What are the change fees on Costa Cruises?

A Costa Cruises vacation is a dream for many travelers who love European flair, Mediterranean itineraries, and Italian hospitality at sea. But life is unpredictable. Work obligations, family emergencies, and personal plans often change, leaving many passengers asking:This is an important question because Costa Cruises, like most major cruise lines, has strict policies about modifying existing bookings. Whether you want to change your sailing date, upgrade your cabin, switch itineraries, or update guest details, change fees may apply.

• The types of changes allowed on Costa Cruises bookings

• Standard change fee structures

• Exceptions and flexibility policies

• Special cases like group bookings, promotional fares, and last-minute changes

• How travel insurance interacts with change fees

• Real passenger examples

• Expert strategies to minimize or avoid fees

By the end, you’ll know exactly how Costa Cruises handles booking modifications and what it may cost you.

Understanding Change Fees

A change fee is a penalty or administrative charge that applies when you alter your booking after confirmation. Unlike outright cancellation, a change means you’re still sailing but under modified conditions.

Costa Cruises’ change fees depend on:

• When you request the change (timing matters)

• Type of change (minor corrections vs. major modifications)

• Fare category (standard vs. promotional)

• How you booked (direct with Costa vs. travel agent)

Types of Booking Changes on Costa Cruises

1. Date Changes

• Switching to a different sailing date.

• Often treated like a cancellation + new booking.

• Fees usually based on the cancellation schedule.

2. Name Changes / Passenger Substitution

• Replacing one traveler with another.

• Sometimes allowed for a small fee, but promotional fares may prohibit it.

3. Cabin or Category Changes

• Upgrading to a better stateroom often carries no penalty, but downgrading may involve fees.

4. Itinerary Changes

• Switching to a completely different cruise route may be treated as a cancellation.

5. Onboard Add-Ons (Packages, Excursions, Dining)

• Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions can often be changed with little or no fee before sailing.

Standard Costa Cruises Change Fee Policy

While Costa’s exact change fees can vary by region and fare class, the general rules include:

1. Early Modifications (90+ days before sailing):

   • Minimal or no change fees for date or cabin adjustments.

2. 60–89 days before departure:

   • Changes may incur up to a 25% penalty of the cruise fare if switching sailings.

3. 45–59 days before departure:

   • Treated like partial cancellation; fees may equal 50% of fare.

4. 30–44 days before departure:

   • Up to 75% of fare charged as penalty.

5. 0–29 days before departure:

   • Almost always considered full cancellation; 100% penalty applies.

Important: For many date changes, Costa views it as canceling your original booking and rebooking a new one, which means cancellation fees apply instead of small change fees.

Promotional and Restricted Fares

Costa Cruises frequently sells discounted promotional fares. These have stricter rules:

• Non-refundable deposits often apply.

• No changes allowed after booking.

• Entire fare may be forfeited if changes are requested.

Passengers booking these should carefully read the fine print.

Group Bookings

If you’re traveling with a group, change policies can differ.

• Group contracts often allow substitutions with smaller admin fees.

• Last-minute changes may result in losing group discounts.

Name Change Fees

• Allowed for a small administrative fee in many cases.

• May not be possible on promotional fares.

• Must be completed well before departure (often 15+ days prior).

Change Fees for Add-Ons

• Drink Packages: Fully refundable or changeable before sailing.

• Shore Excursions: Typically refundable or changeable up to 48 hours before.

• Specialty Dining: May have small cancellation or change penalties if canceled onboard.

Travel Insurance and Change Fees

Travel insurance can protect against high penalties.

• Standard Insurance: Covers changes due to medical or emergency situations.

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Reimburses a portion of your fare even if you simply want to reschedule.

Real Passenger Scenarios

1. Early Date Change Success:

   • Anna booked a Mediterranean cruise but changed her plans 100 days before sailing. Costa moved her booking with no penalty.

2. Last-Minute Reschedule:

   • Mark requested to switch to a later cruise 20 days before sailing. He lost 100% of his fare under cancellation rules.

3. Passenger Substitution:

   • Sarah’s friend dropped out. She substituted another guest for a small fee, keeping the cabin without penalty.

4. Cabin Upgrade:

   • Daniel upgraded from an interior cabin to a balcony. No change fee applied; he only paid the fare difference.

Expert Tips to Minimize Change Fees

• Book Flexible Fares: Avoid restrictive promotional deals.

• Make Changes Early: The further from departure, the lower the fee.

• Consider Insurance: Especially CFAR coverage.

• Upgrade Instead of Downgrading: Cruise lines rarely penalize for spending more.

• Work With a Travel Agent: Agents can sometimes negotiate waivers.

FAQs

Q1: Does Costa Cruises charge for name changes?

Yes, usually a small admin fee, but not allowed on all fare types.

Q2: Is changing a cruise date the same as canceling?

Often yes. Costa typically treats date changes as cancellations with penalties.

Q3: Can I change my cabin without a fee?

Upgrading is usually fee-free; downgrading may incur costs.

Q4: Are drink packages and excursions changeable?

Yes, if adjusted before deadlines (often 48 hours before departure).

Q5: Can travel insurance cover change fees?Yes, depending on your policy type and circumstances.