How To Cancel A Disney Cruise Without Losing Money!

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Filed Under: Cruise 101

Hey there, Disney Cruise Fans! We know how excited you must’ve been about your Disney Cruise, but life happens, right? Things go wrong or plans change. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how you can handle the bummer of a situation if you need to cancel your magical voyage. So let’s take a look at how to cancel a Disney cruise.

Decoding the Disney Cruise Cancellation Policy: No Gobbledygook Here!

Disney, in its wisdom, has laid out a pretty complicated cancellation policy. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you, so you don’t need to wade through boring legalese to figure out how to cancel a Disney Cruise.

The Disney Cruise Line Cancellation policy varies based on the length of your cruise and the type of Stateroom you are in.

Shorter cruises (1-5 nights) have different cancellation penalty fee periods to longer ones (6 nights or more). Similarly, if you have booked a Suite or Concierge the penalty fee periods are different.

However, the easiest way to think about canceling is that the closer you are to your cruise date, the more it might sting to cancel.

The ABCs of Disney Cruise Cancellation: What You Need to Know

First Things First: Deposits and Final Payments

Like most things in life, your Disney Cruise adventure begins with some moolah upfront.

You make a deposit at booking, and the final payment is due somewhere between 60 to 120 days before you sail. The due date depends on the length of the cruise and the type of room.

If you have a standard stateroom and decide to cancel before the final payment’s due, you are in luck. You will get all your money back.

However, if you have booked a suite or a concierge-level room, you are going to lose your deposit.

Now the Tricky Part: Penalty Periods and Refunds

If you decide to cancel after the final payment, that’s when penalties come into play. The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the cancellation penalty. Cancel too late and you will lose the whole cost of the cruise!

The exact policy differs between the USA and the UK.

Disney Cruise Cancellation Policy – USA Bookings

Here’s a diagram that shows you what fees you might be due depending on your stateroom type and how many days before your cruise you decide to cancel it. (Or if you prefer you can just read Disney’s legal terms and conditions for canceling)

How to cancel a Disney Cruise - Fees Calculator USA
Disney Cancellation Fee Calculator for US Cruisers – Click Image to Open Larger Diagram

Disney Cruise Cancellation Policy – UK Bookings

The cancellation fees calculator is much simpler for UK bookings as Disney offers a very generous and simplified cancellation policy. ( Read the full cancellation terms here. )

How to cancel a Disney Cruise - Fees Calculator UK
Disney Fees Calculator for UK Cruises – Click Image to Open Larger Diagram

A Safety Net: Travel Insurance

For some reason, travel insurance is not typical among US travelers. In the UK and EU, travel insurance is commonplace, and most would never plan a vacation without it.

Travel insurance covers you for all sorts fo eventualities, from delays and cancellations right through to medical emergencies.

However, here is the big issue! Most “standard” travel insurance policies do not cover Cruise vacations, so you need to check with your supplier.

Additionally, most insurance won’t cover you for cancellation, just because you changed your mind. There would need to be a legitimate reason for the cancellation to be able to make a claim on the insurance. For example, you missed a connecting flight, a bereavement in the family, or an illness.

Most cruise lines offer optional travel insurance at the time of booking. Their Vacation Protection Plan can help you get back some of that hard-earned cash if you need to cancel for a reason they cover.

So it might be too late now, but in the future please consider purchasing a suitable travel insurance policy.

How to Cancel Your Disney Cruise: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Let’s walk through the cancellation process, step by step:

  1. Reach out to Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent: Depending on how you booked your cruise, give them a ring. US Travellers can contact Disney’s Customer Service team at 1 (800) 951 3532. UK Travellers can reach Disney at 0800 1712317
  2. Ask to cancel your reservation: Once you’re on the line with them, ask to cancel. They’ll let you know about any penalties or refunds. Check if it matches your expectations based on the diagram above, and challenge them if it is a larger penalty than you expect, or if a deposit refund is not forthcoming.
  3. Wait for the confirmation: You’ll get a confirmation email once everything’s settled.

All Your Questions Answered: Disney Cruise Cancellation FAQs

What’s THE Telephone Number for Disney Cruise Cancellation In The USA?

The telephone number for Disney Cruise Cancellation in the USA is 1 (800) 951-3532.

What’s The Telephone Number for Disney Cruise Cancellation in the UK?

The telephone number for Disney Cruise Cancellation in the UK is 0800 1712317

Can I amend My Disney Cruise Instead of Cancelling It?

Yes you can amend your Disney Cruise instead of canceling it. You can swap your sail date or even switch to a different cruise altogether. Keep in mind, though, you might have to pay some change fees, and your new cruise might cost more.

Will I Get My Money Back if Disney Cancels the Cruise?

Yes if Disney cancels your cruise they typically offer guests a choice between a full refund or credit for a future cruise.

How Can I Avoid Disney Cruise Cancellation Penalties?

You avoid Disney Cruise Cancellation Penalties by canceling before your final payment is due. If you are in a standard stateroom you will get a full refund of your deposit. Unfortunately, if you are in a Suite or Concierge cabin you will lose your deposit.

Additional Tips: Smooth Sailing Through the Cancellation Process

Here are a few more nuggets of wisdom to help you navigate through learning the process of how to cancel a Disney Cruise:

Timing is Everything

Remember, when canceling your cruise, the earlier you do it, the better. The closer you get to the departure date, the less money you’ll be able to recoup.

Keep an Eye on Your Emails

Disney Cruise Line will keep you updated about any changes or cancellation policies via email. So, check them regularly, especially as your departure date approaches.

Stay Flexible

We know how disappointing a cancellation can be. But, consider rebooking or rescheduling your cruise instead of outright canceling. You may still be able to experience the magic of Disney, just at a later date!

Trust in Mickey

Disney is a world-renowned company, known for their exceptional customer service. If you’re unsure about anything or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. They’re there to make your experience as magical as possible, even when things don’t go according to plan.

In a nutshell, canceling a vacation, especially something as magical as a Disney Cruise, can be a downer. But hey, stuff happens!

Being clued up about their cancellation policy can make the process less of a headache and save you from losing out on some hard-earned cash. Always remember to scan through the fine print, consider opting for travel insurance, and never hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything. After all, it’s your money and dream vacation we’re talking about.

So, there you have it! Now you know how to cancel a Disney Cruise. We hope this guide has taken some of the stress out of the thought of canceling your Disney Cruise.

Remember, the most important thing is to make the best decision for you and your family. After all, the magic of Disney will always be there, ready to welcome you back when the time is right.

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AUTHOR

Alan took his first cruise in 1991 and has been cruising ever since. When he is not writing articles for CruiseNonstop.com you'll find him either on a cruise ship (he's the guy in the kilt), or on the golf course!

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