To offer guests more flexibility and confidence with their cruise vacation plans, Norwegian Cruise Line recently adjusted its final payment deadlines to 60 days before sailing, rather than 120 days. This allows guests to modify their payments and be more cautious as they book upcoming cruises.
Payment Deadline Adjusted
Norwegian Cruise Line’s typical final payment deadline has previously required final payment for an upcoming cruise to be made no later than 120 days before sailing. According to the updated frequently asked questions on NCL.com, however, the policy has now been changed for the near future.
“We have favorably modified our final payment schedule for voyages embarking through and including April 30, 2022,” the FAQ reads. “Final Payment for voyages embarking through and including April 30, 2022 has changed from 120 days prior to sailing to 60 days prior to sailing. Final Payment and cancellation schedule for all voyages embarking May 1, 2022 forward will remain at our standard policy.”
The update actually came at the end of December 2021 and it comes as Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled upcoming sailings on 8 different vessels, including last-minute cancellations and delaying the restart of some ships.
Many cruise travelers book oceangoing getaways a year or more in advance in order to reserve their favorite ships, itineraries, and staterooms. The turbulent times created by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, have meant many more passengers are booking sailings with shorter lead times. This is especially true as new vessels restart sailings, cruise lines offer enticing deals, and future cruise credits from previously canceled voyages must be used before they expire.
The adjustment to the final payment deadline permits prospective Norwegian guests to make new vacation plans with confidence, knowing they have flexibility with making payments as their cruise approaches, in case the conditions of the voyage may change and they wish to change their plans.
This is in line with similar updates from other cruise lines, including cancellation deadline adjustments from Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Peace of Mind Policy
This payment deadline adjustment does not affect Norwegian Cruise Line’s Peace of Mind policy. This policy applies to new and existing bookings made by January 31, 2022, for any voyage with an embarkation date through and including May 31, 2022.
For those sailings, guests are free to cancel up to and including on January 31, 2022 and get a full refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC). That FCC must be used for a new sailing that embarks through December 31, 2022.
Cancellations After May 1, 2022
After the final payment deadline adjustment expires, Norwegian guests will be subject to the cruise line’s normal cancellation policy, and normal cancellation penalties will apply. This includes penalties ranging from 25-100% depending on the length of the sailing, the type of stateroom booked, and how far in advance of embarkation the cancellation is made.
These terms only apply if a booked guest cancels their cruise; Norwegian Cruise Line may provide different terms and compensation, including refunds, future cruise credits, and discounts or other incentives, if the cruise line suspends voyages.
