Royal Caribbean Cancellations: What You Need to Know

Planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean is often an exciting and joyful experience. However, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. Whether it's a personal emergency, weather disruption, or a global event, knowing how Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policies work can save you stress and money.

Cancellation Policy Overview

Royal Caribbean offers a structured cancellation policy that depends on how far in advance you cancel before your sail date. The closer you are to the departure, the higher the penalty you’ll face. For most sailings, the standard cancellation schedule looks like this:

90 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee (except for non-refundable deposits)

89 to 75 days: 25% of the total fare

74 to 61 days: 50% of the total fare

60 to 31 days: 75% of the total fare

30 days or less: 100% of the total fare (non-refundable)

Note: The above terms may vary for special cruises, such as holiday sailings or longer itineraries.

Non-Refundable Deposit Program

Royal Caribbean also offers fares that include a non-refundable deposit. These are typically lower-priced options but come with stricter terms. If you book under this program and later decide to cancel, you will lose the deposit regardless of when you cancel. Changing your cruise date under this fare type can also trigger a fee, usually around $100 per guest.

Cruise with Confidence Program

To provide guests with more flexibility during uncertain times, Royal Caribbean introduced the Cruise with Confidence program. This allows guests to cancel up to 48 hours before sailing and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) instead of a refund. This credit can be used toward a new cruise booking within a certain timeframe (usually 12 to 18 months).

Keep in mind, Cruise with Confidence is a temporary policy, and its availability is subject to change based on Royal Caribbean’s discretion and current global conditions.

Travel Insurance: A Smart Move

If you’re worried about cancellations, purchasing travel insurance is a wise investment. Royal Caribbean offers its own Travel Protection Program, which covers trip cancellations for a variety of reasons, including medical emergencies and certain travel delays. Third-party travel insurance providers may offer broader coverage, sometimes even allowing cancellation for any reason (CFAR).

How to Cancel

To cancel a booking, guests can either do so through their travel advisor or directly through Royal Caribbean’s website or customer service line. Refunds, where applicable, are typically processed within 7–10 business days, but Future Cruise Credits may be issued sooner.

Conclusion

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy ensures you're well-prepared if your plans change. Whether you're booking a dream vacation or just exploring your options, keeping cancellation terms in mind can help you make informed, stress-free decisions. Always read the fine print and consider travel protection for added peace of mind.