Princess Cruises is implementing stricter booking policies, including higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines, which has ignited mixed reactions among travelers.
Changes to Booking Policies
The cruise line confirmed in a statement that beginning with new bookings for sailings departing in 2027 and beyond, a 120-day final payment and a modified cancellation fee schedule will be implemented. These changes aim to bring greater consistency to the booking process and reflect broader industry practices, while also helping ensure that guests have fair access to the staterooms and sailings they want to experience.
The new rules take effect September 2 for new bookings on sailings departing January 1, 2027, or later. Guests were notified of the policy changes in an email from the cruise line. The cruise line is also increasing standard deposits, with guests booking seven-day cruises in inside, oceanview, balcony, and mini-suite staterooms now paying $300 per person, up from $250, while suite deposits will increase from $500 to $600 per person.
Some travelers expressed understanding for the earlier deadlines, stating they typically pay off cruises as soon as possible. However, others questioned the requirement for higher deposits and earlier payments, citing potential issues for travelers using payment plans.
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