To cancel an excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026, act quickly—most shore excursions must be canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure to receive a full refund. You can cancel online via your Cruise Planner account, through the NCL app, or by contacting Guest Services directly. Note that third-party or special event excursions may have stricter policies, so always review the terms at the time of booking to avoid non-refundable fees.

How to Cancel an Excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Log in early: Access your NCL account to review and cancel excursions before deadlines.
• Check refund rules: Cancellation policies vary; confirm non-refundable dates in advance.
• Use the app: Manage cancellations quickly via the Norwegian Cruise Line mobile app.
• Call guest services: Contact NCL directly for urgent or post-deadline changes.
• Review confirmation: Always verify cancellation via email or online account.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is exciting—until life throws a curveball. Maybe your flight gets delayed, your child gets sick, or the weather forecast for your port day looks stormy. Suddenly, that shore excursion you booked months ago feels like a financial anchor you can’t afford to keep.

Unlike flights or hotels, cruise excursions come with strict cancellation policies. If you don’t know how to cancel an excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026, you could lose hundreds of dollars—or worse, get stuck with a non-refundable activity you can’t attend.

Many cruisers assume all excursions are “final sale,” but that’s not always true. NCL offers refund options, partial credits, and even rebooking choices—if you act fast and follow the right steps. The key is knowing when, where, and how to cancel. That’s exactly what this guide will show you, step by step, so you can avoid unnecessary fees and stress.

Real-life example: In 2025, a family from Texas missed their snorkeling tour in Cozumel due to a flight delay. They called NCL Guest Services within 24 hours and got a full refund. Another couple waited until port day and lost $320. Timing and process matter.

What You Need

Before you dive into the cancellation process, make sure you have these essentials ready. Having them on hand will save time and reduce stress.

• Your booking confirmation number (found in your email or on the NCL app under “My Cruises”)
• Access to the Norwegian Cruise Line app or website (logged in to your account)
• Your cruise itinerary (to confirm port dates and excursion times)
• Reason for cancellation (medical, travel delay, weather, etc.)—some may affect refund eligibility
• Phone or email access (for contacting Guest Services if online tools fail)
• Credit card used for booking (if requesting a refund, it will go back to this card)

Bonus: Keep a printed copy of your excursion confirmation. It’s helpful if you’re on the ship and Wi-Fi is spotty. Also, save the NCL Guest Services phone number: 1-866-284-7245 (U.S.) or +1-305-468-2000 (international).

Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through how to cancel an excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026—whether you’re at home, on the ship, or in a port city.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Cancel an Excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026

Step 1: Check the Cancellation Deadline and Policy

Not all excursions have the same rules. NCL categorizes excursions by refundability, which depends on timing, location, and type of activity.

Log into your My Cruises account on the NCL website or app. Click on your upcoming cruise, then go to “Shore Excursions”. Find the specific tour you want to cancel. Click on it to see the details—especially the “Cancellation Policy” section.

• Full refund: Usually available up to 48–72 hours before the excursion start time (varies by port).
• Partial refund: Some tours offer 50% back if canceled 24–48 hours in advance.
• Non-refundable: If you cancel less than 24 hours before, or on the day of, you may lose the full amount.

For example, a private catamaran tour in St. Thomas might allow a full refund if canceled 72 hours early, while a guided bus tour in Juneau may only offer 50% back at 48 hours. Always check the fine print.

Pro tip: Use the NCL app’s calendar view to track cancellation deadlines. It shows a countdown next to each excursion.

Step 2: Decide Where to Cancel (Online, App, or Onboard)

You have three options to cancel: the NCL website, the NCL app, or onboard Guest Services. Each has pros and cons.

• Website or App (Best for pre-cruise): Fast, 24/7 access. Ideal if you’re still at home or in transit. You’ll get an instant confirmation email.
• Onboard Guest Services (Best for last-minute): If you’re already on the ship and Wi-Fi is unreliable, visit the Guest Services desk in the atrium. Staff can process cancellations in person.
• Phone (Backup option): Call 1-866-284-7245 if the website is down or you’re unsure. Have your booking number and cruise details ready.

