This Refund Policy explains how cancellations, refunds, and changes work for cruise bookings facilitated by First Bell Holiday. Because we are an independent travel agency rather than a cruise line, the bulk of any refund is governed by the cruise line associated with your booking. We commit to processing eligible refunds promptly and being transparent about every step.
1. Who Issues the Refund
Cruise fares paid through First Bell Holiday are forwarded to the cruise line on your behalf. When you cancel, any refund of the cruise fare is issued according to the cruise line's published cancellation schedule. First Bell Holiday processes the cancellation request, coordinates with the cruise line, and returns the refunded amount to your original payment method once received.
2. How to Request a Cancellation
To cancel a booking, please notify us as early as possible by:
- Calling our 24/7 line at (866) 886-3901
- Emailing contact@firstbellholiday.com with your booking reference, full name, and sailing date
Cancellations are effective as of the date and time we receive your written or verbal notice. Verbal cancellations should be followed up in writing for your records.
3. Cruise Line Cancellation Schedules
Each cruise line publishes its own cancellation timetable based on the number of days remaining until departure, the cabin category, and any promotional fare type booked. Generally, the closer you are to the sailing date, the larger the cancellation penalty.
Typical Cruise Line Cancellation Tiers (illustrative)
- 120+ days before sailing: usually fully refundable, minus any non-refundable promotional deposit.
- 90–119 days before sailing: deposit may become non-refundable; remaining fare typically refundable.
- 60–89 days before sailing: partial penalty applied (often 25–50% of fare).
- 30–59 days before sailing: higher penalty (often 50–75% of fare).
- 0–29 days before sailing: typically 100% non-refundable.
These tiers are illustrative only. Your actual schedule is determined by the cruise line and disclosed at booking. Promotional, group, holiday, and suite fares often follow stricter timelines.
4. First Bell Holiday Service Fees
Any service or planning fee paid directly to First Bell Holiday is generally non-refundable once we have performed the planning, comparison, and booking-setup work associated with your reservation. This is disclosed in writing prior to charging the fee.
If a service fee has been collected but no planning work has yet been performed, we will refund the fee in full upon written request.
5. Non-Refundable Items
The following items are generally non-refundable, regardless of cancellation timing:
- Travel insurance premiums (subject to insurer policy)
- Visa, document, and government fees
- Non-refundable promotional deposits
- Pre-purchased shore excursions or specialty dining purchased outside the cruise line's flexible window
- First Bell Holiday service fees as outlined above
6. Refund Method and Timeline
Eligible refunds are returned to the original method of payment used at booking. Once the cruise line releases the refund:
- Credit card refunds typically post within 7–21 business days, depending on the issuing bank.
- Bank or ACH refunds may take 10–30 business days.
The total processing time depends on the cruise line's internal refund queue. We will keep you updated as we receive confirmation.
7. Future Cruise Credit (FCC)
In certain circumstances — particularly if a cruise line cancels or significantly alters your sailing — refunds may be offered as Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead of cash. FCCs are governed by the cruise line's terms, including validity dates, transferability rules, and applicable sailings.
8. Sailings Cancelled by the Cruise Line
If a cruise line cancels your sailing or makes material itinerary changes, you may be entitled to a full refund, a rebooked sailing, or an FCC, in accordance with that cruise line's specific policy. First Bell Holiday will work on your behalf to secure the best available option.
9. Travel Insurance and No-Show Situations
If you miss your sailing (a "no-show") or cancel for personal reasons not covered by the cruise line's policy, the booking is typically forfeited at 100%. Travel insurance may help mitigate this risk, depending on the plan you've purchased. We strongly recommend reviewing trip protection options at the time of booking.
10. Disputed Charges
If you believe a charge is incorrect, please contact us at (866) 886-3901 or contact@firstbellholiday.com before initiating a chargeback with your card issuer. Chargebacks filed without contacting us first can disrupt the cruise line's refund processing and delay resolution.
11. Name Changes and Modifications
Modifications to passenger names, sailing dates, or cabins are subject to cruise line policy. Some changes can be made free of charge prior to final payment; others may incur change fees. We will obtain a written summary of any change fees before processing your request.
12. Group and Promotional Bookings
Group, charter, holiday, and certain promotional fares may carry restrictions that override the general guidance above. The applicable cancellation terms will always be disclosed in writing at the time of booking.
13. Contact
To request a cancellation or ask a refund-related question, please contact:
📞 (866) 886-3901
✉ contact@firstbellholiday.com
📍 1070 Morris Ave, Apt 1147, Union, NJ 07083, United States