Sometimes – rarely – something can go wrong with a cruise ship, or there might be a wider issue in the world (here’s looking at you, 2020), which means your cruise might have to be cancelled.
When this happens, cruise lines will often offer Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to entice them to rebook their cruise for a future date.
This guide to Future Cruise Credit will tell you everything you need to know about cruise credit so that you can decide whether it’s for you or not, and what to expect when it comes to rebooking your cruise.
What Is Future Cruise Credit (FCC)?
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is a voucher that can be used to book another cruise with the same cruise line. This means that your money stays with the cruise line, and can be used to book another cruise within a specified time period.
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is not to be confused with On Board Credit (OBC). On Board Credit is money that can be used to pay for things on-board the ship, such as drinks, spa services and souvenirs. OBC is often given as part of a promotion or booking incentive.
In What Circumstances Do Cruise Lines Give Future Cruise Credit?
Cruise lines offer Future Cruise Credit when cruises have been cancelled or have had their itinerary significantly changed.
If a cruise has been cancelled, you may get a credit note that is equal to or greater than what you paid originally.
When cruises have been cancelled and the cruise line is partly at fault (such as a mechanical fault with a ship), then you may receive a full refund back to your original payment method and also an additional amount of FCC as a gesture of goodwill.
How Much Future Cruise Credit Do Cruise Lines Give?
The amount of Future Cruise Credit varies depending on the cruise line and the circumstances. Cruise lines usually give between 100% and 200% of the booking value as credit. (100% would mean that you get the full amount as a voucher, 200% would mean that you get a voucher worth double what you paid).
As a guide, most cruise lines offered 125% FCC for cancelled cruises in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused cruising to essentially shut down.
See all Future Cruise Credit Policies:
- Celebrity Cruises Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Costa Cruises Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Cunard Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Holland America Line Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- MSC Cruises Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Norwegian Cruise Line Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- P&O Cruises Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Princess Cruises Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
- Royal Caribbean Future Cruise Credit Terms and Conditions
How Is Future Cruise Credit Calculated?
The calculation method used to work out the Future Cruise Credit varies by cruise line and also depends on the country you live in.
Some cruise lines convert everything you’ve paid into FCC. Others may refund taxes, fees, upgrades and other purchases back into your bank account and only apply the base cruise fare as Future Cruise Credit.
To know exactly how FCC is calculated in your individual case, you should ask your cruise line or travel agent.
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Do I Have To Accept Future Cruise Credit?
You’re under no obligation to accept Future Cruise Credit. When your cruise is cancelled, you have the option to receive a full refund back to your original payment method or to choose to rebook your cruise using FCC.
If you can’t decide, there’s no rush. You can keep the FCC until you decide that you’re ready to rebook or apply for a refund.
Should You Take Future Cruise Credit Or Get A Refund?
If your cruise is cancelled, it’s entirely your decision whether to take Future Cruise Credit or to ask for a full refund. There are pros and cons to each option.
Some reasons you might want to take Future Cruise Credit:
- You can get a great deal with 125% or more FCC
- Taking FCC helps to support the cruise lines
- If you booked using a gift card or other credit, you can’t get a refund
Some reasons you might want to take a refund:
- The terms of the FCC don’t suit your future plans
- You want or need the cash for other things
- You’re not sure that you want to cruise again
You can read comments from real cruisers about why they chose to accept either Future Cruise Credit or a refund here.
How To Apply For FCC
You don’t need to do anything to apply for Future Cruise Credit. Your cruise line will have a record of your booking, and if it’s cancelled, they will automatically place the credit on your account. It can take a couple of weeks for this to happen, so look out for emails from your cruise line.
If you wish to have a refund instead of Future Cruise Credit, you will need to apply for this either with the cruise line, if you booked directly with them, or with your travel agent. Refunds can take much longer than FCC to process, and it may be a few weeks until you get your money back in your bank account/on your credit card.
What Can Future Cruise Credit Be Used For?
