Crown Princess Cancellation Policy

Planning a cruise aboard the Crown Princess is an exciting experience, with the ship offering world-class amenities, diverse dining, and unforgettable entertainment at sea. However, unexpected changes in travel plans can occur, making it essential for passengers to understand the Crown Princess cancellation policy before booking. This policy outlines the fees and refund schedules that apply if you cancel your reservation, depending on the timing of your cancellation and the length of your sailing. 

By reviewing these terms in advance, guests can make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and ensure smoother handling of any changes to their travel plans. Below is a detailed explanation of the official Crown Princess cancellation and refund guidelines.

Standard Policy for Guest Cancellations, Refunds & Final Payment

If you need to cancel your Crown Princess cruise, the applicable cancellation fees will follow the standard Princess Cruises policy. The fee depends on how far in advance you cancel and the duration of your cruise or cruisetour. The cancellation terms are outlined in your booking confirmation and passage contract.

Since cancellations reduce the opportunity for Princess Cruises to resell cabins, fees apply even if your space is resold. These charges are considered liquidated damages, reflecting a fair estimate of the losses incurred. Importantly, government taxes and fees are excluded from cancellation fees.

Refund Schedules & Final Payment Due Dates

The Crown Princess cancellation policy outlines specific timelines for final payments and refunds. These schedules vary based on the length of the sailing and when a cancellation occurs.

Sailings 1 to 24 Days (including World Cruise Segments)

• Final Payment Due: 90 days prior to departure

Days Before Departure	Items Assessed	Cancellation Fee
90 days or more	None	None
75–89 days	Cruise Charges	25% of Total Charges
61–74 days	All Items	50% of Total Charges
31–60 days	All Items	75% of Total Charges
Within 30 days	All Items	100% of Total Charges

Items include Cruise, Cruisetour, Cruise Plus Package, and pre-purchased gifts or services. Government Taxes and Fees are not subject to cancellation charges.

Note: For reduced deposit promotions, the cancellation fee will not exceed the deposit paid.

Sailings 25 Days or More (including Full World Cruise & World Cruise Segments)

• Final Payment Due: 120 days prior to departure

Days Before Departure	Items Assessed	Cancellation Fee
120 days or more	None	None
113–119 days	Cruise Charges	Deposit (30% for World Cruises)
61–112 days	All Items	50% of Total Charges
60 days or less	All Items	100% of Total Charges

Items include Cruise, Cruisetour, Cruise Plus Package, and pre-purchased services. Government Taxes and Fees remain exempt from cancellation fees.

Note: For reduced deposit promotions, the cancellation fee will not exceed the deposit paid.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotel Packages (All Cruise Lengths)

Guests who book additional hotel stays with their cruise are subject to a separate cancellation schedule, which depends on how far in advance the booking is canceled.

Days Before Departure	Cancellation Fee
57 days or more	No Fee
56–29 days	50% of Total Charges
28–15 days	75% of Total Charges
Within 15 days	100% of Total Charges

Holiday Departure refers to the earliest start date of the cruise, cruisetour, or hotel package.

Cancellation Policy Exceptions

Certain promotional fares come with stricter terms, including non-refundable deposits or cruise charges. These exceptions override standard refund rules and limit eligibility for refunds or credits.

1. Non-Refundable Promotions:

If you book a special promotion with a 100% non-refundable deposit, you will not be entitled to a refund, credit, or compensation for your deposit in the event of cancellation.

2. Non-Refundable Cruise Charges:

Some special promotions designate the entire cruise fare as non-refundable. In such cases, no refund or credit will be issued if you cancel your booking.

Shore Excursion Cancellation & Refund Policy

Guests who purchase shore excursions must cancel them before the scheduled closing time noted on the excursion ticket. After the closing time, cancellations will not be accepted, and no refunds will be issued.

• Excursions with Hotels, Flights, or Private Vehicles: Must be canceled 30 days prior to sailing. No refunds are granted after this period.
• Helicopter Excursions: Must be canceled by 12:00 p.m. on the day after embarkation.
• Standard Excursions: Cancellation must occur before the published onboard closing time.

If an excursion is canceled by Princess Cruises due to unforeseen circumstances, guests receive a full refund. In cases where an excursion is abandoned mid-way because of force majeure or logistical challenges, refunds are arranged to the extent possible based on the situation.

