# What is Ponant’s cancellation policy? Ponant cancellation policy **+1 844-870-7245** allows flexible changes, offering partial refunds or credits depending on cancellation timing, ensuring travelers enjoy stress-free luxury voyage planning. When you book a cruise with PONANT you are entering into a contract that sets out how cancellations are handled — by you (the traveller) or by PONANT (for example if the cruise is cancelled or changed). The cancellation policy determines what happens if you decide to cancel your booking (or partially cancel) and what fees or refunds apply. It also covers what happens if PONANT cancels or significantly changes the cruise. A few key points to keep in mind: * There is usually a deposit required when you book, and a balance payment due by a specific time before departure. * The closer you come to the departure date, the higher the cancellation fee if you cancel. * Some promotions may allow more flexible cancellation (for example full refund up to a certain date) but these are time-limited or apply only to certain bookings. * Separate costs (such as flights, land programmes, transfers, insurance) may have their own cancellation rules and may not be covered by the cruise line’s policies. * If the cruise line cancels or cannot operate the cruise, different rules apply (including possibly full refund or credit). ### Your rights and obligations if you cancel From the traveller’s side here is how it generally works: 1. **After booking and before a certain date** * There is often a period after the booking confirmation during which you can cancel with little or no penalty (for example within 15 days of booking). * During this initial free-cancellation window you may receive either a full refund of what you paid (for the cruise portion) or a credit for future travel, depending on the specific policy applying to your booking. * After that window passes, cancellation fees begin to apply. 2. **As your departure date approaches** * Mid-term: As you move into the intermediate period (many months before departure) if you cancel you may pay a modest fee (for example a fixed amount per person) or a percentage of the fare. * Closer to departure: If your cancellation happens within a shorter timeframe (for example less than 91 days before departure or less) the cancellation fee rises significantly. In many cases, at a certain point no refund is available — you forfeit the full cruise fare you paid. * The exact dates, percentages or fixed fees depend on the voyage type (regular cruise vs expedition style) and the booking terms valid for your departure. 3. **Other costs** * If you booked air travel, land programmes, pre-/post-cruise hotels or other services in connection with your cruise, these may have their own cancellation terms (often set by the provider), and cancellation of the cruise does not automatically relieve you from those costs. * If you simply fail to show up for boarding without formally cancelling, you may forfeit all payments and have no refund rights under most policies. 4. **Changes in occupancy** * If you cancel your cabin, but your travel companion remains, the price for the remaining traveller may change (single supplement may be applied) and your cancellation may trigger a recalculation of fares or extra charges for the continuing guest. ### What happens if PONANT cancels the cruise or makes a major change If PONANT determines that it must cancel a cruise entirely (for example due to safety, operational, environmental or regulatory reasons) or cannot sail as scheduled, the policy provides for certain rights: * If the cruise is cancelled before departure by the cruise line, you are typically entitled to a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion (although you may still be responsible for non-refundable items like flights). * Alternatively, and in some instances, the cruise line may offer a **future cruise credit** instead of a cash refund. The credit typically has a validity period and conditions. * If the change occurs while the cruise is in progress and you choose to disembark early or cannot complete the cruise because of the cruise line’s decision, there may be a pro-rated refund or credit for the unused portion of the voyage. * However, if you choose to leave the cruise voluntarily (for your own reasons unrelated to the cruise line’s decision), you usually will not receive any refund. ### Example scenarios To help illustrate how this might work, here are typical scenarios (bear in mind your actual contract may differ): * You book a cruise and within 15 days you decide to cancel — you pay no cancellation fee and receive a full refund (or credit) for the cruise portion. * You cancel 200 days before departure — you might pay a fixed fee (say a few hundred US dollars) or a small percentage of the total cruise cost. * You cancel 120 days before departure — the fee might increase to 10 % or 25 % of the cruise cost. * You cancel 60 days before departure — the fee may be 100 % of the cruise fare (i.e., no refund). * The cruise line cancels your sailing 45 days before departure — you receive