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Norwegian institutes stricter cancellation policy

Norwegian institutes stricter cancellation policy
Under a new Norwegian Cruise Line policy, cancellation penalties go into effect earlier and are steeper. The terms apply to new bookings for Jan. 1 and beyond.

For cruises of up to six days, passengers lose their deposit if they cancel later than 75 days before sailing, instead of 60 days now. The deposit is $50 per person for one sailing day and $100 per person for two- to six-day cruises.

The penalty goes up to 50% of the fare for cancellations 56 to 30 days prior to sailing, then 75% at 29 to 16 days out. Canceling within 15 days of the cruise departure incurs a 100% penalty.

For sailings of seven days or longer, the new cancellation penalty starts inside 90 days prior to sailing, instead of 75 days now. And instead of just forfeiting their deposit ($250 per person for seven- to nine-day cruises and $400 per person for 10 days or longer), the penalty starts at 25% of the fare.

It goes up to 50% for cancellations 75 to 61 days prior to departure, and to 75% within 60 to 31 days. Canceling 30 or fewer days before the cruise has a 100% penalty.

Travelers who book The Haven or suites incur penalties for canceling starting at 120 days prior to sailing.