How much does it cost to change a cruise date with P&O Cruises?

Changing a cruise date can feel stressful, especially when travel plans shift unexpectedly. With P&O Cruises, date changes are possible, but the cost depends on several factors such as fare type, timing, and destination. This guide explains how cruise date changes work, what fees may apply, and how to minimize costs, based on industry practices and publicly available booking policies. The goal is to help travelers make informed decisions before requesting a change.

P&O Cruises date change policies

P&O Cruises operates with structured booking terms that balance flexibility with operational planning. While date changes are allowed, they are not always free and may involve administrative fees or fare differences.

What qualifies as a cruise date change

A cruise date change typically means moving an existing booking to a different sailing date while keeping the same ship, itinerary type, or destination category where possible. This is different from cancelling a cruise and making a new reservation.

Common examples include:

• Moving a Mediterranean cruise from June to September

• Shifting a Caribbean sailing to a later departure within the same season

• Rebooking due to personal schedule conflicts

Difference between date change and cancellation

Understanding this distinction is essential because costs vary significantly.

• Date change: Your booking remains active, but sailing details are modified. Fees usually apply.

• Cancellation: The booking is terminated, and standard cancellation penalties apply, often higher than change fees.

In many cases, requesting a date change is financially safer than cancelling outright, especially close to departure.

Costs involved when changing a P&O Cruises sailing

The cost to change a cruise date with P&O Cruises is not a single flat fee. Instead, it is influenced by several layered components that together determine the final amount.

Standard administrative change fees

P&O Cruises typically charges an administrative fee per person when a date change is requested. This fee covers reservation handling, inventory adjustments, and system updates.

Key points to know:

• The fee is usually charged per guest, not per booking

• It applies even if the new cruise is cheaper

• The fee is non-refundable once processed

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a universally fixed fee amount, as charges may vary by booking type and promotion.

Fare difference and repricing rules

In addition to administrative fees, guests must pay any fare difference if the new cruise date costs more than the original.

This can occur due to:

• Seasonal demand differences

• Higher cabin category availability

• Reduced promotional pricing on the original booking

If the new sailing is cheaper, P&O Cruises generally does not refund the difference. Instead, the lower fare may be forfeited, and the original price retained.

Time-based penalties before departure

Timing plays a major role in determining overall cost.

• Far in advance: Lower penalties, more flexibility

• Closer to departure: Higher fees and limited options

• Inside final payment window: Change fees may approach cancellation-level costs

As a rule, the closer you are to departure, the more expensive and restrictive changes become.

Factors that influence how much you pay

Not all cruise date changes are treated equally. Several variables directly affect what you will be charged.

Fare type and booking conditions

P&O Cruises offers multiple fare structures, each with different flexibility levels.

Common fare characteristics:

• Saver or promotional fares often have higher change penalties

• Select or flexible fares allow easier modifications

• Special offers may restrict date changes entirely

Before requesting a change, reviewing your fare conditions is critical, as some bookings allow only one modification or none at all.

Destination and cruise length

Longer cruises and high-demand destinations often carry stricter change rules.

For example:

• World cruises and extended itineraries usually have higher penalties

• School holiday sailings are less flexible

• Short cruises may allow lower-cost changes

The operational complexity of longer voyages increases the cost of adjustments.

Cabin category and onboard extras

Your cabin type and added services also affect change costs.

Considerations include:

• Suite and balcony cabins may reprice higher on new dates

• Flights, hotels, and transfers must be rebooked

• Onboard packages may need revalidation or repayment

Changing the cruise date does not always guarantee the same cabin or perks on the new sailing.

Step-by-step process to change your cruise date

Changing a cruise date with P&O Cruises is a structured process. Following the correct steps can reduce delays and unexpected charges.

Review your booking terms carefully

Before contacting P&O Cruises, confirm:

• Your fare type

• Final payment date

• Change and cancellation penalties

• Any promotional restrictions

This ensures you understand the financial impact before proceeding.

Contact P&O Cruises or your travel agent

Date changes must be processed through:

• The official P&O Cruises booking channel, or

• The travel agent who made the original booking

Be prepared with:

• Booking reference number

• Preferred new sailing dates

• Cabin flexibility options

Confirm costs and reissue documentation

Once the change is approved:

• Administrative fees are charged

• Fare differences are collected if applicable

• Updated booking documents are issued

Always request written confirmation of the revised itinerary and charges.

Expert strategies to reduce change costs

While some costs are unavoidable, experienced cruisers use specific strategies to limit financial impact.

Book flexible fares whenever possible

Flexible fares often cost slightly more upfront but can save significant money if plans change. This is especially useful for long-haul or peak-season cruises.

Make changes early

Early changes provide:

• More sailing options

• Lower penalties

• Better cabin availability

Waiting until the final weeks dramatically increases costs.

Compare rebooking versus changing

In some cases, cancelling and rebooking a heavily discounted cruise may be cheaper than paying change fees and fare differences. This requires careful comparison.

Monitor promotions before changing

Occasionally, promotional offers apply to new sailings. If the new cruise has a similar fare, the net cost of changing may be lower than expected.

Real-world scenario examples

A family booked a Northern Europe cruise departing in July but needed to move it to August due to school scheduling. Because they requested the change three months before departure and selected a flexible fare, they paid only the administrative fee and a modest fare difference.

In contrast, a couple attempting to change a Mediterranean cruise within four weeks of departure faced high penalties, limited availability, and a significantly higher total cost.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming date changes are free

• Waiting until after final payment

• Ignoring fare conditions

• Expecting refunds for cheaper sailings

Avoiding these mistakes can save hundreds of pounds.

Comparison overview of potential cost elements

Cost ElementMay ApplyRefundable

Administrative feeYesNo

Fare differenceYesNo

Cabin upgrade costSometimesNo

Add-on rebookingYesDepends

Insurance coverageVariesPolicy-based

Changing a cruise date requires careful evaluation of costs versus convenience. While P&O Cruises allows modifications, the financial outcome depends on preparation, timing, and fare selection.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is the average cost to change a P&O Cruises date?

The total cost varies and includes an administrative fee plus any fare difference. There is no confirmed fixed amount.

Can I change my cruise date for free?

Free changes are rare and typically limited to special flexible fares or promotional conditions.

Does travel insurance cover cruise date changes?

Some policies may cover changes due to specific covered reasons, but this depends entirely on the insurance terms.

Can I change the date after final payment?

Yes, but penalties are significantly higher and availability may be limited.

Will I keep my original cabin if I change dates?

Not guaranteed. Cabin availability depends on the new sailing.

What happens if the new cruise is cheaper?

In most cases, the price difference is not refunded.

How long does a date change take to process?

Typically a few business days once fees are paid and availability is confirmed.

Is it cheaper to cancel and rebook instead?

Sometimes, but this depends on cancellation penalties and current pricing.

Can I change the cruise date more than once?

This depends on fare conditions. Some fares allow only one modification.

Do onboard extras move to the new cruise?

Some extras may transfer, while others may need to be rebooked or repaid..