This article has not been updated since March 2020. For updated information, please check Carnival Cruise Line’s website.
Given the crisis currently facing the cruise industry, we have received a lot of emails asking how people can cancel or change their Carnival cruise.
Obviously, nobody wants to cancel their cruise. After all, it’s something we look forward to for weeks, months, sometimes even years
But in these difficult times, it’s a sad reality more and more of us are having to face.
But whatever the reason you might be considering canceling, we’ve got all the information you need to make doing so as painless as possible.
How And Why Things Have Changed In Recent Weeks

Usually, once you pass the final payment date, it’s impossible to cancel without losing a substantial chunk of money. Sometimes, a last-minute cancellation means having to forfeit the entire cost of your cruise.
READ MORE: Carnival Details Cancellation Policy
Due to the current situation, Carnival Cruise Line has made some major changes to their cancellation policy, all of which benefit the consumer. Currently, there are two different policies in place. One is for sailings that have been canceled by the cruise line because of the voluntary suspension of sailings. The other applies to sailings that take place further out.
Options For Dealing With Cruises Cancelled By Carnival
For sailings that were canceled by Carnival Cruise Line because of the temporary shutdown, the line has created a simple form guests can fill out. The form gives you information about your options, and serves as your way of communicating to Carnival how you’d like to proceed.
So what are those options?
- For cruises which were slated to last six days or longer, guests can receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit and $600 onboard credit per stateroom on cruises booked by December 31, 2020 for sailings by December 31, 2022. If they want to cancel entirely, they can opt to receive a 100% refund for the amount paid.
- For cruises which were slated to last five days or less, guests can ask for a 100% Future Cruise Credit and $300 onboard credit per stateroom on cruises booked by December 31, 2020 for sailings by December 31, 2022. They can also ask for a 100% refund for the amount paid.
To access the form and read more about these options, simply click here.
For Those Looking To Cancel Cruises Sailing Before May 31

Meanwhile, guests who are booked on ships set to sail before May 31 who want to cancel or reschedule will be able to do so easily. Guests will be able to receive a Future Cruise Credit for the full amount of their sailing as long as they make arrangements to do so by March 31. The Future Cruise Credit will include the normally non-refundable deposits which might be associated with the sailing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Carnival call centers are incredibly busy right now. It may take a while to get through or to have your emails responded to. But as Carnival president Christine Duffy says in the video below, your calls (and loyalty) are important to the company, and they appreciate your patience.