Pre-Paid Shore Excursion Cancellations

Guests who pre-pay for shore excursions can request a refund under the following conditions:

• Five Days or More Before Sailing:
  • The pre-paid amount will be applied toward any outstanding shore excursion balance for the same guest, OR
  • If no balance exists, a refund is issued to the original credit card used for payment.
• Within Five Days of Sailing or After Closing Time:
  • The refund is applied as a shipboard credit to the passenger’s onboard account, regardless of which guest made the pre-payment.
  • Refunds are processed as quickly as possible, though some delays may occur. Guests are advised to allow sufficient time for processing.

Transportation Considerations

Transportation used during excursions varies by region and availability:

• Air-conditioned coaches may not be available in some destinations.
• Local buses, cars, or taxis may be used where larger transport is not practical.
• Guests wishing to travel together should leave the ship at the same time to be placed in the same vehicle.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited on all sightseeing vehicles to ensure passenger comfort.

Withdrawal of Excursions

Excursion operators reserve the right to cancel excursions due to insufficient demand or make adjustments for the convenience, comfort, or safety of passengers. Guests are encouraged to remain flexible, as such changes are made in the best interest of travelers.

Ecology & Environment

Princess Cruises is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Through partnerships with local agents, the company promotes awareness of cultural and ecological concerns in every destination. Guests are asked to respect local customs and environmental guidelines to help preserve the beauty and integrity of the places visited.

Right to Refuse Booking and Passage

Princess Cruises retains the right to refuse booking or cancel a reservation for any lawful reason, regardless of the guest’s loyalty status or benefits under the Captain’s Circle program.

• If a guest is denied booking or passage in advance of sailing, a refund of the total cruise price will be provided.
• Captain’s Circle loyalty points carry no cash value and cannot be redeemed as compensation.
• The cruise line may, at its discretion, refuse embarkation, disembark a guest, confine a guest to their stateroom, or change accommodations if a passenger is deemed unfit to travel, poses a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, or if advised by the ship’s Captain or a physician.
• Guests may be asked to provide a doctor’s note confirming fitness to travel, but this does not override the carrier’s authority to deny boarding or disembark a passenger.
• In cases where a guest must remain onboard, in quarantine, or disembark early due to illness, disability, government actions, or other non-carrier-related reasons, the passenger is responsible for all associated expenses including food, transportation, medical costs, and repatriation.

Importantly, if a guest is denied passage due to prior notification of ineligibility or becomes unfit to continue the voyage, Princess Cruises is not liable for any refund, compensation, or credit beyond what is specifically outlined.

Why These Rules Matter

These policies are designed to safeguard guest health, maintain onboard order, and ensure compliance with international maritime regulations. By adhering to eligibility guidelines and cancellation terms, passengers protect themselves from unexpected costs while also supporting a safe and enjoyable cruise experience for all.

Right to Deviate, Substitute, or Cancel

Crown Princess reserves the right to modify or cancel scheduled itineraries at any time, without prior notice. This may include changes to ports of call, routes, embarkation or disembarkation points, or onboard and onshore activities. Such decisions are made for a variety of reasons, including compliance with government regulations, safety, weather, health considerations, or operational needs. Guests are advised not to make fixed arrangements based solely on the original itinerary, as schedules may change without liability to the cruise line.

In cases of mechanical failure, guests are entitled to a full refund if the cruise is canceled before departure. If the cruise is cut short, guests may receive a proportionate refund, alternative transportation to the scheduled port, and lodging if necessary. For cancellations caused by circumstances beyond the cruise line’s control—such as weather disruptions, public health emergencies, labor disputes, or government restrictions—refunds and compensation are not guaranteed except where legally required.

When cancellations or changes occur for reasons within the cruise line’s control, liability is limited. Depending on the situation, guests may receive a refund of the total fare, alternate transportation, cruise credit, or reimbursement for canceled activities. However, Crown Princess is not responsible for consequential losses, including missed connections, hotel stays, or personal expenses.

Conclusion 

The Crown Princess cancellation policy is designed to balance guest flexibility with the operational needs of the cruise line. From standard cancellations and refund schedules to exceptions for promotional fares and shore excursion rules, the policy provides clear guidance on what guests can expect in different scenarios. While unforeseen changes such as itinerary deviations or cruise cancellations may occur, Princess Cruises outlines limited but fair remedies, particularly in cases of mechanical failure or circumstances within the company’s control. 

Passengers are strongly encouraged to secure comprehensive travel protection and work closely with their travel advisors to safeguard their bookings. By understanding the policy in advance, travelers can make well-informed decisions and enjoy greater peace of mind when planning their Crown Princess voyage.

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