When you search for a cruise, you’ll often see several prices for the same cabin. Refundable, non-refundable, “sail away,” bundled, member rates: it’s confusing, and choosing the wrong fare can cost you flexibility or money. This guide to cruise fare types explained breaks down the most common fares so you can book with confidence.
Get the Right Fare the First Time
We compare every fare type on your sailing and explain the trade-offs, so you get flexibility and value.
Why Cruise Lines Offer Different Fare Types
Cruise lines use fare types to give travelers trade-offs: a lower price in exchange for less flexibility, or more perks for a higher price. The cabin is the same. What changes is the deposit, cancellation terms, included extras, and sometimes who’s eligible.
1. Refundable Deposit Fare
What it is: A standard fare where your deposit is refunded if you cancel before final payment.
Pros: Maximum flexibility; often easier to reprice if fares drop.
Cons: Usually a bit more expensive than non-refundable fares.
Best for: Anyone whose plans might change, or who books far in advance.
2. Non-Refundable Deposit (NRD) Fare
What it is: A lower fare where the deposit isn’t refunded if you cancel. Some lines convert it into future cruise credit, sometimes minus a fee.
Pros: Lower price, sometimes significantly.
Cons: Less flexibility; repricing may be limited or come back as credit.
Best for: Travelers with firm plans and travel insurance.
3. Bundled or “All-Inclusive” Fares
What it is: Fares that include extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, or specialty dining.
Examples:
- Celebrity All Included: Drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities
- Princess Plus / Premier: Bundled add-on packages. See Princess Plus vs Premier.
- Norwegian Free at Sea: Choice of perks. See Free at Sea explained.
- MSC fare experiences with higher tiers that include drinks
Best for: Travelers who’d buy drinks and Wi-Fi anyway.
4. Cruise-Only vs Cruise-Plus-Perks Fares
Some lines show a basic “cruise only” price alongside a higher fare that includes perks. Norwegian, for example, often lets you choose a lower fare without Free at Sea perks. Compare both against what you’d really use.
5. Guarantee (GTY) Fares
What it is: You book a category (like “balcony or better”) and the line assigns your exact cabin later.
Pros: Often cheaper, with a chance of an upgrade.
Cons: No control over location.
Best for: Flexible travelers who aren’t sensitive to cabin location.
6. Special Rates (Eligibility-Based)
- Resident rates: For residents of certain states or regions
- Senior rates: Typically 55+
- Military rates: For active duty, veterans, and sometimes families
- First responder and teacher rates on some lines
- Loyalty member rates: Offers for past guests
These can be excellent value, but proof of eligibility is required, and some can’t be combined with other promotions.
7. Group Fares
What it is: Contracted rates for 8 or more cabins booked together.
Pros: Possible amenities, flexible name changes, and credits.
Best for: Reunions, weddings, and clubs. See cruise planning for groups.
8. Last-Minute Fares
What it is: Reduced fares close to sailing to fill remaining cabins.
Pros: Sometimes great prices.
Cons: Usually paid in full immediately, non-refundable, limited cabins, and higher airfare.
9. Interline and Travel Industry Fares
Discounted rates for airline and travel industry employees. Eligibility rules are strict.
Fare Types at a Glance
| Fare Type | Price | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refundable | Higher | High | Uncertain plans |
| Non-refundable | Lower | Low | Firm plans |
| Bundled | Higher upfront | Varies | Drinkers and Wi-Fi users |
| Guarantee | Lower | Medium | Flexible on location |
| Special rates | Lower | Varies | Eligible travelers |
| Group | Varies | Higher | 8+ cabins |
| Last-minute | Often lower | Very low | Spontaneous travelers |
How to Choose the Right Fare
- How certain are your plans? If not very, choose refundable.
- Will you buy drinks and Wi-Fi? If yes, compare bundled fares.
- Do you care about cabin location? If yes, avoid guarantees.
- Are you eligible for special rates? Always check.
- Do you have travel insurance? It makes NRD fares less risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between refundable and non-refundable cruise fares?
Refundable fares return your deposit if you cancel before final payment. Non-refundable fares don’t, though some lines give future cruise credit.
Can I switch fare types after booking?
Sometimes, before final payment, by repricing. Rules vary by line.
Are bundled fares worth it?
Often, if you’d use the drinks and Wi-Fi. If not, a basic fare may save money.
Do special rates combine with promotions?
Sometimes. It depends on the line and promotion.
Get the Right Fare the First Time
At The Cruise Headquarters, we compare every fare type available for your sailing and explain the trade-offs. Request a free cruise quote today.
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Cruise fare codes, decoded
Fare codes are the labels a line attaches to each price. Names vary by line, but most fall into a few groups:
| Fare code type | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Standard / refundable | Refundable deposit; repricing allowed before final payment |
| Non-refundable deposit | Lower fare; deposit kept on cancellation; limited changes |
| Guarantee (GTY) | Category locked, cabin assigned later; often cheaper |
| Bundled / inclusive | Fare includes drinks, Wi-Fi, or gratuities |
| Special rate | Resident, senior, military, loyalty, or past-guest pricing |
| Group | Contracted rate with amenities and a later name deadline |
Two fares on the same cabin can carry different codes and very different rules. Always ask which code you are on before comparing prices.