# What is the Cancellation Fee for Princess Cruises?
What is the cancellation [phone] fee for Princess Cruises it varies by timing typically ranging from no charge to full fare depending on when you cancel your voyage.

Planning a cruise vacation with Princess Cruises is always an exciting experience. The luxury, comfort, and world-class service make it one of the top cruise lines in the world. However, life is unpredictable, and sometimes travel plans have to change. When that happens, understanding the Princess Cruises cancellation fee policy is very important. Knowing how the fees work helps travelers make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary losses, and handle their bookings confidently.

Princess Cruises offers flexible cancellation options depending on when you cancel, the type of fare you booked, and how close you are to the sailing date. Let’s explore everything you need to know about Princess Cruises cancellation fees, timelines, and how to manage your reservations effectively.

Understanding the Cancellation Policy

Princess Cruises has a clearly defined cancellation policy that determines how much of your cruise fare you can recover if you decide to cancel your trip. The amount refunded is based on the number of days remaining before your scheduled departure. The closer you are to your sailing date, the higher the cancellation fee becomes.

This tiered system ensures that travelers who cancel early face little or no penalty, while last-minute cancellations may result in higher fees. The cancellation fee structure is designed to cover the cruise line’s operational commitments, which are finalized as the departure date approaches.

Standard Cancellation Fee Schedule

Here’s a general breakdown of how Princess Cruises calculates its cancellation fees for most voyages. Please note that these percentages can vary depending on the type of cruise and fare booked:

90 days or more before departure – No cancellation fee applies. You may receive a full refund of your cruise fare.

89 to 60 days before departure – 25% of total fare charged as a cancellation fee.

59 to 45 days before departure – 50% of total fare charged as a cancellation fee.

44 to 29 days before departure – 75% of total fare charged as a cancellation fee.

28 days or less before departure – 100% of total fare charged as a cancellation fee (no refund).

This schedule applies to most standard itineraries ranging from 1 to 24 days. For longer voyages, world cruises, or special itineraries, the cancellation windows are usually longer, and fees may begin earlier.

Longer Cruises and Special Voyages

For world cruises or voyages longer than 25 days, Princess Cruises follows a slightly different cancellation schedule. Because these extended trips require more complex preparations and higher costs, the cancellation deadlines are stricter.

For example:

120 days or more before sailing – No fee.

119 to 90 days before sailing – 25% cancellation fee.

89 to 60 days before sailing – 50% cancellation fee.

59 to 30 days before sailing – 75% cancellation fee.

29 days or less before sailing – 100% cancellation fee.

Understanding this difference is vital for travelers booking longer itineraries since missing an early cancellation window could lead to significant financial loss.

Nonrefundable and Promotional Fares

Princess Cruises also offers special nonrefundable or promotional fares, often available at discounted rates. These fares come with strict rules—typically, the deposit or full fare becomes nonrefundable immediately after booking.

If you cancel a nonrefundable fare, you may not receive any refund at all. However, in some cases, Princess may offer a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead, allowing you to apply part of the value toward a future voyage.

Before booking a discounted fare, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions. While these fares can save money upfront, they may not be ideal for travelers whose plans could change.

Cancellation Fees for Additional Services

In addition to cruise fares, many passengers purchase add-ons such as air travel, hotels, or shore excursions through Princess Cruises. These services may follow different cancellation timelines and fee structures.

For example:

Airfare booked through Princess – Refunds depend on the type of ticket. Some airfares are nonrefundable once issued.

Shore excursions and onboard packages – Can usually be canceled without penalty up to a certain number of days before sailing.

Pre-cruise hotel stays – May follow hotel-specific cancellation policies rather than cruise-specific ones.

Always confirm these details before canceling to ensure you understand what parts of your booking are refundable.

How to Cancel a Princess Cruise

If you need to cancel your Princess Cruise, the process is straightforward but must be done correctly to avoid unnecessary fees. Here’s how:

Contact Princess Cruises or your travel agent.
If you booked directly through Princess, you can call their customer service to start the cancellation process. If you used a travel agent, contact them first, as they handle cancellations on your behalf.

Provide booking details.
Keep your booking number, passenger names, and sailing date ready. This helps the representative locate your reservation quickly.

Request confirmation.
Once your cancellation is processed, ask for written confirmation that includes your cancellation date, applicable fees, and expected refund amount.

Track your refund.
Refunds can take several weeks to appear, depending on your payment method. Stay patient and check your account regularly.

Refunds vs. Future Cruise Credits

When you cancel a Princess Cruise, the outcome depends on the timing and fare type:

Refunds – If you cancel early enough and meet the refund conditions, you’ll get your money back through your original payment method.

Future Cruise Credit (FCC) – If your cancellation falls within the penalty period, Princess may offer an FCC instead of a refund. This credit can be used toward future voyages within a specific timeframe.

FCCs are often a great alternative if you plan to cruise again soon. They preserve the value of your original booking, helping you avoid a total loss.

Cancellations by Princess Cruises

Sometimes, Princess Cruises may cancel or reschedule a voyage due to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or unforeseen events. In such cases, passengers typically receive a full refund or a Future Cruise Credit of equal or greater value.

When the cruise line cancels the trip, guests do not have to pay any cancellation fees. The company also assists with rebooking and adjusting related travel plans whenever possible.

Vacation Protection Plan

Princess Cruises offers an optional Vacation Protection Plan, which adds flexibility and peace of mind. This plan covers unexpected cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.

If you cancel for a covered reason, you can receive a full refund. Even if your reason is not covered, Princess may still issue a Future Cruise Credit. This plan also includes medical coverage, travel interruption benefits, and baggage protection.

Purchasing travel protection is an excellent way to safeguard your investment, especially for long or expensive cruises.

Tips to Avoid High Cancellation Fees

Book refundable fares – If you think your plans might change, opt for refundable options even if they cost slightly more.

Cancel early – Act quickly once you know you cannot travel. The earlier you cancel, the more money you save.

Review terms carefully – Understand all booking conditions before confirming your trip.

Consider travel insurance – Protection plans can minimize financial loss due to unexpected cancellations.

Keep documentation – Always keep a written record of your cancellation request and refund confirmation.

Practical Example

Imagine you booked a 10-day Princess Cruise departing in 90 days. If you cancel now, you would likely receive a full refund with no penalties. If you wait until 45 days before departure, you would lose about 50% of your fare. Canceling within 29 days of the trip would mean forfeiting 75% or more, and canceling within 14 days would likely result in no refund at all.

This example shows how timing plays a major role in determining your refund amount.

Conclusion

So, what is the cancellation fee for Princess Cruises? The answer depends on when you cancel and what fare type you booked. Cancellations made far in advance usually have no fee, but as the sailing date approaches, penalties increase from 25% up to 100% of your fare.

Princess Cruises aims to balance flexibility for passengers with fairness to the company’s operational needs. By understanding the cancellation schedule, acting early, and considering travel protection, you can avoid unnecessary losses and ensure peace of mind when booking your dream voyage.

Whether you are planning a short getaway or a world cruise, knowing the cancellation policy helps you manage your travel plans confidently. Princess Cruises remains committed to offering travelers transparent, flexible options while maintaining its reputation for exceptional service and unforgettable journeys.