Booking & Deals

What to Look for in a Cruise Contract

Updated July 1, 20266 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Look for cancellation policies, payment terms, and onboard expenses in a cruise contract.

A cruise contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of your cruise, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and onboard expenses, it is essential to carefully review the contract before signing, as it can help you avoid unexpected fees and penalties, typical cruise contract terms range from 10 to 30 pages, and may include clauses related to cabin assignments, dining options, and shore excursions.

This article will provide an overview of what to look for in a cruise contract, including key terms and conditions, and offer practical tips for navigating the contract review process, whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding your cruise contract can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

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Understanding Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, but most contracts include a schedule of penalties for canceling or changing your cruise, these penalties can range from a small fee to the full cost of the cruise, depending on the timing of the cancellation, for example, canceling a cruise 60 days or more before departure may result in a fee of $50 to $200 per person, while canceling within 30 days of departure may result in a fee of $500 to $1,000 per person.

It is essential to carefully review the cancellation policy in your cruise contract, as it can help you avoid unexpected fees and penalties, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury, that may require you to cancel your cruise, typical travel insurance policies cost between 5% to 10% of the total cruise cost.

Review cancellation policy before signing contract
Understand penalty schedule for canceling or changing cruise
Consider purchasing travel insurance

Reviewing Payment Terms

Payment terms in a cruise contract typically include the total cost of the cruise, as well as any additional fees or expenses, such as port charges, taxes, and gratuities, it is essential to carefully review the payment terms to ensure you understand what is included in the cost of the cruise, and what additional expenses you may incur, for example, some cruise lines may charge extra for amenities such as Wi-Fi or drink packages, which can range in cost from $10 to $30 per day.

Consider setting up a payment plan to help manage the cost of the cruise, many cruise lines offer flexible payment options, such as deposit-only plans or monthly payment plans, be sure to review the payment terms carefully to avoid any unexpected fees or penalties, and understand the refund policy in case of cancellation.

Review total cost of cruise, including additional fees
Understand payment schedule and any penalties for late payment
Consider setting up payment plan to manage costs
Review refund policy in case of cancellation

Onboard Expenses and Extras

Onboard expenses and extras can add up quickly, and may include items such as drinks, shore excursions, and specialty dining, it is essential to review the cruise contract to understand what is included in the cost of the cruise, and what additional expenses you may incur, for example, some cruise lines may offer drink packages that range in cost from $50 to $100 per day, while others may charge extra for amenities such as Wi-Fi or spa treatments.

Consider budgeting extra for onboard expenses and extras, and review the cruise line's policy on onboard expenses, such as whether they offer a cashless system or require a credit card on file, be sure to also review the contract for any restrictions on onboard expenses, such as limits on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from an ATM.

Review what is included in cost of cruise
Understand additional expenses, such as drinks and shore excursions
Consider budgeting extra for onboard expenses
Review cruise line's policy on onboard expenses
Review restrictions on onboard expenses

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Cabin Assignments and Upgrades

Cabin assignments and upgrades can be an important part of the cruise experience, and may be outlined in the cruise contract, it is essential to review the contract to understand the cabin assignment policy, and whether upgrades are available, for example, some cruise lines may offer upgrades to higher category cabins for an additional fee, which can range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the category and location of the cabin.

Consider reviewing the deck plan to understand the location and layout of your cabin, and whether it is near any noisy areas, such as the engine or disco, be sure to also review the contract for any restrictions on cabin assignments, such as whether certain categories of cabins are only available to certain types of travelers.

Review cabin assignment policy
Understand upgrade options and associated fees
Consider reviewing deck plan to understand cabin location
Review restrictions on cabin assignments

Dining Options and Special Requests

Dining options and special requests can be an important part of the cruise experience, and may be outlined in the cruise contract, it is essential to review the contract to understand the dining options available, and whether special requests can be accommodated, for example, some cruise lines may offer specialty dining options, such as steak or seafood restaurants, which can range in cost from $20 to $50 per person, depending on the restaurant and menu options.

Consider reviewing the menu options and making special requests in advance, such as requesting a specific table or dining time, be sure to also review the contract for any restrictions on dining options, such as whether certain restaurants are only available to certain categories of travelers.

Review dining options available
Understand special request policy, including any associated fees
Consider reviewing menu options and making special requests in advance
Review restrictions on dining options

Shore Excursions and Port Stops

Shore excursions and port stops can be an exciting part of the cruise experience, and may be outlined in the cruise contract, it is essential to review the contract to understand the shore excursion options available, and whether any port stops are subject to change, for example, some cruise lines may offer guided tours or independent explorations, which can range in cost from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the tour and location.

Consider reviewing the shore excursion options and booking in advance, as popular tours can sell out quickly, be sure to also review the contract for any restrictions on shore excursions, such as whether certain tours are only available to certain categories of travelers.

Review shore excursion options available
Understand any restrictions on shore excursions
Consider reviewing port stops and whether they are subject to change
Review booking policy for shore excursions

Key takeaways

Review cruise contract carefully before signing
Understand cancellation policy and penalty schedule
Review payment terms and onboard expenses
Consider budgeting extra for onboard expenses

Where to book this cruise

When booking a cruise, be sure to carefully review the contract and understand the terms and conditions, consider budgeting extra for onboard expenses and shore excursions, and compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking to ensure you are getting the best deal, by doing your research and understanding the contract, you can avoid unexpected fees and penalties, and have a more enjoyable and stress-free cruise experience, always compare prices and itineraries across multiple cruise lines to find the best option for your needs and budget.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical cost of a cruise contract?

The typical cost of a cruise contract can range from $500 to $5,000 per person, depending on the length and type of cruise, as well as the category of cabin and any additional expenses or upgrades.

How do I know what is included in the cost of the cruise?

You can review the cruise contract to understand what is included in the cost of the cruise, such as meals, accommodations, and activities, and what additional expenses you may incur, such as drinks, shore excursions, and gratuities.

Can I cancel my cruise and get a refund?

The cancellation policy and refund process will depend on the specific cruise line and contract, but most cruise lines have a penalty schedule for canceling or changing a cruise, and may offer refunds or credits towards a future cruise, depending on the timing and circumstances of the cancellation.

How do I book shore excursions and what are the costs?

You can book shore excursions through the cruise line or a third-party provider, and the costs can range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the tour and location, be sure to review the contract and understand any restrictions or limitations on shore excursions.

What happens if I need to make changes to my cruise contract?

If you need to make changes to your cruise contract, such as changing your cabin or adding a guest, you should contact the cruise line as soon as possible to understand the process and any associated fees, and review the contract to understand any restrictions or limitations on making changes.