# What Are the Change Fees on Princess Cruises?

What are the change [phone] fees on Princess Cruises cruises depend on timing and fare type, usually ranging from small administrative costs to higher modification penalties closer to departure.

Princess Cruises is known for its world-class service, luxurious ships, and breathtaking destinations. However, sometimes travelers may need to make changes to their booking after confirming their cruise. Whether it’s adjusting the travel dates, upgrading the cabin, adding extra guests, or modifying shore excursions, Princess Cruises allows passengers to make changes under certain conditions. But just like cancellations, making changes to a booking may involve specific fees or fare adjustments. Understanding how these change fees work is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth experience when altering your plans.

This detailed guide explains everything about Princess Cruises change fees, including what types of changes can be made, how much they cost, and how to modify your reservation properly.

Understanding Princess Cruises Change Policies

Princess Cruises recognizes that travel plans can change due to personal, professional, or unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it provides passengers with flexibility to modify bookings within specific timeframes. The change fee you may incur depends on several factors such as:

The type of change requested (date, name, cabin, itinerary, etc.)

How close you are to your sailing date

The fare type you purchased (refundable or nonrefundable)

The length and category of your cruise

The earlier you make the change, the less likely you are to face high fees. However, once you get close to your departure date, fees can increase significantly or the change might no longer be allowed.

Types of Changes Allowed on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises allows passengers to modify different parts of their booking. Below are some of the most common change requests and how they typically work.

1. Name Changes

If you need to change the name on your reservation due to a spelling error or passenger replacement, Princess Cruises usually allows it, but fees may apply depending on the timing. Minor corrections like typos are often free if done early.
However, if the name change involves replacing a passenger entirely, it may be treated as a partial cancellation and new booking, resulting in higher fees or fare adjustments.

2. Date or Itinerary Changes

Changing your sailing date or itinerary is one of the most common requests. Princess Cruises permits this, but fare differences apply, and a change fee might be charged. If the new sailing costs more, you’ll pay the difference; if it costs less, refunds may depend on fare conditions.
As your departure date gets closer, date changes become harder or more expensive to process, especially for promotional fares or special packages.

3. Cabin Upgrades or Downgrades

Passengers often want to upgrade to a better cabin after booking. Princess Cruises allows cabin upgrades at any time if availability exists. You only pay the fare difference between your current room and the new one.
Downgrades, on the other hand, are less flexible. If you choose a lower-priced stateroom after final payment, you may not receive a refund for the difference unless allowed under your fare rules.

4. Adding or Removing Guests

Adding an additional traveler to your stateroom can be done before final payment, provided there’s space and safety limits are met. Additional guest fares and taxes apply. Removing a guest, however, may result in a partial cancellation and corresponding fees depending on the fare conditions.

5. Shore Excursion Changes

Princess Cruises makes it easy to modify or cancel shore excursions before sailing. Most excursions can be changed without penalty up to 72 hours before the scheduled activity. After that, the tour may be nonrefundable.

6. Dining and Onboard Package Changes

Specialty dining reservations, spa treatments, or beverage packages can often be changed online before your trip. Changes onboard are subject to availability and sometimes minor adjustment fees.

How Change Fees Are Calculated

Change fees on Princess Cruises depend on several variables:

Timing – The closer your request is to the sailing date, the higher the fee may be.

Fare Type – Nonrefundable or promotional fares often carry stricter rules and higher penalties for changes.

Type of Modification – Major modifications such as date or itinerary changes may have higher fees compared to minor updates.

Cruise Duration – Longer or world cruises often have more restrictive change policies.

For standard cruises, a small administrative fee may apply for simple modifications, such as $50–$100 per guest. For major itinerary changes or name substitutions, fees can reach up to 25% or more of the cruise fare depending on when the request is made.

Fare Difference Adjustments

In addition to change fees, fare differences also apply. If your new booking costs more than the original, you’ll be required to pay the additional amount. If the new cruise costs less, refunds or credits depend on your fare type and timing.

