Princess Cruises to Default to Non-Refundable Deposits Starting October 2025

Princess Cruises will implement a landmark policy shift starting October 15, 2025, by defaulting to non-refundable deposits for most new bookings. This change aligns the cruise line with major competitors such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, which have long adopted similar deposit policies. The move represents a significant departure from Princess Cruises' longstanding practice of defaulting to refundable deposits, which many travelers considered a hallmark of the brand's customer-first approach.

Non-Refundable Deposits as the New Standard

Under the updated guidelines, deposits must be paid at the time of booking and will default to non-refundable. Refundable deposits are still available but only through promotions, upgrades, or specific fare types and can incur additional fees. According to Princess Cruises, “Deposits must be paid at the time of booking and are non-refundable unless updated to a refundable deposit at the time of booking (additional fees apply).”

This change will only affect bookings made on or after October 15, 2025. Reservations made prior to this date, which were secured with a refundable deposit, will retain their original terms and conditions until the final payment is due. Guests booking during the final payment period will still need to pay the full amount upfront, with standard cancellation fees applying thereafter.

Refundable Deposits and Available Options

Travelers seeking flexibility can upgrade to a refundable deposit by paying a premium at the time of booking. Occasional promotions may also include refundable deposits. Availability and pricing for refundable deposits will vary based on itinerary, fare type, and ongoing promotions. A Princess Cruises spokesperson emphasized, “Guests have the option to choose to upgrade to a refundable deposit, in which additional fees may apply. Guests continue to have a choice to secure a refundable deposit when they book, ensuring they can select the option that best fits their travel plans.”

At launch, the cruise line is promoting non-refundable deposits at half price on select fares. These discounts are currently available to legal residents of North America and are region-specific.

Final Payment Deadlines Altered

An additional policy change takes effect October 8, 2025, with new payment deadlines based on voyage duration. Cruises lasting 13 days or fewer will now require final payment 90 days before departure, while itineraries of 14 days or longer will have a 120-day deadline. These standardizations bring Princess Cruises in line with deadlines already observed by other leading cruise operators.

Standard cancellation fees will apply for non-refundable deposits once within the final payment period. Guests are encouraged to be aware of these updated deadlines to avoid potential penalties.

No Changes to Future Cruise Deposit Program

The cruise line's popular Future Cruise Deposit (FCD) program remains unchanged. Through this program, guests on Princess ships can purchase a deposit credit of $100 per person for a future booking, which includes onboard credit of up to $150 for their next cruise. Guests have one year to finalize their booking, and if no voyage is selected, the deposit is automatically refunded to the original payment method. According to Princess Cruises, “You will have up to a year to book your cruise with your preferred Travel Advisor or Cruise Vacation Planner or directly through Princess. If you do not book during that time, we will automatically refund the FCD.”

Reactions from the Travel Community

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from travelers and industry professionals. Many Princess Cruises loyalists lament the loss of refundable deposits as a default, which they viewed as a defining feature of the brand's customer experience. On the Cruise Critic forums, a user stated, “Refundable deposits made Princess stand out in a good way. Now they are just one of the crowd.” Another added, “We gravitated toward Princess because it gave us peace of mind with refundable deposits to adjust plans if needed.”

Others, however, see potential benefits in the change. Some argue that non-refundable deposits could deter speculative bookings and increase accessibility to sought-after cabins for more serious travelers. A post on Cruise Critic shared, “Hopefully, because of this new policy, the good locations will now be available to the rest of us. People shouldn't be able to block off the best cabins while knowing they probably won't use them.”

Travel agents largely view the shift as aligning with widespread hospitality industry norms. They acknowledge this change as reflective of a broader trend in travel, where refundable options now come with a premium. One agent told a customer, “For a refundable deposit, you'll either pay a higher deposit or a higher fare, depending on whatever promotion they’re running at the time.”

Impact and Industry Context

The switch to default non-refundable deposits marks a structural shift for Princess Cruises, yet it remains common practice across the industry. Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises all employ similar policies, giving Princess both operational efficiency and better alignment with its competitors.

While the change seeks to optimize revenue and ensure pricing consistency, the immediate impact on customer satisfaction and booking trends remains to be fully observed. Princess Cruises continues to emphasize the availability of refundable deposits for those willing to pay a premium, ensuring some level of flexibility remains in place for those who value it most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the new deposit policy introduced by Princess Cruises?

As of October 15, 2025, Princess Cruises will default to non-refundable deposits for new bookings. Guests can still upgrade to a refundable deposit by paying an additional fee or selecting a qualifying promotion.

Does the new deposit policy affect current reservations?

No, reservations made before October 15, 2025, with refundable deposits will remain under their original terms until the final payment is due.

How have final payment deadlines changed?

For cruises 13 days or fewer, final payment is now due 90 days before departure. For voyages lasting 14 days or longer, it is due 120 days prior to sailing. These changes took effect on October 8, 2025.

What is the Future Cruise Deposit Program?

The Future Cruise Deposit program allows guests to pre-purchase a deposit credit of $100 per person while onboard for future bookings. It includes an onboard credit incentive of up to $150 and is refundable if no cruise is selected within a year.

How does this compare to other cruise lines?

The new policy aligns Princess Cruises with other major brands like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival, which also default to non-refundable deposits, standardizing practices across the industry.