Life happens — plans change, schedules shift, and sometimes your dream cruise vacation needs to be postponed. If you’ve already booked a Carnival Cruise Line trip but can’t sail as originally planned, you might be wondering: Can I reschedule my Carnival Cruise Line cruise?
The good news is yes, Carnival does allow passengers to reschedule or modify their bookings under certain conditions. However, your eligibility for a Carnival cruise reschedule depends on factors such as your fare type, how close you are to your sailing date, and whether you’ve purchased travel protection.
Carnival Cruise Line provides flexibility for guests who need to make changes to their plans, though fees and restrictions vary.
The Carnival rebooking policy allows you to:
Change your cruise date before the final payment deadline without penalty.
Modify your existing booking (such as ship, itinerary, or cabin type) by contacting Carnival or your travel agent.
Apply payments from your canceled or postponed cruise to a new sailing, depending on the fare rules.
However, once the final payment date passes, rescheduling becomes more limited — and cancellation fees may apply.
Before making a Carnival change request, it’s important to know which fare type you booked, since this determines how flexible your reservation is.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Most restrictive fare type.
Date changes are allowed, but a $50 per person fee applies for modifications made before final payment.
After the final payment deadline, rescheduling may not be possible, and cancellation penalties will apply.
Non-refundable and non-changeable.
Date changes are not permitted after booking.
No rescheduling or refunds allowed.
You can cancel, but the payment is typically forfeited.
Offer greater flexibility.
You can change your sailing date before the final payment due date without penalty (fare difference may apply).
The most flexible option.
You can reschedule, cancel, or change your date before sailing with minimal or no fees.
According to Carnival’s official rebooking policy, you can change your cruise date under the following general conditions:
Before final payment due date:You can modify your booking, including the sailing date, without a cancellation fee. However, if the new cruise is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the fare difference.
After final payment due date:Changing your cruise becomes more complex. Carnival’s standard cancellation penalties may apply depending on how close you are to your sailing date.
Here’s a typical penalty timeline (subject to change):
Days Before DeparturePenalty
76+ daysNo penalty (unless non-refundable fare)
75–56 daysDeposit amount forfeited
55–30 days50% of total fare
29–15 days75% of total fare
14 days or less100% non-refundable
If you’re past the penalty-free window but can’t sail, you might still be eligible for a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) — especially if you purchased Carnival’s Travel Protection Plan.
If you need to modify your Carnival booking — whether to change your cruise date, itinerary, or ship — there are a few easy ways to do so:
Go to Carnival.com.
Click on “Manage My Booking.”
Log in using your booking number and last name.
Select “Modify Booking” or “Change Date.”
Choose your new cruise details and review the fare difference or potential fees.
Confirm the change and receive an updated booking confirmation.
Call Carnival’s customer service line to speak with a representative. They can review your booking, explain your Carnival rebooking policy, and help you choose a new sailing date.
If you booked through a travel advisor, they can process the Carnival change request on your behalf, often more efficiently.
Yes, you can move your Carnival Cruise to another date if your fare rules allow it.
However, here’s what to keep in mind:
The new sailing must be within one year of your original cruise date (in most cases).
You’ll be responsible for any difference in fare between your old and new cruise.
Promotional rates and onboard credit offers from your original booking may not transfer.
If your reason for rescheduling is due to illness, travel disruption, or emergency, Carnival may make exceptions — especially if you have travel protection.
If you purchased Carnival Travel Protection, you gain added flexibility and refund options.
This plan can help if you need to cancel or reschedule your cruise due to:
Medical emergencies
Job loss
Severe weather or travel delays
Family emergencies
With travel protection, you may qualify for a Future Cruise Credit or cash refund, even if you cancel close to your departure date.
If you want to rebook, Carnival’s agents can apply your credit toward a future cruise of your choice.
To avoid unnecessary costs when making a Carnival cruise reschedule, follow these tips:
Book refundable or flexible fares – Avoid non-refundable options if your plans aren’t firm.
Change early – Modify your cruise before the final payment deadline.
Buy travel protection – It offers peace of mind and financial protection.
Monitor fare differences – Choose a new sailing with a similar or lower price.
Communicate with Carnival early – Contact their team as soon as you know you need to change.
By acting early, you can usually reschedule your cruise without penalties or with minimal costs.
Let’s say you booked a Western Caribbean cruise departing in three months, but now need to push it back by six months.
Here’s how you’d handle it:
Check your fare type – If it’s a Fun Select or refundable fare, you’re likely eligible for date changes.
Log into your Carnival account and open your booking details.
Select “Change Sailing” and browse available future dates.
Review the fare difference (if the new sailing costs more).
Confirm and pay any balance due.
Receive your new cruise confirmation email.
That’s it — your cruise is officially rescheduled!
Carnival allows cruise date changes before the final payment due date without penalty (fare differences may apply).
After final payment, standard cancellation penalties begin.
Some fares (Super Saver, Pack & Go) are non-changeable.
Travel protection offers the best flexibility if you need to reschedule due to unforeseen events.
Always contact Carnival or your travel agent directly for personalized assistance.
So, can you reschedule your Carnival Cruise Line cruise?
Yes — Carnival provides several options for modifying or postponing your trip. While flexibility depends on your fare type and timing, most passengers can change their sailing date by following the Carnival rebooking policy.
If you act before the final payment deadline and understand your fare conditions, rescheduling can be simple, cost-effective, and stress-free. And with the right planning, your dream cruise can still happen — just on a new date that fits your life better.
1. Can I change my Carnival Cruise after booking?
Yes, you can modify your booking before final payment. After that, fees or penalties may apply depending on your fare type.
2. Can I move my Carnival Cruise to another date?
Yes. Most flexible fares allow you to reschedule your cruise to another date, though you may have to pay a fare difference.
3. What is Carnival’s rebooking policy?
The Carnival rebooking policy allows guests to modify their sailing date before final payment without penalty, but restrictions apply afterward.
4. Does Carnival charge a fee for date changes?
Early Saver fares incur a $50 per person fee for changes. Other fare types may allow free date changes before the final payment deadline.
5. How can I request a change to my Carnival booking?
You can submit a Carnival change request online through “Manage My Booking,” call, or contact your travel agent.
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