How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Azamara?

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes your perfectly planned cruise vacation needs to shift. Whether it’s a scheduling conflict, health issue, or simply wanting a better itinerary, many travelers ask: How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Azamara?

The cost of changing your cruise date with Azamara depends on when you make the change, the type of fare purchased, and the difference in pricing between the original and new cruise.

Understanding Azamara’s Cruise Date Change Policy

Changing a cruise date with Azamara is essentially a rebooking process. Instead of outright canceling and losing money, you request to move your reservation to a new sailing.

What a Date Change Means

• Moving your existing booking to a different departure date.

• Retaining some or all of your payments/deposits toward the new date.

• Paying any fare differences if the new cruise is more expensive.

Cost Factors for Changing a Cruise Date

1. Timing of the Change

The most important factor in determining cost is when you request the change.

• Before Final Payment Deadline:

  • Usually no penalty for changing the date.

  • Deposit transfers to new booking.

  • Only extra cost is fare difference (if new sailing is more expensive).

• After Final Payment Deadline:

  • Changing dates may incur penalties.

  • Some or all of your fare may be forfeited, depending on how close to sailing the change occurs.

  • You may need to cancel and rebook, which could mean cancellation fees.

• Last-Minute Changes (Close to Departure):

  • Highest penalties.

  • Often treated as a cancellation.

  • You may lose 100% of your fare unless special arrangements or travel protection apply.

2. Fare Differences

• If the new sailing costs more than the original, you pay the difference in fare.

• If the new sailing costs less, Azamara may not provide a cash refund; instead, you may receive a future cruise credit (FCC) for the difference.

3. Change or Administrative Fees

• In addition to fare differences, Azamara may charge a change fee for modifying a booking.

• The exact fee varies by itinerary, stateroom type, and timing of the change.

4. Promotions and Special Fares

• If your original booking included a special promotion (such as onboard credit or a discounted package), those benefits may not transfer to the new sailing.

• Rebooking under a new promotion may sometimes cost more, but could also save money if discounts are available.

Estimated Costs for Changing Cruise Dates

While Azamara does not publish a one-size-fits-all change fee chart, passengers can expect costs in the following ranges:

1. Before Final Payment:

   • Cost: $0 in fees.

   • You pay only if the new sailing is more expensive.

2. After Final Payment:

   • Cost: Varies depending on timing.

   • Could be 25%–75% of fare forfeited.

   • Additional payment may be required for new cruise fare.

3. Within Days of Departure:

   • Cost: Up to 100% of fare forfeited.

   • New booking requires full payment.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Early Date Change

• Original Cruise: $4,000 per person.

• New Cruise: $4,200 per person.

• Timing: 90 days before final payment.

• Cost: No change fee, just $200 extra fare difference.

Scenario 2: After Final Payment

• Original Cruise: $3,800 per person.

• New Cruise: $4,000 per person.

• Timing: 45 days before sailing.

• Cost: 50% cancellation penalty ($1,900 lost) + fare difference ($200).

Scenario 3: Last-Minute Change

• Original Cruise: $5,000 per person.

• Change requested: 5 days before departure.

• Cost: 100% penalty—entire fare forfeited unless future cruise credit applies.

Tips to Minimize Costs When Changing Dates

1. Act Early: Rebook before the final payment deadline to avoid penalties.

2. Consider Future Cruise Credits (FCCs): If you cancel, credits may help reduce losses on a new booking.

3. Use a Travel Advisor: They can negotiate with Azamara and sometimes secure better flexibility.

4. Check Promotions: If you rebook during a new promotion, you might offset fare increases with added perks.

5. Purchase Travel Insurance: Some policies cover cancellation or changes due to emergencies.

The Role of Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

If you cannot make your original date, Azamara may issue a Future Cruise Credit instead of a refund.

• FCCs can be applied toward a new booking.

• They often have expiration dates, so plan ahead.

• FCCs may not cover administrative or cancellation fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to change my Azamara cruise before final payment?

Usually nothing. Your deposit can be transferred, and you only pay any fare difference.

2. What if I change my date after final payment?

You may face cancellation penalties, which can be a percentage of your fare depending on how close to departure you are.

3. Will I get money back if my new cruise is cheaper?

Not usually. Azamara may issue a Future Cruise Credit instead of a cash refund.

4. Can I transfer my promotions to the new cruise?

Sometimes yes, but many promotions are specific to your original booking and may not carry over.

5. What happens if I want to change dates a few days before sailing?Most likely, you’ll face full penalties and lose your fare unless you have insurance or FCCs.

6. Is there a standard rebooking fee?Azamara does not list a flat fee—it depends on your fare, itinerary, and when you make the change.

7. Can travel insurance help with date changes?

Yes, insurance may cover costs if you need to rebook due to illness, emergencies, or covered disruptions.

 how much does it cost to change a cruise date with Azamara?

The answer depends heavily on when you make the change:

• Before final payment: Usually no cost except fare difference.

• After final payment: Penalties apply, ranging from partial fare loss to full fare forfeiture.

• Last-minute changes: Usually treated as cancellation with the highest financial loss.

Azamara provides flexibility for early planners, but late changes can be expensive. To minimize costs, always try to rebook early, monitor promotions, and consider travel insurance or future cruise credits.

With the right planning, you can adjust your Azamara cruise dates smoothly and continue enjoying the line’s luxury, destination-focused experiences without unnecessary stress.