Celebrity Cruises Refund & Cancellation Policy Guide

What is the cancellation policy for Celebrity Cruises?

The Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy applies to most voyages. It has specific conditions that are based on the time of cancellation, character of booking, and residence. According to the policy, the guests should provide notification to the company as early as possible; the cancellation notification is validated once it is received by Celebrity Cruises or the travel operator. In case segments of a combined cruise-tour are cancelled, certain fees can be made in relation to the nature and time of cancellation. When cancellations are made post-cruise or no-shows, one is usually not refunded or compensated.

The Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy also makes a distinction between ordinary cruises and specialty sailing, and certain promotional fares or special offers to which they apply different cancellation restrictions. Moreover, special fees or reimbursement can be used on cruise duration, occupancy category, and group arrangements.

For residents of the UK and Ireland, the following cancellation schedule applies:

  • 70+ days to departure: non-refundable deposit.
  • 69-45 days to departure: 50% of the entire price paid.
  • 44-15 days to departure: 75% of the entire cost charged.
  • 14 days or fewer: 100%  of the total price charged.

There may be variations in cancellation and refunds depending on the region, such as the United States, Australia, or Canada, and the guests will be required to inquire with their local office or traveling agency.

This Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy is also applied to other products and services such as air flights, hotel accommodation, transfers, excursions, and amenities. They are predisposed to special conditions and cancellation fees, which are specified in vendor contracts.

What is the Refund Policy of Celebrity Cruises?

The Celebrity Cruises Refund Policy is meant to explicitly define the process of refunds according to the category of booking, the time when the refund is carried out, and the kind of payment made. Celebrity Cruises is offering a refund on cruise fare, taxes, fees, and fuel supplements in case the cruise customer wants to cancel the cruise by the required time or in certain circumstances, such as in the event the cruise company terminates the cruise. In the case of cancellations by the guest, the value that will be refunded is based on the notice date. Most regions usually permit cancellations well ahead of arrival (151 or more days) so that you can get back the full amount, except for non-refundable promotions or airfares.

Celebrity Cruise Refund Policy Overview

Category

Refund Policy Details

Key Condition

Standard Cancellation (4 nights or less)

Full refund if canceled ?75 days before sailing

Cancel 75+ days before for a full refund

Standard Cancellation (5 nights or more)

Full refund if canceled ?90 days before sailing

Cancel 90+ days before for a complete refund

Late Cancellation (all cruises)

Portion refunded decreases as sailing date approaches; no refund within 30 days

Cancel <90 days (long), <75 days (short): penalties apply

No-Show or Early Disembarkation

No refund or compensation

No-show or leave early

Cruise With Confidence (COVID/Voluntary)

Cancel up to 48 hours prior, receive 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC); no cash refund

Must cancel ?48 hours before departure

Cruise Canceled by Celebrity

Option for full cash refund or 125% FCC

Cruise line or mechanical cancellation

COVID-19 Positive (Pre-Departure or On Board)

Refund or prorated FCC if canceled or denied boarding for COVID, if policies followed

Positive test, symptoms, or close contact, conditions apply

Non-Refundable Deposits

Only the FCC is equal to the deposit; no cash refund

Booked under non-refundable deposit promotion

Taxes, Fees, and Port Charges (All)

Always refundable, except mid-cruise or no-show

Any cancellation except early leave or no-show

Refund Process by Payment Method

  • Credit Card Payments: Guests who use a credit card to pay directly to Celebrity Cruises are refunded the money on the same card they paid with.
  • Travel Agent Payments: When payment was made via a travel agent, the payment is refunded via the travel agent and not directly to the guest.
  • Refund Notice: A refund may only be issued after the guest has submitted official notice of cancellation to Celebrity Cruises or the operator.

Refund Amounts Based on Cancellation Date

The form of refundable amounts is related to the number of days before the cancellation. A typical cruise timeline would be given as follows on booking a standard cruise (see that each country has specifications):

  • More than 150 days: Full refund (minus any non-refundable deposits or promotions).
  • 150-71 days: Loss of deposit, remainder refundable.
  • 70-46 days: 25% of the purchase price as a cancellation fee; 75% refundable.
  • 45-15 days: 50% of the total price charged; 50% refundable.
  • 14 days or fewer: 10% retained by cruise line; no refund given.

