Final payment is the date the remaining balance of your cruise is due, set when you book. It typically falls 75 to 120 days before departure depending on the line and the length of the sailing.
It matters far beyond the payment itself. On most cruise lines it is the point where repricing stops, cancellation penalties begin escalating, and the remedy for a price drop shrinks from a refund to onboard credit, an upgrade, or nothing.
Of the lines we track, Carnival is the main exception, running Early Saver price protection to within two business days of sailing. Princess has retired its price guarantee altogether.
See the full guide to final payment.
