Cruise cancellation policies — by cruise line

Past a certain date (usually 75–120 days before, depending on the sailing's length) the deposit becomes non-refundable. After that the penalty climbs in bands: ~50% of the fare at 57–43 days out, ~75% at 42–15 days, and 100% (no refund) from 14 days and in. Long, luxury and expedition sailings have longer windows, sometimes 120–180 days.

Many lines sell the same cabin at two prices: a 'non-refundable deposit' fare $100–300 cheaper but the deposit is lost immediately on cancellation (you can usually change the date for a fee), and a 'refundable' fare that costs more but allows a full refund until the penalty window opens. If there's any chance you'll cancel, the gap is worth the flexible fare.

Sometimes, instead of a cash refund, the line gives an FCC — a credit toward a future sailing, with an expiry (usually 1–2 years). It is not cash: not redeemable, sometimes doesn't cover taxes and port fees, and not always transferable to a relative.

Travel insurance with trip-cancellation cover (cancel-for-any-reason, or cancellation for a covered reason) is the only way to recover money inside the penalty window. Make sure the policy names 'cruise' explicitly and includes at-sea medical cover and evacuation — shipboard medical care or a helicopter evacuation runs into tens of thousands of dollars.