There are regional and fare-specific variations; thus, it is advised that travelers should compare country and promotion-specific terms.

Cruise Tour, Flights, Hotels, and Services

Cruise tour, flight, hotel, transfer, shore excursion, and other accommodation refunding policies may vary and be subject to third-party vendor policies and their own cancellation policies. When a portion of a combined cruise-tour is cancelled with other services being retained, then a fraction of the overall price might be refunded, based on the time of the change and the regulations of the provider themselves.

Special Refund Conditions

  • Once Cruise Begins: Cruise passengers who cancel or terminate their cruise after embarkation, leave before their full cruise duration, or are no-shows are not entitled to any refund or compensation.
  • Promotional Rates: Reservations made on special, discount or non-refundable promotional rates tend to be more restrictive and may lose a larger portion of the paid value.
  • Chartered Sailings: Canceling charter voyages: Refunds on canceled charter voyages are required to be made through the third-party seller and not directly with Celebrity Cruises.

Refunds for Cruise Line Cancellations

When Celebrity Cruises has to cancel a voyage or embarkment is postponed by three or more days, the guest may have a choice in either a cash refund or Future Cruise Credit (FCC). A future cruise credit will be granted by default, and guests can request cash in place of it by calling the cruise line within 6 months of cancellation or scheduled departure.

Protection with CruiseCare Program

Celebrity Cruises has CruiseCare, a cruise vacation protection to qualifying guests, which covers cancellations because of medical, legal, or a small number of emergency reasons. This can recover non-refundable costs in cash, as explained in the CruiseCare policy, due to qualifying reasons, including illness or jury duty. There are certain exceptions to be considered, and the complete CruiseCare information should be read.

Celebrity Cruise Refund Policies for Special Cruise Types

Special Cruise Type

Refund Policy Details

Key Conditions

Holiday & Peak Season Cruises

Higher penalties on cancellation; deposits are usually non-refundable after the earlier final payment deadline (typically 105?125 days before sailing)

Stricter deadlines and earlier final payment compared to standard cruises; cancellations after the deadline are largely non-refundable

World Cruises & Extended Voyages

Very strict cancellation terms; deposits are typically non-refundable after the final payment date, due 160 days before sailing

Early final payment required; cancellations beyond payment date forfeit deposit; specialized pricing and terms apply

Chartered Cruises & Themed Sailings

Refundability depends on the specific contract; often, non-refundable deposits and strict cancellation penalties are imposed.

Customized terms per charter or theme; typically severe penalties or no refund on deposit; consult contract at booking

Comparing Celebrity Refund Policy to Other Cruise Lines

Feature

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Norwegian

Carnival

Refundable Deposits

Yes (select fares)

Yes (select fares)

Yes (optional)

Yes (optional)

Final Payment Deadline

75-90 days

90 days

90 days

75 days

COVID-19 Credits

Offered as FCC

Offered as FCC

Offered as FCC

Offered as FCC

Excursion Refunds

Yes (limited conditions)

Yes (limited)

Yes (limited)

Yes (limited)

How to Request a Refund from Celebrity Cruises?

Action

Details

Processing Time

Check Eligibility

Verify refund eligibility based on cancellation policy, fare type, and timing

Immediate, via online or customer service

Cancel Online

Cancel booking online via the ?My Celebrity Cruise? portal or app; follow prompts for cancellation

Instant confirmation via email

Call Celebrity

Contact Celebrity Cruises customer service for refunds, questions, or special circumstances

Wait times vary; immediate to a few days for response

Submit Documentation

Provide required documents (e.g., medical notes, proof of cancellation, insurance claims)

Within days, necessary for processing the refund

Track Refund

Monitor refund status using customer service or bank/credit card statements

Typically, 2-4 weeks for processing the refund credit

Escalate if Needed

Follow up persistently via phone or email if refund delays or disputes arise

Varies; escalate after 4+ weeks if no resolution

How long does it take to get a refund from Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity Cruises' Refund Policy will require some time, depending on the condition and mode of payment, to get the refund. The guests are able to accept a refund in cash or a future cruise credit (FCC) in the event of the cancellation of a voyage by the cruise line itself or a delay of embarkation. Refunds are normally automatic as FCC, unless an explicit request is made for a cash refund sent to Celebrity Cruises.

