Changing your cruise date can sometimes be unavoidable — whether due to sudden work commitments, family events, or travel disruptions. Carnival Cruise Line understands that plans may change, and that’s why it offers flexible options to modify bookings. However, depending on when and how you change your sailing, certain fees may apply. This guide explains how much it costs to change a cruise date with Carnival Cruise Line, what policies govern these changes, and how you can minimize or even avoid paying extra.
When it comes to modifying a cruise reservation, Carnival applies different fees based on timing, fare type, and the type of change requested. The sooner you make your change, the more flexibility you have. However, once you’re within a certain time frame of your departure, penalties can increase.
Before Final Payment: If you request a date change before the final payment deadline, you usually won’t be charged a penalty. Carnival allows guests to modify their booking without losing the deposit or paying an additional fee, as long as it’s done before the due date of the final payment (typically 75 to 90 days before sailing).
After Final Payment: Once the final payment has been made, any change may incur a Carnival date change cost. Depending on the fare rules, you could face a $50–$200 per person rebooking fee or lose part of your paid fare if the change is considered a cancellation and rebooking.
Restricted Fares (Early Saver): If you booked under Carnival’s Early Saver rate, changes are subject to stricter rules. You can make name or date changes up to 30 days before sailing, but a $50 per person service fee will apply. In addition, the new cruise must be booked within one year of the original departure date.
Pack & Go and Promotional Fares: These fares are often non-refundable and non-changeable. Under Carnival’s Pack & Go promotions, you cannot change your cruise date once booked. Any modification is treated as a cancellation, which means losing your deposit or full payment, depending on when you cancel.
Carnival’s change policy is structured to balance flexibility with fairness to other guests. While there are some exceptions, the following key points generally apply:
Date changes are treated like cancellations if made close to the sailing date (typically within 30 days).
Standard rebooking fees range between $50 and $200 per person, depending on the fare category and timing.
Name changes on the same booking may also attract a $50 per person fee if made within 30 days of sailing.
If you’ve already printed your boarding pass or luggage tags, changes might trigger additional administrative charges.
To confirm the exact fee, Carnival recommends contacting their guest services or your travel agent as policies may differ slightly depending on the itinerary, destination, or fare rules.
In some cases, yes — you can change your cruise date for free under specific conditions:
Before Final Payment Due Date: Most standard bookings can be modified without penalty before the final payment date. This is the best time to adjust your cruise plans if you anticipate a schedule conflict.
Using Future Cruise Credit (FCC): If Carnival cancels or reschedules your cruise due to operational reasons or unforeseen events (like weather or technical issues), you may receive an FCC that can be applied to a new sailing without additional cost.
Carnival Vacation Protection Plan Holders: If you purchased Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan, you may be eligible for flexible rebooking options or partial credit if you cancel or change your trip for covered reasons.
COVID-19 or Health-Related Issues: Carnival occasionally provides leniency for passengers affected by illness or travel restrictions, allowing them to move their cruise to a future date without fees — though these exceptions are determined case by case.
If you need to modify your sailing date, you can do it easily using one of the following methods:
Log in to your Carnival.com account.
Navigate to “Manage My Booking.”
Select “Modify Reservation.”
Choose the new sailing date (within allowed limits).
Review any applicable change fees before confirming.
Call Carnival Cruise Line’s customer support or the travel agent who booked your cruise.
Explain your reason for the change and confirm if fees apply.
Customer service may help you find a comparable cruise at no extra cost.
If you booked through a travel advisor, contact them directly. They can handle the Carnival rebooking process on your behalf and may have access to special promotions or discounts for rebooked sailings.
Changing a cruise date doesn’t always have to mean losing money. Here’s how you can minimize or avoid extra costs:
Plan early: Make any changes before the final payment date.
Review fare terms: Always read the fare conditions before booking — especially for Early Saver and Pack & Go fares.
Consider travel insurance: Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan or third-party insurance can cover unexpected cancellations.
Monitor price drops: Sometimes, rebooking can save you money if the new sailing is cheaper — Carnival may apply the difference as onboard credit.
Stay flexible with dates and destinations: A small adjustment (like a different ship or itinerary) can sometimes eliminate penalties.
When you rebook, the cost isn’t just about the change fee. It also depends on the fare difference between your old and new sailing. If the new cruise is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference. If it’s cheaper, Carnival may issue onboard credit or a reduced balance.
For instance:
If you paid $1,000 for your original cruise and your new cruise costs $1,100, you’ll pay an additional $100.
If your new cruise costs $900, you may receive a $100 onboard credit — depending on fare type and eligibility.
Rebooking can make sense if:
You found a better itinerary or ship that fits your schedule.
You want to take advantage of seasonal sales or fare reductions.
You have a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) from a previous cancellation.
However, if your sailing is close to departure or booked under a non-refundable fare, it might be better to sail as planned or explore name change options to transfer your booking to another traveler.
So, how much does it cost to change a cruise date with Carnival Cruise Line? In most cases, you can modify your sailing for free before the final payment, but fees between $50 and $200 per person may apply after that, depending on your fare type. Always review your fare terms, check the timing of your modification, and consult Carnival’s guest services for the most accurate fee details. With smart planning and flexibility, you can make changes to your cruise without breaking the bank.
1. Can I change my Carnival cruise date after paying in full?
Yes, but you may incur a rebooking or cancellation fee depending on your fare and how close you are to the sailing date.
2. How much does Carnival charge for rebooking a cruise?
Carnival’s date change cost typically ranges from $50 to $200 per person, though it varies by fare type and timing.
3. Can I change my Carnival cruise date online?
Yes, you can modify your cruise date through your Carnival.com account under “Manage My Booking.”
4. Will I lose my deposit if I change my Carnival cruise date?
If you modify before the final payment due date, your deposit is usually retained. Changes after that may forfeit part of it.
5. Does Carnival ever waive change fees?
Yes. In cases of operational disruptions, illness, or itinerary changes, Carnival may waive or reduce change fees at its discretion.
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