What Is The Cancellation Fee For Princess Cruises: What Princess Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear up the cancellation fee schedule with what Princess Cruises actually publishes, not guesswork.
The fee schedule that answers this is: 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.
Want the cancellation fee schedule double-checked against your specific reservation? Reach an advisor at +1-800-406-8495. If travel insurance is involved, comparing its specific terms against the cruise line's policy helps clarify which one actually applies to your situation. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation fee for Princess?
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 travel insurance is involved, comparing its specific terms against the cruise line's policy helps clarify which one actually applies to your situation. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does the cancellation fee apply to taxes and port fees too?
Usually no - government taxes and port fees are typically refunded separately from the cruise fare, even when the fare itself becomes non-refundable. It's a good habit to reread the specific terms for your booking any time your travel plans start to look uncertain. That's the short version, at least.
Is the fee a flat amount or a percentage?
It depends on the line and how far out you cancel - many schedules start with a flat administrative fee well in advance, then shift to a percentage of the total fare closer to departure. If your plans are still uncertain, asking about a more flexible fare option upfront can save time compared to changing course later. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can travel insurance reimburse cancellation fees?
Yes, if you have a comprehensive travel protection plan and your reason for cancelling is a covered reason under that policy. 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 the cancellation fee differ by cabin category?
The percentage is usually the same across categories, though the actual dollar amount will be higher for pricier suites since it's calculated off your total fare. 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.
Who can calculate the exact fee for my Princess cancellation?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can look up your exact booking and timing. 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 the cancellation fee scale gradually or jump all at once?
Most cruise lines use a tiered schedule where the penalty percentage increases in stages as you get closer to the sail date, rather than jumping straight from 0% to 100%. This can also depend on how far out from departure the change was requested, since penalty schedules are usually tiered by days remaining. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Is the Princess cancellation fee based on the full fare or just the deposit?
It depends on timing - early cancellations often only forfeit the deposit, while cancellations closer to departure can result in losing a much larger percentage of the total fare paid. This can also depend on how far out from departure the change was requested, since penalty schedules are usually tiered by days remaining. That's the short version, at least.
Are cancellation fees the same across all cabin categories?
The percentage-based fee structure is generally consistent across cabin categories, though the actual dollar amount forfeited will naturally be higher for a more expensive suite than an interior cabin. It's a good habit to reread the specific terms for your booking any time your travel plans start to look uncertain. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Can travel insurance reimburse a cancellation fee?
Yes, for covered reasons like documented illness or a family emergency, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can reimburse cancellation penalties that the cruise line's own policy wouldn't waive. 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.

