How to cancel a Princess Cruise
You can cancel a Princess cruise by calling Princess Cruises directly at 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by logging into your account on the Princess website and requesting cancellation through your booking. The cancellation takes effect when Princess receives and confirms your request, not when you make the call. You will need your booking reference number, which appears on your confirmation email.
The amount you receive back depends on how far away your sail date is and what type of fare you purchased. Princess applies a cancellation fee that increases as your departure date gets closer. If you cancel more than 75 days before departure, the fee is typically lower; if you cancel within 75 days, the fee increases. Some fares, like non-refundable rates, have stricter terms.
Your refund will be issued to the original payment method within 30 days of cancellation, though it may take longer depending on your bank or credit card company. If you paid by check or money order, Princess will mail the refund. If you used a travel agent to book, you must contact the agent to cancel rather than calling Princess directly.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-PRINCESS or use your online account to cancel; have your booking reference number ready.
- Cancellation fees depend on your sail date and fare type, with lower fees for cancellations more than 75 days out.
- Refunds go back to your original payment method within 30 days, though your bank may take additional time to process.
- If you booked through a travel agent, contact the agent to cancel instead of calling Princess directly.
- Non-refundable fares and some promotional rates may have different or stricter cancellation terms than standard fares.
Understanding Princess cancellation fees by timing
Princess Cruises charges different cancellation fees based on how many days remain before your sail date. The further in advance you cancel, the smaller the fee. If you cancel more than 75 days before departure, you typically lose only a small percentage of your fare—often $50 to $100 per person, depending on the cruise length and destination. This is the most favorable window for cancellation.
Between 75 and 15 days before departure, the cancellation fee jumps significantly. You may lose 50% or more of what you paid. Within 15 days of departure, most fares become non-refundable, meaning you forfeit the entire amount. However, some higher-tier fares and specialty packages may have different thresholds, so check your confirmation email or account for your specific terms.
The exact fee structure can vary based on the cruise length, destination, and the specific fare type you purchased. A 7-day Caribbean cruise may have different fee schedules than a 14-day Alaska cruise. Your confirmation email lists the cancellation terms for your booking, or you can ask Princess directly when you call to cancel.
What happens to onboard credits and deposits
If you paid a deposit to hold your cruise reservation, that deposit is subject to the same cancellation fees as the rest of your fare. The deposit does not protect you from losing money if you cancel within the fee window. Some promotions offer onboard credits instead of a discount—these credits are also forfeited if you cancel.
If Princess issued you an onboard credit as part of a promotion or a previous cancellation, that credit is tied to your booking. Once you cancel, the credit is no longer valid. You cannot transfer it to another person or use it on a future cruise unless Princess specifically allows it in writing.
Cancellation options if you cannot sail
If you cannot travel but want to preserve your money, ask Princess about converting your booking to a future cruise credit. This option is sometimes available even when a full refund would not be, and it may allow you to keep most or all of your payment as a credit toward a later sailing. The terms vary, so call Princess to see what options exist for your specific booking.
Some travel insurance policies cover cruise cancellations if you cancel for a covered reason—illness, injury, death in the family, or job loss, depending on the policy. If you purchased travel insurance when you booked, review your policy documents to see what situations are covered. You would need to file a claim with the insurance company, not with Princess, and the insurance company pays you directly.
If your cruise is cancelled by Princess due to weather, mechanical issues, or other operational reasons, you are may have access to to a full refund or the option to rebook on another cruise at no additional cost. This is different from a passenger-initiated cancellation and does not involve cancellation fees.
How to request a refund after cancellation
Once you cancel, Princess processes your refund automatically. You do not need to submit a separate request form. The refund is issued to the original payment method—the credit card, debit card, or bank account you used to pay for the cruise. If you paid by check or money order, Princess mails a check to the address on file.
Refunds typically appear within 30 days of cancellation, but this timeline can vary. Credit card companies and banks may take an additional 5 to 10 business days to post the refund to your account after Princess sends it. If 30 days have passed and you have not seen the refund, contact Princess with your booking reference number and ask for the refund status.
If you paid through a travel agent, the refund goes to the travel agent first, and the agent then refunds you. This process may take longer because it involves an extra step. Contact your travel agent to confirm they have received the refund from Princess and to ask when you can expect your money.
Cancelling a cruise booked through a travel agent
If you booked your cruise through a travel agent rather than directly with Princess, you must contact the travel agent to cancel, not Princess. The travel agent holds the booking on your behalf and manages the cancellation process. Calling Princess directly may cause confusion about who is authorized to cancel.
Your travel agent will submit the cancellation to Princess and handle the refund process. The agent may charge a cancellation fee of their own in addition to Princess's fee, depending on your agreement with the agency. Ask your agent upfront what fees explore before you request the cancellation.
Keep copies of all cancellation confirmations from both your travel agent and Princess. If there is a dispute about whether the cancellation was processed or when the refund should arrive, these confirmations protect you.
Special circumstances: group bookings and cabin changes
If you booked as part of a group, the group organizer typically handles cancellations for the entire group. Contact the person who organized the booking to request removal from the group. Group cancellation terms may differ from individual booking terms, and the organizer may have negotiated different fee schedules with Princess.
If you are cancelling only one cabin within a multi-cabin booking, contact Princess to split the reservation. One cabin will be cancelled and subject to cancellation fees; the other cabins remain active. This is more complex than a single-cabin cancellation, so ask Princess to walk you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Princess cruise and get my money back?
Yes, but the amount depends on when you cancel. If you cancel more than 75 days before departure, you lose a small fee and receive most of your money back. If you cancel closer to the sail date, the refund shrinks—within 15 days of departure, most fares are non-refundable. Check your confirmation email for your specific fare terms.
What if I cancel within 15 days of my cruise?
Cancellations within 15 days of departure are typically non-refundable under standard fares, meaning you forfeit the entire amount. Some premium fares may have different terms. Contact Princess when ready to confirm whether your specific booking qualifies for any refund or future cruise credit.
Can I change my cruise date instead of cancelling?
Yes. Princess allows you to move your booking to a different sailing date without paying a change fee if you do so before a certain important date (usually 75 days before departure). After that important date, a change fee may explore. Log into your account or call Princess to explore available dates and whether a fee applies to your move.
How long does it take to receive a refund after I cancel?
Princess processes refunds within 30 days of cancellation. The refund goes to your original payment method, but your bank or credit card company may take an additional 5 to 10 business days to post it. If you do not see the refund after 30 days, contact Princess with your booking reference number.
What if Princess cancels the cruise instead of me?
If Princess cancels the cruise, you receive a full refund or the option to rebook on another cruise at no extra cost. This is not a passenger-initiated cancellation, so cancellation fees do not explore. Princess will contact you directly if your cruise is cancelled.