Understanding the Cancellation Policy
● Celebrity Cruises provides flexibility for travelers but follows strict timelines.
● The Celebrity Cruises Cancellation policy is based on how far in advance the cancellation is made before the sailing date.
● Guests who cancel closer to departure face higher penalties or loss of fare.
● Refund eligibility also depends on the fare type (refundable vs non-refundable) and special promotions.
● Having a clear idea of the rules helps in making informed travel decisions and avoiding financial setbacks.
Standard Cancellation Timeline (For 5+ Night Cruises)
● 90 days or more before departure → Full refund of cruise fare (minus non-refundable deposit, if applicable).
● 89–75 days before departure → 75% of the fare refunded, 25% penalty charged.
● 74–61 days before departure → 50% of the fare refunded, 50% penalty charged.
● 60–31 days before departure → 25% refund, 75% penalty.
● 30 days or less before departure → No refund available.
● The closer the cancellation is to the sailing date, the higher the financial loss.
● This policy encourages early decision-making and protects the cruise line from last-minute cancellations.
Refund Information & Rules
● Refund Method: Returned to the original form of payment (credit card, bank, or travel agent account).
● Non-Refundable Deposits (NRD): Retained by Celebrity Cruises, but usually given back as a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
● Government Fees & Taxes: Typically refundable even if cruise fare is non-refundable.
● Onboard Packages & Add-ons (shore excursions, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, etc.): May be refundable if canceled before sailing.
● Refund Processing Time: Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on the payment method and bank.
● Travelers should review all receipts carefully to ensure refund accuracy.
Special Considerations & Exceptions
● Non-Refundable Fares: Lower price tickets often come with stricter terms—no cash refunds, only FCC.
● Air + Cruise Packages: Airline penalties apply separately and may not be covered under cruise refund rules.
● Promotional Deals: “Buy One, Get One” or heavily discounted fares often include reduced flexibility.
● Group Bookings: Group contracts may override standard cancellation rules with different deadlines.
● COVID-19 / Medical Exceptions: In some cases, FCC or partial refunds may be given for emergencies with documentation.
Tips & Recommendations for Travelers
● Read Fare Rules Before Booking: Refundable fares offer peace of mind, while nonrefundable fares are cheaper but riskier.
● Buy Travel Insurance: Celebrity CruiseCare® or third-party travel insurance can protect against last-minute cancellations.
● Plan Ahead: If you suspect a conflict, cancel early to maximize refund value.
● Track Deadlines: Mark the cancellation deadlines on your calendar to avoid penalties.
● Contact Celebrity or Your Travel Agent: They can explain your specific fare’s rules and help process cancellations faster.
● Save Documentation: Always keep booking confirmations, receipts, and cancellation emails for refund tracking.