Cruises can get canceled real quick. Whether it’s cause something came up on your end, or just some random thing happened, knowing Norwegian Cruise Line cancellation Policy can save you money and a headache. This guide gives you the lowdown on what you need to know before you cancel.
Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line gives flexible options but how much you get back will largely depend on if you cancel far enough in advance of your cruise. Also because Norwegian Cruise Line has a different cancellation policy based on the different cruise lengths, types of fare and dates you are booking, you need to plan for the timing until you cancel to give yourself more options, dollars and choices.
Cancellation Fees and Schedule
Fees for Norwegian start to escalate closer to your sail date. The Norwegian cruise cancellation policy works as follows:
- 121+ days before sailing: There is no penalty
- 120–91 days out: You will lose 25% of total fare
- 90–61 days out: You will lose 50% of total fare
- 60-31 days out: You will lose 75% of total fare
- 30-0 days: You will incur a 100% cancellation fee
This schedule should work for most trips, but trips that are longer, and some cruises, may have slightly different schedules.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Cruise Fares
Knowing what fares type you booked is very important. The Norwegian cruises cancellation policy is very clear between refundable and non-refundable bookings.
- Refundable fares means it is eligible for a full or partial refund depending on when you cancel.
- Non-refundable fares means you generally can only get assigned Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and perhaps an additional service charge.
If you booked a sail away rate or booked under a special promotion, please check the terms. usually fall into the non-refundable category.
Refunds and Future Cruise Credits (FCC)
If you cancel under non-refundable terms, you may receive an FCC instead of cash. FCCs are:
- Issued for the value of the cruise fare
- Valid for up to 12 months
- Non-transferable and non-refundable
They can be applied to future sailings but must be used within the issued timeframe. You cannot use them for onboard purchases or third-party excursions.
Insurance and Special Cases
Having travel insurance can protect your investment. If you purchased Norwegian Cruise Line trip cancellation insurance, you may be covered for:
- Illness
- Emergency
- Job loss
- Weather disruptions
Be sure to review what’s included, as not all plans cover pre-existing conditions. In special cases, Norwegian may offer flexibility even without insurance.
Restaurant and Onboard Reservation Cancellations Rules
Even after booking your cruise, cancellation penalties may apply to:
- Specialty dining: Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a charge
- Shore excursions: Must be canceled at least 48 hours prior
- Spa appointments: Follow similar cancellation windows
Always check your reservation terms. The Norwegian cruise line cancel cruises policy extends beyond just your stateroom.
How to Cancel the Norwegian Cruise and Make a Claim?
To cancel Norwegian Cruise Line online, log in to your account and locate your booking under “My Cruises.” Select “Modify Reservation” and follow prompts. You may also call their customer support line.
Need a refund or have an FCC request? Just fill out their trip cancellation form on their site. You might need to send in some paperwork, mainly if you’re asking for money back because you were sick or had an emergency.
Last-Minute Cancellations: What You Need to Know
Canceling within 30 days of departure? Expect to lose 100% of your fare unless you have insurance. In these situations, Norwegian rarely makes exceptions.
If you’re a no-show, the Norwegian cruise line cancellation policy doesn’t provide refunds or credits. Make sure you understand the timelines before skipping a sailing.
Advice to Avoid Cancellation Fees
- Choose refundable fares whenever possible.
- Take trip insurance with good cancellation protection.
- Cancel early-more than 120 days before sailing.
- Watch for promotional fares-non-refundable fares may save you money upfront, but potentially cost you more if you need to alter plans.
- Read all the terms before completing your transaction.
These tips will help you not only understand the Norwegian cruise line cancellation policy, they will give you confidence when you book to hopefully not have any unwanted or unexpected penalties.
Conclusion
The Norwegian cruise line cancellation policy is a comprehensive one and missing the fine print can cost you. When it comes to cancellations including trip cancellations, cancellation of your Norwegian cruise line online, and insurance considerations, you must know your rights and your responsibilities. You should always plan ahead, you have options for refundable fares or insurance to cover your cruise dominion.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the cancellation policy for Norwegian Cruise Line?
The cancellation policy is highly dependent on what fare you purchased and how close to the actual sailing you are. The sooner you cancel the better your refund options will be. If you book a cruise and cancel. A simple cancellation close to sailings date can risk complete loss of your fare.
Q2. What will happen if I cancel a non-refundable cruise?
Most often you will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead of a refund. You will need to use the FCC within a certain amount of time and it will obviously need to be toward another Norwegian sailing.
Q3. Can I cancel my booking with a cruise line online?
Yes. Simply go to Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website and log in to your account, go to “My Cruises” and you can either modify, or cancel the reservation.
Q4. How do I avoid Norwegian Cruise Line’s cancelation fees?
You can cancel your trip more then 120 days in advance of your departure, book refundable fares, and purchase travel insurance that actually covers cancellation.
Q5. Will I be penalized for canceling excursions or onboard reservations?
Yes. Shore excursions you must cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Most on board reservations for specialty dining or spa are typically 24 hours in advance to avoid penalization.