For example:

If you switch to a cheaper voyage well before the final payment deadline, Princess Cruises may issue a refund or credit for the difference.

If you downgrade after the final payment, refunds may not be allowed.

How to Make a Change to Your Booking

If you need to modify your Princess Cruises reservation, the process is straightforward:

Contact Princess Cruises or your travel agent.
If you booked directly with the cruise line, call their customer service. If you used a travel agent, they will handle the change request for you.

Provide your booking details.
Keep your booking number, passenger names, and sailing details handy to speed up the process.

Explain the change you need.
Specify whether you’re changing the date, itinerary, guest list, or cabin category.

Confirm the new fare and fees.
The representative will inform you of any fare differences or administrative fees before finalizing the change.

Request written confirmation.
Always ask for written documentation of your updated booking details to avoid future confusion.

Vacation Protection Plan

If you anticipate potential changes to your travel schedule, consider purchasing Princess Cruises Vacation Protection. This plan offers flexibility and coverage for cancellations or changes due to emergencies, illness, or other covered events.

In some cases, this protection allows you to modify or cancel your trip without heavy penalties, even if you’re within the regular change-fee window. It also includes insurance benefits such as trip interruption, baggage loss, and medical coverage.

Changes After Final Payment

Once the final payment date has passed, your booking becomes less flexible. At this point, any changes are subject to stricter rules. For example:

Changing names may no longer be possible.

Switching to a different sailing could trigger cancellation penalties.

Downgrades may not qualify for partial refunds.

If you foresee potential changes, it’s best to act before your final payment is made. Early action helps minimize costs and stress.

Changes Made Onboard

While most major changes must be made before sailing, certain adjustments can be handled onboard. For example, guests can upgrade beverage packages, modify dining times, or book new excursions once on the ship. However, these are subject to onboard availability and may include additional fees.

Avoiding or Reducing Change Fees

Here are a few tips to minimize change-related costs when sailing with Princess Cruises:

Book refundable fares.
These fares cost more upfront but provide more flexibility if you need to modify your plans later.

Make changes early.
The sooner you act, the lower your fees will be.

Double-check travel documents.
Verify all names, dates, and destinations at the time of booking to avoid correction charges later.

Consider travel insurance.
Protection plans can help you avoid losing money due to last-minute changes caused by emergencies.

Stay in touch with your travel advisor.
Agents can guide you through the best times and methods to modify your reservation efficiently.

Example Scenario

Imagine you booked a Princess Cruise six months in advance, but you need to change your sailing date due to a work conflict. Because you’re well ahead of the departure, Princess Cruises may allow you to change the date with minimal or no administrative fees—though you’ll need to pay any fare difference for the new voyage.

If you waited until two weeks before the trip, the change could be treated as a cancellation, potentially resulting in significant penalties or loss of fare.

When Princess Cruises Changes Your Itinerary

Occasionally, Princess Cruises may change a voyage due to weather, port restrictions, or operational reasons. In such cases, guests are not charged any change fees. The cruise line typically provides an alternate itinerary or the option to cancel for a full refund or credit.

This ensures passengers are never financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Conclusion

So, what are the change fees on [[Princess Cruises cruises](https://hackmd.io/@PrincessCruises/what-is-the-cancellation-fee-for-princess-cruises)]? The answer depends on several factors, including your fare type, the timing of your request, and the kind of change you’re making. Minor modifications made early—such as correcting a name or adjusting a shore excursion—may have no charge. However, more significant changes close to departure, such as altering travel dates or replacing a traveler, may result in administrative fees or fare adjustments.

To avoid unnecessary costs, make all changes as early as possible, review your fare conditions, and consider purchasing travel protection for added flexibility. Princess Cruises is dedicated to providing travelers with fair and transparent options, ensuring that every journey—whether newly planned or modified—remains as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

By understanding how change fees work, you can plan your dream cruise confidently, knowing that even if your plans shift, your vacation remains within reach.