Future Cruise Credit can always be used to book a new cruise. Policies about what else Future Cruise Credit can be used for vary depending on the cruise line.
Many, but not all, cruise lines are also allowing passengers to apply their FCC to existing bookings where a balance is outstanding. In this case, you may be able to spread your FCC across two or more future bookings if there is a remaining balance after its initial use. Some cruise lines may also allow you to use FCC to upgrade your cabin on an existing cruise, or for extras such as excursions.
Some cruise lines allow you to transfer FCC between passengers or to gift it to other people, whereas other cruise lines fix it to each passenger’s name and do not allow it to be transferred.
You won’t be able to use your FCC on a different brand. For example, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises are both part of the Carnival Corporation, but you can’t use your FCC interchangeably between Princess and P&O Cruises.
How To Book A Cruise Using Future Cruise Credit
To book your cruise with Future Cruise Credit, just call the cruise line or your preferred travel agent.
FCC is linked to your account with the cruise line, not your travel agent. This means that you could switch your booking to a different travel agent and use your FCC. Some travel agents offer extra discounts for people who are booking with FCC to encourage this.
What If Your New Cruise Is A Different Price?
If your new cruise is more expensive, you will have to pay the difference. In this case, if you’d rather not pay any more money, try to look for alternative ships or itineraries with the same cruise line, which may be cheaper.
If your new cruise is cheaper, you can retain the excess credit for another cruise. Alternatively, you could upgrade to a better cabin with the excess credit.
My Cruise Hasn’t Been Cancelled, Can I Get Future Cruise Credit?
If you have a cruise booked and know that you won’t want to travel, you may be wondering if you should cancel your cruise and receive Future Cruise Credit.
If you cancel the cruise, your options may be a refund (with loss of deposit) or 100% Future Cruise Credit. But you’ll need to check your cruise line’s policy.
If you’re looking to cancel close to your sailing date, you might not get a full refund and the cruise line might not offer FCC either, because they’ll have more difficulty re-selling the room. This is why it’s also good to have travel insurance, in case something outside your control means you can no longer sail.
How Long Is Future Cruise Credit Valid For?
The expiry date on cruise credit notes varies. There will often be a date when you have to use it on a booking as well as a date you have to cruise by. Make a note of both of these. Whilst you don’t need to be in a rush to spend your FCC voucher, you definitely won’t want to let it expire.
Related posts:
- Win a cruise
- How to get cheap cruises: An insider guide
- 12 Ways to Use Your Carnival Onboard Credit
- 15 Ways To Use Your Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Hi Cruise Mummy
My friend and I were disembarked from the Queen Elizabeth in Miami because of a Covid outbreak. We were only on board for 14 days of a 44 day cruise. Cunard are offering us an FCC which we really don’t want, because we do not care to travel with Cunard again. Would the FCC be useable with another company in their group, eg P & O ?
We would really prefer a cash refund.
Hi Marg, that’s a great question. Usually the cruise lines operate as separate businesses, even though they’re owned by the same company. I don’t know for definite, but I don’t think they would let you transfer the credit to another cruise line. I’d suggest it’s worth asking them though. But if you’d prefer a refund, you can use this webform to ask for one: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/request
I am due FCC from P&O in the near future due to a cancelled cruise – will the FCC be a credit on my P&O web page account or will the credit go to my travel agent for me to book a future cruise through them. Also, if its the latter, do I have to use the travel agent again or can I book directly with P&O. Thanks
Hi Phil. You can use any travel agent or book directly with P&O for your next cruise. Just let the new one know your situation and they’ll apply the credit for you. Jenni
Hi Jenni. I have had today an email saying my cruise in October 21 has been cancelled and they will be issuing FCC this will take a few weeks. I have seen another cruise with P & O for next year, do i have to wait for the FCC to come through before i book or can i book it and then use the FCC on the new cruise i have booked? Thanks Debz
Hi Debbie. Yes, you should be able to book it straight away, I have done this before. You’ll probably need to use the same travel agent you used originally though (if you used one). Jenni
Had a cruise for June 2020 on Royal carribean it was cancelled and we were given a fcc of 100% but other customers have been given 125% we were told we could not get refund (£600)and had to take fcc now we cannot take cruise as they only gave use dates of book before april 222 take before sept 2222 not possible can we get a refund or are we stuck with credit which we will lose
Hi Sandra. That sounds very frustrating. There are lots of different Ts&Cs which may apply so it’s tricky for me to comment on individual cases. I suggest contacting your travel agent if you have one, or else Royal Caribbean if not. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Jenni
What redress do I have with TA, who have only paid P&O deposit, despite my paying in full over a year ago. Cruise now cancelled,but, will only get FCC on deposit amount.
