What Are The Change Fees For Princess Cruises: What Princess Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear up change fees with what Princess Cruises actually publishes, not guesswork.
Change fees for date, itinerary, or passenger swaps made after final payment map directly onto the standard cancellation-penalty schedule: 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.
If change fees affects an upcoming trip, call +1-800-406-8495 and we'll walk through it with you. If your plans are still uncertain, asking about a more flexible fare option upfront can save time compared to changing course later. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the change fees for Princess?
It depends on the type of change and timing - minor adjustments before final payment are often free, while date, itinerary, or passenger changes made after final payment typically trigger the standard cancellation fee schedule. If your plans are still uncertain, asking about a more flexible fare option upfront can save time compared to changing course later. That's the short version, at least.
Do all changes cost the same amount?
No - a simple correction (fixing a typo in a name) usually costs far less than substituting a different traveler or moving to a different sail date close to departure. If travel insurance is involved, comparing its specific terms against the cruise line's policy helps clarify which one actually applies to your situation. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Is there a way to avoid change fees entirely?
Making any needed changes well before your final payment date is the most reliable way to avoid fees, since most lines are far more flexible early in the booking process. Calling to confirm your exact fare's terms before making a final decision generally gives a clearer answer than a general FAQ page. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does travel insurance cover change fees?
Some comprehensive plans include limited coverage for change fees under specific covered reasons - check your policy's fine print, since this isn't universal. If travel insurance is involved, comparing its specific terms against the cruise line's policy helps clarify which one actually applies to your situation. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are change fees refundable if I end up cancelling anyway?
No, change fees are generally non-refundable once charged, separate from whatever refund you might get for the underlying cancellation. Documentation of the reason for a change, if applicable, is worth keeping in case it's needed for an insurance claim. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Who can tell me the exact change fee for my Princess situation?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can look up the specific fee for your booking and timing. If travel insurance is involved, comparing its specific terms against the cruise line's policy helps clarify which one actually applies to your situation. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Do change fees apply to every type of modification?
No, minor changes like updating contact information are usually free, while changes affecting price or availability (cabin, dates, guest count) are more likely to carry a fee, especially closer to departure. It helps to mark your specific cutoff dates on a calendar so you know exactly where you stand as your sail date approaches. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does Princess waive change fees for a certain fare type?
Some premium or flexible fare types are specifically designed to include free changes, while standard or promotional fares are more likely to carry a fee for modifications. Keeping a copy of any cancellation or refund confirmation is worth doing in case a discrepancy comes up with your payment method later. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Are change fees the same as cancellation penalties?
No, a change fee for modifying an existing booking is generally separate from and often smaller than a full cancellation penalty, which forfeits a percentage of the total fare. Documentation of the reason for a change, if applicable, is worth keeping in case it's needed for an insurance claim. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Can change fees be waived with travel insurance?
Not typically - travel insurance covers unexpected trip disruptions, not routine change fees you choose to incur for a voluntary modification. It helps to mark your specific cutoff dates on a calendar so you know exactly where you stand as your sail date approaches. Worth keeping in mind either way.