What is the cancellation fee for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?

When booking a cruise, travelers are often filled with excitement at the prospect of exploring new destinations, indulging in onboard luxuries, and enjoying the open sea. However, sometimes life gets in the way — emergencies arise, plans change, or financial priorities shift. In such cases, the question many passengers ask is: “What is the cancellation fee for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?”

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a UK-based operator with more than 175 years of history, has a structured cancellation fee policy. This policy ensures that the company can cover operational commitments while offering passengers the chance to reschedule or receive partial refunds depending on the timing of their cancellation.

This article provides a comprehensive 2025 guide to Fred. Olsen’s cancellation fees, refund schedules, passenger rights, and tips for minimizing losses.

1. Why Do Cruise Lines Charge Cancellation Fees?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand why cancellation fees exist.

1 Protecting Operational Costs

Cruise lines must commit to costs well before a voyage begins — fuel, port fees, crew wages, catering, and onboard entertainment. When passengers cancel late, the cruise line may struggle to fill the vacancy, resulting in lost revenue.

2 Encouraging Early Decisions

Cancellation fees discourage last-minute withdrawals and help cruise lines plan effectively.

3 Balancing Customer Rights

While fees protect the company, Fred. Olsen also provides flexible options like Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to soften the impact on passengers.

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

1 The Deposit Rule

• All bookings require a non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation.

• The deposit is retained as part of the cancellation fee if a passenger cancels, unless Fred. Olsen cancels the sailing.

2 Standard Cancellation Fee Schedule

Fred. Olsen applies a sliding scale of charges based on how close to departure the cancellation occurs.

Here’s a general breakdown (may vary slightly depending on fare type or promotion):

Days Before DepartureCancellation FeeRefund Eligibility

90+ daysLoss of deposit onlyBalance refunded

89–60 days25–50% of fareRemaining refunded

59–30 days50–75% of fareRemaining refunded

29–15 days75–90% of fareRemaining refunded

14 days or less100% of fareNo refund

This means that the later you cancel, the higher the penalty.

3. Examples of Cancellation Fees

To make the policy clearer, here are sample scenarios:

• Example 1: You cancel 100 days before sailing.

  • You lose only your £250 deposit.

• Example 2: You cancel 45 days before sailing.

  • If your cruise cost £2,000, you could lose up to £1,000 (50%).

• Example 3: You cancel 10 days before sailing.

  • You lose the entire fare (£2,000) with no refund.

4. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Costs

1 Refundable Items

• Cruise fare (minus cancellation fee)

• Government taxes and port charges (if not already paid to suppliers)

2 Non-Refundable Items

• Deposit

• Administration fees

• Prepaid travel insurance

• Some promotional add-ons (e.g., free drinks packages)

5. Future Cruise Credit (FCC) vs. Cash Refunds

Instead of losing money outright, Fred. Olsen often provides Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) as compensation for cancellations.

1 Benefits of FCCs

• Faster processing (3–5 days vs. 14–28 days for cash refunds)

• May include bonus credit (e.g., 110% of fare)

• Allows flexibility to rebook within a set time frame

2 Limitations of FCCs

• Not redeemable for cash

• Must be used within validity (usually 12–24 months)

6. Passenger-Initiated vs. Cruise Line Cancellations

1 Passenger-Initiated

• Fees apply based on cancellation schedule.

• Insurance may cover fees if cancellation is due to illness, bereavement, or government restrictions.

2 Cruise Line-Initiated

If Fred. Olsen cancels a voyage:

• Passengers receive a full refund or FCC.

• No cancellation fee applies.

7. Special Cases

1 Medical or Emergency Cancellations

• Standard cancellation fees apply.

• Passengers may recover costs via travel insurance if illness or emergencies are covered.

2 Group Bookings

• Stricter rules may apply, with higher deposits and different cancellation deadlines.

3 Package Holidays (Cruise + Flights + Hotels)

• Cancellation fees may apply separately to flights and land arrangements.

• Refunds depend on partner providers’ terms.

8. How to Cancel a Fred. Olsen Cruise

Step 1: Review Terms

Check your booking confirmation for specific cancellation rules.

Step 2: Contact Point of Booking

• Direct booking: Call or email Fred. Olsen customer services.

• Travel agent booking: Contact your agent directly.

Step 3: Submit Written Request

Include booking reference, passenger names, and reason for cancellation.

Step 4: Choose Refund Type

Request either a cash refund (minus fees) or Future Cruise Credit.

Step 5: Keep Records

Always retain cancellation confirmation in case of disputes.

9. Timelines for Refunds After Cancellation

1 Cash Refunds

• Typically 14–28 business days after approval.

2 FCCs

• Usually processed in 3–5 business days.

10. How to Minimize or Avoid Cancellation Fees

1. Cancel Early – If you know you can’t travel, cancel more than 90 days in advance to lose only the deposit.

2. Buy Travel Insurance – Covers unexpected medical or emergency cancellations.

3. Reschedule Instead of Canceling – Moving your booking may incur lower fees.

4. Opt for FCCs – Often provides better value than partial cash refunds.

5. Book Flexible Fares – Some promotions may include more lenient terms.

11. Legal Passenger Rights

Fred. Olsen operates under:

• UK Package Travel Regulations 2018

• EU Regulation 1177/2010 (maritime passenger rights)

These laws protect passengers primarily when the cruise line cancels, but not always when passengers cancel voluntarily.

12. FAQs on Cancellation Fees

Q1: How much is the cancellation fee for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?

It ranges from loss of deposit to 100% of fare depending on when you cancel.

Q2: Can I get my deposit back?

No, deposits are non-refundable unless the cruise line cancels.

Q3: What if Fred. Olsen cancels my cruise?

You get a full refund or Future Cruise Credit — no cancellation fee applies.

Q4: Does travel insurance cover cancellation fees?

Yes, if the reason for cancellation is covered (e.g., illness, bereavement).

Q5: How fast will I get my refund?

Cash refunds take 14–28 days, FCCs just 3–5 days.

13. Case Studies

• Case 1: A traveler canceled 120 days before departure. Lost only £250 deposit.

• Case 2: A passenger canceled 20 days before sailing on a £3,000 cruise. Lost £2,400 (80%).

• Case 3: Fred. Olsen canceled a voyage due to technical issues. Passenger received a full refund + £150 onboard credit for future use.

Conclusion

So, what is the cancellation fee for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?

• If you cancel early (90+ days before departure) → You lose only the deposit.

• If you cancel closer to sailing → Fees rise sharply, up to 100% of the fare within 14 days of departure.

• If Fred. Olsen cancels → You are entitled to a full refund or Future Cruise Credit, with no cancellation fee.

To minimize loss, passengers should:

• Cancel early when possible

• Invest in travel insurance

• Consider rescheduling instead of outright cancellation

• Take advantage of FCCs when offered

By understanding the rules and acting strategically, travelers can reduce financial risk while still enjoying the flexibility to adjust their cruise plans.