Yes, you can cancel a Carnival cruise, but the cost depends on when you cancel and which fare type you booked

Carnival allows cancellations at any point before your sail date, but you will not get your full payment back unless you cancel within a specific window or booked a refundable fare. Standard fares lose money the closer you get to departure—Carnival calls this a cancellation fee. If you booked a refundable fare (Carnival's premium option), you can cancel anytime and receive a full refund to your original payment method, though you may lose any onboard credit you added separately.

The cancellation fee structure is fixed by Carnival and does not change based on demand or season. The further out you cancel, the smaller the penalty. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, you lose only your deposit (usually $50 to $100 per person, depending on the cruise length). If you cancel between 90 and 14 days out, you lose 50 percent of the cruise fare. If you cancel 14 days or fewer before departure, you lose 100 percent of the fare—meaning you get nothing back.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard fares are non-refundable once booked, but you can cancel and receive a credit toward a future cruise minus a cancellation fee.
  • Refundable fares cost more upfront but allow you to cancel anytime and receive your money back to your original payment method.
  • Cancellation fees are 100 percent of the fare if you cancel 14 days or fewer before departure, 50 percent if you cancel 15 to 90 days out, and only your deposit if you cancel more than 90 days ahead.
  • You must contact Carnival directly by phone or through your online account to request a cancellation—do not rely on email alone.
  • If you cancel due to a covered reason (such as a death in the family or medical emergency), Carnival may waive the cancellation fee if you provide documentation.

How cancellation fees work for standard fares

When you book a standard Carnival cruise, you are purchasing a non-refundable fare. That means Carnival keeps the money if you do not sail. However, Carnival does not straightforward take your cash—instead, they issue a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the amount you paid minus the cancellation fee. You can use this credit to book another Carnival cruise within one year of your original sail date.

The cancellation fee is a percentage of what you paid, and it depends on how far in advance you cancel. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, you lose only your deposit. If you cancel 15 to 90 days before departure, you lose 50 percent of the total fare. If you cancel 14 days or fewer before departure, you lose 100 percent—the entire amount goes to Carnival, and you receive no credit at all.

The deposit itself varies by cruise length. A three-day cruise typically requires a $50 per person deposit, while a seven-day cruise requires $100 per person. Longer cruises may require higher deposits. When you cancel more than 90 days out, you keep the difference between what you paid and that deposit amount as an FCC.

Refundable fares and how they differ

Carnival offers a refundable fare option at a higher price point. If you booked this fare, you can cancel anytime before departure and receive a full refund to your original payment method—no cancellation fee, no Future Cruise Credit, just your money back. The refund typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after Carnival processes your cancellation request.

The refundable fare costs more than a standard fare for the same cruise, usually by $100 to $300 per person depending on the itinerary and length. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your confidence in your plans. If you are booking far in advance or have uncertainty about your schedule, the refundable fare removes the financial risk of cancellation.

One important detail: if you added onboard credit (money to spend on the ship) separately from your fare, that onboard credit is not refundable even if you booked a refundable fare. Only the cruise fare itself is refunded.

How to request a cancellation

You must contact Carnival directly to cancel. The fastest method is to call Carnival's reservations line at 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482). Have your booking reference number ready—you can find it in your confirmation email or by logging into your Carnival account at carnival.com. The phone line is typically open 8 a.m. to midnight Eastern time, seven days a week, though wait times vary by season.

You can also cancel through your online account at carnival.com. Log in, find your reservation, and look for a "Manage My Booking" or "Cancel Reservation" option. The exact wording varies, but the option is usually visible on the reservation details page. Cancellations processed online are confirmed when ready, though you will receive a confirmation email within a few hours.

Email is not a reliable way to cancel. Carnival's email support is slower, and there is no may provide your cancellation request will be processed in time if you are close to the departure date. If you must use email, send it to the address listed on your confirmation and request a read receipt, but call to confirm the cancellation was received.

Cancellations due to medical or personal emergencies

Carnival has a waiver policy for certain circumstances beyond your control. If someone in your party dies, you have a medical emergency that prevents travel, or you experience another documented hardship, Carnival may waive the cancellation fee and issue a full Future Cruise Credit instead. This is not automatic—you must request it and provide documentation.

Documentation typically means a death certificate, a letter from a doctor, or a police report, depending on the reason. Call Carnival's reservations line and explain your situation. Ask to speak with a supervisor if the first representative is not helpful. Carnival does not publish a formal list of what qualifies, so the decision can vary, but they do consider requests seriously when evidence is provided.

Do not assume your reason will may have access to. The waiver is discretionary, and Carnival is more likely to grant it for deaths and serious medical events than for other reasons. If your request is denied, you can ask to escalate it, but the outcome is not may provide.

What happens to your onboard credit and add-ons

If you purchased onboard credit, beverage packages, specialty dining packages, or shore excursions as add-ons to your cruise, those are handled separately from the cruise fare itself. Onboard credit is generally non-refundable and non-transferable, even if you booked a refundable fare. If you cancel the cruise, you lose the onboard credit.

Beverage packages, specialty dining, and excursions purchased through Carnival can sometimes be cancelled for a refund, but the terms vary. Some packages have their own cancellation windows—for example, an excursion might be refundable if you cancel 48 hours before the tour. When you cancel your cruise, ask Carnival specifically about each add-on you purchased. They will not automatically refund these items, so you have to request it and confirm the terms.

Travel insurance, if you purchased it, may cover some of these losses depending on your policy. Check your insurance documents or contact your insurance provider before cancelling to understand what is covered.

Using your Future Cruise Credit

If you cancel a standard fare and receive a Future Cruise Credit, you have one year from your original sail date to use it. The credit is non-transferable—only the person whose name is on the original booking can use it. You cannot sell it, give it to someone else, or convert it to cash.

To book a new cruise with your FCC, call Carnival or book online and select the FCC as your payment method at checkout. The credit will be applied to your new reservation. If your new cruise costs less than your FCC amount, Carnival does not refund the difference—it straightforward disappears when the year expires. If your new cruise costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket.

The FCC is valid for any Carnival cruise, any ship, any itinerary, and any sail date within the one-year window. There are no blackout dates or restrictions on which sailings you can book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel a standard fare?

No, standard fares are non-refundable. You receive a Future Cruise Credit for the amount you paid minus the cancellation fee, which you can use to book another Carnival cruise within one year. If you need cash back, you must have booked a refundable fare.

What if I cancel and then want to rebook the same cruise?

You can rebook the same sailing using your Future Cruise Credit, but availability and pricing may have changed. Prices fluctuate, so the same cabin category might cost more or less than your original booking. If it costs more, you pay the difference; if it costs less, you lose the savings.

Do I lose my deposit if I cancel more than 90 days before departure?

Yes. The deposit (typically $50 to $100 per person) is non-refundable. When you cancel more than 90 days out, you receive a Future Cruise Credit for everything you paid except the deposit. The deposit stays with Carnival.

Can someone else use my Future Cruise Credit if I cannot travel?

No, the FCC is non-transferable and can only be used by the person whose name is on the original booking. You cannot give it to a family member or friend, and you cannot sell it.

What happens if I do not use my Future Cruise Credit within one year?

The credit expires and you lose it. Carnival does not extend the one-year window or convert it to cash. Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you do not miss the important date.