a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion, or you may be offered a future-cruise credit in lieu. ### Important things to check and ask when you book Since details vary, you should check the following: * What is the **deposit amount** and when is final payment due? * What is the **free cancellation period**, if any, after booking? * What are the **cancellation deadlines** (how many days before departure) and what are the **fees or percentage charges** at each interval? * Are there **different terms** for “regular” cruises vs “expedition style” cruises (some bookings to remote regions often have stricter conditions)? * What happens if you book with special discounts or promotions — do those carry different cancellation terms? * What are the terms for **non-cruise services** (flights, hotels, transfers) — who’s responsible for those if you cancel? * Does the booking give you the option of **future cruise credit** rather than cash refund? What are the expiry and conditions of that credit? * What happens if you decide to change your travel date rather than cancel—are change fees lower than cancellation fees? * What if the cruise line cancels or changes the itinerary — what compensation or refund rights do you have? * What documentation or formal notice is required when you cancel (for example you may need to send an email to a specified address, and cancellation is only effective when you receive acknowledgement). ### Benefits of more flexible cancellation policies Cruise lines, including PONANT, have in recent times offered more flexible or “worry-free” booking options, especially when travel conditions are uncertain (for example during a global health event). These enhanced policies might include: * Lower or no cancellation fee up to a certain number of days before departure. * Ability to postpone your cruise to a later date with little or no penalty (apply the paid amount toward a new departure). * Assurance that if the cruise cannot operate at all, you will receive a full refund or a generous credit. * Clearer and more consumer-friendly terms to give travellers more confidence. If you are concerned about changing travel plans, it is worth opting for a booking that features these enhanced flexibilities, even if they come at a slightly higher fare — the peace of mind may be worth it. ### Key take-aways * Cancel early: The earlier you cancel after booking, the lower (or zero) your penalty. * Check the cut-off dates: The “no-refund” window (often less than 90 days or 30 days before departure) is where you risk losing the full fare paid. * Know what gets refunded: Usually the “cruise service” portion (stateroom, ship board services) is covered by the cruise line’s cancellation policy; external services like flights may not be. * If the cruise line cancels: You are generally protected by a refund or credit, but you still might incur costs of your own onward travel or flights. * Read your contract: All terms are in the “General Terms and Conditions of Sale” and your booking confirmation — these are binding. ### Final word In short, PONANT’s cancellation policy reflects the balance between offering travellers flexibility and protecting the cruise line from last-minute changes. If you cancel early enough, the penalties are minimal. As you get closer to departure, the risk of losing your payment increases significantly. On the other hand, if PONANT cancels or materially changes the cruise, you gain rights to a refund or credit. Because the specific terms can differ by voyage, destination, booking date and promotion, it is essential to read the detailed policy for your cruise, keep your booking confirmation and note the deadlines for final payment and cancellation. By doing so, you can plan your travel confidently, and know exactly what you’re committing to. If you like, I can pull up the **exact cancellation timeline and fees** for your specific cruise (destination and date) with PONANT — would you like me to find that? Here is a detailed explanation of the cancellation policy for the cruise line **PONANT**, summarised and explained in straightforward terms (without using references or special characters) — please note that actual terms may vary depending on the voyage, date of booking or destination, so you should always check your specific contract or booking confirmation. --- ### Overview When you book a cruise with PONANT you are entering into a contract that sets out how cancellations are handled — by you (the traveller) or by PONANT (for example if the cruise is cancelled or changed). The cancellation policy determines what happens if you decide to cancel your booking (or partially cancel) and what fees or refunds apply. It also covers what happens if PONANT cancels or significantly changes the cruise. A few key points to keep in mind: * There is usually a deposit required when you book, and a balance payment due by a specific time before departure. * The closer you come to the departure date, the higher the cancellation fee if you cancel. * Some promotions may allow more flexible cancellation (for example full refund up to a certain date) but these are time-limited