Back to Blog

What Are the Change Fees on Celebrity Cruises?

Booking a luxury cruise is an exciting experience, but sometimes travel plans don’t go exactly as expected. You might need to change your sailing date, modify your cabin category, or adjust your itinerary. That’s when understanding what are the change fees on Celebrity Cruises becomes essential.

Celebrity Cruises offers flexible policies that allow guests to modify bookings before departure, but these changes may come with certain fees or fare adjustments depending on timing and the type of modification.

1. Understanding the Celebrity Cruises Change Fee Policy

The Celebrity Cruises change fee applies when you modify an existing booking after confirmation. This can include:

  • Changing your sailing date.

  • Altering your itinerary or ship.

  • Upgrading or downgrading your stateroom.

  • Adjusting the number of guests in your cabin.

Celebrity Cruises understands that travel plans can evolve, which is why it provides flexible options for rebooking or making modifications. However, depending on when and how you make the change, you might incur a change fee Celebrity charges, as well as possible fare differences.

2. When Does the Celebrity Cruises Change Fee Apply?

The Celebrity Cruises modification cost depends primarily on timing and the type of change. In general:

  • Early changes (well before final payment): Usually no penalty, though fare differences apply if the new sailing is more expensive.

  • After final payment date: A Celebrity Cruises date change fee may apply, typically a set administrative charge or a portion of the fare.

  • Within 30 days of sailing: Changes may not be allowed, and cancellation followed by rebooking could be required, triggering standard cancellation fees.

So, if you’re wondering how much does Celebrity Cruises charge to change date, it can vary based on the fare type and when you make the request.

3. Typical Change Fees by Fare Type

Celebrity Cruises offers both refundable and nonrefundable fare options, each with different modification rules:

Refundable Fare Bookings

  • Before final payment: Usually free to modify.

  • After final payment: You may be charged a modest Celebrity Cruises rebooking cost, often between $100–$200 per person, depending on your itinerary.

Nonrefundable Fare Bookings

  • Before final payment: Changes may still incur a penalty equal to the deposit amount.

  • After final payment: Rebooking or date changes typically require a full reissue of the reservation and may involve losing the original deposit.

These terms are clearly outlined in the Celebrity Cruises modification fee policy you receive at booking.

4. Changing Cruise Dates or Itineraries

One of the most common modifications guests make is changing their sailing date. The Celebrity Cruises date change fee can vary depending on when you make the request.

For example:

  • More than 90 days before sailing: Usually minimal or no change fee, but you’ll pay any difference in fare if your new cruise is more expensive.

  • 89–60 days before sailing: A moderate Celebrity Cruises itinerary change fee may apply, typically a few hundred dollars.

  • Less than 30 days before sailing: Changes may be treated as cancellations and rebookings, triggering the full Celebrity Cruises penalty schedule.

If the new cruise fare is lower, Celebrity may issue an onboard credit or refund of the difference, depending on promotional terms.

5. How to Modify Your Celebrity Cruises Booking

Guests can make changes through the following methods:

  1. Travel agent: If you booked through a travel advisor, they can process changes directly with the cruise line.

  2. Celebrity Cruises website or app: Certain modifications, like name spelling corrections or cabin upgrades, can be handled online.

  3. Celebrity customer service: For complex itinerary or date changes, it’s best to contact customer support before final payment deadlines.

During the process, you’ll be informed of any Celebrity Cruises modification cost or rebooking charges before confirming the update.

6. Name Changes and Guest Substitutions

Celebrity Cruises allows limited changes to passenger details, but name substitutions may incur administrative fees.

  • Minor name corrections: Usually no charge.

  • Complete passenger substitutions: May trigger a Celebrity Cruises rebooking cost, especially after final payment.

If you’re replacing one guest with another, ensure the change happens early, as late substitutions may not be accepted due to security and ticketing policies.

7. Upgrading or Downgrading Cabins

If you decide to move to a higher category room, there’s generally no Celebrity Cruises change fee — you’ll simply pay the fare difference.

However, downgrading (moving to a lower-priced cabin) after final payment may involve a small administrative modification fee or may not qualify for a partial refund, depending on fare rules.

This means that while Celebrity Cruises modification cost for upgrades is often zero, downgrades can be restricted or partially refunded as onboard credits.

8. Impact of Promotional Fares and Nonrefundable Rates

Many guests book under promotional or discounted fares, which can affect change policies. For example:

  • Nonrefundable deposit fares: If you modify your booking, your deposit becomes nontransferable.

  • Special deals or sale rates: These may lock in pricing that cannot be altered, even for small date changes.

Such restrictions are part of the Celebrity Cruises modification fee policy and should be reviewed at booking to avoid surprises.

9. Rebooking After a Cancellation

If you’ve canceled your cruise but wish to rebook, you might face both a cancellation penalty and a Celebrity Cruises rebooking cost. However, during flexible booking promotions, Celebrity sometimes waives change fees and allows guests to rebook within a specified timeframe without penalties.

It’s wise to ask whether your booking falls under such a program, as this can save you from unnecessary fees.

10. How to Avoid or Minimize Change Fees

Here are a few strategies to avoid paying Celebrity Cruises change fees:

  • Book refundable fares: These provide the most flexibility for changes.

  • Modify early: Make changes before the final payment date whenever possible.

  • Monitor price drops: If you see a lower fare, contact Celebrity Cruises to request an adjustment — early action often avoids fees.

  • Buy travel insurance: Some policies reimburse modification or rebooking costs for covered reasons.

  • Take advantage of flexible programs: Celebrity sometimes offers “Cruise with Confidence” or similar promotions that allow changes without penalty.

These steps can significantly reduce your overall Celebrity Cruises modification cost while keeping your travel plans adaptable.

11. Celebrity Cruises Itinerary Change Fee: When the Cruise Line Makes Changes

Sometimes, Celebrity Cruises may adjust or cancel an itinerary for operational or safety reasons. In such cases, the Celebrity Cruises itinerary change fee does not apply to you — guests are typically given compensation options such as:

  • Full refunds.

  • Future Cruise Credits (FCCs).

  • Alternate sailing options without additional charge.

This ensures guests aren’t penalized for changes outside their control.

12. Final Thoughts

So, what are the change fees on Celebrity Cruises? In summary, the fees depend on when and what you change. Early modifications usually incur no cost beyond fare differences, while late date or itinerary changes can result in additional Celebrity Cruises change fee charges.

Understanding the Celebrity Cruises modification fee policy before booking allows you to make informed decisions, plan ahead, and protect your investment. Whether it’s adjusting a travel date or upgrading your stateroom, knowing how these fees work ensures a smooth and stress-free booking experience.

By staying proactive and reviewing your fare terms, you can manage your Celebrity Cruises rebooking cost effectively — keeping your vacation plans as flexible as the ocean breeze.

FAQs

1. What are the change fees on Celebrity Cruises?

Change fees vary by fare type and timing but can range from no charge before final payment to a few hundred dollars afterward.

2. Can I change my cruise date without penalty?

Yes, if you modify your booking before the final payment date or during special flexible booking programs.

3. Does Celebrity Cruises charge for upgrading cabins?

No change fee applies to upgrades — you simply pay the difference in fare.

4. What happens if I change my cruise within 30 days of departure?

Changes within 30 days are often treated as cancellations and may incur full penalties.

5. How can I avoid paying change fees on Celebrity Cruises?

Book refundable fares, modify early, or use travel insurance to cover modification expenses.

this is logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2025 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service