Hi Dorothy. I’m afraid that’s a common issue, as it looks like the TA has kept hold of the money until the due date and cruises are generally cancelled before the balance due date. I would advise asking P&O Cruises to see if there’s anything they can do for you. Jenni
Hiya,
I got FCC on full amount,slightly more than 25%. Upgraded to Seaview. Yippee
Hi. Why do they say 125% credit when in reality it is 25%..? Anything above this is the customers money
In 2019 we booked a cruise with Oceania, sailing April 2020. Covid started and Oceania gave us the option of cancelling with a 100% FCC and no penalties before the cruise was actually cancelled by them. We used the FCC to rebook another cruise for April 2021 and now this has been cancelled. We had to pay some extra for the second cruise and they are telling us we can only have the extra as a cash refund and must take the original as another FCC which we don’t want. Do we have to accept this?
Hi Carol. It seems to be a common occurrence that once people have accepted FCC and had a second cruise cancelled they then struggle to get a refund. I don’t have a good answer for you I’m afraid as I think it could be down to their Ts&Cs. Do you have a travel agent? They may be able to help with the specifics. Jenni
Hi Carol, did you get any further with getting your fcc back? I am in the same position and wondered if you have any tips?
Hi.. we booked a Greek Island cruise with Celebrity for October 2020 but we cancelled before full monies had to be paid and subsequently the cruise was cancelled anyway. We had a FCC credit for the deposit and rebooked the same cruise for 2021. We have now been informed that the 2021 cruise is cancelled. We have requested the FCC to be returned but have been told ‘No can only be transferred to another cruise or used the following year. As Celebrity cancelled the 2nd cruise can we insist on our deposit to be returned?
Hi Julia, that’s a good question. Each cruise line has different rules on this and they do also seem to change over time so it’s tricky to keep track of their latest Ts&Cs. Did you book with a travel agent? They should be able to offer the latest advice if so. Jenni
Costa Cruises sent us a cruise credit in dollars and informed us that I must use the original agent to book it. This UK agent went bankrupt and costa are refusing to honour this credit note unless I use the original agent?????
The UK Costa division wiped there hands and referred it to the usa division that have ignored my queery.
What can I do
Hi Girvin. You shouldn’t need to use the original agent, even if they were still in business. If you can’t get hold of the cruise line, I suggest raising this with ABTA, who can hopefully help. Here’s a link for you: https://www.abta.com/help-and-complaints/customer-support/register-a-complaint Jenni
Hi Jenni
Our cruise was cancelled by P&O about two days after we agreed with our Agent (Cruise.co.uk) to accept a 25% refund & 75% FCC. They called us with these two options as we were within 16-40 days of sailing.
(1) leave all plans in place As the ship (Ventura) would still be sailing as far as they knew at the time (sail date was 28/3/20). We would also receive an OBC as the ship would not be stopping in all the ports due to Covid-19, including the main one of the trip (Amsterdam) or
(2) opt for 25% refund and leave the balance of 75% as a FCC
We opted for option 2 at the time but we would now like to get a full refund instead (We still haven’t received the 25% deposit anyway!) Is this possible as we are worried the Agent will charge us 75% cancellation fee as we in effect chose to cancel before P&O officially cancelled the cruise as far as we know.
