Guides › Package Holidays and Hotels › Cruise Cancelled or Changed: Refund
Cruise Cancelled or Changed: Refund
A cruise sold with flights or hotels, or as a package, is usually a package holiday. If the organiser cancels it, you should get a refund within 14 days. If it makes a significant change, you can cancel for free and get your money back, or accept an alternative.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights
What Counts as a Package
You likely have a package holiday if you booked 2 or more travel services (for example flights and a hotel) for the same trip from one organiser, and the trip lasts over 24 hours or includes an overnight stay. source
Significant Changes
If the company makes a significant change (for example a different resort) or fails to meet an agreed special request, you can cancel for free and get your money back, or accept an alternative if one is offered. source
Price Rises
Price rises must be notified at the latest 20 days before the package starts, with a justification and calculation. If a rise is more than 8% of the total price, you can end the contract without a termination fee (regulations 10 and 11). Refunds on termination must be paid no later than 14 days afterwards (regulation 14). source
If It Goes Wrong
The Organiser Is Responsible
The organiser is responsible for the travel services in your package, even if other companies provide them (Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, regulation 15). You must tell the organiser about any problem without undue delay, and they must put it right within a reasonable time that you set, unless that is impossible or disproportionately costly. source
If the Organiser Goes Bust
If a package organiser goes bust, check for ATOL, ABTA, ABTOT or BCH protection. Covered customers get a refund if they have not travelled, or a finished holiday and transport home if they are already away. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysRefund after a cancelled packageWithin 14 days of the cancellation
- 20 daysWritten notice of a price riseAt least 20 days before departure
- 8%Cancel free if the price rise is over8%
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Get the cancellation or change in writing.
Step 2 of 5
If the cruise is cancelled, ask for a full refund within 14 days.
Step 3 of 5
If it is changed significantly, decide whether to accept the alternative or cancel for a refund.
Step 4 of 5
Write to the cruise line or travel company if the refund is late. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 5 of 5
If you are not refunded, ask your card provider about Section 75 or chargeback.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
ABTA Complaint, Mediation or Arbitration
The company is an ABTA member and has not put the problem right. A fee applies for mediation or arbitration.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the company has not put it right. Use the Financial Ombudsman Service if the card provider refuses.
Small Claims Court
A last resort when the company refuses. It can be slow and costly, so check the time limit first.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Cruise complaints can also go to CLIA once you have complained to the company.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/claim-compensation-for-a-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/cancelling-a-package-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/made Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 8 October 2026
- gov.uk/make-a-court-claim-for-money Checked 8 October 2026