So, you’ve chosen your dream cruise—picked the perfect itinerary, the ideal ship, and locked in your travel dates. Now comes the big question: how do you actually pay for it? Do you need to shell out the full fare immediately, or are there more flexible payment options available?
Here’s a comprehensive guide to cruise payment methods, schedules, and the pros and cons of paying all at once versus using a payment plan.
How to Pay for a Cruise
Cruise lines offer a variety of payment methods to suit your preferences and budget. The most common method is a credit card, but other options are often available:
- Gift Cards – Either cruise line-specific or major credit card issuer gift cards.
- Future Cruise Credits – Issued by cruise lines due to cancellations or promotions.
- Cash – Usually accepted when booking in person through a travel agent.
- Electronic Check, PayPal, Apple Pay – Some cruise lines accept these based on how you book.
- Points or Miles – Redeemable through third-party platforms or big-box retailers like Costco.
- Cruise Certificates – Often awarded through casino play, loyalty programs, or promotions.
You can either pay in full at the time of booking or make a deposit and pay the balance over time. The availability and details of these options vary by cruise line and booking method, so always confirm with the cruise provider or travel agent.
Cruise Line Payment Plans
Many cruise lines offer structured payment plans to make cruising more accessible:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Offers Auto Pay for interest-free scheduled payments and Flex Pay with potential financing options.
- Princess Cruises & Holland America: Provide EZpay, an interest-free installment option.
- Royal Caribbean: Partners with Affirm, offering both interest-free and low-interest financing.
- Other Lines: Some also support Klarna or similar platforms for flexible payments.
Paying in Full: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No need to track future payments.
- Potential for early payment discounts or perks.
- Lock in promotional pricing during wave season or special events.
Cons:
- Large upfront cost.
- Less flexibility if plans change.
- Your money might be better earning interest elsewhere if sailing is far in the future.
Paying with a Deposit: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost.
- Flexibility to cancel or change plans (depending on the fare type).
- No interest or penalties (unless using third-party financing).
- Ability to make smaller payments over time.
Cons:
- You must remember to pay by the final deadline.
- Some promotions or discounted fares may require full payment upfront.
- If you cancel, refunds can be delayed.
Cruise Deposits: What to Expect
Deposits are typically required per person and range based on the cruise line, itinerary length, and cabin type. Here’s a general idea:
- Carnival: $100–$400 per person, depending on cruise length and destination.
- Celebrity: $100–$900, based on cruise duration and cabin class.
- Disney: Varies; determined at booking.
- Holland America: $350–$2,900, depending on cruise.
- MSC: $99–$300, or 15% of total fare for world cruises.
- Norwegian: $100–$250 for standard rooms, 10% of fare for The Haven suites.
- Princess: $100–$400 for regular cabins, up to 30% for world cruises.
- Royal Caribbean: $100–$500, or 10% of fare for suites.
Deposits are often refundable if you cancel before the final payment deadline—unless you’re booking a nonrefundable fare.
Cruise Final Payment Deadlines
Each cruise line has its own schedule for when final payments are due. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Cruise Line | Final Payment Due |
|---|---|
| Carnival | 76–91 days before sailing |
| Celebrity | 75–120 days, based on cruise length |
| Disney | 90–120 days (suites may vary) |
| Holland America | 75–90 days, depending on destination |
| MSC | 75–120 days, depending on cruise length |
| Norwegian | 120 days prior to all sailings |
| Princess | 90–120 days, 30% upfront for world cruises |
| Royal Caribbean | 75–180 days, depending on cruise duration |
If you’re booking after the final payment deadline, you’ll need to pay the full fare at the time of booking.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to paying for a cruise. Whether you choose to pay in full or over time depends on your financial comfort, preferences, and the offers available when you book.
What matters most is meeting the cruise line’s final payment deadline to secure your reservation. As long as you stay on schedule, you’ll be ready to sail smoothly into your next ocean adventure.
Tip: Before booking, always confirm deposit rules, final payment dates, and payment options directly with your cruise line or travel advisor, as policies can change and vary across promotions.
