Planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean is always exciting, but sometimes unexpected situations arise, and you might need to change or cancel your trip. Whether it’s a change in plans, a family emergency, or travel restrictions, understanding the Royal Caribbean cancellation and cruise refund process can help you make informed decisions and minimize financial loss.
Before cancelling your cruise, it’s crucial to understand how Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy works. The policy varies depending on:
Cruise length (1–4 nights, 5–9 nights, or 10+ nights)
Type of fare or promotion booked
How close you are to the sail date
For standard refundable fares, Royal Caribbean’s cancellation timeline is as follows:
Days Before SailingCancellation Charge
90+ daysFull refund (except non-refundable deposit)
89–75 days25% of total fare
74–61 days50% of total fare
60–31 days75% of total fare
30 days or less100% of total fare (no refund)
If you purchased a non-refundable deposit fare, you lose your deposit amount upon cancellation, but you might receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to use later.
Here’s how to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise reservation and request a refund:
Go to www.portjourney.com
Sign in to your account and navigate to “My Cruises.”
Select the cruise you want to cancel.
Determine if your booking is refundable or non-refundable. This will impact your eligibility for a cash refund or a Future Cruise Credit.
Before proceeding, review the cancellation policy specific to your booking. Look for terms like:
Deposit type
Promotional offers
Any travel protection you’ve purchased
Click “Cancel Reservation” or contact your travel agent if you booked through one. If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean, you can also call Royal Caribbean’s help desk.
If you are eligible, you can choose between:
A full or partial refund back to your original payment method
A Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for use on a future sailing
Once you cancel, Royal Caribbean will send a confirmation email detailing the refund amount or FCC value.
If you booked through a travel advisor or online travel agency, you must contact them directly to initiate the cruise refund process. They can handle the cancellation with Royal Caribbean on your behalf.
Make sure to:
Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation
Confirm refund timelines and fees
Verify if your travel insurance covers the cancellation
Your agent can also help you rebook another cruise using Future Cruise Credit if you decide to sail later.
If you just booked your cruise and realize you need to cancel right away, Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence policy and 24-hour grace period (for certain refundable fares) allow you to cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
However, if you booked a non-refundable deposit fare, you may lose only the deposit portion but still receive an FCC.
Royal Caribbean introduced the Cruise with Confidence program to give guests more flexibility. While this program has evolved over time, it generally allows:
Cancellation up to 48 hours before sailing for a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
FCC value equal to 100% of your cruise fare.
Check the current Royal Caribbean website or contact customer service for updated details, as terms may change depending on sailing date and region.
After cancelling your cruise, if your fare is eligible for a refund, Royal Caribbean will automatically process it to your original payment method.
To ensure your cruise refund request is properly submitted:
Confirm that your booking was officially cancelled.
Request written verification of the refund amount.
Check your email for a refund confirmation message.
If you don’t receive confirmation within 7 days, contact Royal Caribbean’s help desk.
Refunds typically take 30–45 days to process, depending on the form of payment and financial institution. For credit card payments, the refund appears on your statement once processed.
If you receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead, it’s usually issued within two weeks and sent to your registered email.
If your refund is delayed beyond 45 days, you can:
Contact Royal Caribbean’s Guest Relations department
Call
Provide your booking number and cancellation confirmation
When you cancel your cruise, Royal Caribbean also automatically cancels any pre-purchased:
Shore excursions
Beverage packages
Wi-Fi packages
Specialty dining reservations
Refunds for these add-ons are typically processed within 7–10 business days. If you cancel the cruise but want to retain certain add-ons for future use, you can request this when contacting support.
If you purchased travel insurance through Royal Caribbean or a third party, you may be eligible for a refund or reimbursement depending on the cancellation reason.
Most policies cover cancellations for:
Medical emergencies
Illness or injury
Severe weather
Job loss or travel restrictions
Contact your insurance provider directly to file a claim and receive compensation for covered cancellations.
Read Terms Carefully: Always check your fare conditions before cancelling.
Cancel Early: The sooner you cancel, the higher your refund percentage.
Keep Documentation: Save all emails and confirmation numbers.
Use Travel Insurance: It provides an extra layer of protection against unexpected cancellations.
Contact Support Promptly: If your refund is delayed or incorrect, reach out to Royal Caribbean’s customer service for assistance.
Cancelling a cruise can be disappointing, but understanding how to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise reservation and get a refund helps you manage the process effectively. By knowing your fare type, following the step-by-step cancellation guide, and contacting the Royal Caribbean help desk if needed, you can ensure a smooth experience.
If you act within the right time frame and understand the policies, you can recover most — or even all — of your fare and easily plan your next adventure when the time is right.
1. How do I cancel my Royal Caribbean cruise reservation?
You can cancel online through your Royal Caribbean account, by calling customer service, or through your travel agent.
2. How long does it take to receive a Royal Caribbean refund?
Refunds typically take 30–45 days, while Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) are issued within two weeks.
3. Can I cancel my cruise without penalty?
Yes, if you cancel more than 90 days before sailing (for refundable fares) or within 24 hours of booking, you’ll usually get a full refund.
4. What happens if I booked a non-refundable fare?
You’ll forfeit your deposit but receive a Future Cruise Credit for the remainder.
5. Who do I contact for refund issues?
For refund or cancellation help, contact Royal Caribbean Guest Relations or call the help desk.
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