Coronavirus Cancellation Policies by Cruise Line

Several cruise lines have made temporary changes to their cancellation policies due to passenger concerns regarding coronavirus.

We’ve compiled the latest information on each cruise line’s policies here, and will continue to update this post as becomes necessary in the days and weeks ahead.

In each of the sections below, you’ll find a very basic outline of the changes. Where applicable, you’ll also find a link to follow to an article with more in-depth information.

It’s important to note that while we’re referring to cancellation policies, the more correct term might be “postponement policies.”

The cruise lines are being incredibly flexible when it comes to allowing guests to switch to a later sailing, but there’s almost no reference from any of the lines to flat-out cancellations.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Cancellation Policy

Carnival’s cancellation policy changes specifically relate to those slated to sail between now and May 31.

Carnival is giving guests the opportunity to cancel their cruise for a full Future Cruise Credit (including non-refundable cancellation fees) or remain on the sailing and get between $50 and $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, depending on the length of the sailing. The amount of credit provided breaks down as follows:

• $100 per cabin for 3- and 4-day cruises
• $150 per cabin for 5-day cruises
• $200 per cabin for any sailing 6 days and longer

For full details, click here.

Disney Cruise Line Cancellation Policy

Guests of Disney Cruise Line who are slated to sail between now and May 31, 2020, are being given the opportunity to change their reservation and receive a 100 percent cruise credit for a future sailing. The future sailing must be within 12 months of the original sail date.

This change can be made up until the day before embarkation. Guests wanting more information can call 1-866-325-2112.

Holland America Line Cancellation Policy

For guests currently booked on upcoming cruises, Holland America Line is temporarily changing its cancellation policy and allowing guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through May 31, 2020. Any cancellation will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the amount of the paid fare which can be used for another cruise in 2020 or 2021. The FCC must be booked by Dec. 31, 2020.

MSC Cruises

With MSC’s new Cruise Assurance program, guests sailing on or before July 31, 2020, guests have the option to cancel their existing reservation up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit for the amount paid. The Future Cruise Credit can be applied to any future cruise of their choice departing on or before December 31, 2021.

More information on MSC’s Cruise Assurance program can be found here.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy

According to their new, temporary policy, guests on all new and existing individual and group bookings embarking between March 10 and September 30, 2020 can cancel up to 48 hours prior to the start of their vacation. Cancelled reservations that occur within that time frame will receive a 100 percent future cruise credit that can be used on any NCL sailing on or before December 31, 2022.

The future cruise credit will include any components of the reservation that have been paid, including (but not limited to) shore excursions, beverage and dining packages (including the associated gratuities), service charges and air or transfers purchased through Norwegian.

Oceania Cruises Cancellation Policy

Like other lines, Oceania Cruises is altering its cancellation policies in such a way that guests may cancel up to 48 hours before departure. If they opt to do so, they will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100 percent of the fare they paid.

While the temporary policies put in place by most lines are only valid through the end of May (at which point it is assumed they will assess the coronavirus situation), Oceania’s offer is valid for all sailings through September 30, 2020. Future Cruise Credits will be valid on ships departing no later than December 31, 2022.

For more information, click here.

Princess Cruises Cancellation Policy

Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line each operate under the same corporate umbrella, so it’s not surprising that their updated cancellation policies are essentially the same.

Princess is giving guests the opportunity to switch to a different sailing via a Future Cruise Credit without paying a fee. The Future Cruise Credit will include any non-refundable fees. And like Carnival, Princess will offer guests who decide to keep their current reservation onboard credit as a reward for doing so. The amount of credit depends on the length of the cruise, and breaks down like this:

• $100 per cabin for 3- and 4-day cruises
• $150 per cabin for 5-day cruises
• $200 per cabin for any sailing 6 days and longer

Meanwhile, Princess has also changed their final payment date from 90 days before you set sail to 60 days.

For full details on the changes to Princess Cruises’ policies, click here.

Royal Caribbean, Azamara and Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy

To allow what they’re calling greater flexibility, the various lines under the Royal Caribbean Limited umbrella — including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises — have made the following changes to their cancellation policies.

Guests sailing before July 31, 2020, will have the option to cancel their reservation up to 48 hours before departure. The new policy states that, “Should a guest cancel after their final payment deadline, a Future Cruise Credit will be administered in the full amount of [their] applicable cancellation fees.”

The Future Cruise Credits can be used on any sailing departing on or before December 31, 2021.

For more information on Royal Caribbean’s policy changes, click here.

Viking Ocean Cruises

All guests who make reservations through April 30, 2020, can change their cruise date or cancel their cruise at any time up until 24 hours before their planned departure, without incurring cancellation fees.

In either case, you will be issued a voucher for future travel valid for 24 months, which can be used on a new reservation for any river, ocean or expedition cruise.

We will update additional cruise lines as we receive confirmation.