Here’s how to cancel or delay a cruise due to COVID-19

Are you scheduled for an upcoming cruise but anxious that COVID-19 might disrupt your plans?

While cruise ship conditions are typically safer than those on land, you may be curious about the possibility of canceling or postponing your trip due to COVID-19 worries. In some situations, you can indeed do so.

The good news for those eager to cancel their reservations is that many cruise lines have made this process simpler than you might expect — at least for now. Numerous companies have relaxed their cancellation policies (but be advised that this may not last forever).

In such scenarios, you’ll typically receive either a future cruise credit matching at least the amount you paid, a refund to your original payment method, or a mix of both. Future cruise credits, known as FCCs, can then be applied to book another trip with the same cruise line in the future.

Ultimately, the kind of refund you receive is determined by the specific policies of your cruise line, how close you are to your sailing date, whether you've completed your final payment, and if you actually have COVID-19.

With some lines currently offering flexibility — allowing cancellations as close as 48 hours before departure — it might be wise to hold off on canceling right now to see how things develop, especially if your trip is several months away. Always consult your cruise line or travel agent before making a decision.

Click on your cruise line's name below for more information.

Note: Typically, additional purchases — like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa services, and drink packages — will be refunded to the original payment method and won't count towards any future cruise credits.

Azamara

For bookings made by April 29, 2022, for sailings scheduled before December 31, 2022, Azamara allows passengers to cancel as close as 48 hours before departure. They will receive a full refund of their cruise fare as an FCC. This credit must be used by June 30, 2023, to either book a new sailing by that date or to apply towards an existing reservation.

Carnival Cruise Line

Recently, Carnival has updated its cancellation policy to be less accommodating. If you test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of your sailing or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you are entitled to an FCC equal to 100% of the fare paid. You must inform Carnival of your positive result or exposure within 24 hours of learning about it (proof is required). If you opt to cancel without a positive test, your refund will be processed according to the line's standard cancellation policies.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity passengers who made their bookings by March 31, 2022, for sailings through September 30, 2022, can cancel as late as 48 hours before departure and receive a full refund. If fully paid, this amount will be given as FCC. These credits must be used by May 31, 2022, to book a new cruise departing by December 31, 2022. For bookings not paid in full, any money already paid will be refunded to the original payment method. Reservations made after March 31, 2022, or for sailings after September 30, 2022, are subject to the line's standard cancellation policy.

Cunard Line

Cunard's policy is somewhat intricate, offering a percentage refund based on the time remaining until cancellation and the length of the voyage. Passengers booked on cruises of 30 nights or fewer, departing on or before April 30, 2022, will receive a full refund (excluding nonrefundable deposits) if they cancel 30 days or more in advance. A 75% refund is provided for cancellations made between 22 and 29 days prior, and 50% for those made between 15 and 21 days out. No refunds are available for cancellations made less than two weeks before sailing. For voyages departing on May 1, 2022, or later, the line's standard cancellation policies apply.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney allows guests who test positive for COVID-19, exhibit symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive within the past 14 days to request either a full refund to their original payment method or a credit for a future Disney Cruise Line voyage. These credits must be used to book a cruise departing on or before September 30, 2022.

For cruises scheduled through September 30, 2022, travelers can cancel at least 60 days before their sailing for a full reimbursement. Cancellations made less than 60 days in advance will follow the temporary, flexible schedule. Passengers who cancel without qualifying for one of the above reasons will be reimbursed according to the line's standard cancellation policy. Instead of canceling, those booked on sailings through May 31, 2022, can opt to change their sailing date at no charge if done at least 15 days before the embarkation date.

Holland America

For bookings made by September 30, 2022, for sailings departing on or before December 31, 2022, Holland America is offering full refunds for cancellations made for any reason at least 30 days before sailing. Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 can receive a full refund right up until embarkation day. Refunds will be processed to the original payment method, minus any nonrefundable deposits or cancellation fees, which will be issued as FCC for future bookings.

