Switching from Refundable to Non Refundable Deposit Cruise Fares

[Jayalekznder]

Hi!!!

      I've seen on Matt's YouTube Channel for Royal Caribbean Blog.com I saw that you can change from refundable to non-refundable deposit cruise fares before final payment date if the fares are lower and you are certain that the cruise will take place. If you already paid the cruise in full, does Royal Caribben refund the difference? or does that become an onboard credit?

[Ampurp85]

 If final payment has not passed, then you can have your TA or a CSR help with the reprice. It should be refunded back to the original form of payment.

[Jayalekznder]

30 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

 If final payment has not passed, then you can have your TA or a CSR help with the reprice. It should be refunded back to the original form of payment.

Thank you @Ampurp85!

[Matt]

My advice for making final payment early is to leave like $200 or so off, for situations like this. It's easier if you owe a balance to do a price drop.

[twangster]

Refundable vs. non-refundable is only a concept prior to final payment due date.  After final payment due date, once you have paid in full, the type of deposit no long matters and all bookings are subject to the same cancellation schedule.  

Consequently a change from refundable to NRD can only occur prior to final payment due date and if you make the switch it simply alters your total due at final payment due date.  

There is some work for a travel agent if you used one since there is a change in their commission with a rate drop but that should be transparent to you, you simply get the difference refunded.  

[ScottD]

1 hour ago, Matt said:

My advice for making final payment early is to leave like $200 or so off, for situations like this. It's easier if you owe a balance to do a price drop.

Yes! this was my big mistake last year before I knew all of the tricks- I paid in full right away, 9 months before the cruise and missed out on quite a few drops. 

[Jayalekznder]

On 10/11/2023 at 9:27 AM, Matt said:

My advice for making final payment early is to leave like $200 or so off, for situations like this. It's easier if you owe a balance to do a price drop.

Thank you @Matt Your advice is always appreciated!!! Keep up the amazing work with the blogs and your channel!!!

[Jayalekznder]

On 10/11/2023 at 10:51 AM, twangster said:

Refundable vs. non-refundable is only a concept prior to final payment due date.  After final payment due date, once you have paid in full, the type of deposit no long matters and all bookings are subject to the same cancellation schedule.  

Consequently a change from refundable to NRD can only occur prior to final payment due date and if you make the switch it simply alters your total due at final payment due date.  

There is some work for a travel agent if you used one since there is a change in their commission with a rate drop but that should be transparent to you, you simply get the difference refunded.  

Thank you @twangster I appreciate you pointing out additional info

[Jayalekznder]

On 10/11/2023 at 11:06 AM, ScottD said:

Yes! this was my big mistake last year before I knew all of the tricks- I paid in full right away, 9 months before the cruise and missed out on quite a few drops. 

@ScottD will add it to my research before my first family cruise, thanks!!!