How Much Is Princess Cruise Lines Deposit A Complete Guide

Princess Cruise Lines deposits typically range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the cruise length, destination, and cabin category. These refundable deposits secure your booking and vary by promotion, with higher-tier suites requiring larger upfront payments—always check your specific itinerary for exact pricing. Book early to lock in the best rates and flexible deposit terms.

Key Takeaways

• Deposit amounts vary: Based on cruise length, stateroom type, and destination—book early to lock in rates.
• Standard deposit starts at $100: For most cruises, but can exceed $500 for luxury suites or long voyages.
• Final payment due 90 days prior: Ensure funds are ready to avoid cancellation of your booking.
• Deposits are refundable: If canceled within the grace period—usually 24–72 hours after booking.
• Promotions may lower deposits: Look for special offers like reduced deposits or onboard credits.
• Third-party bookings differ: Check terms with travel agents or sites—policies may vary from Princess directly.

How Much Is Princess Cruise Lines Deposit? A Complete Guide

Planning a cruise with Princess Cruises is exciting—but let’s be honest, the financial details can feel like a maze. One of the first questions most travelers ask is: “How much is the Princess Cruise Lines deposit?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re booking your first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, understanding the deposit structure is crucial. It affects your cash flow, your booking timeline, and even your ability to secure the cabin you want.

When I booked my first Princess cruise to Alaska, I was surprised to learn that the deposit wasn’t a flat rate. It changed based on the length of the cruise, the cabin type, and even the season. I remember thinking, “Wait, so I have to pay more just for an oceanview room?” Yes, that’s exactly how it works. And that’s why this guide exists. I’ve done the legwork, read the fine print, and talked to real cruisers to bring you the most accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand breakdown of Princess Cruise Lines deposits. Whether you’re eyeing a 7-day Caribbean getaway or a 14-day Mediterranean voyage, this guide will help you budget smartly and book with confidence.

Understanding Princess Cruise Lines Deposit Basics

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand what a cruise deposit actually is. Think of it as your “reservation fee.” It’s not the full price of the cruise, but a portion you pay upfront to lock in your spot. The rest is due later—usually 75 to 90 days before departure, depending on the itinerary.

What Is a Cruise Deposit?

A cruise deposit is a non-refundable (or partially refundable) payment that secures your booking. It’s like putting a down payment on a car or a rental. Once you pay it, your cabin is reserved, and you’re officially on the passenger list. Without a deposit, your booking isn’t confirmed. Princess Cruises uses this system to manage inventory, plan staffing, and ensure smooth operations.

Here’s a real-life example: I booked a 7-night cruise to Mexico. The total fare was $1,400 per person. I paid $250 per person as a deposit. That left $1,150 due 90 days before sailing. The $250 wasn’t just a random number—it was based on Princess’s standard deposit tiers (more on that below).

Why Do Cruise Lines Require Deposits?

You might wonder: “Why can’t I just book and pay later?” There are several reasons:

• Inventory Control: Cruise ships have limited cabins. Deposits help Princess manage demand and avoid overbooking.
• Financial Planning: Cruise lines need predictable cash flow to cover fuel, food, crew, and port fees.
• Commitment: Deposits reduce the number of last-minute cancellations, which can disrupt operations.
• Early Bird Incentives: Paying early often unlocks perks like onboard credits or free upgrades.

One thing I’ve noticed: cruisers who pay deposits early tend to feel more committed to the trip. It’s psychological—once you’ve paid something, you’re less likely to cancel. And that’s actually a good thing for you, too. It helps you stay focused on your vacation goals.

Deposits vs. Full Payment: The Timeline

Princess Cruises typically follows this payment schedule:

• Deposit: Due at booking (amount varies—see below).
• Final Payment: Due 75–90 days before departure (varies by cruise length and destination).
• Balance: The remaining amount is calculated as (Total Fare – Deposit).

For example: A 10-day cruise to Europe might have a total fare of $2,000. You pay a $350 deposit. The remaining $1,650 is due 90 days before sailing. If you book within 90 days of departure, you’ll likely need to pay the full amount at once.

Pro Tip: Always check your booking confirmation for the exact final payment due date. Princess will send reminders, but it’s your responsibility to pay on time. Late payments can result in cancellation or loss of deposit.

How Much Is the Deposit? Breaking Down the Tiers

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: How much is the Princess Cruise Lines deposit? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on three main factors: cruise length, cabin category, and destination. Let’s break it down.

