Cruise Deposits and Fare Types
Understand what happens to your deposit before you pay it.
Request a Cruise Reservation QuoteThe deposit secures your cabin. The fare type you choose decides what happens to that deposit if your plans change. It is the single most important thing to understand before you book — and terms vary by line.
Refundable vs Non-Refundable Deposits
| Fare type | How it usually works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Refundable deposit | Higher fare; deposit returned if you cancel before final payment | Travelers whose plans might change |
| Non-refundable deposit | Lower fare; deposit kept by the line if you cancel, though it may become a future cruise credit on some lines | Travelers sure of their dates |
Royal Caribbean, for example, labels a “Non-refundable deposit” fare on its booking path and says the key benefit is lower pricing; if you cancel before final payment, it keeps the deposit as a penalty and refunds other payments. Other lines use different names and rules, so read the fare terms on your quote.
Other Fare Features to Check
- Promotional perks — onboard credit, drinks or Wi-Fi attached to certain fares only.
- Name changes — some fares allow one, some none.
- Sail date changes — often possible before final payment, sometimes with a fee.
- Price protection — whether the fare can be re-priced if it drops.
- Group or advisor amenities — which fares they apply to.
How to Choose
Ask one question: how sure am I that this trip will happen on these dates? If you are booking far ahead, traveling with others whose plans may shift, or worried about health or work, a refundable deposit is cheap insurance. If the dates are fixed and the savings are meaningful, a non-refundable fare can be the better value — especially combined with travel insurance that covers covered cancellation reasons. Our sister site Cruise & Travel Insurance explains what cruise insurance covers.
Holding a Cabin
Some lines and advisors can place a short courtesy hold on a cabin before the deposit is due. Holds are brief and not always available, but they give you a day or two to confirm with travel companions. Ask when you request a quote.
Deposit Questions
Can I switch from a non-refundable to a refundable fare?
Usually not without cancelling and rebooking, which may cost you the deposit. Moving the other way is often easier. Terms vary by line.
Is the deposit the same on every cruise?
No. Deposits vary by line, sailing length, cabin category and destination, and promotions sometimes reduce them.
Reading the Fare Rules
Every quote should state the fare name and its conditions. Look for the words that govern your money: refundable or non-refundable deposit, the final payment date, the cancellation schedule after final payment, and any change fees. If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing before you pay. Terms vary by line and sometimes by sailing, so do not assume the rules from your last cruise still apply.
Compare Fare Types Side by Side
Tell us the sailing. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will show refundable and non-refundable options with their rules in plain language, free.
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