Back to Blog

Can I move my Cunard Line cruise to a different date?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 19 September 2025
  • 6 min read

Can I move my Cunard Line cruise to a different date?

Cunard Line, with its legendary fleet including Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the new Queen Anne, is one of the most iconic cruise lines in the world. Offering luxury voyages across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and around the globe, Cunard promises timeless elegance and unforgettable experiences.

But what if your plans change? Life often brings unexpected events—whether it’s a work conflict, family commitment, or simply the desire to sail at a different time. This leads many travelers to ask:

Can I move my Cunard Line cruise to a different date?

The short answer is yes, but the ability to change your cruise date depends on your fare type, how close you are to departure, and Cunard’s cancellation policy. In this article, we’ll provide a complete breakdown of what you need to know about moving your Cunard cruise, including fees, processes, and insider tips to minimize your costs.

Understanding Cunard’s Fare Types

Not all Cunard bookings are created equal. Your fare type determines how flexible your reservation is.

Cunard Fare (Standard Fare)

  • Offers maximum flexibility.

  • Date changes typically allowed before final payment without penalty.

  • After final payment, changes are subject to cancellation charges.

Early Saver Fare

  • More affordable than Cunard Fare.

  • Limited flexibility.

  • Date changes may incur administrative fees or restrictions.

 Saver Fare (Promotional Fare)

  • Lowest price but least flexible.

  • Generally, no changes allowed.

  • Moving dates may require full cancellation and rebooking.

 World Voyage Fare

  • Flexible due to long-term nature of itineraries.

  • May have longer advance notice requirements (sometimes 120+ days).

Key Point: If flexibility is important, always book a Cunard Fare rather than Saver or promotional fares.

Cunard’s Policy on Moving a Cruise Date

Before Final Payment Deadline

  • Most Cunard Fare bookings can be changed to another date without penalty.

  • Deposits are transferable to the new sailing.

 After Final Payment Deadline

  • Changes are treated as cancellations, and penalties apply.

  • The closer you are to sailing, the higher the cancellation fee.

Cunard’s Standard Cancellation Schedule

  • 120–90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

  • 89–61 days before departure: 50% of fare forfeited.

  • 60–31 days before departure: 75% of fare forfeited.

  • 30 days or less before departure: 100% of fare forfeited.

 How to Move a Cunard Cruise to a Different Date

1 – Review Your Booking Confirmation

Check which fare type you purchased.

 2 – Note the Final Payment Deadline

Changes made before this date are usually more flexible.

3 – Contact Cunard or Your Travel Agent

  • Direct bookings: Call Cunard reservations.

  • Travel agent bookings: All changes must go through the agent.

 4 – Choose a New Cruise Date

  • Look for an itinerary that suits your new schedule.

  • Be prepared to pay a difference if the new sailing costs more.

 5 – Confirm the Change in Writing

Always request an updated invoice reflecting the new sailing date and any fees.

Costs Involved in Moving Your Cunard Cruise

 Possible Fees You May Face

  1. Administrative fees for some fare types.

  2. Fare difference if your new cruise is more expensive.

  3. Cancellation penalties if changing after the final payment date.

 Example Scenarios

Scenario 1 – Early Change (No Cost)

  • Guest books under Cunard Fare.

  • Changes sailing 6 months before departure.

  • Deposit transferred, no penalties.

 Scenario 2 – Mid-Timeline Change (Partial Penalty)

  • Guest requests change 70 days before departure.

  • 50% cancellation fee applies.

  • Remaining balance applied to new booking.

Scenario 3 – Last-Minute Change (Full Loss)

  • Guest tries to rebook 20 days before sailing.

  • 100% fare lost.

  • Must pay full fare for new cruise.

Special Circumstances

 Medical or Family Emergencies

  • Travel insurance may cover rebooking or cancellation costs.

Cunard’s COVID-Era Flexible Policies

  • Guests could move dates without penalty under “Flexible Booking.”

  • While mostly discontinued, Cunard occasionally offers seasonal flexibility promotions.

 Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

  • If you cancel, you may receive FCC to apply toward another date.

  • FCC can help minimize losses.

Tips for Minimizing Costs When Moving a Cunard Cruise

Book the Right Fare

Choose Cunard Fare if there’s a chance you may need to move your cruise.

Make Changes Early

Move your sailing before the final payment date to avoid penalties.

Use FCC Wisely

If forced to cancel, apply FCC strategically to future voyages.

 Buy Travel Insurance

Covers unforeseen emergencies that may force you to rebook.

Consult a Travel Agent

Agents can navigate policies and sometimes negotiate better terms.

FAQs – Moving Your Cunard Cruise

Can I move my Cunard cruise for free?

Yes, if booked under Cunard Fare and changed before final payment.

 What if I booked a Saver Fare?

Saver Fares typically don’t allow changes. You may need to cancel and rebook.

 Can I transfer my deposit to a new sailing?

Yes, under Cunard Fare, deposits are usually transferable before final payment.

 Will I get a refund if the new cruise is cheaper?

Refunds are rare. Instead, you may receive future credit.

How do I officially move my cruise date?

Contact Cunard directly or through your travel agent, then confirm in writing.

Conclusion

So, can you move your Cunard Line cruise to a different date?

Yes, but the process and cost depend heavily on your fare type and when you make the change. With Cunard Fare bookings, it’s relatively simple and cost-free if done before final payment. But after final payment—or with Saver Fares—changing your cruise date may involve steep penalties.

To minimize costs, always:

  • Book Cunard Fare for flexibility.

  • Make changes well before final payment deadlines.

  • Consider travel insurance for emergencies.

  • Use FCC when cancellations are unavoidable.

By understanding Cunard’s policies in advance, you can protect your investment and sail with peace of mind on a new date that works best for you.

Would you like me to also add a comparison table showing Cunard’s rebooking flexibility vs. other luxury cruise lines (like Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America)? This would make the article even more useful for readers

logo

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

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