or apply only to certain bookings. * Separate costs (such as flights, land programmes, transfers, insurance) may have their own cancellation rules and may not be covered by the cruise line’s policies. * If the cruise line cancels or cannot operate the cruise, different rules apply (including possibly full refund or credit). ### Your rights and obligations if you cancel From the traveller’s side here is how it generally works: 1. **After booking and before a certain date** * There is often a period after the booking confirmation during which you can cancel with little or no penalty (for example within 15 days of booking). * During this initial free-cancellation window you may receive either a full refund of what you paid (for the cruise portion) or a credit for future travel, depending on the specific policy applying to your booking. * After that window passes, cancellation fees begin to apply. 2. **As your departure date approaches** * Mid-term: As you move into the intermediate period (many months before departure) if you cancel you may pay a modest fee (for example a fixed amount per person) or a percentage of the fare. * Closer to departure: If your cancellation happens within a shorter timeframe (for example less than 91 days before departure or less) the cancellation fee rises significantly. In many cases, at a certain point no refund is available — you forfeit the full cruise fare you paid. * The exact dates, percentages or fixed fees depend on the voyage type (regular cruise vs expedition style) and the booking terms valid for your departure. 3. **Other costs** * If you booked air travel, land programmes, pre-/post-cruise hotels or other services in connection with your cruise, these may have their own cancellation terms (often set by the provider), and cancellation of the cruise does not automatically relieve you from those costs. * If you simply fail to show up for boarding without formally cancelling, you may forfeit all payments and have no refund rights under most policies. 4. **Changes in occupancy** * If you cancel your cabin, but your travel companion remains, the price for the remaining traveller may change (single supplement may be applied) and your cancellation may trigger a recalculation of fares or extra charges for the continuing guest. ### What happens if PONANT cancels the cruise or makes a major change If PONANT determines that it must cancel a cruise entirely (for example due to safety, operational, environmental or regulatory reasons) or cannot sail as scheduled, the policy provides for certain rights: * If the cruise is cancelled before departure by the cruise line, you are typically entitled to a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion (although you may still be responsible for non-refundable items like flights). * Alternatively, and in some instances, the cruise line may offer a **future cruise credit** instead of a cash refund. The credit typically has a validity period and conditions. * If the change occurs while the cruise is in progress and you choose to disembark early or cannot complete the cruise because of the cruise line’s decision, there may be a pro-rated refund or credit for the unused portion of the voyage. * However, if you choose to leave the cruise voluntarily (for your own reasons unrelated to the cruise line’s decision), you usually will not receive any refund. ### Example scenarios To help illustrate how this might work, here are typical scenarios (bear in mind your actual contract may differ): * You book a cruise and within 15 days you decide to cancel — you pay no cancellation fee and receive a full refund (or credit) for the cruise portion. * You cancel 200 days before departure — you might pay a fixed fee (say a few hundred US dollars) or a small percentage of the total cruise cost. * You cancel 120 days before departure — the fee might increase to 10 % or 25 % of the cruise cost. * You cancel 60 days before departure — the fee may be 100 % of the cruise fare (i.e., no refund). * The cruise line cancels your sailing 45 days before departure — you receive a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion, or you may be offered a future-cruise credit in lieu. ### Important things to check and ask when you book Since details vary, you should check the following: * What is the **deposit amount** and when is final payment due? * What is the **free cancellation period**, if any, after booking? * What are the **cancellation deadlines** (how many days before departure) and what are the **fees or percentage charges** at each interval? * Are there **different terms** for “regular” cruises vs “expedition style” cruises (some bookings to remote regions often have stricter conditions)? * What happens if you book with special discounts or promotions — do those carry different cancellation terms? * What are the terms for **non-cruise services** (flights, hotels, transfers) — who’s responsible for those if you cancel? * Does the booking give you the option of **future cruise credit** rather than cash refund? What are the expiry and conditions of that credit? * What happens if you decide to change