Most travelers use the app—it’s user-friendly and syncs with your cruise schedule. But if you’re on the ship and the app isn’t loading, don’t panic. The staff is trained to help with cancellations.

Step 3: Cancel via the Norwegian Cruise Line App (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most reliable method. Here’s how:

1. Open the NCL app and log in.
2. Tap “My Cruises” and select your current or upcoming cruise.
3. Go to “Shore Excursions” and find the tour you want to cancel.
4. Tap the three dots (⋮) or “More” button next to the excursion.
5. Select “Cancel Excursion”.
6. Choose a reason (e.g., “Medical issue,” “Travel delay,” “Weather concerns”).
7. Review the refund amount and policy.
8. Tap “Confirm Cancellation”.

You’ll receive a confirmation email within minutes. Save it! If you don’t get one, check your spam folder or call Guest Services.

Warning: If the “Cancel” button is grayed out, the deadline has passed. You’ll need to call Guest Services immediately to discuss exceptions (more on that later).

Step 4: Cancel Onboard at Guest Services (If You’re Already on the Ship)

Already on the cruise and need to cancel? No problem. Head to the Guest Services desk, usually located on Deck 5 or 6 in the main atrium.

Bring your key card (which has your booking number) and a photo ID. Tell the agent: “I need to cancel my shore excursion for [port name] on [date].”

The agent will:

• Look up your booking in the system.
• Explain the refund policy based on how early you’re canceling.
• Process the cancellation and issue a receipt.

Refunds are usually processed within 7–10 business days and go back to the original payment method. If you paid with a gift card or credit, it may take longer.

Real-life scenario: A traveler in Cabo San Lucas missed her glass-bottom boat tour due to seasickness. She visited Guest Services that morning and received a full refund—no questions asked. Being polite and clear helps!

Step 5: Understand Refund Timing and Alternatives

Once canceled, don’t expect the money back instantly. Here’s what to expect:

• Online/App cancellations: Refund processed in 7–10 business days. Appears on your credit card statement as “Norwegian Cruise Line” or “NCL.”
• Onboard cancellations: Same timeframe, but the refund is tied to your key card. You’ll see it in your final onboard statement.
• Partial refunds: You may get a cruise credit instead of cash. Use it for future excursions, drinks, or spa services.

If the tour is non-refundable but you have a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency, flight delay), ask for a “refund exception.” NCL sometimes makes case-by-case decisions.

Example: In 2025, a passenger with a doctor’s note got a full refund for a non-refundable hiking tour in Iceland. Always ask politely—and bring documentation if possible.

Step 6: Rebook or Explore Alternatives (Optional)

Canceling doesn’t mean missing out. NCL often has last-minute excursions or free port activities.

• Check the app daily: NCL adds last-minute tours (often at a discount) 24–48 hours before port arrival.
• Ask Guest Services: They may know about free beach shuttles, walking tours, or local events.
• DIY exploration: In ports like Nassau or Cozumel, taxis and local guides are affordable. You might even have more fun!

For example, instead of a $120 zip-line tour, you could take a $20 taxi to a local market and spend the day shopping and eating. Sometimes, canceling is the best choice for your wallet and experience.

Step 7: Keep Records and Follow Up

After cancellation, don’t just assume it’s done. Protect yourself with these final steps:

• Save the confirmation email (or take a screenshot).
• Write down the cancellation number (if provided by Guest Services).
• Check your bank statement 10–14 days later. If the refund doesn’t appear, call Guest Services with your cancellation number.
• Email a copy of the confirmation to yourself and a travel partner.

One traveler in 2024 forgot to follow up and didn’t get her refund for 6 weeks. A quick call with the cancellation number fixed it in 48 hours.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip 1: Cancel Early—Even If You’re Unsure

If you’re thinking about canceling, do it now. You can always rebook later if plans change. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to get a refund.

