Planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean is an exciting experience — but life, being what it is, sometimes you need to cancel. That’s why knowing the Royal Caribbean cancellation policy allows you to anticipate what will happen if you need to cancel your cruise. Whether you are looking for refundable or nonrefundable deposits or need to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise online, this guide has you covered.
Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Cancellation Rules
Royal Caribbean International has refundable fares and nonrefundable fares, and both have separate cancellation rules. The type of deposit you put down and how far in advance you cancel determine whether you’re eligible for a refund, and how much of one, as well as whether you pay penalties and when you do it. Here’s how understanding the cancellation policy that Royal Caribbean implements can excel your planning and avoid unnecessary fees.
Difference Between Refundable and Non-Refundable Deposits
Refundable Deposit: This one is flexible. If you cancel your cruise before the final payment deadline, usually 90 days ahead of the date you plan to cast off, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit and final payment. Cancellations are not exempt from fees but may be representative of your payment minus cancelation fee(s).
Non-Refundable Deposit: Typically lower-priced fares, but they usually have tight restrictions. The deposit is non-refundable at anytime. If you cancel prior to final payment, you’ll be refunded in a future cruise credit minus a $100 per person service fee. Once the last payment has been made, cancellation penalties work just as they would with refundable fares.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Cancellation Fee Breakdown by Days
Here’s how the fees are structured depending on cruise length and how far in advance you cancel:
1–4 Night Cruises
- 75+ days: No charges (except nonrefundable deposit)
- 74–61 days: 50% of total price
- 60–31 days: 75% of total price
- 30 days or less: No refund
5+ Night Cruises
- 90+ days: No charges (except nonrefundable deposit)
- 89–75 days: 25% of total price
- 74–61 days: 50% of total price
- 60–31 days: 75% of total price
- 30 days or less: No refund
Holiday sailings may have stricter rules, so always check the specific cancellation policy Royal Caribbean provides at the time of booking.
How to Cancel a Royal Caribbean Cruise Booking?
You can cancel your cruise the same way you booked one. You can call to cancel if you booked through Royal Caribbean, or cancel through your online account. If you have booked through a travel agent, they will process your cancellation. You may also often 2019For Royal Caribbean- to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise line online through the “My Cruises” section of their web site.
What Happens After Final Payment? Refund vs. Penalty
After you’ve made your final payment, any cancellation is subject to the Royal Caribbean cruise cancellation policy fee schedule. This may include partial refunds or none at all depending on how close you are to sailing. Guests on nonrefundable fare codes won’t receive their deposit back but may receive a future cruise credit.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Cruise Cancellations?
Absolutely. While some may view it as an extra cost, Royal Caribbean cancellation policy with insurance offers added protection. Illness, emergencies, or unexpected disruptions can derail even the best plans. Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Care travel protection program includes a cancellation penalty waiver and refund eligibility in specific scenarios. You can also opt for a “Cancel for Any Reason” credit if you purchase the plan before final payment.
Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence & Travel Protection Program
This program allows flexibility and peace of mind. If your plans change, you may receive a Future Cruise Credit for up to 90% of your cruise fare, depending on your cancellation circumstances. This benefit is only available if the insurance is purchased before the final payment date.
Conclusion
The cancel policy of Royal Caribbean may appear confusing, but knowing the facts can save you stress, and some money. From how to pick the right deposit type to understanding when penalties kick in, this simple guide readies you for the unexpected. But whether you are dealing with trying to get a refund or researching Royal Caribbean cancellation policy with insurance, knowing about policies beforehand will help you have more control over your cruise journey.
FAQs
Q1. How do I cancel a shore excursion?
A. You can cancel most excursions at Royal Caribbean’s shore excursion FAQ. If you canceled within the timeframe allowed (usually 48 hours prior to the activity) your refund amount will get processed.
Q2. If I Cancel a Non-refundable Cruise, What Refunds Apply?
A. You will not get a refund on the deposit, but you might get a Future Cruise Credit for not showing up minus the service fee $100 per person if you canceled prior to the final payment date.
Q3. How to cancel Royal Caribbean cruise without penalty?
A. In general, you can cancel with no penalties if you cancelled at 75-90 days prior to sailing based on cruise length and fare type. If your deposit is refundable – that is the safest.
Q4. What is Royal Caribbean no show policy?
A. If you don’t show up for your cruise and you have not cancelled in advance, you will lose your entire cruise fare and you will receive no refund.
Q5. What kind of refund am I entitled to if I cancel my cruise booking?
A. Depending on your fare type and how far out you cancelled, the refund could be any amount from full refund if refundable fare was cancelled before the final payment, or a credit towards a Future Cruise Credit if non refundable fare.
Q6. Can I get a refund if I decide to unfortunately cancel my cruise?
A. Yes, but you can only receive a refund if you are cancelling based on the type of deposit you made for the cruise and when you cancel. You need to also check if you bought a travel protection plan. Please check your booking confirmation as it will specify the various refund options.
