Booking & Deals

What is a Refare on a Cruise

Updated June 24, 20255 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

Affiliate disclosure: Cruise Compass is reader-supported. When you book through our CruiseDirect links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read more.

The short answer

A cruise refare is when a cruise line reprices a sailing, often due to low demand, resulting in savings for passengers who rebook.

A cruise refare occurs when a cruise line reprices a sailing, usually due to low demand, and passengers can take advantage of the new lower rate, which can be hundreds of dollars less than the original fare, with typical refunds ranging from 10 to 30 percent off the original fare.

This article will explore the ins and outs of cruise refares, including how to identify when a refare has occurred, how to take advantage of the new lower rate, and what to consider before rebooking, including the timing of the refare and the trade-offs involved, such as potential changes to onboard amenities or itinerary.

Ready to price it up?Check current sailings and fares on CruiseDirect before you commit to a cruise line.

Compare prices →

Understanding Cruise Refares

Cruise refares can happen at any time, but they are more common during the off-season or when a sailing is not filling up as quickly as expected, with cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean often offering refares on select sailings, particularly those departing from ports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

Passengers who are already booked on a sailing that has been refared may be able to take advantage of the new lower rate by rebooking their cabin, which can result in significant savings, with typical refunds ranging from 10 to 30 percent off the original fare, although this can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific sailing.

Refares can occur on any type of cabin
Refares are usually only available on select sailings
Refares may not be combinable with other promotions

Identifying Refares

Identifying when a refare has occurred can be tricky, but there are a few ways to stay on top of it, including setting up price alerts or working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises, such as those on Deck 5 of the ship, which often have access to the latest information on refares and other promotions.

Passengers can also check the cruise line's website or contact their customer service department directly to inquire about potential refares, although it's worth noting that not all refares are publicly advertised, so it's essential to be proactive and stay informed, particularly during the 30- to 60-day window before sailing when refares are most common.

Set up price alerts for your sailing
Work with a travel agent who specializes in cruises
Check the cruise line's website regularly

Taking Advantage of Refares

If a refare has occurred on your sailing, you may be able to rebook your cabin at the new lower rate, which can result in significant savings, with typical refunds ranging from 10 to 30 percent off the original fare, although this can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific sailing, such as a 7-night Caribbean cruise on the Navigator of the Seas.

However, before rebooking, it's essential to consider the potential trade-offs, such as changes to onboard amenities or itinerary, which may not be desirable, and to weigh the benefits of the refare against any potential drawbacks, including the possibility of a less desirable cabin location, such as a cabin on a lower deck like Deck 2 or 3.

Rebook your cabin at the new lower rate
Consider the potential trade-offs
Weigh the benefits against any drawbacks

Pricing up booking & deals?

Once you know what you want, the only way to know what it costs is to check live fares. CruiseDirect compares sailings across all the major cruise lines in a single search.

Search cruise deals →

We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep these guides free.

Refare Strategies

One strategy for taking advantage of refares is to book a sailing early and then monitor prices for potential drops, which can result in significant savings, with typical refunds ranging from 10 to 30 percent off the original fare, although this can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific sailing, such as a 14-night transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary 2.

Another strategy is to look for refares on select sailings, particularly those that are not filling up as quickly as expected, such as a 3-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Liberty, which may offer more opportunities for savings, although it's essential to be flexible and willing to make changes to your itinerary, including the possibility of a different cabin location or onboard amenities.

Book early and monitor prices
Look for refares on select sailings
Be flexible and willing to make changes

Refare Timing

The timing of a refare can vary, but they are most common during the 30- to 60-day window before sailing, when cruise lines are trying to fill any remaining cabins, and passengers can take advantage of the new lower rate by rebooking their cabin, which can result in significant savings, with typical refunds ranging from 10 to 30 percent off the original fare.

However, refares can also occur at other times, such as during wave season, which typically takes place from January to March, when cruise lines offer special promotions and discounts, including refares, on select sailings, such as a 7-night Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Bliss, which may offer more opportunities for savings, although it's essential to be proactive and stay informed.

Refares are most common 30-60 days before sailing
Refares can also occur during wave season
Be proactive and stay informed

Refare Considerations

Before taking advantage of a refare, it's essential to consider the potential trade-offs, such as changes to onboard amenities or itinerary, which may not be desirable, and to weigh the benefits of the refare against any potential drawbacks, including the possibility of a less desirable cabin location, such as a cabin on a lower deck like Deck 2 or 3, or a cabin with a restricted view, such as a cabin on Deck 8 with a lifeboat obstructing the view.

Additionally, passengers should also consider the potential impact on their travel plans, including any pre- or post-cruise arrangements, such as hotel bookings or shore excursions, which may need to be adjusted if the refare results in changes to the itinerary, and to factor in any additional costs, such as the cost of changing flights or travel arrangements, which can add up quickly, with typical costs ranging from $200 to $500 per person.

Consider the potential trade-offs
Weigh the benefits against any drawbacks
Factor in any additional costs

Key takeaways

Refares can result in significant savings
Refares are most common 30-60 days before sailing
Be proactive and stay informed
Consider the potential trade-offs

Where to book this cruise

When taking advantage of a refare, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions, including any potential trade-offs, and consider working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises, such as those on Deck 5 of the ship. It's also essential to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking to ensure you're getting the best deal. By being proactive and staying informed, you can make the most of a refare and save hundreds on your next cruise.

Check today's fares on CruiseDirect

Compare every major cruise line side by side, filter by date, port and cabin type, and see the real price before you commit. Searching costs nothing.

Search CruiseDirect deals →

We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep these guides free.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cruise refare?

A cruise refare is when a cruise line reprices a sailing, often due to low demand, resulting in savings for passengers who rebook.

How do I identify a refare?

You can identify a refare by setting up price alerts or working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises, and by checking the cruise line's website regularly for updates.

Can I take advantage of a refare if I'm already booked?

Yes, if a refare has occurred on your sailing, you may be able to rebook your cabin at the new lower rate, resulting in significant savings.

What are the potential trade-offs of a refare?

The potential trade-offs of a refare include changes to onboard amenities or itinerary, and the possibility of a less desirable cabin location, such as a cabin on a lower deck or with a restricted view.

How can I make the most of a refare?

To make the most of a refare, be proactive and stay informed, and consider working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises, and compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking.