Planning a cruise is exciting, but life doesn’t always stick to the schedule we make months in advance. Work commitments, health concerns, family emergencies, or even financial issues can suddenly make your original cruise date inconvenient or impossible. If you’ve booked a holiday with P&O Cruises and now need to move your sailing to another date, you’re probably wondering: Is it possible, and how much will it cost me?
The short answer is yes in most cases, you can move your P&O Cruises cruise to a different date, but the rules depend on several factors. These include when you booked, how close you are to departure, the type of fare you chose, and whether your cruise was part of a special promotion.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about changing your cruise date: eligibility, fees, step-by-step instructions, special cases, and practical tips to avoid losing money.
P&O Cruises offers different fare types and booking conditions, and these determine how flexible your reservation is. Some fares allow changes with minimal fees, while others are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
When you book your cruise, your confirmation email or booking summary will show the fare type and the terms and conditions. These terms outline:
Whether you can change the date
How much notice you must give
Any fees or penalties involved
Whether the fare difference must be paid
In general, the earlier you make changes, the more flexible the process will be.
There are many valid reasons for rescheduling a cruise:
Illness or medical treatment can make travel unsafe or uncomfortable. Many passengers choose to move their cruise rather than cancel altogether.
Unexpected job requirements, exams, or training sessions can clash with cruise dates.
Weddings, funerals, or caregiving responsibilities may arise after booking.
Changes in personal finances may make the original travel date less affordable.
Visa delays, flight changes, or passport issues can also force a date change.
In many cases, changing your cruise date is treated as a cancellation and rebooking rather than a simple “date swap.” This means:
Your original booking is cancelled
A new booking is created for the new date
Cancellation charges may apply
The new cruise will be priced at the current fare
Some special offers allow one free change within a certain time frame, but this depends on the promotion active at the time of booking.
Timing is critical when changing your cruise date.
This is usually the easiest time to make changes. Fees are lower, and availability is better. You may only need to pay:
A small amendment fee
Any fare difference if the new cruise costs more
Changes are still possible, but cancellation penalties may apply. These penalties increase as the departure date gets closer.
At this stage, penalties are often significant. You might lose a large portion of your fare if you change dates.
Changes become very difficult and expensive. In many cases:
The full fare may be non-refundable
Date changes may not be allowed
You may have to cancel and forfeit most or all of the booking cost
Check your confirmation email or log into your booking account to see your fare rules and cancellation policy.
If you booked directly with P&O Cruises, contact their customer service team.If you booked through a travel agent, you must contact the agent instead.
Find out if your preferred new date and cruise itinerary are available. Some sailings fill up quickly, especially during school holidays and summer months.
Before agreeing to the change, ask for:
Cancellation or amendment fees
Price difference between the old and new cruise
Any loss of promotional benefits
If the new cruise costs more or there are change fees, you’ll need to pay them before the change is confirmed.
Once the change is processed, you will receive a new booking confirmation with updated dates and details.
When you move your cruise to a different date, your original cabin is not guaranteed on the new sailing.
You can usually request the same cabin category (inside, ocean view, balcony, or suite), but:
The exact cabin number may change
Upgrades or downgrades may affect the price
Items such as:
Drinks packages
Shore excursions
Spa appointments
Special dining reservations
may need to be rebooked and could be subject to new pricing or availability.
One of the biggest surprises for passengers is that the new cruise may cost more than the original booking.
Cruise prices fluctuate based on:
Demand
Season
Availability
Fuel costs
Promotions
If your new cruise is more expensive, you must pay the difference.If it is cheaper, you may not always receive a refund, depending on the fare conditions.
Also, any promotional benefits (like onboard credit or free upgrades) from your original booking may not transfer to the new date.
In cases of serious illness or emergencies, P&O Cruises may show flexibility. You may be asked to provide:
A doctor’s note
Hospital documentation
Proof of emergency
While this does not guarantee a free change, it can sometimes reduce penalties or allow credits for future travel.
Travel insurance plays a huge role in protecting your money when you need to change plans.
A good cruise travel insurance policy may cover:
Cancellation fees
Rebooking costs
Medical emergencies
Family emergencies
Work-related disruptions (in some policies)
If your reason for changing the date is covered by your insurance, you can claim back some or all of the fees you pay.
Without insurance, you are fully responsible for any penalties charged by the cruise line.
Yes, but this is treated the same as changing the date. It usually means:
Cancelling your original booking
Making a new booking for a different itinerary
Paying any cancellation fees and price differences
Changing the destination may also affect:
Visa requirements
Flight arrangements
Shore excursions
If you booked as part of:
A group booking
A corporate deal
A discounted promotional fare
the rules may be stricter. Group bookings often have separate contracts with specific change and cancellation policies. Always check with the group organizer or travel agent.
You don’t lose the chance to take your cruise holiday
You can choose a date that better suits your situation
You avoid full cancellation and disappointment
Fees and penalties may apply
New cruise may be more expensive
Promotional offers may be lost
Cabin availability may be limited
Act early – The sooner you request a change, the lower the penalties.
Be flexible with dates – Choosing off-peak dates can reduce fare differences.
Ask about special policies – Sometimes temporary flexible booking offers apply.
Check insurance coverage – You may be able to recover change fees.
Avoid peak seasons – School holidays and summer cruises are more expensive to rebook.
In most cases, you need to contact customer service or your travel agent rather than making changes fully online.
This depends on how close you are to departure and your fare rules. Early changes may allow your deposit to transfer, while late changes may forfeit it.
Name changes are often allowed but may involve additional fees and must follow identification rules.
Sometimes yes, especially if the new cruise is cheaper or if your cancellation penalty is low. Always compare both options.
To reduce the risk of having to reschedule in the future:
Choose flexible fare options
Avoid booking too far in advance if your schedule is uncertain
Take out comprehensive travel insurance
Double-check work and family calendars before booking
Yes, you can move your P&O Cruises cruise to a different date in most situations, but the process depends heavily on timing and fare conditions. Early changes are relatively simple and affordable, while late changes can be costly or impossible.
The key things to remember are:
Check your booking terms carefully
Contact customer service or your travel agent as soon as possible
Be prepared for possible fees and fare differences
Use travel insurance whenever applicable
Changing your cruise date doesn’t have to mean losing your holiday dream. With proper planning, clear communication, and quick action, you can reschedule your trip and still enjoy the experience you originally looked forward to—just on a new date that suits your life better.
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