NCL Tightens Up Cancellation Policies, Effective Jan. 1

Norwegian Cruise Line has tightened its cancellation policies effectives with bookings made after Jan. 1. “We review all of the policies from time to time,” NCL said. “This now puts us on par with the other lines in terms of the cancellation policy.”

The line will charge a 100 percent penalty for those who cancel 14 days before the cruise; currently the 100 percent penalty kicks in at seven days.

Currently, the deposit is forfeited for those who cancel 30 to 75 days in advance for a cruise six days or longer. The penalty will increase to 50 percent or the deposit, whichever is greater, for cancellations 30 to 55 days out and 75 percent or the deposit 15 to 29 days before departure for six-day or longer cruises.

For garden villas, courtyard villas and specialty suites, the penalty is 25 percent or the deposit, whichever is greater, for cancellations 90 to 119 days prior regardless of cruise length, 50 percent or deposit at 56 to 89 days, and 100 percent for 55 days or less. Currently, the 100 percent penalty kicks in at 45 days or less.

“This is an opportunity for NCL to make more money,” said one travel agent. “They keep 100 percent of the client’s money and then turn around and sell the cabin. The 55 days for a specialty suite is a little much. It sure helps my insurance sales.”