Refunds should be applied within six months of cancellation or the date of embarkation. The credit card is refunded with the payment made directly to Celebrity Cruises; payment made via travel agents is refunded to the agent.

Although Celebrity Cruises planned to pay a refund in a short time, the time can be covered by the type of payment, the intervention of third parties, and the place. A refund may typically be processed in a few weeks, but it may experience additional delays during peak periods, large-scale cancellations, or when the payment routing chain is complex. In case your refunds are delayed according to the specified time frame, it is worthwhile to contact the staff member of the cruise, and the latter will be able to help you with your situation. 

Are excursions refundable on Celebrity Cruises?

The excursion refunds are subject to the general Celebrity Cruises Refund Policy, and the terms of excursion refunds are regulated by the specific vendor/tour operator. Generally, shore excursions, spa treatments, pre-paid, themed meals, and other onboard purchases have their own cancellation rules and charges. With regards to most of the excursions, they are refundable as long as the cancellation is made in time, but last-minute cancellation (especially after boarding) may come with a penalty or otherwise be non-refundable.

Celebrity Cruise Excursion Refund Policy

Situation

Refund Eligibility

Timeframe

How to Request

Exceptions

Pre-Cruise Cancellation

Full refund

Up to 48 hours before the scheduled tour

Online (My Celebrity Cruise portal or app)

Select excursions (flights/events/overnights/Private Journeys) must be canceled 30+ days pre-sailing

Onboard Cancellation

Full refund if >48 hours before tour

Up to 48 hours before port arrival

Excursion Desk or onboard app

Same as pre-cruise: Special tours (flights, overnight, etc.) require a 30-day notice

Celebrity-Canceled Tour

Full refund (to original payment)

Immediately after the tour is canceled

Automatic; no guest action needed

None?refund processed automatically, generally within several days to the payment method used

Port Changes/Skipped Stops

Full refund for affected excursion(s)

After port cancellation/skip

Excursion Desk (auto/onsite)

If the ship skips/is late to port, affected excursions will be refunded, no penalty

Late Arrival (Passenger)

No refund likely

Not applicable

Not applicable

Missing the tour departure due to passenger lateness, no refund granted

Medical Cancellation

Usually, a full refund with proper documentation

As soon as reasonably possible

Excursion Desk, provide proof

Must provide a doctor?s note or visit the ship?s medical center for eligibility; subject to review

Before buying, one is strongly recommended to read the terms of each pre-booked excursion or other package. In case of the necessity of cancellation, the guests are expected to give prior notice, and they will get as much as they can be refunded.

Celebrity Cruise Insurance Refund Policy

Insurance Type

Refund Eligibility

Cancellation Timeframe

Required Documentation

Refund Method

Special Notes

CruiseCare Standard

100% refund for covered cancellation reasons (full cruise cost)

Must cancel as soon as possible with a valid reason

Physician statement or proof

Refund to the original payment method

Covers cancellations for illness, accident, jury duty, etc.; excludes pre-existing conditions unless waived

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

90% refund as Future Cruise Credit (FCC), no cash refund

Cancel ?48 hours before departure

No documentation required

90% FCC, non-transferable, expires in 1 year

Only usable on future Celebrity cruises; not a cash refund

Pre-Existing Condition Waiver

Included if bought within 14 days of initial deposit

Must purchase insurance within 14 days of deposit

Medical records if claiming pre-existing

Same as CruiseCare refund

Waives pre-existing condition exclusion if conditions met

Missed Port Coverage

Up to 100% refund or reimbursement for missed ports

Report promptly after a missed port

Documentation of missed port

Refund or reimbursement

Covers missed ports due to medical/emergency/ship delay

Interruption Claims

Up to 150% of the trip cost (unused portion plus added transport)

Notify immediately after the interruption

Proof of interruption

Refund plus transportation costs

Covers trip interruptions like illness or emergency return home

Insurance Cancellation

Full refund of premium if canceled before plan's effective date

Before insurance coverage starts

Proof of cancellation

Refund of insurance premium

Insurance cancels before coverage begins for the full refund

Is the deposit refundable on Celebrity Cruises?

