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How Can I File a Complaint with Royal Caribbean?

A Royal Caribbean cruise promises unforgettable experiences — from world-class dining to exciting shore excursions and breathtaking ocean views. However, even the most well-planned vacations can encounter challenges. Whether it’s a billing error, a cabin issue, or dissatisfaction with service, it’s important to know how to handle your concerns effectively. If you’re wondering how to file a complaint with Royal Caribbean cruise line, there are clear, structured ways to do so. This guide explains the Royal Caribbean complaint resolution process, contact methods, and tips for ensuring your issue is handled promptly and professionally.

1. Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Approach to Complaints

Royal Caribbean takes guest satisfaction seriously and strives to address any problems efficiently. The cruise line encourages passengers to share feedback both during and after their voyage to help improve services. Whether you’ve experienced an issue with your stateroom, excursions, onboard dining, or billing, Royal Caribbean customer service offers multiple channels for assistance.

The first and most important step is to report the problem as soon as possible — ideally while you’re still onboard. Doing so gives the ship’s staff the best chance to resolve the issue immediately, which is often faster and less stressful than waiting until after disembarkation.

2. How to Report a Problem with Royal Caribbean While Onboard

If you encounter an issue during your cruise, start by speaking to the Guest Services desk or Guest Relations team located on Deck 5 (on most ships). These representatives are trained to handle common complaints ranging from maintenance requests to billing disputes.

Steps to follow:

  1. Visit Guest Services: Explain your concern clearly and politely. Provide any supporting documents, such as receipts or booking details.

  2. Request a Written Record: Ask for your complaint to be logged officially in their system. This creates a paper trail for future reference.

  3. Allow Reasonable Time for Response: The staff may need time to investigate or escalate your issue to the ship’s management.

If the issue isn’t resolved onboard, note the date, staff names, and any case or reference number provided. You’ll need this information later when following up through the Royal Caribbean complaint resolution process.

3. How to File a Complaint After the Cruise

If your issue wasn’t addressed to your satisfaction during the trip, you can submit your concern after returning home. Royal Caribbean provides several ways to contact their customer service and feedback teams.

a. Online Cruise Line Complaint Form

The most direct way to submit your issue is through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Complaint Form available on their official website.

Steps:

  • Select the option for “Post-Cruise Comments or Complaints.”

  • Fill in the form with your personal details, booking number, cruise dates, and a detailed description of the issue.

  • Attach supporting files or images if applicable.

This method ensures that your complaint is officially logged in their system, allowing the Royal Caribbean feedback team to review and respond.

b. Via Email

You can also reach out to the Royal Caribbean guest relations email. When writing your email:

  • Use a clear subject line, e.g., “Complaint Regarding Cabin Issue on Cruise #RC12345”.

  • Include your booking number, ship name, sail date, and contact details.

  • Describe your issue in detail but remain factual and polite.

  • Attach relevant documents or photos.

Responses generally take 7–10 business days, depending on the complexity of the issue.

c. By Phone

If you prefer speaking directly to a representative, call Royal Caribbean customer service (U.S. & Canada). For international guests, local numbers are listed on the company’s website.Be sure to have your booking number ready for verification.

d. By Mail

You can also send a written complaint to:Royal Caribbean InternationalAttn: Guest Relations Department1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Include all details about your cruise, a concise explanation of the issue, and any supporting evidence.

4. Steps to Contact Royal Caribbean Customer Service

For effective communication, here’s a quick summary of the steps to contact Royal Caribbean customer service regarding your complaint:

  1. Attempt to resolve the issue onboard through Guest Services.

  2. If unresolved, gather documentation (receipts, photos, emails).

  3. Submit your complaint via the online form or Royal Caribbean guest relations email.

  4. Follow up if you don’t receive a response within 10–14 business days.

  5. Escalate to a supervisor or higher authority if needed.

Keeping detailed records helps ensure your concern receives appropriate attention and improves your chances of a positive outcome.

5. Common Reasons for Royal Caribbean Complaints

Understanding what types of issues are commonly reported can help you prepare your case effectively. The most frequent Royal Caribbean complaints include:

  • Cabin Issues: Problems with cleanliness, maintenance, or noise.

  • Billing Errors: Discrepancies in charges or onboard credit application.

  • Excursion Disputes: Cancellations, delays, or quality concerns.

  • Dining and Service Problems: Food quality, reservation issues, or staff behavior.

  • Lost or Damaged Luggage: Items misplaced during embarkation or disembarkation.

When filing your complaint, focus on facts rather than emotions. Include relevant dates, staff names, and resolution attempts.

6. The Royal Caribbean Complaint Resolution Process

Once your complaint is submitted, it enters the Royal Caribbean complaint resolution process. This involves several internal steps:

  1. Acknowledgment: You’ll receive a confirmation email stating that your complaint was received.

  2. Review: The Guest Relations team investigates your concern by reviewing records, logs, and staff reports.

  3. Response: They will provide a written reply detailing their findings and any corrective action.

  4. Resolution: Depending on the situation, you may receive an apology, refund, onboard credit, or another form of compensation.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate the issue to a higher department or an external mediation service, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (which oversees travel-related complaints).

7. Tips for Submitting an Effective Complaint

To maximize the success of your Royal Caribbean feedback, follow these guidelines:

  • Be Clear and Concise: Avoid emotional language; focus on what went wrong and how you’d like it resolved.

  • Provide Documentation: Include receipts, photos, or messages that support your case.

  • Be Respectful: Polite communication often leads to faster resolutions.

  • Keep Follow-Up Records: Track emails and phone conversations for reference.

  • Know Your Rights: Review Royal Caribbean’s terms and conditions, which outline complaint procedures and refund eligibility.

A well-structured complaint not only improves your chances of a positive response but also helps Royal Caribbean enhance its guest experience for future travelers.

8. When to Escalate Your Complaint

If your issue remains unresolved after several follow-ups, it may be time to escalate. You can contact:

  • A Guest Relations Manager directly by phone or email.

  • Royal Caribbean’s corporate office in Miami.

  • External agencies like Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) or BBB for mediation.

Escalation should always be a last resort, but it’s an option if you feel your complaint was not handled fairly.

Conclusion

Filing a complaint with Royal Caribbean is a straightforward process when you know the right steps. Whether you report an issue onboard or follow up afterward, Royal Caribbean customer service aims to resolve your concern quickly and fairly. By using official channels like the Cruise Line Complaint Form or Royal Caribbean guest relations email, you can ensure your feedback is heard and properly documented.

Ultimately, clear communication, supporting evidence, and patience are key to achieving a satisfactory outcome through the Royal Caribbean complaint resolution process. For more travel and cruise tips, visit PortJourney.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I file a complaint with Royal Caribbean cruise line?

You can file a complaint through the official online form, by emailing, or by calling customer service.

2. How long does Royal Caribbean take to respond to complaints?

Responses typically arrive within 7–10 business days, though complex issues may take longer.

3. Can I file a complaint while still on the ship?

Yes, visit the Guest Services desk onboard to report issues immediately. This often results in faster resolution.

4. What information should I include in my complaint?

Include your booking number, cruise dates, ship name, a clear description of the problem, and any evidence like receipts or photos.

5. What if I’m not satisfied with the response?

You can escalate your complaint to Royal Caribbean’s corporate office or seek mediation through agencies like the Better Business Bureau.

 
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