Standard Deposit Tiers (Per Person)

Princess Cruises uses a tiered system based on the length of your cruise. Here’s the general structure (as of 2024):

• 1–6 Days: $100–$150 per person
• 7–9 Days: $250 per person
• 10–13 Days: $350 per person
• 14+ Days: $500 per person

These are base rates for interior and oceanview cabins. But—and this is a big “but”—if you book a higher-category cabin, the deposit goes up. Here’s how it works:

Cabin Category Multipliers

Princess adjusts the deposit based on cabin type. The more luxurious the room, the higher the deposit. Here’s a real-world example:

• Interior/Oceanview: Base deposit (e.g., $250 for a 7-day cruise)
• Balcony: +$50–$100 (e.g., $300–$350)
• Mini-Suite: +$100–$150 (e.g., $350–$400)
• Suite (e.g., Sky Suite, Penthouse): +$200–$300 (e.g., $450–$550)

I once booked a balcony room on a 7-day cruise. The base deposit was $250, but because it was a balcony, I paid $350 per person. That extra $100 felt steep at first, but I got a room with a private veranda and better views. Worth it? For me, yes.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Not all cruises follow the standard tiers. Here are some exceptions:

• Alaska Cruises: Often have higher deposits (e.g., $350 for 7-day, $500 for 10-day) due to demand and longer itineraries.
• World Cruises: Deposits can be $1,000+ per person, even for shorter segments.
• Holiday Sailings: Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving cruises may have 20–30% higher deposits.
• Group Bookings: If you’re booking 8+ cabins, deposits may be negotiated differently.

Insider Tip: Always check the “Deposit Details” section when booking online. Princess will show you the exact amount before you confirm. Don’t skip this step!

How Deposit Amounts Vary by Cruise Type and Destination

You might think all 7-day cruises have the same deposit. Not quite. Destination, ship, and even the time of year can influence the amount. Let’s explore how.

Short Cruises (3–6 Days): The Budget-Friendly Option

Short cruises—like 4-day Bahamas or 5-day Mexico trips—are popular for first-time cruisers or quick getaways. Deposits are lower, but so are the total fares.

• Deposit: $100–$150 per person (interior/oceanview)
• Balcony: $150–$200
• Why It’s Lower: Shorter cruises are easier to resell if canceled, so Princess takes less financial risk.

Example: I booked a 4-day cruise to the Bahamas for $600 per person. Deposit? $120. Final payment due 75 days before sailing. Perfect for a test run before a longer trip.

Medium-Length Cruises (7–13 Days): The Sweet Spot

This is where most cruisers fall. 7-day Caribbean, 10-day Europe, or 12-day Alaska cruises are the most popular. Deposits here are predictable but can spike for certain routes.

• Caribbean (7-day): $250 (interior), $350 (balcony)
• Europe (10-day): $350 (interior), $450 (balcony)
• Alaska (7-day): $350 (interior), $450 (balcony)—higher due to demand

Why Alaska is More: Alaska cruises are seasonal (May–September), and cabins sell out fast. Princess charges a premium to manage demand.

Long-Haul and Exotic Cruises (14+ Days)

Think transatlantic voyages, South America, or Asia. These cruises are longer, more expensive, and require bigger deposits.

• 14–16 Days: $500 (interior), $650–$750 (balcony)
• 17–21 Days: $600–$700 (interior), $800–$900 (balcony)
• World Cruises (100+ Days): $1,000–$2,000+ per person

I once helped a friend book a 16-day cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii. The deposit was $650 per person for a balcony. It felt steep, but the total fare was $4,200—so the deposit was just 15% of the cost. Still, that’s a big chunk of change upfront.

Specialty Cruises: Holiday, Themed, and Repositioning

Some cruises come with unique deposit rules:

• Holiday Cruises: Christmas and New Year’s sailings often have 25–30% higher deposits (e.g., $325 for a 7-day instead of $250).
• Themed Cruises: Music, wellness, or food cruises may have custom deposit structures.
• Repositioning Cruises: One-way trips (e.g., Europe to Caribbean) can have higher deposits due to limited availability.

Pro Tip: If you’re booking a holiday cruise, start early. These sell out fast, and deposits are non-negotiable.

Refund Policies, Cancellation Rules, and Flexibility

Now, the part no one likes to think about: what happens if you cancel? Deposits are often partially refundable, but the rules are strict. Let’s break it down.

Standard Refund Tiers

Princess Cruises uses a cancellation fee schedule based on how close you are to departure:

• 121+ Days Before: Deposit refunded (minus $50–$100 admin fee)
• 120–90 Days Before: 25% of total fare (including deposit)
• 89–60 Days Before: 50% of total fare
• 59–30 Days Before: 75% of total fare
• 29–0 Days Before: 100% non-refundable

Example: You book a 7-day cruise ($1,400 total, $250 deposit). You cancel 80 days before sailing. You’ll lose 50% of $1,400 = $700. That includes your $250 deposit and $450 from your final payment.

Flexible Booking Options

Good news: Princess offers ways to reduce risk:

• CruiseFlex: For a small fee (5–10% of deposit), you can cancel up to 48 hours before departure and get a 90% refund as a future cruise credit.
• Travel Insurance: A good policy can cover cancellation for covered reasons (illness, job loss, etc.). I always buy insurance—it’s saved me twice.
• Price Drop Protection: If the fare drops after booking, you can rebook at the lower rate (terms apply).

I once had to cancel a cruise due to a family emergency. I had CruiseFlex, so I got 90% of my $250 deposit back as credit. I used it on my next trip—no loss.