One of the key elements of the Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy and Celebrity Cruises Refund Policy is about deposits. At the time of making a reservation on a cruise, the customer will be allowed to make a refundable or non-refundable deposit based on the fare they choose, or depending on a certain promotion. On bookings where the classification is described as a refundable deposit, customers wishing to cancel their booking within the allotted time (typically long before sailing) will be refunded their deposit, but under cancellation fee policies contained in the fare conditions.

However, in the instance of non-refundable deposit fares, the deposit is not refunded upon cancellation, before or after the departure date. Once a visitor has moved to a non-refundable deposit, the reservation will never be reverted to a refundable one. It is thus important to be informed whether or not a deposit is refundable on booking. The Celebrity Cruises Refund Fee does not need to be charged as an independent charge, but is shown as the amount lost in the deposit or other fares lost.

Are celebrity cruise deposits refundable?

Celebrity Cruises has both refundable and non-refundable deposit systems in its fare structure. According to the Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy, these refundable deposits may be refunded when the guest can cancel the same within the period provided by the policy, typically, a few weeks or months before the journey. In non-refundable deposits, however, the deposits are lost forever, as soon as any guest makes a reservation and cancels the reservation for any reason, and such a reservation cannot be reversed, returning to non-refundable deposits.

Celebrity Cruise Deposit Refund Policy

Ticket Type

Deposit Amount

Refundability

Key Conditions

Refundable Fare

$100?$450/person (varies); Suites: up to 10% of fare

Refundable if canceled before the penalty applies

Full refund before final payment date (usually 70?90 days before sailing)

Non-Refundable Deposit Fare (NRD)

Same as regular fare, but designated 'non-refundable' at booking

Not cash refundable; FCC minus $100/person fee

No cash refund; FCC if canceled before penalty phase, less service fee; expires within set timeframe

Suites / Themed Cruise

10% of the full cruise fare or higher

Refundable or non-refundable, as stated at booking

Stricter terms; non-refundable for some itineraries/specialty cruises

Group Booking (B+ Cabin)

Typically higher, varies by contract/size

Contract/fare rules apply; often non-refundable

Often subject to unique/firmer group/B+ agreements; check contract at purchase

World Cruise

Usually 10% or higher of the complete cruise fare

Stricter: Partial refund only early, then forfeited

Penalties and non-refundable terms kick in further out; refer to the world cruise contract

Before payment, always check the exact rules and type of deposit to be used in cancellation. This gives a clear explanation of the eligibility for a refund, and prevents confusion on loss of deposit and the Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Fee.

How much does it cost to cancel a celebrity cruise?

The cancellation fees imposed by the Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Policy will depend on the time of the cancellation. The Celebrity Cruises Cancellation Fee policy is as follows in the case of regular bookings:

Days Before Departure

Cancellation Fee (% of Total Fare)

89-75 days

25% of the total price

74-61 days

50% of the total price

60-31 days

75% of the total price

30 or less

100% of the total price

In cases of cancellations beyond these ranges, the deposit amount is the only loss, and in some cases, the deposit can be refunded according to the fare chosen. Celebrity Cruises Refund Fee can certainly be imposed on some bookings, although these are normally absorbed in the cancellation fee paradigm (i.e., forfeited deposit or percentage of fare retained instead of special processing fee).

It is possible to offer promotional rates, discounted rates, or non-refundable deposits with more stringent conditions and cancellation fees; therefore, it will always be necessary to check certain fare conditions and make sure that the guest has reviewed the company rules prior to booking.

Conclusion

The knowledge of the cancellation and refund policies of Celebrity Cruises would be crucial to preventing unnecessary expenses and losses of money in case of cancellation. Refunds will have their own schedules depending on when the cancellation is done, and the difference between refundable and non-refundable deposits will be explained, allowing guests to easily maneuver their bookings. There is always a good reason to revisit the terms before a booking is done to make the process a smooth one in case of a change of plans, so that informed decisions can be made and the mind will be at ease.