How To Change A Cruise Date On Princess Cruises: What Princess Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
This is one of the questions our advisors hear most often about changing your sail date on Princess Cruises - here's what's actually true.
A date change made after final payment is generally processed under the same cancellation-fee schedule that governs a straight cancellation: Under Princess's current schedule, cancel 90+ days out and you avoid all fees beyond a non-refundable deposit if you have one. From there: 25% of the total charges apply from 89-75 days, 50% from 74-61 days, 75% from 60-31 days, and 100% inside 30 days. Longer voyages (14-24 nights) use a 120-day version of the same structure. Note that Princess has also announced a shift to a 120-day final payment window across most sailing lengths for newer bookings.
Rules on changing your sail date can shift by ship and season, so it's worth a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 before you finalize plans. 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. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my cruise date on Princess?
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. Since this can vary slightly by sailing date, it's worth a quick check against your specific departure before you make other plans around it. 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. 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. That's the short version, at least.
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. 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. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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. Since this can vary slightly by sailing date, it's worth a quick check against your specific departure before you make other plans around it. That's the short version, at least.
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. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Who can help me find a new Princess 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. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does changing my Princess 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. A travel advisor who already has your booking details on file can usually confirm this faster than searching the cruise line's general FAQ pages. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
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. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. 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. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. Good to know before you finalize anything.
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. It's worth double-checking this against your own confirmation email, since promotions occasionally add extra flexibility beyond the standard rule. That's the short version, at least.