your travel date rather than cancel—are change fees lower than cancellation fees? * What if the cruise line cancels or changes the itinerary — what compensation or refund rights do you have? * What documentation or formal notice is required when you cancel (for example you may need to send an email to a specified address, and cancellation is only effective when you receive acknowledgement). --- ### Benefits of more flexible cancellation policies Cruise lines, including PONANT, have in recent times offered more flexible or “worry-free” booking options, especially when travel conditions are uncertain (for example during a global health event). These enhanced policies might include: * Lower or no cancellation fee up to a certain number of days before departure. * Ability to postpone your cruise to a later date with little or no penalty (apply the paid amount toward a new departure). * Assurance that if the cruise cannot operate at all, you will receive a full refund or a generous credit. * Clearer and more consumer-friendly terms to give travellers more confidence. If you are concerned about changing travel plans, it is worth opting for a booking that features these enhanced flexibilities, even if they come at a slightly higher fare — the peace of mind may be worth it. --- ### Key take-aways * Cancel early: The earlier you cancel after booking, the lower (or zero) your penalty. * Check the cut-off dates: The “no-refund” window (often less than 90 days or 30 days before departure) is where you risk losing the full fare paid. * Know what gets refunded: Usually the “cruise service” portion (stateroom, ship board services) is covered by the cruise line’s cancellation policy; external services like flights may not be. * If the cruise line cancels: You are generally protected by a refund or credit, but you still might incur costs of your own onward travel or flights. * Read your contract: All terms are in the “General Terms and Conditions of Sale” and your booking confirmation — these are binding. --- ### Final word In short, PONANT’s cancellation policy reflects the balance between offering travellers flexibility and protecting the cruise line from last-minute changes. If you cancel early enough, the penalties are minimal. As you get closer to departure, the risk of losing your payment increases significantly. On the other hand, if PONANT cancels or materially changes the cruise, you gain rights to a refund or credit. Because the specific terms can differ by voyage, destination, booking date and promotion, it is essential to read the detailed policy for your cruise, keep your booking confirmation and note the deadlines for final payment and cancellation. By doing so, you can plan your travel confidently, and know exactly what you’re committing to. If you like, I can pull up the **exact cancellation timeline and fees** for your specific cruise (destination and date) with PONANT — would you like me to find that? Here is a detailed explanation of the cancellation policy for the cruise line **PONANT**, summarised and explained in straightforward terms (without using references or special characters) — please note that actual terms may vary depending on the voyage, date of booking or destination, so you should always check your specific contract or booking confirmation. --- ### Overview When you book a cruise with PONANT you are entering into a contract that sets out how cancellations are handled — by you (the traveller) or by PONANT (for example if the cruise is cancelled or changed). The cancellation policy determines what happens if you decide to cancel your booking (or partially cancel) and what fees or refunds apply. It also covers what happens if PONANT cancels or significantly changes the cruise. A few key points to keep in mind: * There is usually a deposit required when you book, and a balance payment due by a specific time before departure. * The closer you come to the departure date, the higher the cancellation fee if you cancel. * Some promotions may allow more flexible cancellation (for example full refund up to a certain date) but these are time-limited or apply only to certain bookings. * Separate costs (such as flights, land programmes, transfers, insurance) may have their own cancellation rules and may not be covered by the cruise line’s policies. * If the cruise line cancels or cannot operate the cruise, different rules apply (including possibly full refund or credit). --- ### Your rights and obligations if you cancel From the traveller’s side here is how it generally works: 1. **After booking and before a certain date** * There is often a period after the booking confirmation during which you can cancel with little or no penalty (for example within 15 days of booking). * During this initial free-cancellation window you may receive either a full refund of what you paid (for the cruise portion) or a credit for future travel, depending on the specific policy applying to your booking. * After that window passes, cancellation fees begin to apply. 