Planning a cruise vacation is exciting, but sometimes unexpected situations can force you to rethink your plans. Whether it's work emergencies, health concerns, family obligations, or simply changing travel dates, many passengers want to know: “Is Princess Cruises currently allowing cancellations?”
The good news is—yes, Princess Cruises is allowing cancellations, but how much refund you get and what rules apply depend on when you cancel, what type of fare you booked, and whether you purchased travel protection.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Princess Cruises' cancellation policies in 2025, including refund rules, cancellation deadlines, refund types, penalty amounts, and insider tips to minimize loss.
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- Are Princess Cruises Currently Allowing Cancellations?
Yes. In 2025, Princess Cruises is fully allowing cancellations, but the cancellation penalties vary depending on:
- Time left before your sailing
- Your stateroom category
- Whether you purchased travel insurance
- Type of fare you chose
- Special promotions or non-refundable deposits
- Whether your cruise is part of a package (cruise + hotel + flights)
Princess Cruises’ cancellation system follows a timeline structure. The earlier you cancel, the lower your penalty—sometimes even zero penalty during early phases.
- Princess Cruises Standard Cancellation Policy (2025)
Princess Cruises follows a tier-based cancellation schedule. This means the closer you get to your sail date, the higher the cancellation charges will be.
Below is the typical cancellation structure:
119–57 Days Before Sailing
- Most bookings: Loss of deposit only
- You can rebook or change dates in many cases
- No additional penalties
56–29 Days Before Sailing
- 25% of total fare is charged
- Remaining amount refunded
28–15 Days Before Sailing
- 50% cancellation fee
- Only half of the fare refunded
14–8 Days Before Sailing
- 75% cancellation fee
- You get only 25% back
7 Days or Less Before Sailing
- 100% cancellation penalty
- No refund unless covered under travel insurance
These timelines may vary slightly based on itinerary, destination, or special promotional fares.
- Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Deposit Fares
Princess offers refundable and non-refundable deposit fare types.
Refundable Deposit Fare
- Full deposit can be refunded if you cancel within the early cancellation window
- Best for travelers unsure about dates
- Higher fare compared to non-refundable options
Non-Refundable Deposit Fare
- Deposit is forfeited immediately upon cancellation
- Cannot be recovered
- Usually offers cheaper upfront pricing
If you booked a non-refundable deposit fare, cancellations will cost you your deposit no matter when you cancel.
- Princess Cruises’ “Cruise with Confidence” — Is It Still Active?
Princess Cruise Line offered flexible cancellation during global travel disruptions. As of 2025:
- Standard cancellation policies have resumed
- Flexible cancellation programs are no longer active
- Princess currently follows the traditional penalty schedule
So travelers need to strictly follow the cancellation windows to avoid large penalties.
- Do You Get a Refund or Future Cruise Credit (FCC)?
When cancelling a Princess cruise in 2025, your refunds may come in the form of:
1. Full Refund
Applicable if:
- You cancel early enough
- You booked a refundable fare
- Your reason for cancellation falls within insurance coverage
2. Partial Refund
If your cancellation falls into a penalty window.
3. Future Cruise Credit (FCC)
Princess may offer FCC instead of refund if:
- You cancel late
- You bought a promo fare
- You request FCC to avoid losing money
FCC is typically valid for 1–2 years and can be used toward any Princess sailing.
- Can You Cancel a Princess Cruise for Health Reasons?
Yes — but the refund depends on whether you purchased Princess Vacation Protection or third-party travel insurance.
With Travel Protection:
- Medical emergencies
- Family medical issues
- Doctor-verified illness
- Hospitalization
- Injury
- Travel restrictions
- Certain unforeseen situations
May qualify for 75–100% refund or FCC.
Without Travel Protection:
- Standard cancellation penalties apply
- No special exemptions
Princess strongly recommends insurance, especially for older travelers, families with children, or international passengers.
- Cancellation Rules for Different Cabin Types
Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony Cabins
- Standard cancellation terms apply
- Deposits may be refundable depending on fare type
Mini-Suites and Suites
- Larger deposit amounts
- Higher cancellation penalties later in the timeline
- Suites may enter penalty earlier due to high demand
Specialty Cabins (Sanctuary, Club Class)
- Non-refundable deposit fares are common
- Promotional upgrades may also be non-refundable
- Can You Cancel a Princess Cruise If You Haven’t Paid in Full Yet?
