What Kind of Refund Am I Entitled to if I Cancel My Cruise Booking?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a cruise vacation, it’s important to know what kind of refund you’re entitled to if you decide to cancel your booking. There are several factors that can determine the amount of your refund, including the cruise line’s cancellation policy, the timing of your cancellation, and any insurance or protection plans you may have purchased.

Cruise Cancellation Policies

Each cruise line has its own cancellation policy that outlines how much money you can expect to receive back if you cancel your booking. These policies typically vary based on the length of the cruise and how far in advance you cancel.

Short Cruises

For cruises that are less than five days long, most cruise lines require at least 72 hours’ notice before departure in order to receive a refund. If you cancel within 72 hours of departure, you may forfeit your entire payment.

Longer Cruises

For cruises that are five days or longer, most cruise lines require at least two weeks’ notice before departure in order to receive a refund. If you cancel within two weeks of departure, you may forfeit a portion of your payment or be issued a future cruise credit instead.

Cancellation Timing

The timing of your cancellation can also affect how much money you’re entitled to receive back. If you cancel well in advance of your departure date, there’s a better chance that the cruise line will be able to resell your cabin and provide a full refund.

If you wait until closer to your departure date to cancel, it may be more difficult for the cruise line to resell your cabin. In this case, they may charge a cancellation fee or provide only a partial refund.

Insurance and Protection Plans

Many travelers opt to purchase travel insurance or protection plans when booking their cruises. These plans can provide additional coverage in case of cancellation, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.

If you have a travel insurance policy or protection plan, it’s important to review the terms and conditions carefully. Some plans may provide a full refund for cancellations, while others may only provide a partial refund or future cruise credit.

Conclusion

In summary, the amount of your refund for a cancelled cruise booking will depend on several factors. Be sure to review the cruise line’s cancellation policy and any insurance or protection plans you may have purchased in order to determine how much money you can expect to receive back. And remember, the earlier you cancel your booking, the better your chances of receiving a full refund.