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Norwegian Cruise Line Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-20

Official Norwegian Cruise Line PolicyVerified

www.ncl.com/terms

Summary

Norwegian Cruise Line offers refunds within For NCL-cancelled or delayed cruises (more than 3 days) boarding at a United States port, refund claims must be made on or before the 90th calendar day after the original scheduled embarkation. Deposits for most cruises are refundable until 90 days prior to sailing. Excursions can be modified or canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival in port without penalty. Cancellation fees apply based on a schedule determined by the number of days prior to departure, with varying percentages of the cruise fare becoming non-refundable closer to the sailing date.. Processing time: NCL will review refund requests for nonperformance and respond by email or U.S. mail within 180 days of the claim date. General refund processing time is about 3 to 4 weeks. For cancellations under the Peace of Mind policy, Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are applied to the guest's profile in 7 business days.. Refund methods include refund of cruise fare and charges for accommodations, services, and facilities and ncl may offer an alternative such as a future cruise credit, which guests are free to decline.. Refunds for NCL-cancelled or delayed cruises (more than 3 calendar days) boarding at a US port are applicable if the passenger does not accept an alternative cruise or chooses not to travel on a delayed cruise..

Refund Window

For NCL-cancelled or delayed cruises (more than 3 days) boarding at a United States port, refund claims must be made on or before the 90th calendar day after the original scheduled embarkation. Deposits for most cruises are refundable until 90 days prior to sailing. Excursions can be modified or canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival in port without penalty. Cancellation fees apply based on a schedule determined by the number of days prior to departure, with varying percentages of the cruise fare becoming non-refundable closer to the sailing date.

Processing Time

NCL will review refund requests for nonperformance and respond by email or U.S. mail within 180 days of the claim date. General refund processing time is about 3 to 4 weeks. For cancellations under the Peace of Mind policy, Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are applied to the guest's profile in 7 business days.

Refund Method

Refund of cruise fare and charges for accommodations, services, and facilities (including port fees, taxes, and other ancillary charges).

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How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1For NCL-cancelled or delayed cruises, submit a refund request using the Case Submission Form on or before the 90th calendar day after the original scheduled embarkation.
  2. 2Submit required documentation including a copy of the boarding pass/documents, proof of payment, and a copy of the cancellation or delay notice (if booked directly with NCL).
  3. 3If booked through a travel advisor, they may complete the form and submit the required documentation.
  4. 4For general cancellations, requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Norwegian Cruise Line.
  5. 5Cruise tickets, air tickets, transfer coupons, and/or vacation package vouchers must be returned before a refund can be made.
  6. 6Cancellations (except for excursions) must be telephoned to the Reservations Department by your travel agent.
  7. 7To cancel an excursion, write 'Cancel' on the tickets and return them to the Shore Excursion Desk or Drop Box up to 48 hours prior to arrival in port.

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Refunds for NCL-cancelled or delayed cruises (more than 3 calendar days) boarding at a US port are applicable if the passenger does not accept an alternative cruise or chooses not to travel on a delayed cruise.
  • Cancellation fees are assessed based on a schedule determined by the number of days prior to departure.
  • No refunds will be given for no-shows or in the event of interruption or cancellation by any passenger after the commencement of the cruise.
  • Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees.
  • Deposits for bookings made using 'Buy One Get One Half Off' or 'Buy One Get One Free' promotions become non-refundable from the time of booking.
  • Failure to produce an original, notarized parental/guardian consent letter for minors may result in boarding being denied with no refund provided.
  • Air deposits made under the Interactive Air Program are non-refundable.
  • Reservations not paid in full by the final payment due date are subject to cancellation and associated fees.

All Refund Methods

  • Refund of cruise fare and charges for accommodations, services, and facilities (including port fees, taxes, and other ancillary charges).
  • NCL may offer an alternative such as a future cruise credit, which guests are free to decline.
  • Guests who purchase NorwegianCare or BookSafe may be eligible for up to 100% cash-back for qualified reasons or credits (90% for Platinum, 75% for Standard) for non-refundable cancellation charges if the reason is not covered.

Partial Refunds

  • Cancellation fees are assessed as a percentage of the cruise fare, meaning partial refunds may be issued depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to the departure date.
  • Cancellation fees for air, land, and other add-on charges may apply even if the reservation is not canceled in full.

Dispute Process

  • NCL will review refund requests and respond. If NCL determines a guest is entitled to a refund, their response may include an offer of an alternative (e.g., a future cruise credit), which the guest is free to decline.

Additional Notes

  • Norwegian Cruise Line's Payment and Cancellation Policy is subject to change without notice.
  • Group passenger policies may differ from individual bookings.
  • Air tickets issued by Norwegian Cruise Line's Air/Sea Department are refundable only to Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • No refunds will be given for any missed days of a Land Package.
  • Failure to provide the correct complete legal name prior to final payment will result in a non-refundable change fee of $150 USD.
  • For assistance, guests may contact Norwegian Cruise Line at 1-866-234-7350 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to Midnight, Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time).

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