What is Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy?

Planning a cruise can be exciting, but unexpected events sometimes require a change of plans. Royal Caribbean understands this and offers a structured cancellation policy based on the type of fare you book and how far in advance you cancel. While policies can vary by region, itinerary, and promotional offer, the core guidelines remain similar across most sailings. Knowing the details can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary penalties. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy works, including deadlines, refund eligibility, and special programs that offer additional flexibility.

Standard Cancellation Policy for Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s cancellation rules are based on the number of days before departure and whether the reservation involves refundable or non-refundable deposits. The earlier you cancel, the more refund you retain.

Cruises with Refundable Deposits

If you paid a refundable deposit when booking, you typically receive a full refund of that deposit as long as you cancel before the final payment due date. After the final payment date, the following penalty schedule often applies for most sailings of five nights or longer:

75+ days before sailing: Full refund of deposit and any payments made.
74–61 days before sailing: You forfeit your deposit.
60–31 days before sailing: 50% of the total fare is forfeited.
30–15 days before sailing: 75% of the total fare is forfeited.
14 days or fewer before sailing: The entire fare becomes non-refundable.

Shorter cruises (four nights or fewer) may have slightly different deadlines, but the general structure is similar.

Non-Refundable Deposit Fares

Royal Caribbean often offers fares with non-refundable deposits in exchange for a lower upfront cost or additional perks. If you choose this option, the initial deposit is permanently forfeited if you cancel—regardless of when you do it. In addition:

Canceling before the final payment date means you lose the deposit but do not owe more.
Canceling after the final payment date triggers the same sliding penalties as refundable fares for the remaining balance.
Downgrading or changing certain details of your reservation may also incur a change fee, commonly around $100 per guest.

Final Payment Deadlines

Most Royal Caribbean cruises require final payment 75 days before departure, although special sailings such as holiday trips, Alaska voyages, and transatlantic routes may require earlier final payment—sometimes up to 90 or 120 days prior. After final payment, any cancellations may fall under stricter penalty rules, so it’s wise to know these dates at the time of booking.

“Cruise with Confidence” Program (When Offered)

Royal Caribbean has occasionally implemented a flexible policy called Cruise with Confidence during uncertain travel periods. While not always in effect, it has allowed guests to:

Cancel up to 48 hours before sailing.
Receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) rather than a cash refund.
Apply that credit toward another voyage within a set time frame.

Because this program is not permanent policy, anyone interested should verify whether it is active for their sailing dates.

Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

When you cancel within penalty periods, Royal Caribbean may issue part or all of the amount as a Future Cruise Credit rather than money back to your original payment method. FCCs typically:

Are issued per person.
Must be applied to a new sailing within a specific period (often 12–24 months).
Cannot be redeemed for onboard credit or cash.

If the new cruise is cheaper, any remaining FCC amount usually remains for future use. If it’s more expensive, you pay the difference.

Airfare and Packages

If you booked airfare through Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program, separate change or cancellation fees may apply depending on the airline. Some tickets are flexible, while others are not, so check the specific guidelines provided at booking.

Packages that include hotels, transportation, or excursions may also have individual cancellation rules. These add-ons often follow the cruise payment schedule but can carry separate deadlines.

Travel Protection Options

Royal Caribbean partners with insurance providers to offer travel protection plans that may reimburse you for cancellations resulting from covered reasons such as medical emergencies, illness of a traveling companion, or certain travel disruptions. Policies vary by region, and opting in at booking or before final payment provides the greatest protection. Without insurance, standard penalties apply.

Name Changes and Modifications

Often, minor changes like passenger name corrections may be allowed up to a certain point without heavy fees. More significant alterations—swapping a guest or downgrading accommodation—may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, leading to loss of the deposit or additional charges. Always ask your travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly before making changes.

Group Bookings

Group reservations sometimes come with unique contract terms. Cruise lines may extend different deposit deadlines and cancellation dates for groups, but penalties can also be stricter if the group doesn’t maintain the required number of rooms. Group leaders or travel agents usually communicate these policies clearly at booking.

Special Sailings and Promotions

Promotional fares, flash sales, charter cruises, and holiday sailings can have distinct or non-refundable restrictions. Royal Caribbean is upfront about these at the time of purchase, so reading the fine print is important. In many cases, even refundable fares are more restrictive under promotional deals.

Tips to Minimize Cancellation Fees

Know your deadlines: Mark your final payment date and penalty windows early.
Consider refundable fares: If flexibility is a priority, choose refundable deposits, especially far in advance.
Use travel insurance: It can help recoup costs if you must cancel due to covered reasons.
Review promotions carefully: Discounts may come with stricter non-refundable terms.
Contact the cruise line if plans change early: You may have better chances of retaining more of your payment.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy is structured to offer a balance between traveler flexibility and the company’s operational needs. The timeline before departure is crucial; the further out you cancel, the better your chance of recovering your deposit or full payment. Non-refundable deposit fares may offer savings but come with financial risk if plans are uncertain. Future Cruise Credits provide another layer of flexibility, though they limit immediate cash access. By understanding the rules and protecting your booking with travel insurance when appropriate, you can adjust your travel plans with confidence and minimal stress.