You do not have to pay the entire amount of your cruise when you make an advance reservation, but you will need to make a deposit to reserve your cabin. 

The amount of the deposit varies with different cruises, but it's typically $200.00 to $300.00 per person.  Deposits may be made by check or credit card.

After you've reserved your cabin, you will be given a final payment date which will usually be 45 to 90 days in advance of your cruise date.  The full amount of your cruise must be paid by that date. If you wish, you can make additional deposits on your cruise before the final payment date so that the entire amount isn't due all at once.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellation and refund policies vary by cruise line.  In most cases, any money you paid as a deposit or payment for a cruise is refundable in full up to 120 days prior to the cruise.  The cancellation policy for your cruise will be clearly stated when your reservation is made.

As you get closer to the cruise date, cruise lines impose penalties for cancellation.  Some cruise lines start to impose penalties 120 days prior to the cruise, some at 90 days, some at 70 or less. 

At any rate, if you cancel your cruise within the cruise lines penalty period, you will forfeit all, or a portion of, the money you paid for the cruise.  The amount you forfeit increases as you get closer to your cruise date.  

Cruise lines are stringent with their cancellation policies and will not make exceptions. 

Travel Insurance can protect you from losing your cruise investment if you would have to cancel your cruise for certain reasons.