How To Change A Cruise Date On Lindblad Expeditions: What Lindblad Expeditions Guests Should Know for 2026
Plenty of Lindblad Expeditions guests ask about changing your sail date, so here's a clear rundown of how it actually works.
A date change made after final payment is generally processed under the same cancellation-fee schedule that governs a straight cancellation: Effective since May 2023, Lindblad's schedule gives you a full future travel credit (rather than cash) for cancellations 120+ days before departure. From 119-90 days, 50% of your trip cost converts to credit; inside 90 days, the trip cost is non-refundable. The credit is valid 12 months and can only be applied toward final payment on a future booking.
If changing your sail date affects an upcoming trip, call +1-800-406-8495 and we'll walk through it with you. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my cruise date on Lindblad Expeditions?
Contact the cruise line or your travel advisor with your booking confirmation number - date changes made before final payment are usually straightforward, while changes closer to departure may trigger standard cancellation fees. If you booked as part of a larger group, some of these terms can apply differently to the group organizer than to individual cabins. That's the short version, at least.
Is there a fee to change my sail date?
It depends on timing - many lines allow one free date change before final payment, but changes made after that point are typically treated as a cancellation and rebooking, with fees to match. If you booked as part of a larger group, some of these terms can apply differently to the group organizer than to individual cabins. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I move to an earlier sailing instead of a later one?
Yes, moving earlier or later both fall under the same date-change process, though pricing will reflect the new sailing's current rates. Because these details get updated periodically, checking the current version on the cruise line's own site before you rely on it is always the safer move. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Does my original deposit transfer to the new date?
If your deposit was refundable, yes - non-refundable promotional deposits usually don't transfer and would need to be repaid for the new date. This can shift a little depending on which travel agency or booking channel you used, so confirming with whoever holds your reservation is a good habit. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
What if the new date I want costs more?
You'd pay the difference between your original fare and the new sailing's current price, which can be higher or lower depending on demand. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Who can help me find a new Lindblad Expeditions sail date?
Our advisors can check availability and pricing for alternative dates - call +1-800-406-8495. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does changing my Lindblad Expeditions sail date count as a cancellation?
It depends on timing - date changes made well before your cancellation penalty window opens are often treated as a simple modification, while changes made closer to departure may be treated the same as a cancellation. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. That's the short version, at least.
Can I move to an earlier sail date instead of a later one?
Yes, moving to either an earlier or later date is generally possible under the same rebooking rules, subject to availability and any applicable fees. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Will my cabin category stay the same if I change dates?
Not guaranteed - availability resets with the new sail date, so your original cabin category and specific room aren't automatically held for the new date. This can shift a little depending on which travel agency or booking channel you used, so confirming with whoever holds your reservation is a good habit. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does travel insurance need to be updated if I change my sail date?
Yes, most travel insurance policies are tied to specific travel dates, so a date change typically requires updating or repurchasing coverage to match. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. Worth keeping in mind either way.