2. **As your departure date approaches** * Mid-term: As you move into the intermediate period (many months before departure) if you cancel you may pay a modest fee (for example a fixed amount per person) or a percentage of the fare. * Closer to departure: If your cancellation happens within a shorter timeframe (for example less than 91 days before departure or less) the cancellation fee rises significantly. In many cases, at a certain point no refund is available — you forfeit the full cruise fare you paid. * The exact dates, percentages or fixed fees depend on the voyage type (regular cruise vs expedition style) and the booking terms valid for your departure. 3. **Other costs** * If you booked air travel, land programmes, pre-/post-cruise hotels or other services in connection with your cruise, these may have their own cancellation terms (often set by the provider), and cancellation of the cruise does not automatically relieve you from those costs. * If you simply fail to show up for boarding without formally cancelling, you may forfeit all payments and have no refund rights under most policies. 4. **Changes in occupancy** * If you cancel your cabin, but your travel companion remains, the price for the remaining traveller may change (single supplement may be applied) and your cancellation may trigger a recalculation of fares or extra charges for the continuing guest. --- ### What happens if PONANT cancels the cruise or makes a major change If PONANT determines that it must cancel a cruise entirely (for example due to safety, operational, environmental or regulatory reasons) or cannot sail as scheduled, the policy provides for certain rights: * If the cruise is cancelled before departure by the cruise line, you are typically entitled to a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion (although you may still be responsible for non-refundable items like flights). * Alternatively, and in some instances, the cruise line may offer a **future cruise credit** instead of a cash refund. The credit typically has a validity period and conditions. * If the change occurs while the cruise is in progress and you choose to disembark early or cannot complete the cruise because of the cruise line’s decision, there may be a pro-rated refund or credit for the unused portion of the voyage. * However, if you choose to leave the cruise voluntarily (for your own reasons unrelated to the cruise line’s decision), you usually will not receive any refund. --- ### Example scenarios To help illustrate how this might work, here are typical scenarios (bear in mind your actual contract may differ): * You book a cruise and within 15 days you decide to cancel — you pay no cancellation fee and receive a full refund (or credit) for the cruise portion. * You cancel 200 days before departure — you might pay a fixed fee (say a few hundred US dollars) or a small percentage of the total cruise cost. * You cancel 120 days before departure — the fee might increase to 10 % or 25 % of the cruise cost. * You cancel 60 days before departure — the fee may be 100 % of the cruise fare (i.e., no refund). * The cruise line cancels your sailing 45 days before departure — you receive a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion, or you may be offered a future-cruise credit in lieu. --- ### Important things to check and ask when you book Since details vary, you should check the following: * What is the **deposit amount** and when is final payment due? * What is the **free cancellation period**, if any, after booking? * What are the **cancellation deadlines** (how many days before departure) and what are the **fees or percentage charges** at each interval? * Are there **different terms** for “regular” cruises vs “expedition style” cruises (some bookings to remote regions often have stricter conditions)? * What happens if you book with special discounts or promotions — do those carry different cancellation terms? * What are the terms for **non-cruise services** (flights, hotels, transfers) — who’s responsible for those if you cancel? * Does the booking give you the option of **future cruise credit** rather than cash refund? What are the expiry and conditions of that credit? * What happens if you decide to change your travel date rather than cancel—are change fees lower than cancellation fees? * What if the cruise line cancels or changes the itinerary — what compensation or refund rights do you have? * What documentation or formal notice is required when you cancel (for example you may need to send an email to a specified address, and cancellation is only effective when you receive acknowledgement). --- ### Benefits of more flexible cancellation policies Cruise lines, including PONANT, have in recent times offered more flexible or “worry-free” booking options, especially when travel conditions are uncertain (for example during a global health event). These enhanced policies might include: * Lower or no cancellation fee up to a certain number of days before departure. * Ability to postpone your cruise to a later date with little or no penalty (apply the paid amount toward a new departure). * Assurance that if the cruise cannot operate at all, you will receive a full refund or a generous credit. * Clearer