# How date changes work with Princess Cruises?

Can I move my [phone] Princess Cruises cruise to a different date yes passengers can reschedule easily depending on fare type timing and availability for added travel flexibility.

When you decide you need to move your sailing to a different date, you’re essentially changing your reservation to another cruise departure. This is different from canceling your booking entirely. With a date change, the original booking remains open in some sense and you select a new date for the same or similar cruise. That change involves:

Checking availability on the new date or sailing.

Paying any fare difference if the new date costs more.

Possibly paying a change fee or administrative charge depending on timing and fare type.

Ensuring your original deposit and booking terms still apply (or are transferred).

Princess Cruises supports date changes, but there are rules about how early you request it, what fare you booked, and what new sailing you choose.

What to check before requesting a date change

Before you pick up the phone or contact your travel agent, you’ll want to look at:

1. Fare type you booked

If you booked a fully flexible or refundable fare, date changes will generally be easier and less expensive. If you booked a promotional or non-refundable fare, date changes might be restricted or treated as cancellations with higher fees.

2. How far out you are

Making a date change well ahead of the sailing is much easier and cheaper than trying to switch close to the departure date. The closer you are to the sailing, the more likely fees or penalties will apply.

3. Cabin category and ship

If you switch to a sailing on a different ship or change cabin category, the fare difference may apply. Also, the cabin you originally booked may not be available on the new date.

4. Availability

Just because you want a different date doesn’t guarantee a seat in the same cabin or rate level. Availability matters.

5. Support services and extras

If you booked flights, hotels, transfers, or shore excursions with the original cruise, you’ll need to check how those will be handled when you change dates (these may have separate fees or conditions).

Typical scenario of date change

Here’s a realistic scenario:

You reserved a 7-day Caribbean cruise six months from now and realize you need to move it three months later. Since you made the request well in advance, you contact Princess Cruises or your travel agent. You find availability on the new date, the cabin rate is similar (or possibly slightly higher). You pay the fare difference, plus maybe an administrative charge. If your fare was flexible, you may have no additional penalty.

Now compare that to trying to change just 15 days before departure. At that point your booking may be in final payment status; the new date may cost more; the cabin you reserved might no longer be available; Princess may treat the change as a cancellation plus new booking, meaning you could incur higher fees. According to one summary:

“Major changes (like sailing date) may be treated as cancellations and incur applicable cancellation charges.”

What changes are typically allowed

Yes, you can move to a different date. You may also make other adjustments like:

Choosing a different itinerary.

Switching ships (if applicable).

Upgrading your cabin (this usually requires paying the difference).

Changing guest names or adding guests (though these might have separate policies).

However, date changes are subject to space and availability, and you must follow the fare rules associated with your original booking.

Cost and penalties for changing dates

While Princess Cruises does allow date changes, you should expect some cost depending on these factors:

Fare difference: If the new date or sailing costs more, you will pay the difference.

Administrative or change fee: If the switch is treated like a booking alteration, there may be a fee.

Timing: A change request closer to sail date usually means higher cost or more restrictions.

Fare type: Non-refundable fares, or promotional pricing, may limit your ability to change or may require cancellation and rebooking (which can be more expensive).

One resource clarifies that:

“If you change your travel dates after final payment, it may be treated as cancellation and new booking, incurring penalties.

Steps to request a date change

The process is generally straightforward:

Contact Princess Cruises “Manage My Booking” online or call their customer service. If you booked through a travel agent, contact your agent.

Provide your booking number, original sailing date, and new date you’d like to move to.

Confirm availability of same cabin category (or accept an upgrade if you choose).

Check fare difference and any change fees.

Finalize the change once you accept the new price and conditions.

Receive new confirmation showing updated voyage details.

Make sure you keep documentation of the change and updated booking information.

When date changes may not be possible or practical

There are scenarios where moving your cruise date may be difficult or costly:

If you booked a deep-discount promotional fare that explicitly states “non-refundable” or “no changes allowed.”

If you request a new sailing that begins very soon and space/cabin availability is limited.

If your request is made after the final payment deadline for that sailing.

If you switch to a dramatically different itinerary or significantly upgrade, and the original terms no longer apply.

In those cases, Princess may treat your request as a cancellation and a new booking, so you may incur full cancellation + new booking costs.

Benefits of moving your date

If handled right, changing your sailing date can be beneficial:

You preserve your existing booking’s deposit rather than losing it entirely.

You avoid starting a new booking from scratch (which might have less favorable fares).

You maintain much of your original reservation details (same cabin, ship, etc.) with minimal disruption.

You get the flexibility to travel when it works better for you—without canceling entirely.

Tips to minimize cost and hassle

Here are practical tips to make a date change smoother and cheaper:

Make the change as early as possible.

Choose a flexible fare when booking (if you anticipate possible dates may shift).

Avoid switching cabin category or ship if staying in the same class is acceptable.

Pick a new date with similar or lower price to avoid paying large fare differences.

Ask about promotional offers or credits that might soften the cost of a change.

If you purchased add-ons like flights or hotels, contact them about their change policies too.

Final thoughts

So, can you move your Princess Cruises cruise to a different date? Yes—you absolutely can. The key questions to ask are:

How far ahead of departure am I?

What type of fare did I book?

Is the new date available in the same cabin category?

What costs (fare difference, change fee) will I incur?

By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision and handle your date change with confidence. While a small cost or administrative charge may apply, early action and the right fare type often mean you’ll switch dates with minimal disruption.

Princess Cruises aims to give travelers flexibility and ensure the booking experience is as stress-free as the voyage itself. So if your plans have shifted, reach out to the cruise line (or your travel agent) soon—it’s often easier and less costly than waiting.