MSC Cruises

If you book a cruise with MSC Cruises by May 31, 2022, for voyages departing through March 31, 2023, you can modify your booking up to 48 hours before your sailing if you decide not to embark. You must rebook your cruise at the time of cancellation, choosing any sailing (on any ship, any date) that departs by March 31, 2023. This option does not apply to world cruises or segments of world cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its flexible cancellation policy until further notice, allowing passengers to cancel cruises scheduled during a declared public health emergency, even if they have not been ill with COVID-19 or in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Passengers who booked by April 30, 2022, for sailings through May 31, 2022, are also protected if local regulations prevent them from traveling or require quarantine. They can cancel and receive a full refund in the form of FCC, which must be used for a future sailing that departs by December 31, 2022. Additionally, passengers who test positive or have been exposed will also receive 100% FCC.

Princess Cruises

For bookings made by May 31, 2022, for sailings scheduled on or before September 30, 2022, Princess permits passengers to cancel at least 30 days prior to the sailing date as long as a public health emergency is in effect. They will receive a full refund of the cruise fare to the original payment method, minus any penalties or nonrefundable fees, which will be issued as FCC for use on a future voyage with the line.

Passengers can cancel closer to the sailing date if they or a member of their travel party tests positive for COVID-19. (Proof of a positive test result is necessary.)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travelers who enroll in Regent's Regent Reassurance program can cancel within 15 days of departure to receive a full refund in the form of FCC for use on another voyage.

However, sailings booked after April 30, 2021, are not eligible, meaning any reservations made in the latter half of 2021 or in 2022 will be subject to the line's standard refund policy. According to this policy, cruisers may lose between 15% and 100% of their payments, depending on when they cancel and the length of their cruise. Additionally, the line will keep a $100 penalty fee, which is refunded to guests as onboard credit for future bookings.

Royal Caribbean

Passengers who booked by March 31, 2022, for cruises departing on or before September 30, 2022, are protected by Royal Caribbean's Cruise With Confidence policy, which allows them to receive 100% of the cruise fare paid in the form of FCC if they choose to cancel for any reason. This FCC must be used on a sailing that departs within one year from when it is issued. Bookings made after March 31, 2022, fall under the line's standard cancellation policy.

The line has also made provisions for those who test positive for COVID-19, have a travel companion who tests positive, or have been in close contact within 14 days of sailing. Individuals in these situations are eligible for a refund or FCC. Requests for refunds must be submitted within six months of cancellation or the embarkation date (whichever comes first). If a request is not made in that timeframe, passengers will automatically receive credit for a future voyage.

Seabourn

Seabourn is offering greater flexibility for travelers hesitant about cruising at this time. For bookings made before May 31, 2022, for voyages departing before September 30, 2022, passengers can cancel up to 30 days before sailing and receive a full refund to their original payment method, minus any nonrefundable amounts, which will be converted to FCC. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been directly exposed within 30 days before your sailing, you are also eligible for the same refund.

For sailings outside these parameters, the line's standard cancellation policies will apply.

Silversea

For all Silversea cruises scheduled to depart through March 31, 2023, passengers can cancel and select either a full refund or credit for a future cruise booking with the line. This option also extends to those who test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive within 30 days of their embarkation date.

Viking

For bookings made by April 30, 2022, for cruises scheduled any time in 2022, Viking allows its ocean and river customers to cancel up to 14 days before sailing and receive a credit for a future cruise. There are no change fees, and passengers who cancel will have 24 months to use their credits for a new voyage. Additionally, unlike many other cruise lines, Viking's credits are transferable, enabling you to gift them to a friend or family member if you don't plan to use them.

Virgin Voyages

Anyone who books a Virgin Voyages cruise by May 31, 2022, for a sailing on or before October 15, 2022, can receive a full refund in the form of FCC when they cancel at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure. Passengers who cancel in this timeframe will receive a complete refund in FCC.

Windstar Cruises

Cruisers booked on Windstar voyages scheduled to depart by June 30, 2022, may cancel up to 48 hours before their embarkation date. Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method, minus any cancellation fees, which will be converted to FCC. These credits must be used for a new booking within 24 months of their issuance.