and more consumer-friendly terms to give travellers more confidence. If you are concerned about changing travel plans, it is worth opting for a booking that features these enhanced flexibilities, even if they come at a slightly higher fare — the peace of mind may be worth it. --- ### Key take-aways * Cancel early: The earlier you cancel after booking, the lower (or zero) your penalty. * Check the cut-off dates: The “no-refund” window (often less than 90 days or 30 days before departure) is where you risk losing the full fare paid. * Know what gets refunded: Usually the “cruise service” portion (stateroom, ship board services) is covered by the cruise line’s cancellation policy; external services like flights may not be. * If the cruise line cancels: You are generally protected by a refund or credit, but you still might incur costs of your own onward travel or flights. * Read your contract: All terms are in the “General Terms and Conditions of Sale” and your booking confirmation — these are binding. --- ### Final word In short, PONANT’s cancellation policy reflects the balance between offering travellers flexibility and protecting the cruise line from last-minute changes. If you cancel early enough, the penalties are minimal. As you get closer to departure, the risk of losing your payment increases significantly. On the other hand, if PONANT cancels or materially changes the cruise, you gain rights to a refund or credit. Because the specific terms can differ by voyage, destination, booking date and promotion, it is essential to read the detailed policy for your cruise, keep your booking confirmation and note the deadlines for final payment and cancellation. By doing so, you can plan your travel confidently, and know exactly what you’re committing to. If you like, I can pull up the **exact cancellation timeline and fees** for your specific cruise (destination and date) with PONANT — would you like me to find that? Here is a detailed explanation of the cancellation policy for the cruise line **PONANT**, summarised and explained in straightforward terms (without using references or special characters) — please note that actual terms may vary depending on the voyage, date of booking or destination, so you should always check your specific contract or booking confirmation. --- ### Overview When you book a cruise with PONANT you are entering into a contract that sets out how cancellations are handled — by you (the traveller) or by PONANT (for example if the cruise is cancelled or changed). The cancellation policy determines what happens if you decide to cancel your booking (or partially cancel) and what fees or refunds apply. It also covers what happens if PONANT cancels or significantly changes the cruise. A few key points to keep in mind: * There is usually a deposit required when you book, and a balance payment due by a specific time before departure. * The closer you come to the departure date, the higher the cancellation fee if you cancel. * Some promotions may allow more flexible cancellation (for example full refund up to a certain date) but these are time-limited or apply only to certain bookings. * Separate costs (such as flights, land programmes, transfers, insurance) may have their own cancellation rules and may not be covered by the cruise line’s policies. * If the cruise line cancels or cannot operate the cruise, different rules apply (including possibly full refund or credit). --- ### Your rights and obligations if you cancel From the traveller’s side here is how it generally works: 1. **After booking and before a certain date** * There is often a period after the booking confirmation during which you can cancel with little or no penalty (for example within 15 days of booking). * During this initial free-cancellation window you may receive either a full refund of what you paid (for the cruise portion) or a credit for future travel, depending on the specific policy applying to your booking. * After that window passes, cancellation fees begin to apply. 2. **As your departure date approaches** * Mid-term: As you move into the intermediate period (many months before departure) if you cancel you may pay a modest fee (for example a fixed amount per person) or a percentage of the fare. * Closer to departure: If your cancellation happens within a shorter timeframe (for example less than 91 days before departure or less) the cancellation fee rises significantly. In many cases, at a certain point no refund is available — you forfeit the full cruise fare you paid. * The exact dates, percentages or fixed fees depend on the voyage type (regular cruise vs expedition style) and the booking terms valid for your departure. 3. **Other costs** * If you booked air travel, land programmes, pre-/post-cruise hotels or other services in connection with your cruise, these may have their own cancellation terms (often set by the provider), and cancellation of the cruise does not automatically relieve you from those costs. * If you simply fail to show up for boarding without formally cancelling, you may forfeit all payments and have no refund rights under most policies. 