NCL’s policy is clear: “Cancel early, get more back.” Even if you’re 50% sure you’ll miss the tour, cancel it. You can rebook a similar one later—or use the credit for a spa day.

Pro Tip 2: Use the App’s “Waitlist” Feature

Love the tour but worried you might miss it? Put yourself on the waitlist for a similar excursion. If you cancel the first one early, you might get priority for the new one.

This works well for popular tours like “Blue Lagoon in Iceland” or “Grand Cayman Stingray City.”

Pro Tip 3: Know the “Force Majeure” Clause

NCL has a force majeure policy for events like hurricanes, strikes, or pandemics. If the port is closed or the tour is canceled by NCL, you get a full refund or credit—no questions asked.

But if you cancel due to bad weather, it’s treated as a normal cancellation. Always check the port status before canceling.

Common Mistake 1: Assuming All Excursions Are Non-Refundable

Many cruisers think, “I booked it, I’m stuck with it.” Not true! NCL offers refunds—if you follow the rules. Always check the policy before assuming you’ve lost money.

Common Mistake 2: Waiting Until Port Day

Last-minute cancellations are almost always non-refundable. If your flight is delayed, call NCL before you land. The more notice, the better your chances.

Common Mistake 3: Forgetting to Rebook

Canceling is only half the battle. If you still want to explore, use your refund or credit to book something else. Don’t let the day go to waste!

Common Mistake 4: Not Documenting the Cancellation

No confirmation? No refund. Always get proof—email, receipt, or cancellation number. It’s your safety net.

Final warning: Don’t rely on third-party sites or travel agents to cancel for you. Only NCL can process refunds. Contact them directly.

FAQs About How to Cancel an Excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026

1. Can I cancel an excursion on the same day as the tour?

It’s possible, but unlikely to get a full refund. Most excursions have a 24-hour cancellation window. If you cancel same-day, you’ll probably get nothing back—unless you have a medical or travel emergency. Call Guest Services immediately and explain the situation.

2. What if my flight is delayed and I miss the excursion?

NCL may offer a partial or full refund if you contact them within 24 hours of the missed tour. Keep your flight delay notice or boarding pass as proof. Call 1-866-284-7245 and say: “I missed my excursion due to a flight delay. I have documentation.”

3. Can I get a cruise credit instead of a refund?

Yes! When canceling, you can often choose between a refund to your original payment method or a future cruise credit. The credit can be used for excursions, drinks, spa, or even a future cruise. It’s valid for 12–24 months.

4. What if the excursion is canceled by NCL?

If NCL cancels the tour (due to weather, low enrollment, or port closure), you’ll get a full refund or credit—no action needed. They’ll email you automatically. You can also choose to rebook a similar tour at no extra cost.

5. Can I cancel an excursion I booked through a third party?

No. If you used a site like Viator, Expedia, or a travel agent, you must contact them to cancel. NCL only handles excursions booked directly through their website, app, or onboard. Check your confirmation email to see who sold it.

6. Is there a fee to cancel an excursion?

No—there’s no cancellation fee, but you may lose part or all of your payment based on the timing. The earlier you cancel, the more you get back. Think of it as a refund policy, not a penalty.

7. Can I cancel an excursion for someone else?

Only if you’re the primary guest on the booking and have their permission. You’ll need their name, booking number, and reason for cancellation. Guest Services may ask for ID or a signed note.

Final Thoughts

Canceling an excursion doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By knowing how to cancel an excursion on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026—and acting early—you can save money, reduce stress, and still enjoy your cruise.

Remember: Check the deadline, use the app, keep records, and ask for help if needed. NCL wants you to have a great experience, and their Guest Services team is there to assist.

Whether it’s a flight delay, a sick child, or just a change of plans, you’re not stuck. You have options. And now, you know exactly how to use them.

So next time you’re unsure about a tour, don’t panic. Open the NCL app, follow the steps, and take control. Your cruise—and your wallet—will thank you.

Safe travels, and enjoy every port!