It’s almost impossible to get a straight answer from anyone so hoping you can help!
Thank you.
Loraine.
Hi Loraine. Thanks for getting in touch. I was actually booked on that cruise myself as well, such a shame it’s been cancelled. As you accepted the second optional the time, you might struggle to switch it now, unfortunately. Your travel agent will be the best person to clarify this for you. Sorry that I can’t be of more help. Jenni
Hello Cruise Mummy . I have looked at your site as I had problems with a deposit on a cruise . Unfortunately your answers to peoples queries appear to take the form of a counselling service of nice words or advice to call the travel agent .
Is there any point or substance to your site or have I missed something?
Hi Peter, thanks for your comment. The cruise lines terms and conditions are regularly changing and vary by country. It would be impossible to keep up to date with every cruise line. If you have booked with a travel agent, they will have the most up-to-date information regarding the Ts&Cs for your particular booking, which is why they are the best people to help. I’m sorry I can’t be of further assistance. Jenni
Hi Jenni
We had a cruise booked in April 2020 which was subsequently cancelled due to COVID. As a group it was moved to April 2020
But now that has also been cancelled. I do not wish to rebook a 3rd time but they are refusing to refund because of a room split of refund and FCC. Can P & O do this ?
Sorry typo moved to April 2021
Hi Krista. Unfortunately, I have heard of people running into problems with using FCC and then subsequently requesting a refund. I suggest that you discuss this with P&O Cruises or your travel agent if you have one. Perhaps also look at some of the Facebook groups to see if other cruisers have been successful in getting a refund in your situation. Jenni
hi, we had a cruise booked with princess cruises for march 2020, which was cancelled . We opted to rebook and received FCC for our loyalty.
We have just been told that our “rebooked” cruise has ALSO been cancelled.
If we decide to go for a refund this time, do we still keep the previous FCC from the last cancelled cruise?? Thank you Jackie
Hi Jackie, yes you would be given FCC again. Some cruise lines are allowing people to then request a refund, but I have heard of people who are finding it difficult to get a cash refund once they have already rebooked with FCC. It seems to depend on the cruise line and the rules may change so you should ask Princess Cruises or your travel agent to be sure. Jenni
Hi,
I accepted a FCC with princess back in june, there has been no cruises released recently that are suitable for me and my wife. Can i apply for a cash refund?
Thanks in Advance
Barry
Hi Barry. In your situation, I believe that you should be able to apply for a cash refund of the original amount that you paid. Princess Cruises or your travel agent will be able to confirm that for you. Jenni
Hi,I booked and paid for a cruise with my wife and daughter for July this year.P&O cancelled the cruise and we opted to take ther offer of 125% FCC which was fine the problem I have know is that P&O have split the FCC between the 3 off us.The problem is that as I paid for the cruise for all of us now my daughter has a FCC in her name and will not be able to use it before it would expire how can I get that money back from P&O can my daughter gift it to my account with P&O yours Truly Hugh
Hi Hugh. Yes, I believe that P&O Cruises FCC can be transferred to another person. Alternatively, you could ask for a refund. Jenni
We’ve booked a cruise using FCC for May 2021,I have copd and as my condition has worsened I’d like to know if we can cancel.
Hi Joyce. I’m very sorry to hear about your condition. Have you asked the question to your cruise line or travel agent? They’ll be able to give you a definite answer as it very much depends on the cruise line’s individual policy. I do hope that they will be sympathetic to your circumstances. Jenni
hi in ref on FCC cruise cancelled p/o cruise full paid well in advance
£1,299( inc single supplement) my calculation not match
p/o,s math,s not my strong point p/o says + 125% can you give me some idea wot the value I may get, I re booked
on Iona for Feb as my FCC credit not calculated had to pay extra deposit many thanks bill
Hi Bill. As you paid in full I would expect you to get 125% of £1299 which would be £1623.75 of FCC. If that doesn’t match, you’ll need to query it with P&O Cruises (or your travel agent if you have one). Jenni