Cruise line’s tougher booking rules ignite backlash over higher deposits and payments

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Princess Cruisesis introducing stricter booking policies, including higher deposits and earlier final payment deadlines, fueling mixed reactions among travelers.

“Beginning with new bookings for sailings departing in 2027 and beyond, we are implementing a 120-day final payment and a modified cancellation fee schedule,” the company said.

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“These changes bring greater consistency to thebooking processand reflect broader industry practices, while also helping ensure that guests have fair access to the staterooms and sailings they want to experience.”

The new rules take effect Sept.2 for new bookings on sailings departing Jan.1, 2027, or later.Guests were notified of the policy changes in an email from the cruise line, according to industry website Cruise Critic.

Group of tourists standing on Turks and Caicos beach

Princess Cruises is tightening its booking policies by requiring larger deposits and moving final payment deadlines earlier.(iStock)

The cruise line is alsoincreasing standard deposits.Guests booking seven-day cruises in inside, oceanview, balcony and mini-suite staterooms will now pay $300 per person, up from $250, while suite deposits will increase from $500 to $600 per person, according to the review website.

Princess Cruises also noted that reservations will automatically be canceled if final payment is not received by the deadline, though guests will continue receiving payment reminders before the due date, according to reports.

The policy changes have prompted debate among cruise fans on social media.Some travelers said the earlier deadlines will not affect their vacation plans because they typically pay off cruises as soon as possible.

“I pay it all as soon as I book,” one person wrote on TikTok.“I get my reservations in that day, and I’m always sail ready.”

Tourists and sightseers photograph departing cruise ships at Port Everglades jetty.

The new rules take effect Sept.2 for new bookings on sailings departing Jan.1, 2027.(iStock)

Another commenter said, “I don’t mind these changes because I like to pay off my trips as fast as I can so that I’m able to begin saving for the next one.”

Others, however, questioned why passengers would be required to put down more money earlier in the booking process.

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“Those deposits are crazy,” one commenter wrote.

Another person argued that the earlier payment deadline could create problemsfor travelersusing payment plans.

Crown Princess cruise ship sails on open deck at sea.

Princess Cruises’ decision to tighten its booking policies has generated mixed reactions from cruise fans on social media.(iStock)

“120 days out for final payment is the worst of all of it!” the commenter wrote.“Especially people who are on payment plans.”

The booking changes come asother cruise lineshave also introduced policies that have frustrated some travelers.

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The cruise line increased itsdaily automatic gratuitiesby $1.50 per person across all stateroom categories, raising the charges to between $19.50 and $24.50 per guest, per day.

Many passengers criticized the timing of the announcement, saying they were notified the same day the higher rates took effect.

“At this point, they just need to include gratuities in their fare like the luxury lines do,” one Reddit user wrote.