From 14 days prior to sailing to the day of your cruise, the penalty is 100%* of the total fare. No refunds will be made if you do not show up for your cruise or if you interrupt or cancel your vacation once it has begun.

Yes, canceling a cruise almost always incurs a cost, which increases as you get closer to the departure date. In 2026, most cruise lines follow a tiered Cancellation Fee Schedule. If you cancel before the "Final Payment Date" (usually 75–120 days before sailing), you might only lose your initial deposit. However, once you pass that window, the penalty typically jumps to 25% of the total fare, then 50% at the 30-day mark, and 100% (no refund) if you cancel within 14 days of sailing. Some "Non-Refundable Deposit" fares offer lower upfront prices but mean you lose your entire deposit even if you cancel a year in advance. To mitigate this risk, travelers often purchase Travel Insurance or "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) waivers offered by the cruise line. These don't usually give you cash back, but rather "Future Cruise Credits." A high-value "pro-tip" for 2026 is to check if your credit card offers built-in trip cancellation insurance, which can often save you thousands of dollars if you have to cancel for a covered medical or family emergency.