Yes.
If you cancel before the final payment date, you generally lose only your deposit (or nothing if it’s a refundable deposit).
Once the final payment date passes, penalties increase significantly.
- How to Cancel Your Princess Cruise (Step-by-Step)
Princess allows cancellations through multiple channels:
Method 1: Cancel Through Your Princess Account (Online)
- Log in to your Princess Cruises online profile
- Select My Bookings
- Choose the sailing you want to cancel
- Click Cancel Reservation
- Review penalties
- Confirm cancellation
Method 2: Cancel Through Your Travel Agent
If you booked through an agent:
- They must cancel it for you
- Refunds or penalties will go through the agency
- FCC will also be transferred to you via the agent
Method 3: Call Princess Cruises Customer Service
Useful if:
- You need clarification on penalties
- You want FCC instead of refund
- You need travel insurance claim assistance
- Will Princess Allow You to Change Dates Instead of Cancelling?
Yes. In many cases, changing your cruise date is easier and cheaper than cancelling.
You can:
- Move to a later date
- Switch to a different itinerary
- Change ships
- Adjust cabin category
Depending on availability, Princess may:
- Charge a small rebooking fee
- Adjust the fare difference
- Allow free change if early enough
If you simply want to postpone your trip, this is often the best option.
- Can You Cancel Only Part of a Booking? (Add-Ons, Packages, etc.)
Princess sells many add-ons that have separate cancellation policies.
Excursions
- Most shore excursions can be cancelled up to 48 hours before arrival
- Some specialty tours have non-refundable rules
Drink Packages
- Can usually be cancelled before sailing
- Refundable
Wi-Fi Packages
- Fully refundable before cruise begins
Princess Plus / Premier Packages
- Refundable prior to sailing
- Non-refundable once the cruise begins
Flights Booked with Princess EZAir
- Many are refundable until ticketing
- After ticketing, airline rules apply
Hotel Packages
- Follow hotel cancellation policies
- Special Cancellation Rules for World Cruises & Extended Voyages
World cruises, often lasting 30–100+ days, have stricter rules:
- Larger deposits
- Longer penalty period
- Fewer refundable options
- Higher cancellation fees closer to departure
Passengers booking extended voyages should review the terms carefully.
- Cancellation Tips to Minimize Loss
Tip 1: Cancel Early
- Cancel before the final payment date
- Most losses can be avoided
Tip 2: Book Refundable Deposit Fares
- Saves your deposit if plans change
Tip 3: Always Buy Travel Insurance
Especially important for:
- Seniors
- Families
- International travelers
Tip 4: Consider Taking FCC Instead of Cash
If Princess offers FCC:
- You keep more of your money
- Avoid higher penalties
- Can book any future cruise
Tip 5: Work with a Travel Agent
Agents often help:
- Waive minor fees
- Negotiate small exceptions
- Process cancellations faster
- Is Princess Cruises Flexible with Emergency Cancellations?
Princess may review individual cases involving:
- Severe illness
- Death in family
- Major medical emergencies
- Travel restrictions
- Natural disasters
With supporting documents, you may receive FCC or partial refund.
However, this is not guaranteed without insurance.
- What Happens After You Cancel? (Refund Timeline)
After cancelling:
Refund Timeframe
- 7–10 business days for credit card refunds
- 2–4 weeks for FCC processing
- Travel agent bookings may take longer
Refund Method
- Refunds go back to the original payment method
- FCC goes into your Princess account
- Final Answer: Is Princess Cruises Currently Allowing Cancellations?
Yes — Princess Cruises does allow cancellations in 2025. But the amount you get back depends entirely on how early you cancel, what type of fare you booked, and whether you have travel insurance.
To summarize:
- Early cancellation = minimal penalty
- After final payment = moderate penalty
- Within 14 days = significant penalty
- 7 days or less = no refund unless insured
If you’re planning to cancel or reschedule your trip, understanding these rules can save you hundreds of dollars.
- Final Thoughts
A cancelled cruise can be disappointing, but Princess Cruises’ current policies provide multiple ways to minimize your losses—especially if you act early, choose refundable fares, or purchase travel protection.
The key is to:
- Know your deadlines
- Understand your fare type
- Make decisions early
- Consider FCC options
- Use travel insurance whenever possible
If you need help, Princess representatives and travel agents can guide you through the best cancellation or rebooking options available.
