What is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises?

Booking a cruise with P&O Cruises is often a dream come true. With luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and exotic itineraries, it’s no surprise that many travelers plan their voyages months—sometimes years—in advance. But life is unpredictable, and circumstances may require you to cancel your booking.

That’s when passengers start asking: What is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises?

The answer isn’t straightforward. The cancellation fee varies depending on:

The type of fare you booked.
How far in advance you cancel.
Whether you’ve paid only the deposit or the full fare.
Special promotional conditions tied to your booking.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about P&O Cruises’ cancellation fees, from the exact percentages charged to tips for reducing financial loss if your plans change.

Understanding P&O Cruises’ Cancellation Policy

P&O Cruises applies a tiered cancellation fee system. The closer you are to your sailing date, the higher the penalty. This is standard across the cruise industry, as companies rely on confirmed bookings to plan staffing, provisioning, and itineraries.

The cancellation fee is deducted from the amount you’ve paid, and any remaining balance is refunded. In some cases, particularly with restricted fares, no refund is available at all.

Cancellation Timeline and Fees

Here is a general outline of how cancellation fees typically work with P&O Cruises (note: specific terms may vary slightly depending on fare type and booking conditions).

Cancellations 91+ Days Before Departure

Fee: Loss of deposit only.
Refund: Balance of any payments made is refunded.

Cancellations 57–90 Days Before Departure

Fee: 50% of total fare.
Refund: Remaining 50% refunded.

Cancellations 42–56 Days Before Departure

Fee: 60% of total fare.
Refund: 40% refunded.

Cancellations 16–41 Days Before Departure

Fee: 75% of total fare.
Refund: 25% refunded.

Cancellations 15 Days or Less Before Departure

Fee: 100% of fare (no refund).

Cancellation Fees by Fare Type

Not all fares are treated equally. P&O Cruises offers several fare options, and your cancellation rights depend on the one you booked.

Standard Fares

Most flexible option.
Eligible for partial refunds if cancelled within certain timelines.
Subject to standard cancellation fee structure.

Saver Fares

Lower price but much stricter rules.
Often non-refundable, meaning cancellation leads to 100% fare loss regardless of timing.
Name changes or modifications may also attract fees.

Promotional Fares

Deeply discounted fares tied to specific marketing offers.
Typically non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellation results in full fare forfeiture.

Deposits and Their Role in Cancellation Fees

When you book a P&O cruise, you usually pay a deposit to secure your cabin.

Deposits are non-refundable in most cases.
If you cancel more than 91 days in advance, you generally lose only the deposit.
If you cancel after final payment, additional cancellation fees apply.

Exceptions to Standard Cancellation Fees

While cancellation fees are usually strict, there are situations where passengers may avoid them.

1. Cruise Canceled by P&O

If P&O Cruises cancels the sailing due to operational, safety, or global issues:

Guests are typically offered a full refund or Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
No cancellation fees apply.

2. Major Itinerary Changes

If P&O significantly changes your itinerary (e.g., removes key ports or reduces cruise duration), you may be entitled to cancel without penalty.

3. Travel Insurance Claims

If you cancel due to illness, bereavement, or another covered reason, travel insurance may reimburse you for cancellation fees.

4. Pandemic/Emergency Measures

During COVID-19, P&O temporarily waived cancellation fees in some cases. While such policies are no longer standard, global crises can still trigger exceptions.

Refunds vs Future Cruise Credits

When cancelling, P&O may offer Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as an alternative to cash refunds.

FCC Benefits: Flexibility to rebook, sometimes with added value (e.g., bonus credit).
FCC Limitations: Cannot be exchanged for cash, must be used within validity period.

For some passengers, accepting FCC instead of paying cancellation fees may be a smart strategy.

How to Cancel a P&O Cruises Booking

If you need to cancel:

Find your booking reference and details.
Contact your travel agent if booked through one.
Reach out to P&O Cruises directly via customer service or online portal.
Request written confirmation of cancellation and fees applied.
Check refund method (card refund, bank transfer, or FCC).

How Long Do Refunds Take?

Refund processing depends on payment method:

Credit/debit cards: 7–14 business days.
Bank transfers: Up to 4 weeks.
FCC: Usually issued within a few days.

How to Minimize Cancellation Fees

Book Standard Fares

These fares provide more flexibility compared to Saver or promotional fares.

Cancel Early

If uncertain about travel plans, cancel well before final payment dates to limit fees to just the deposit.

Use Travel Insurance

Comprehensive cruise insurance can cover cancellation penalties for emergencies.

Rebook Instead of Cancel

Sometimes P&O allows rebooking under certain conditions, reducing or avoiding cancellation fees.

Monitor P&O Offers

Occasionally, special programs allow more flexible cancellations—keep an eye on official announcements.

Case Study: Comparing Cancellation Costs

Imagine two passengers, both booked on a Mediterranean cruise costing £1,500 per person.

Passenger A cancels 100 days before sailing.
- Loss: £150 deposit.
- Refund: £1,350.
Passenger B cancels 20 days before sailing.
- Fee: 75% of fare (£1,125).
- Refund: £375.

This example shows why cancelling early can save you a significant amount.

Common Misconceptions About Cancellation Fees

Misconception 1: “All cancellations are free with travel insurance.”

Not true—insurance only covers specific, documented emergencies.

Misconception 2: “I’ll get my deposit back if I cancel early.”

Incorrect—deposits are usually non-refundable.

Misconception 3: “P&O always charges cancellation fees.”

Not always—if the cruise is canceled by the company, no fees apply.

FAQs

What is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises?

It ranges from loss of deposit (91+ days before sailing) to 100% of fare (within 15 days of sailing).

Do Saver fares have cancellation fees?

Yes. In most cases, cancelling a Saver fare results in losing 100% of the fare.

Can I get my cancellation fee refunded through insurance?

Yes, if the cancellation reason is covered under your policy.

How much is the deposit for P&O Cruises?

Deposits vary by itinerary and cabin type but are generally non-refundable.

Will I be charged if I simply don’t show up?

Yes. A no-show is treated as a late cancellation and incurs a 100% fee.

what is the cancellation fee for P&O Cruises?

If you cancel far in advance, you typically lose only the deposit.
Between 57–90 days before departure, expect to lose around 50% of the fare.
Within 15 days of sailing, you usually forfeit the entire fare.
Saver and promotional fares are often completely non-refundable.

The key to minimizing cancellation fees is to cancel early, book flexible fares, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance. By planning strategically, you can protect your investment while still enjoying the peace of mind of having flexibility if your plans change.