What Does Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy States?

How Much Time Do I Have To Cancel A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

The specific cruise package and the time of cancellation about the sailing date determine how long it takes to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise and get a refund. You can receive a future cruise credit from Royal Caribbean if you decide to cancel your cruise up to 48 hours before departure. However, depending on the fare type, you must cancel at least 90 days in advance to receive a full refund.

What Is The Cancellation Policy Of Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy varies based on the type of booking, the timing of the cancellation, and the specific cruise package chosen. The general rules for cancellations are as follows:

  • You usually receive a refund less a cancellation fee if you cancel more than 48 hours before the departure date of your cruise. The terms of your reservation and the time of your cancellation determine how much the amount is refunded.
  • Depending on how far in advance you cancel, Royal Caribbean may charge cancellation fees. 
  • A complete refund or a small penalty is assessed if the ticket is canceled up to ninety days before departure. 
  • As per the Royal Caribbean cancellation policy, you might lose a certain percentage of the fare or your deposit if you cancel your ticket 60–89 days before departure. 
  • A higher cancellation fee, typically between 50% and 75% of the cruise fare, is assessed if the ticket is canceled 30 to 59 days before the scheduled departure. 
  • A penalty of up to 100% of the cruise fare is charged to passengers whose tickets are canceled less than 30 days prior to the planned departure. 
  • Royal Caribbean provides greater cancellation flexibility through its Cruise with Confidence program. You can cancel under this program up to 48 hours prior to departure and get credit for a future cruise.
  • Group reservations have different cancellation policies, frequently requiring months' notice before refunds or deposits can be issued. 

How Long Does It Take To Process Refunds For Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Royal Caribbean refunds typically appear in the original payment method within 7 to 10 days after being completely processed, though some refunds might take as long as 30 days. The processing time for a refund is influenced by the bank or financial institution, rather than Royal Caribbean International.

How Do I Cancel A Cruise Without Penalty?

You must cancel your reservation well in advance of the departure date, usually at least 90 days beforehand, and make sure you haven't reserved a promotional fare with a non-refundable deposit if you want to cancel a cruise without incurring penalties. To find out the exact window for penalty-free cancellations, always check your cruise line's specific cancellation policy.

Do You Lose Your Deposit If You Cancel A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

The type of fare you purchase determines whether you lose your deposit when you cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise. The final payment is typically due 90 days prior to the cruise, and if you cancel before then, you can get a complete refund of your deposit and any other payments. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you will not receive your full deposit back, but you will receive a refund for any further payments you made.  Depending on how near the cruise date is, you might be charged cancellation fees if you decide to cancel after making the last payment. Typically, you will still get your money back, but there will be a penalty.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean cruises are among the top choices due to their policy that allows guests to cancel their tickets and receive a refund. However, the refund amount you receive depends on when you cancel your ticket and the type of ticket purchased. Thus, it is crucial to thoroughly review the cruise lines' policies before proceeding with any cancellation.