What Are the Change Fees on Carnival Cruise Line Cruises?

Planning a cruise with Carnival Cruise Line is exciting, but sometimes life happens — plans change, dates shift, or unexpected circumstances arise. When that happens, travelers often wonder: What are the change fees on Carnival Cruise Line cruises?

Understanding how Carnival handles booking modifications, what fees may apply, and the rules for fare adjustments can help you avoid unnecessary costs and manage your reservation more efficiently. This detailed guide explains Carnival Cruise Line’s change fees, rebooking options, and important policies every traveler should know before making changes to their cruise booking.

Overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s Change Policy

Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to make changes to their bookings, but the cost and flexibility depend on several factors, including:

• The type of fare you purchased (refundable or non-refundable)

• How close you are to your departure date

• The type of change requested (name correction, cabin upgrade, date change, or ship change)

Generally, Carnival aims to accommodate passengers with as much flexibility as possible while maintaining fair pricing and availability.

Types of Changes You Can Make

Before exploring the change fees, it’s important to understand what kinds of modifications passengers typically request. Carnival allows the following types of changes:

a. Date Changes or Rebooking

If you want to move your cruise to a different date, Carnival considers it a rebooking. Depending on the fare and timing, this may incur a change fee or require paying the fare difference.

b. Name Changes

If you need to change the name on your booking, Carnival allows limited modifications. Minor corrections, like spelling errors, are typically free. However, completely replacing one passenger with another may trigger a fee, especially closer to the sailing date.

c. Cabin or Room Changes

Upgrading your cabin to a higher category or switching to a different room type is usually allowed, but you’ll need to pay the price difference. Some promotional fares may restrict cabin changes.

d. Ship or Itinerary Changes

Switching to a different ship or cruise route is considered a major change. In most cases, you’ll need to cancel your original booking and make a new reservation, which may include cancellation and rebooking fees.

e. Passenger Additions or Removals

If you need to add or remove a passenger from your booking, Carnival requires you to contact their reservations team. Adding guests may increase your total fare, while removing guests could result in partial loss of deposits.

3. Change Fees Based on Fare Type

Carnival Cruise Line offers different fare types, and the change fees depend on which one you booked.

a. Early Saver Fares

Early Saver fares are popular for offering the lowest prices but come with strict change policies.

• If you change your booking, Carnival charges a non-refundable $50 per person change fee.

• You can make changes up to 30 days before sailing for most itineraries.

• Any fare difference must be paid at the time of change.

• If the new fare is lower, Carnival may issue a non-refundable onboard credit instead of a refund.

b. Super Saver and Pack & Go Fares

These discounted fares are the least flexible.

• Changes are typically not allowed after booking.

• Any modification is treated as a cancellation, which means you forfeit the deposit or face cancellation fees.

c. Flexible or Standard Fares

These are more expensive than promotional fares but offer greater flexibility.

• You can usually change dates, cabins, or passenger details without a penalty if done before the final payment date.

• After the final payment date, changes may incur administrative fees or be treated as partial cancellations.

d. Fully Refundable Fares

Passengers who book refundable fares enjoy maximum flexibility.

• Changes or cancellations are typically allowed without penalty before the final payment deadline.

• After that date, standard change or cancellation fees may apply depending on the situation.

4. When Fees Apply and How Much They Cost

Carnival’s change fees depend not only on your fare type but also on the timing of your modification.

• Before Final Payment Date: Most changes, such as date or name corrections, are free or subject to minimal administrative fees.

• After Final Payment Date: Changes can incur significant costs, especially for non-refundable fares. You may lose your deposit or a percentage of the total fare depending on how close you are to departure.

Example Breakdown of Typical Change Fees:

• Name correction: Free (minor spelling fix)

• Passenger substitution: $50 to $150 depending on booking type and date

• Date change (Early Saver): $50 per person + fare difference

• Cabin or ship change: Fare difference + administrative charge

• Switching to a new sailing within 30 days of departure: May require full cancellation and rebooking

5. How to Request a Change

To make any modification to your booking, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Carnival’s Customer Service

Call Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation department or reach out through your travel agent. Have your booking number ready.

Step 2: Explain Your Request Clearly

State what change you need — whether it’s a new sailing date, cabin upgrade, or passenger update.

Step 3: Review Updated Fare Details

Ask for the total cost difference, including any applicable change fees.

Step 4: Confirm and Get Written Proof

Once the change is processed, request a confirmation email with the new booking details and total amount paid.

6. Special Cases Where Fees May Be Waived

Carnival Cruise Line sometimes waives change fees under special circumstances.

a. Medical or Family Emergencies

If you or an immediate family member experiences a serious illness or emergency, Carnival may waive or reduce fees if documentation is provided.

b. Cruise Cancellations by Carnival

If Carnival cancels or significantly changes your cruise itinerary, you can rebook or receive a refund without paying change fees.

c. Group Bookings

For large group bookings, such as family reunions or corporate events, Carnival often allows one complimentary name change per cabin before the final payment date.

d. Weather or Natural Disruptions

If weather conditions or natural events impact your departure, Carnival may offer flexible rebooking options or waive certain change fees.

7. The Role of Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance can help cover change or cancellation costs under certain conditions. For example, if you need to postpone your cruise due to illness or emergencies, your insurance may reimburse non-refundable deposits or change fees. Always review your policy to understand what’s covered.

8. Future Cruise Credit (FCC) After Changes

If you cancel or change your booking close to the departure date, Carnival may issue a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead of a refund. This credit can be used toward a future cruise and typically has an expiration period of one year.

FCCs can also be applied to pay for fare differences if you rebook for a later date. However, once an FCC expires, it cannot be reinstated.

9. Avoiding Change Fees: Smart Booking Tips

To minimize or avoid change fees on Carnival cruises, consider the following strategies:

• Book Refundable Fares: They may cost more upfront but provide peace of mind and flexibility.

• Purchase Travel Insurance: It can protect you from last-minute emergencies.

• Make Changes Early: The earlier you request changes, the less likely you’ll face penalties.

• Check Promotions Carefully: Some special deals are non-changeable or carry strict restrictions.

• Stay Updated: Policies may change periodically, so always review Carnival’s latest terms before finalizing your booking.

10. What Happens If You Don’t Pay Change Fees

If a change fee or fare difference is due and not paid promptly, Carnival may cancel your modification request or revert your booking to its original state. In extreme cases, it could result in the cancellation of your cruise reservation. Always confirm payments immediately to secure your updated booking.

11. Typical Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Date Change

You booked an Early Saver fare for a Caribbean cruise but need to postpone due to a family event. Carnival charges a $50 per person change fee and the fare difference for the new sailing.

Scenario 2: Name Correction

You notice your name is misspelled on the booking. Carnival corrects it for free if reported before final payment.

Scenario 3: Upgrading Cabin

You decide to upgrade to a suite. You’ll only need to pay the fare difference, as no administrative fee applies in most cases.

Scenario 4: Passenger Replacement

Your friend cannot travel, and you want to transfer the booking to another person. Carnival charges a passenger substitution fee depending on the fare type and timing.