Princess Cruises Changes Final Payment, Deposits and Cancellation Rules Starting in 2027

Princess Cruises is making several changes to its booking policies, including earlier final payment deadlines, higher deposits, and updated cancellation penalties.

The new policies will apply to bookings made on or after September 2, 2026, for cruises departing January 1, 2027 or later. That means a cruise sailing before January 1 will remain under the current rules even if it is booked after September 2. Existing bookings for 2027 and beyond made before September 2 will also keep their current terms.

One of the biggest changes is the final payment deadline. Princess currently requires final payment 90 days before departure for cruises of 13 days or less. Under the new policy, final payment will be due 120 days before sailing for all cruise lengths, including World Cruise and Circle Pacific segments.

That means guests booking shorter cruises will need to pay their balance about a month earlier. Princess says bookings will automatically be canceled if final payment is not received by the deadline, with no grace period or extensions.

Deposits are also increasing for cruises up to 44 days.

The new standard deposit amounts per guest will be:

• 5 days or less: $125, or $250 for suites
• 6 to 9 days: $300, or $600 for suites
• 10 to 44 days: $500, or $1,000 for suites
• 45 days or longer: 30% of the cruise fare

The 30% deposit required for cruises of 45 days or longer is not changing.

Princess is also adjusting its cancellation schedule to line up with the new 120-day final payment deadline.

For cruises from one to 44 days, the new cancellation penalties will be:

• 120 days or more before sailing: Deposit may still be forfeited depending on the booking terms
• 113 to 119 days: 25% of the cruise fare
• 91 to 112 days: 50%
• 61 to 90 days: 75%
• 60 days or less: 100%

For cruises of 13 days or less, the 100% cancellation penalty currently begins 30 days before departure. Under the new policy, that moves to 60 days before sailing.

The changes have already drawn some criticism from Princess cruisers, particularly over the earlier final payment deadline and revised cancellation schedule. Some guests have also questioned how the new policies could affect the flexibility they have when booking future cruises.

Princess made non-refundable deposits the standard for most new bookings in 2025, although refundable deposits may still be available for an additional cost or through certain promotions.

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