Princess Cruises announced that starting September 2, 2026, new bookings for voyages departing January 1, 2027, and later will require passengers to pay their final balance 120 days before departure. This rule applies to all voyage lengths, including World Cruise and Circle Pacific segments, replacing the prior system where cruises between one and 13 days required payment 90 days before sailing and cruises 14 days or longer required payment 120 days in advance.
Updated Deposit and Payment Requirements
The cruise line also increased standard deposit amounts for reservations made after the September 2, 2026, effective date. For a seven-day sailing, deposits on interior, oceanview, balcony,
or mini-suite cabins rose from $250 to $300 per guest. Suite deposits jumped from $500 to $600 per guest, increasing the upfront financial commitment for passengers.
Changes to Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy will become stricter, with the full 100% cancellation fee now applying at 60 days or less before departure, expanded from the previous 30-day cutoff on some shorter voyages. Passengers canceling after this 60-day period will lose their entire cruise fare. Additionally, reservations will be canceled automatically if final payment is not received by the 120-day deadline.
Passenger Reactions and Criticism
Members of the Cruise Critic community responded negatively to the policy overhaul, calling the changes
a “quick cash” effort and expressing frustration over increased deposits and earlier payment deadlines. One user commented, “It really seems like Princess is trying to make everybody mad. Not a good way to retain customers.” Another passenger criticized the stricter cancellation window as unfavorable and noted ongoing dissatisfaction with recent policy changes.
Princess Cruises’ Justification for Policy Changes
Princess Cruises stated that the revised booking policies “bring greater consistency to the booking process and reflect broader industry practices.” The cruise line also explained the updates aim to better support guests, travel advisors, and stateroom inventory management, while ensuring fair access to cabins and itineraries.
Passenger Impact and Booking Considerations
Travelers booking
Princess Cruises from September 2, 2026, onward will face earlier final payment deadlines, higher initial deposits, and a shortened window to cancel without losing the full fare. The policy shift could increase the financial burden upfront and reduce flexibility, potentially influencing passenger booking decisions and loyalty. Reservations will be canceled automatically if the final payment is not received on time, adding pressure to meet payment dates.