Partial Refunds and Credits

Sometimes, Princess will offer partial refunds or credits instead of cash. This is common during:

• Ship changes or itinerary modifications
• Global events (e.g., pandemics)
• Overbooking situations

Tip: Always ask for a written refund policy when booking. Don’t rely on verbal promises.

Smart Booking Tips to Save on Deposits and Avoid Surprises

Booking a cruise should be fun, not stressful. Here are my best tips to save money, reduce risk, and avoid deposit headaches.

Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Early bookings often come with:

• Lower deposits (especially for short cruises)
• Better cabin selection
• Onboard credit or free upgrades

But don’t book too early (e.g., 24+ months out). Fares can drop, and you might miss out on sales. I recommend booking 12–18 months in advance for best value.

Look for Promotions and Discounts

Princess runs regular sales:

• “3 for Free”: Free gratuities, free drinks, free Wi-Fi (on select sailings)
• “Deposit Match”: Some promotions reduce the deposit (e.g., $100 instead of $250)
• “Senior/Resident Discounts”: Up to 10% off for seniors, military, or residents of certain states

Example: I booked a cruise during a “$100 Deposit” sale. Saved $150 per person. The catch? Final payment was due 120 days out instead of 90. Still worth it.

Use a Travel Agent

A good agent can:

• Negotiate deposit terms
• Find hidden discounts
• Handle cancellations and changes

I used an agent for my Europe cruise. She got me a balcony for the price of an oceanview and waived the CruiseFlex fee. Saved me $200 total.

Pay with a Credit Card

Use a card with:

• Travel insurance
• Trip cancellation coverage
• No foreign transaction fees

My Chase Sapphire card covers cruise cancellations. I’ve used it twice. Peace of mind is priceless.

Double-Check the Final Payment Date

Set a calendar reminder. Late payments can:

• Result in automatic cancellation
• Lose your deposit
• Disrupt your travel plans

I once almost missed a payment. The email reminder saved me. Now I set a reminder 14 days before the due date.

Real-Life Examples and Data Table

Let’s put it all together with real examples. Here’s a table showing deposit amounts for common Princess Cruises itineraries:

Itinerary	Length	Cabin Type	Deposit (Per Person)	Final Payment Due	Notes
Caribbean (Eastern)	7 Days	Interior	$250	90 Days Before	Standard deposit
Caribbean (Eastern)	7 Days	Balcony	$350	90 Days Before	+ $100 for balcony
Alaska (Inside Passage)	7 Days	Oceanview	$350	90 Days Before	Higher due to demand
Europe (Mediterranean)	10 Days	Interior	$350	90 Days Before	Standard for 10-day
Europe (Mediterranean)	10 Days	Mini-Suite	$450	90 Days Before	+ $100 for mini-suite
Transatlantic (Repositioning)	14 Days	Balcony	$650	90 Days Before	Longer cruise, higher deposit
New Year’s Cruise	7 Days	Interior	$325	90 Days Before	30% higher for holiday

These examples show how much deposits can vary. Always check your specific booking for exact amounts.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Cruise Happy

So, how much is the Princess Cruise Lines deposit? It depends—but now you know exactly what to expect. From $100 for a short Bahamas getaway to $650 for a luxury balcony on a transatlantic voyage, the deposit system is designed to balance affordability with commitment.

The key takeaways? Deposits are tiered by cruise length and cabin type. They’re partially refundable, but cancellation rules are strict. Book early, look for promotions, and use CruiseFlex or travel insurance for peace of mind. And always—always—check your final payment date.

Remember, the deposit is just the first step. It’s your ticket to an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your balcony in Santorini or watching glaciers calve in Alaska, that initial payment will feel like a distant memory. So take a deep breath, budget wisely, and get ready to set sail. Your dream cruise is closer than you think.

Happy cruising! 🌊

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Princess Cruise Lines deposit for a standard booking?

The deposit for a Princess Cruise Lines standard booking typically ranges from $100 to $250 per person, depending on the cruise length and destination. Final payment deadlines vary, so check your specific itinerary for details.

Is the deposit refundable if I cancel my Princess cruise?

Princess Cruise Lines’ deposit refund policy depends on the fare type and timing of cancellation. Refundable deposits may be returned if canceled before the final payment deadline, but non-refundable deposits are forfeited. Always review your booking terms.

How much is Princess Cruise Lines deposit for a suite or premium cabin?

Suites and premium cabins often require a higher deposit, usually starting at $500 per person. The exact amount depends on the ship, itinerary, and fare program you select.

Can I pay a lower deposit for my Princess cruise during a promotion?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines occasionally offers reduced-deposit promotions, sometimes as low as $50 per person. These deals are time-limited and may require booking within a specific window.

When is the Princess Cruise Lines deposit due after booking?

The deposit is due immediately upon booking to secure your reservation. If you don’t pay the deposit upfront, your cabin may not be confirmed until payment is processed.

Does Princess Cruise Lines offer a deposit payment plan?

Yes, Princess offers a Vacation Payment Plan allowing you to pay the deposit and balance in installments. A small enrollment fee applies, and payments are spread over time until the final due date.