Is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines currently allowing cancellations?

Cruise travel is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world — from the breathtaking fjords of Norway to the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean. However, with the unpredictability of life, many travelers wonder: “Is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines currently allowing cancellations?”

The short answer is: Yes, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines currently allows cancellations, but the level of refund or flexibility depends on the timing, reason for cancellation, and the type of booking. As with most cruise lines, cancellations are subject to structured policies that balance customer rights with the company’s operational commitments.

In this in-depth article, we’ll cover:

Fred. Olsen’s current cancellation policies in 2025
Passenger-initiated cancellations vs. cruise line cancellations
Deposit rules and refund structures
Cancellation deadlines and penalties
Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) vs. cash refunds
Special exceptions for illness, emergencies, or government restrictions
Legal passenger rights under UK and EU law
Practical tips for cancelling or rescheduling with minimal loss

By the end, you’ll have a complete guide to Fred. Olsen’s cancellation rules and a clear understanding of your options.

1. Understanding Cruise Cancellations

1 What Does “Allowing Cancellations” Mean?

When a cruise line “allows cancellations,” it means passengers have the right to cancel a booking before the scheduled departure date. However, the crucial details lie in:

How much of your payment is refunded
How far in advance you cancel
Whether you receive cash or a Future Cruise Credit

2 Why Cancellation Policies Exist

Cruises involve complex logistics: ships, crew, port reservations, catering, and entertainment. To protect against last-minute losses, cruise lines impose cancellation fees that grow steeper as the departure date approaches.

2. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Current Cancellation Policy (2025)

1 Deposits

All Fred. Olsen bookings require a deposit at the time of reservation.
Deposits are non-refundable, unless the cruise line cancels.

2 Standard Cancellation Schedule

Fred. Olsen operates a sliding scale of cancellation charges:

90+ days before departure → Loss of deposit only.
89–60 days before departure → 25–50% of fare forfeited.
59–30 days before departure → 50–75% of fare forfeited.
29–15 days before departure → 75–90% of fare forfeited.
14 days or less before departure → 100% fare loss (no refund).

This means: Yes, cancellations are allowed — but refunds decrease closer to the departure date.

3 Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Elements

Refundable: Cruise fare (subject to schedule above), port fees, government taxes.
Non-Refundable: Deposits, administrative fees, some add-ons like travel insurance.

3. Passenger-Initiated Cancellations

1 Canceling Early

If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, you only lose your deposit. This is the best time to cancel if you suspect your travel plans may change.

2 Canceling Late

Cancellations closer to departure result in significant financial loss. For example, cancelling within 15 days often means forfeiting 100% of the fare.

3 Illness and Emergencies

Fred. Olsen generally enforces cancellation rules strictly. However, if you have travel insurance, you may recover costs lost due to:

Illness (yours or a close family member’s)
Serious emergencies (bereavement, accidents)
Government travel bans

4 COVID-19 and Medical Cancellations

During the COVID-19 era, Fred. Olsen allowed more flexible cancellations. As of 2025, stricter pre-pandemic policies have returned, but some goodwill flexibility remains for passengers testing positive for contagious illnesses shortly before sailing.

4. Cruise Line-Initiated Cancellations

1 When Fred. Olsen Cancels a Cruise

If the cruise line cancels due to operational issues, weather, or government restrictions, passengers are entitled to:

A full cash refund, or
A Future Cruise Credit (FCC), often with a bonus percentage.

2 Itinerary Changes vs. Full Cancellations

Minor itinerary changes (dropping/replacing ports) do not entitle passengers to a full refund.
Major changes (new departure port, significant reroute) may qualify you for a refund if you decline alternatives.

3 EU and UK Passenger Rights

Under EU Regulation 1177/2010, passengers are entitled to:

A full refund if a cruise is canceled.
Compensation for long delays (25–50% of the ticket price).

5. Refund Timelines for Cancellations

1 Processing Speed

Cash refunds: Typically 14–28 business days.
Future Cruise Credit (FCC): 3–5 business days.

2 Factors That Affect Speed

Payment method: Credit cards process faster than bank transfers.
Booking channel: Direct bookings are faster than travel agent bookings.
High demand: During global disruptions, refunds may take longer.

6. How to Cancel a Fred. Olsen Cruise

Step 1: Check Terms

Review your booking confirmation and cancellation schedule.

Step 2: Contact Fred. Olsen

Direct booking: Contact Fred. Olsen customer services.
Travel agent booking: Your agent must initiate the cancellation.

Step 3: Submit Cancellation Request

Include booking reference, passenger details, and cancellation reason.

Step 4: Choose Refund Method

Request a cash refund or Future Cruise Credit.

Step 5: Keep Documentation

Always save confirmation emails and receipts.

7. Alternatives to Cancellation

Sometimes, rather than losing money, it may be better to:

1 Reschedule

Fred. Olsen may allow you to move your booking to a different sailing.
This often incurs lower penalties than outright cancellation.

2 Future Cruise Credit (FCC)

Instead of losing your fare, you can apply funds to a new cruise.
FCCs sometimes include extra value (e.g., 110% of original fare).

3 Travel Insurance Claims

If your reason for cancellation is covered, your insurer may reimburse you.

8. Special Cases for Cancellations

1 Group Bookings

Cancellation policies for group bookings may differ, often with stricter deposit rules.

2 Cruise-and-Stay Packages

If your booking includes hotels, flights, or tours, separate cancellation rules may apply.

3 Onboard Extras

Pre-booked shore excursions and beverage packages are usually refundable if canceled before departure.

9. Practical Tips for Minimizing Loss

Cancel Early – The earlier you cancel, the more money you save.
Buy Travel Insurance – Protects you against emergencies.
Book Directly – Easier refund processing.
Monitor Policies – Cruise lines sometimes introduce flexible booking programs.
Consider FCCs – Often faster and sometimes more valuable than refunds.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Fred. Olsen allowing cancellations right now?

Yes, but refunds depend on timing and reason for cancellation.

Q2: Will I get a full refund if I cancel?

Only if canceled very early. Otherwise, deposits and cancellation fees apply.

Q3: What if Fred. Olsen cancels my cruise?

You are entitled to a full cash refund or FCC.

Q4: How long does it take to get my refund?

14–28 business days for cash refunds.

Q5: Can I reschedule instead of cancelling?

Yes, rescheduling may save you cancellation penalties.

Conclusion

So, is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines currently allowing cancellations?

Yes, passengers can cancel their cruises in 2025.
The amount refunded depends on when you cancel — early cancellations may only cost you the deposit, while late cancellations can mean losing the entire fare.
If Fred. Olsen cancels the cruise, passengers are guaranteed a full refund or FCC.
Travel insurance remains essential for covering unexpected cancellations.

With careful planning, early decisions, and the right protection, you can navigate Fred. Olsen’s cancellation policy smoothly while minimizing financial loss.