellation a long time before you go sailing or you must have bought certain safeguards. On the majority of average [Norwegian Cruise Line](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy) (NCL) reservations, cancellation is free with no financial liability provided that you cancel at least 120 days prior to your sail date. A harsh penalty schedule then sets in and the closer you are to the departure, the more expensive is the cancellation.

# The Crucial Countdown: NCL's Penalty Schedule

The freedom to cancel penalty-free is nearly completely controlled by a calendar. NCL is based on the system of tiered [NCL Cancelation Fee](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy) where the last date of payment will serve as the turning point.

* The Safe Zone (More than 120 Days Out): Cancelation for any reason and get a full refund. This really is your free time frame.
* After Final Payment (Typically 90-120 Days Out): Penalties commence. You shall lose your deposit.
* The High-Penalty Zone: The closer the sailing-date the higher the charge:
* 89-60 days out: 50% of total fare forfeited.
* 59-30 days out: As per [Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy), 75% of total fare forfeited.
* 29 Days or Less: 100% penalty. No refund is issued.

Tip: It is your particular Guest Confirmation document that has the final word. It should always be checked because the policies of suites, holiday sailings, and voyages (more than 15 days) may be stricter.

# Your Path to a Penalty-Free Cancellation

Outside the 120 days window, you can save your investment or cancel without losing all the money in a few strategies:

* Purchase Travel Insurance: Purchase travel protection or cancellation insurance is the best solution to protect against penalties since it is a form of insurance covering cruise cancellations. As per [norwegian cruise line cancellation policy](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy) with insurance, these cover can cover you in case you cancel due to reasons covered by these covers that are beyond your control.

* Leverage CruiseNext Deposits: In case you had an NCL CruiseNext or CruiseFirst certificate (bought onboard) as your deposit, there is a slight change in the rules. Cancellation out of final payment is generally a situation whereby you only lose the certificate; and it is reinstated into your account to be used again. This significantly reduces your initial risk.

* Also, remember that according to the [Norwegian Refund Policy](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy), NCL has to deal with refunds (or FCC offers) upon written request and a reply can take up to 180 days.

# Some Tips to Minimize Penalties

These are the hints that can help you reduce penalties in case you have to cancel your cruise with the NCL:

* Plan Early: It is always a good idea to book your cruise early so that you have time to change your course in case of any changes in your plan. By doing so, in case you want to cancel, you can do it on the safe window with a refund.

* Read the Fine Print: It is always best that you read your Guest Confirmation document to have certain cancellation policies.

* Document Everything: You should have everything documented in case you must cancel due to a valid reason so that when you claim something under your insurance, you have all the documents with you.

# Conclusion

To have a good booking experience the [cancellation policy of NCL ](https://www.cruisesfares.com/blogs/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellation-policy)must be understood. Travel insurance will help you to minimize penalties, and protect your investment by planning ahead and making sure you take travel insurance. You can always look at your Guest Confirmation as the best source of information and make informed choices before you cruise.