Booking a cruise is exciting. From choosing your itinerary to imagining sunsets at sea and leisurely days onboard, it’s easy to get swept up in the anticipation. But life happens, plans change, and sometimes travelers need to cancel or amend their cruise booking. That’s where understanding cancellation fees becomes crucial.
If you’re planning to sail with P&O Cruises or have already made a booking, you may be wondering: What is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises? The answer depends on several factors, including when you cancel, the type of fare you booked, and whether you purchased travel insurance.
This in-depth guide breaks down P&O Cruises’ cancellation fees in plain English. We’ll explore how the policy works, what fees you can expect at different stages, special circumstances that may affect your refund, and smart tips to protect your money.
P&O Cruises, like most major cruise lines, operates on a structured cancellation policy. The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the cancellation fee becomes. This is because the cruise line has fewer opportunities to resell your cabin as the sailing date approaches.
The cancellation fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the total cruise fare, not including certain extras such as travel insurance premiums or optional add-ons. These percentages increase in stages, based on how many days remain before departure.
It’s important to note that cancellation policies can vary slightly depending on:
The cruise duration
The type of fare booked
Whether the cruise is a standard sailing or a special promotional offer
Your country of residence at the time of booking
Always review your booking confirmation carefully, as it contains the exact terms that apply to your cruise.
While exact terms can differ, P&O Cruises generally follows a tiered cancellation structure. Below is a commonly applied framework that helps travelers understand what to expect.
If you cancel well in advance, the cancellation fee is usually minimal. In many cases:
You may only lose your deposit
Any remaining balance paid beyond the deposit is typically refunded
This stage offers the greatest flexibility and the least financial risk.
At this point, cancellation fees begin to increase. You can usually expect:
A cancellation charge equal to a percentage of the total cruise fare
A partial refund of the remaining amount
This is often the stage where travelers start to feel the financial impact of canceling.
Canceling within this window usually results in significantly higher fees. Commonly:
A larger percentage of the cruise fare is forfeited
Refunds become more limited
If you think you may need to cancel, acting before this stage can make a big difference.
This is considered late cancellation. Fees at this stage are often steep and may include:
Losing most of the cruise fare
Receiving only a small refund, if any
Travel insurance becomes especially important here.
Once you’re very close to sailing, cancellation fees are typically at their highest. In many cases:
Up to 100% of the cruise fare may be non-refundable
No refund is issued unless covered by insurance or special circumstances
At this point, canceling without insurance often results in a total loss of the cruise fare.
Your deposit is usually the first amount at risk when you cancel a P&O Cruises booking. Deposits are generally non-refundable once paid, unless you cancel within a short cooling-off period after booking.
Some promotional fares may require a higher deposit or make the deposit completely non-refundable from day one. Always check whether your fare includes a refundable or non-refundable deposit before booking.
Not all P&O Cruises fares are created equal. The type of fare you choose can significantly affect your cancellation fee.
Standard fares usually follow the tiered cancellation structure outlined above. These fares provide some flexibility if you need to cancel early.
Discounted fares often come with stricter terms, such as:
Higher cancellation fees
Reduced refund eligibility
Non-refundable deposits or full fare
These fares can offer excellent value, but they carry more risk if your plans are uncertain.
When canceling a P&O Cruises booking, it’s not just the cruise fare that matters. You may also have prepaid extras, such as:
Shore excursions
Beverage packages
Specialty dining
Spa treatments
In many cases:
Prepaid excursions and packages are refundable if canceled before certain deadlines
Refunds may be issued separately from the cruise fare
However, some promotional packages or discounted add-ons may be non-refundable. Always review the terms for each extra service.
Travel insurance can dramatically change the financial outcome of a cruise cancellation. While P&O Cruises offers its own insurance options, you can also purchase independent coverage.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy may cover:
Medical emergencies
Family emergencies
Illness or injury
Unforeseen events that prevent travel
If your reason for canceling is covered by your policy, you may be able to recover most or all of the cancellation fee.
Without insurance, you are generally bound by the cruise line’s standard cancellation fees.
Certain situations may be treated differently under P&O Cruises’ cancellation policy.
If you or a close family member experiences a serious medical issue, cancellation fees may be waived or reduced, particularly if supported by documentation and insurance.
Events beyond anyone’s control, such as severe weather or global disruptions, may lead to alternative arrangements rather than standard cancellation fees. This could include:
Future cruise credits
Rebooking options
Partial refunds
If P&O Cruises cancels your cruise or makes significant itinerary changes, passengers are usually entitled to:
A full refund
Or an alternative sailing
In these cases, cancellation fees generally do not apply.
Canceling your cruise properly is important to ensure you receive any refund you’re entitled to.
Typically, you can cancel by:
Contacting P&O Cruises directly
Reaching out to your travel agent if you booked through one
Always request written confirmation of your cancellation and keep copies of all correspondence.
In some situations, P&O Cruises may offer a future cruise credit rather than a cash refund. This credit:
Can be used toward a future sailing
Usually has an expiration date
May have specific terms and restrictions
While not ideal for everyone, cruise credits can be a good option if you plan to sail again.
If you want to protect yourself from high cancellation charges, consider these practical tips:
Early booking gives you better availability and pricing, but always understand the cancellation terms before paying a deposit.
If your schedule is uncertain, avoid deeply discounted fares with strict cancellation rules.
Insurance is often the best defense against unexpected losses.
Final payment dates are critical. Canceling before the final balance is due may limit your loss to the deposit.
The sooner you cancel, the lower the fee is likely to be.
Cancellation fees are usually calculated per person based on the total cruise fare.
In many cases, port taxes and government fees are refunded even if the cruise fare is not.
In some cases, changing your sailing date or itinerary may incur lower fees than canceling outright, depending on availability and fare rules.
Cruises are a significant financial investment. Knowing the cancellation policy helps you:
Make informed booking decisions
Avoid unpleasant surprises
Plan responsibly
Understanding cancellation fees isn’t about expecting plans to fail—it’s about being prepared.
So, what is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises? The short answer is that it varies based on timing, fare type, and circumstances. Early cancellations may cost only your deposit, while late cancellations can result in losing the entire cruise fare.
The key takeaway is simple: read the terms, plan ahead, and consider travel insurance. By understanding P&O Cruises’ cancellation policy before you book, you can enjoy your cruise planning experience with confidence and peace of mind.
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