Where to cancel your Carnival cruise reservation
You can cancel your Carnival cruise reservation online through the Carnival Cruise Line website using your booking reference number and last name. Log in to your account at carnival.com, go to "Manage My Booking," and select the reservation you want to cancel. The cancellation option appears in the booking details — you do not need to call or visit a travel agent unless you booked through a third party.
If you booked your cruise through a travel agent rather than directly with Carnival, you must contact that agent to cancel. Carnival will not process the cancellation if you go directly to their website. Check your confirmation email to see who issued your booking — it will show either Carnival Cruise Line or the travel agency name.
For reservations booked through Carnival's website or phone line, the online cancellation process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours that includes your cancellation reference number and details about any refund or future cruise credit you are owed.
Key Takeaways
- Log in to carnival.com with your booking reference and last name, then select "Manage My Booking" to cancel directly online.
- If you booked through a travel agent, contact that agent — Carnival will not process cancellations for third-party bookings.
- Your refund or future cruise credit depends on when you cancel relative to your sail date and your fare type.
- Keep your cancellation reference number for your records, as it appears in the confirmation email Carnival sends within hours.
- If you cannot access your account online, call Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482) to cancel by phone.
What happens to your money when you cancel
Carnival's refund policy depends on how far in advance you cancel before your sail date. Cancellations made more than 75 days before departure typically receive a full refund to your original payment method. Cancellations made 75 to 8 days before departure usually result in a future cruise credit equal to what you paid, which you can use toward any Carnival sailing within one year. Cancellations made 7 days or fewer before departure may result in no refund or credit.
These timelines vary based on your fare type — some promotional fares have stricter cancellation windows, while others offer more flexibility. Your booking confirmation email lists your specific cancellation terms. If you are unsure whether your fare is refundable or convertible to a future cruise credit, check that email or log into your account to see the terms before you cancel.
Carnival processes refunds to the original payment method within 7 to 14 business days after your cancellation is confirmed. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid by check or bank transfer, Carnival mails the refund to the address on file.
Step-by-step cancellation through your online account
Start by going to carnival.com and clicking "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter your email address and password. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
Once logged in, look for "Manage My Booking" or "My Reservations" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your device. Click it and select the cruise reservation you want to cancel from the list. The booking details page will show your sail date, ship name, cabin number, and total cost.
Scroll down to find the "Cancel Reservation" button or link. Click it and read the cancellation terms that appear — this confirms your refund or credit amount based on your cancellation date. Select the checkbox confirming you understand the terms, then click "Confirm Cancellation." Carnival will ask you to confirm once more before processing.
After you click the final confirmation, the page will display your cancellation reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Carnival sends a cancellation confirmation email to the address on your account within a few hours — check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox within 24 hours.
Cancelling a reservation booked through a travel agent
If a travel agent booked your cruise, contact them directly to request the cancellation. Do not attempt to cancel through carnival.com, because Carnival's system will not recognize the booking as yours. Your travel agent has access to the reservation and can process the cancellation on your behalf.
When you contact your agent, have your booking reference number ready — it appears on your confirmation email. Ask the agent to confirm the cancellation terms for your specific fare before they process it. Some travel agents charge a cancellation fee, though many do not; this varies by agency and your fare type.
Your travel agent will provide you with a cancellation confirmation and reference number. Request that they send this in writing via email so you have a record. The refund or future cruise credit timeline remains the same as direct bookings — 7 to 14 business days for refunds, or when ready credit toward a future cruise if that is your fare type.
What to do if you cannot access your online account
If you forget your password or cannot log in to carnival.com, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page. Carnival sends a reset link to the email address associated with your account. Check your spam and promotions folders if the email does not arrive in your inbox within 10 minutes.
If you do not receive a password reset email or do not remember the email address you used to book, call Carnival Guest Services at 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482). Have your booking reference number and last name ready. A representative can verify your identity and cancel your reservation over the phone. Phone cancellations take about 15 to 20 minutes and result in the same confirmation email you would receive from an online cancellation.
Carnival's phone lines are open seven days a week, typically from 8 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time, though hours vary by season. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late evening. You can also request a callback through the Carnival website instead of waiting on hold.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Do not cancel through a third-party travel website or booking platform, even if you booked there originally. These sites do not process cancellations directly — you must go through Carnival's website or contact your travel agent. Attempting to cancel elsewhere can delay the process and create confusion about your refund status.
Do not assume your cancellation is complete until you receive the confirmation email with your cancellation reference number. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, log back into your account to verify the reservation is gone. If it still appears, contact Carnival to confirm the cancellation went through.
Do not ignore the cancellation terms before you click confirm. The refund or credit amount depends on your sail date and fare type, and cancelling within the final week before departure may result in no refund. Read the terms on screen before you proceed, so you understand what you will receive.
Do not cancel and then when ready rebook the same cruise expecting a discount. Carnival does not may provide the same price will be available, and you may pay more to rebook. If you are considering changing your travel dates, contact Carnival first to see if you can modify your reservation instead of cancelling and rebooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Carnival cruise less than a week before I sail?
Yes, you can cancel at any time, but cancellations within seven days of your sail date typically result in no refund or future cruise credit under standard Carnival fares. Some premium or flexible fares may offer different terms — check your booking confirmation to see your specific cancellation policy. Contact Carnival directly if you want to discuss your options before you cancel.
What if I want to change my sail date instead of cancelling completely?
Log into your account and look for a "Modify Reservation" or "Change Dates" option instead of cancelling. This lets you move your booking to a different sailing without cancelling and rebooking separately. If you cannot find this option online, call Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL to ask about modifying your reservation.
Do I get a refund if I cancel a non-refundable fare?
Non-refundable fares typically convert to a future cruise credit equal to what you paid, rather than a cash refund. The credit is usually valid for one year from your original sail date. Check your booking confirmation email to confirm your fare type and what you will receive if you cancel.
How long does it take to receive my refund after I cancel?
Refunds to the original payment method take 7 to 14 business days after Carnival processes your cancellation. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid by check or bank transfer, Carnival mails it to your address on file. Future cruise credits appear in your account when ready.
Can I cancel someone else's Carnival cruise reservation?
No. Carnival requires the person whose name is on the reservation to cancel it or authorize the cancellation in writing. If you are cancelling on behalf of someone else, contact Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL with a signed letter of authorization from the reservation holder, along with their booking reference number.