4. **Changes in occupancy** * If you cancel your cabin, but your travel companion remains, the price for the remaining traveller may change (single supplement may be applied) and your cancellation may trigger a recalculation of fares or extra charges for the continuing guest. --- ### What happens if PONANT cancels the cruise or makes a major change If PONANT determines that it must cancel a cruise entirely (for example due to safety, operational, environmental or regulatory reasons) or cannot sail as scheduled, the policy provides for certain rights: * If the cruise is cancelled before departure by the cruise line, you are typically entitled to a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion (although you may still be responsible for non-refundable items like flights). * Alternatively, and in some instances, the cruise line may offer a **future cruise credit** instead of a cash refund. The credit typically has a validity period and conditions. * If the change occurs while the cruise is in progress and you choose to disembark early or cannot complete the cruise because of the cruise line’s decision, there may be a pro-rated refund or credit for the unused portion of the voyage. * However, if you choose to leave the cruise voluntarily (for your own reasons unrelated to the cruise line’s decision), you usually will not receive any refund. --- ### Example scenarios To help illustrate how this might work, here are typical scenarios (bear in mind your actual contract may differ): * You book a cruise and within 15 days you decide to cancel — you pay no cancellation fee and receive a full refund (or credit) for the cruise portion. * You cancel 200 days before departure — you might pay a fixed fee (say a few hundred US dollars) or a small percentage of the total cruise cost. * You cancel 120 days before departure — the fee might increase to 10 % or 25 % of the cruise cost. * You cancel 60 days before departure — the fee may be 100 % of the cruise fare (i.e., no refund). * The cruise line cancels your sailing 45 days before departure — you receive a full refund of what you paid for the cruise portion, or you may be offered a future-cruise credit in lieu. --- ### Important things to check and ask when you book Since details vary, you should check the following: * What is the **deposit amount** and when is final payment due? * What is the **free cancellation period**, if any, after booking? * What are the **cancellation deadlines** (how many days before departure) and what are the **fees or percentage charges** at each interval? * Are there **different terms** for “regular” cruises vs “expedition style” cruises (some bookings to remote regions often have stricter conditions)? * What happens if you book with special discounts or promotions — do those carry different cancellation terms? * What are the terms for **non-cruise services** (flights, hotels, transfers) — who’s responsible for those if you cancel? * Does the booking give you the option of **future cruise credit** rather than cash refund? What are the expiry and conditions of that credit? * What happens if you decide to change your travel date rather than cancel—are change fees lower than cancellation fees? * What if the cruise line cancels or changes the itinerary — what compensation or refund rights do you have? * What documentation or formal notice is required when you cancel (for example you may need to send an email to a specified address, and cancellation is only effective when you receive acknowledgement). --- ### Benefits of more flexible cancellation policies Cruise lines, including PONANT, have in recent times offered more flexible or “worry-free” booking options, especially when travel conditions are uncertain (for example during a global health event). These enhanced policies might include: * Lower or no cancellation fee up to a certain number of days before departure. * Ability to postpone your cruise to a later date with little or no penalty (apply the paid amount toward a new departure). * Assurance that if the cruise cannot operate at all, you will receive a full refund or a generous credit. * Clearer and more consumer-friendly terms to give travellers more confidence. If you are concerned about changing travel plans, it is worth opting for a booking that features these enhanced flexibilities, even if they come at a slightly higher fare — the peace of mind may be worth it. ### Key take-aways * Cancel early: The earlier you cancel after booking, the lower (or zero) your penalty. * Check the cut-off dates: The “no-refund” window (often less than 90 days or 30 days before departure) is where you risk losing the full fare paid. * Know what gets refunded: Usually the “cruise service” portion (stateroom, ship board services) is covered by the cruise line’s cancellation policy; external services like flights may not be. * If the cruise line cancels: You are generally protected by a refund or credit, but you still might incur costs of your own onward travel or flights. * Read your contract: All terms are in the “General Terms and Conditions of Sale” and your booking confirmation — these are binding.