How to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise
While it is not something anyone wants to even think about, there may be a need to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise. Regardless of the reason, here is what you need to know on how to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Know the cancellation policy
Before you cancel, you should be aware of the terms of cancellation you agreed to when placing that initial deposit.
Cruise Fares
There are two types of cruise fare deposits: refundable and non-refundable.
If you booked refundable cruise fare, and are outside of final payment, you can cancel for a full refund of your deposit and any money paid.
If you booked a non-refundable cruise fare, and are outside of final payment, you will receive a Future Cruise Certificate in the amount of the cruise deposit, less a $100 per guest change fee. Such Future Cruise Certificates can be applied towards your future Royal Caribbean cruise vacation when reserved within 1 year of the issue date. Thereafter, the Future Cruise Certificate will expire and becomes invalid.
Cancellation Window
Once you pass the final payment date, cancellations that occur may incur a cancellation charge that depends on how close to sailing you decide not to cruise.
| FOR 1 TO 4 NIGHT CRUISES (including Holiday sailings) IF CANCELLATION IS MADE | CANCELLATION CHARGE |
| 75 days or more prior to the first day of the Cruise | No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts) |
| 74 to 61 days | 50% of total price |
| 60 to 31 days | 75% of total price |
| 30 days or less | 100% of total price (No refund) |
| FOR 5 NIGHTS OR LONGER CRUISES (including Holiday sailings and Cruisetours) IF CANCELLATION IS MADE | CANCELLATION CHARGE |
| 90 days or more prior to the first day of the Cruise | No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts) |
| 89 to 75 days | 25% of total price |
| 74 to 61 days | 50% of total price |
| 60 to 31 days | 75% of total price |
| 30 days or less | 100% of total price (No refund) |
How to cancel a cruise
Once you determine you want to cancel your cruise, you need to contact whomever you booked your cruise with to make the change.
If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean via its website or on their site, you can call Royal Caribbean to cancel the reservation. There is no longer an option to cancel cruises via the cruise line's website.
If you booked the cruise with a travel agent, and/or any website other than Royal Caribbean's site, you must go through your travel provider to cancel the cruise.
Can I get a refund on my Royal Caribbean cruise?
You may be able to get a refund for your cruise, depending on how far in advance you cancel you cruise and the type of cruise deposit booked. It is critical you understand the terms and conditions of your cruise contract before booking a cruise to prevent any surprises if you decide to cancel later on.
Refer to the chart above for specific cancellation charges, but if you inform Royal Caribbean at least 90 days prior to your sailing date for 5-night or longer cruises (including Holiday sailings and Cruisetours), or 75 days for 1-4 night cruises (including Holiday sailings), you may qualify for a full or partial refund.
The type of cruise fare deposit on the reservation and timing of the decision to cancel will ultimately dictate how much of a refund you will receive.
