How Much Is the Deposit?

Deposit amounts vary by cruise line, sailing, cabin category, and promotional offer.

Some cruises require only a small deposit, while others may require a larger initial payment.

Most Bliss Cruise deposits start at between $500-1000 and monthly payments will be automatically charged once per month from the date of booking until six months before the cruise. 

For example, if you book between 9 and 10 months before your cruise, you will pay a deposit plus three monthly payments. 

Payments are typically charged on the 1st or 15th of the month, depending on the date of booking.

Deposits and payments typically become non-refundable about six months before the cruise, but each cruise has terms that allow you to transfer your booking to a future cruise until about 3-4 months before the cruise, often for a small transfer fee. Check the specific terms for each cruise to see the actual cancellation and transfer deadlines. 

Before you book, we'll explain:

• Your required deposit
• Your payment schedule
• Your final payment date
• Any applicable cancellation deadlines

We'll also send reminders before important payment dates so you don't have to keep track of them yourself.

Reservation Changes, Payments & Cancellation Policies

Every cruise has important deadlines for payments, cancellations, transfers, and reservation changes. While the exact calendar dates vary by sailing, the timeframes below generally apply to most Tom's Trips Cruise Collection vacations. Your confirmation will always include the specific deadlines for your reservation.

Final Payment

Your reservation confirmation will include your final payment due date. To avoid late fees or possible cancellation, we recommend making payments well before the deadline.

Late payments may be subject to administrative fees and, in some cases, your reservation may be cancelled if payment is not received on time.

Making Payments

You're welcome to make payments toward your reservation at any time before your final payment is due. Many guests choose to make smaller payments throughout the year.

Reservation Changes

Changes to an existing reservation—such as changing cabin categories, correcting names, changing occupancy, or other modifications—are generally permitted only if allowed by the cruise line or other travel supplier.

When changes are permitted:

• A Tom's Trips administrative fee may apply.

• Cruise line, hotel, airline, or other supplier fees may also apply.

• Some reservations or promotional fares may not allow changes at all.

• All changes are subject to availability.

Roommate & Occupancy Changes

Guests wishing to add, remove, or change a roommate should contact Tom's Trips as soon as possible.

Roommate changes become increasingly difficult as the sailing date approaches and may not be possible after the cruise line's final documentation deadlines. Any additional supplier fees or administrative charges will be the responsibility of the guest.

Reservation Transfers

Some cruise lines permit reservations to be transferred to another traveler, while others prohibit transfers entirely.

If transfers are allowed:

• Requests must be made before the cruise line's documentation deadline.

• Administrative and supplier fees may apply.

• Transfers are subject to cruise line approval and availability.

Please contact us before making any arrangements, as transfer rules vary by cruise line and fare type.

Cancellation Schedule

Cancellation penalties generally increase as your sailing date approaches. For example, for most Bliss Cruises, the timeline may be as follows: 

More than 125 days before sailing: 

You may cancel your reservation and receive a refund of amounts paid, less the applicable non-refundable deposit or minimum cancellation charge.

96–124 days before sailing

Cancellation fee: 35% of the total reservation value.

52–95 days before sailing

Cancellation fee: 66% of the total reservation value.

51 days or fewer before sailing

Reservations are generally 100% non-refundable.

Certain promotional fares, non-refundable deposits, charter sailings, or cruise line promotions may carry stricter cancellation terms. Your booking confirmation will identify any special conditions that apply.

Airline, Hotel & Other Travel Services

Flights, hotels, transfers, excursions, travel insurance, and other third-party travel services are often subject to their own cancellation policies.

In many cases, these services may be partially or completely non-refundable regardless of the cruise cancellation schedule.

We Strongly Recommend Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can happen before any vacation. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment.

Depending on the policy selected, travel insurance may provide coverage for covered cancellations, medical emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage delays, and other unexpected events.

Questions?

Every cruise line has its own policies, and some sailings include special promotional rules. If you're considering making a change or cancelling your reservation, please contact Tom's Trips before taking action. We'll explain your options, review any applicable fees, and help you make the best decision for your situation.