Price Drop Policies by Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean allows repricing before final payment. After final payment, price drops are generally handled as onboard credit (OBC) through a travel agent. The cruise line does not publicly advertise a post-final-payment price match, but agents can often call in and receive OBC or a cabin upgrade if inventory allows. Repricing is typically per-person and may require a new booking if the promotion structure has changed.

Carnival's Early Saver fare includes a price protection guarantee. If the price of your specific cabin category drops before final payment, you can request the lower rate or receive onboard credit for the difference. After final payment, Early Saver bookings can receive OBC if the rate drops. Other fare codes (like Fun Select) do not include this guarantee.

Norwegian allows repricing before final payment on most fare types. After final payment, options depend on the promotion booked. Free at Sea promotions can sometimes be repriced, though the included perks may change. NCL does not have a formal post-final-payment price match policy — agents must call in and negotiate.

Celebrity will match lower prices before final payment. After final payment, repricing is not guaranteed, but travel agents often receive OBC by calling the TA support line. Celebrity's Always Included pricing bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips, so comparisons must account for what's included in each rate.

Princess allows fare adjustments before final payment with no penalty. After final payment, price drops may result in an upgrade or OBC at the line's discretion. Princess Plus and Princess Premier fares bundle extras — if the unbundled rate drops, you may be able to switch, but you'd lose the included package.

Holland America adjusts pricing freely before final payment. After final payment, the line may offer OBC or an upgrade depending on availability and the agent relationship. HAL's Have It All promotion bundles shore excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining — repricing may require re-evaluating the package.

Cunard allows repricing before final payment. After final payment, options are limited. Cunard's grills-class suites (Queens Grill, Princess Grill) tend to have more pricing stability. Britannia-class cabins see more fluctuation. Transatlantic crossings on QM2 follow a different pricing pattern than itinerary voyages.

Viking will reprice bookings before final payment. After final payment, Viking may offer a stateroom upgrade if one is available. Viking's fares are all-inclusive (excursions, Wi-Fi, beer/wine at meals), so price comparisons are apples-to-apples. Viking does not offer tiered pricing with add-on packages.

As an ultra-luxury line, Silversea handles repricing on a case-by-case basis through travel agents. Fares are all-inclusive (butler service, spirits, excursions in most cases). Price changes on Silversea are less frequent but can be significant when they occur, especially on expedition sailings.

Seabourn operates similarly to Silversea — repricing is handled through travel agents and the line's reservations team. All-inclusive fares mean drops are genuine savings. Expedition ships (Venture, Pursuit) have smaller inventory, so price movements can be more volatile.