Key Aspects:
- Princess Cruises is requiring earlier final payments and larger deposits for bookings made from September 2, 2026 and beyond.
- These changes apply only to new bookings that set sail from January 1, 2027 and later.
- The cruise line’s cancellation fee schedule has also been adjusted to better align with the new final payment date deadlines.
It can be hard planning a vacation months or even years in advance, and life can get in the way of any planned sailing. When that happens, booked guests rely on a cruise line’s final payment dates and cancellation policies to ensure they can recoup their deposit or have only a minimal change fee as they adjust their plans.
Princess Cruises has now adjusted its final payment policy and requires reservations to be fully paid 120 days before setting sail for all cruises regardless of sailing length. Previously, the final payment for shorter sailings was due just 90 days before sailing.
While as of press time Princess Cruises’ official website had not yet been updated with the new deadlines and fee schedules, communications about the changes have been sent to travel agents so they can assist their clients with updates and payments on the proper schedule.
The change in final payment due date will apply for all new bookings made on or after Wednesday, September 2, 2026 for voyages that set sail January 1, 2027 or later. Guest deposit rates have also been increased, and the cancellation fees have been adjusted to better align with the new final payment schedule.
This will make it more challenging for guests who prefer to book last-minute sailings or those who may make reservations but need a bit of extra time to verify their travel plans before paying in full.
“There are no grace periods or extensions for receipt of final payment on a booking. All final payments are due by the final payment date, or the booking will automatically be cancelled” Princess Cruises said in the communication sent to travel agents.
Princess Cruises also says it sends email reminders 14 days before final payment is due and again 7 days before it is due, in an effort to help guests avoid losing their vacation due to missed payment deadlines.
Deposits Also Increased
At the same time, Princess Cruises has also increased the amount required for the individual deposits for the first and second guests booked in each stateroom.
Previously, deposits on inside, oceanview, balcony, and mini-suite staterooms were $100 for the first and second guests for sailings of five days or less, and increased to $250 for sailings of 6-9 days; $400 for sailings of 10-44 days, and 30% of the fare for longer voyages and World Cruises.
Suite deposit rates were significantly higher, starting at $200 for the first and second guests on cruises of 5 days or less, and going up to $500 (6-9 days), and $800 (10-44 days). As with other stateroom types, a 30% deposit has been required for sailings of 45 days and longer, including World Cruises.
Now, deposit rates for all stateroom types have been increased. For inside, oceanview, balcony, and mini-suites, the deposits are $125 (5 days or fewer), $300 (6-9 days), and $500 (10-44 days).
Suite deposit rates are now $250 (5 days or fewer), $600 (6-9 days), and $1,000 (10-44 days). For all stateroom types, including suites, the deposit for cruises of 45 days or longer, including World Cruises, remains at 30% of the fare.
These increases in deposits may make sailing with Princess Cruises less manageable for some travelers, though the overall cruise fares are not impacted.
Cancellation Fees Simplified
Finally, Princess Cruises has adjusted the fees if guests must cancel their bookings. Previously, there were different tiers of cancellation fees based on voyage length and when the cruise was cancelled relative to the sailing date. This gave travelers some flexibility if their plans changed, but that flexibility is now tightened.
Now all cruises from 1-44 days long are subject to the same cancellation fee schedule. If guests cancel before final payment, there are no additional fees other than forfeiting the initial (now higher) non-refundable deposit.
If a sailing is cancelled from 113-119 days before sailing, a fee of 25% of the fare applies. For cancellations 91-112 days out, the cancellation fee is 50%, while the fee is 75% if the sailing is cancelled from 61-90 days out.
For guests who elect to cancel their Princess Cruises vacation 60 days (or closer) before sailing, the cancellation fee is 100%, and there will be no refund given for any of the cruise fare. Previously, for short sailings of 13 days or less, that final deadline was 30 days.
Longer sailings (45 days or longer, along with full World Cruises) also have a newly adjusted cancellation fee schedule. If the voyage is cancelled more than 320 days before sailing, only the non-refundable deposit is forfeited, the same as for shorter cruises.
If a longer cruise is cancelled between 113-319 days prior to sailing, the fee is 30% of the fare (previously 15%), whereas if it is cancelled from 61-112 days before sailing the fee is 50%. Should guests cancel less than 60 days before sailing, the full fare is forfeited, and no refund applies.
