Yes, you can cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise, but the cost depends on when you cancel
Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel your cruise reservation at any time before your sailing date. The amount you lose — or keep as a credit — depends entirely on how far in advance you cancel and which fare type you booked. If you cancel more than 75 days before departure, you may receive a full refund or credit toward a future cruise. Cancel closer to your sailing date, and you will forfeit your deposit and some or all of your payment.
The cancellation policy is not the same for every booking. The fare you purchased (standard, flexible, or prepaid) determines what happens to your money. Royal Caribbean also offers a separate cancellation insurance product that protects your full payment if you need to cancel for covered reasons — illness, injury, death in the family, or job loss. Without that insurance, you are subject to the standard policy.
Key Takeaways
- Standard fares refund or credit your money only if you cancel 75 or more days before departure; closer to the date, you lose your deposit and payments.
- Flexible fares allow you to cancel with a full credit toward a future cruise up to 14 days before departure, though refunds to your original payment method are not may provide.
- Royal Caribbean's cancellation insurance covers your full payment if you cancel for medical reasons, death in the family, or other covered events, and costs roughly 5 to 10 percent of your cruise fare.
- If you do not cancel but do not show up for your cruise, Royal Caribbean keeps your full payment with no refund or credit.
- You must contact Royal Caribbean directly by phone or through your online account to cancel; the company does not process cancellations through travel agents alone.
Cancellation windows and what you lose at each stage
Royal Caribbean divides its cancellation timeline into three windows. If you cancel 75 or more days before your sailing date, you receive a full refund to your original payment method or a full credit toward a future cruise, depending on the fare type. This is the only window where you recover your full investment.
If you cancel between 75 and 15 days before departure, you lose your deposit (usually 15 percent of the cruise fare) but receive a credit for the remaining balance toward a future cruise. You do not get cash back to your card or bank account — only a credit you can use to book another Royal Caribbean voyage within a set time frame, typically one year.
If you cancel 14 days or fewer before departure, you forfeit your entire payment. Royal Caribbean keeps all the money you have paid, whether it was a deposit or the full fare. This applies to standard fares. The only exception is if you purchased cancellation insurance or booked a flexible fare.
How flexible fares and prepaid packages change the rules
A flexible fare is a higher-priced ticket that gives you more cancellation protection. With a flexible fare, you can cancel up to 14 days before departure and receive a full credit toward a future cruise. You cannot get a refund to your original payment method, but the credit has no expiration date and can be transferred to another person. This makes flexible fares useful if you are uncertain about your travel plans.
If you booked a prepaid package — such as a drink package, internet package, or shore excursion package — those items have their own cancellation rules. Most prepaid packages can be cancelled up to 14 days before departure for a full credit, but some shore excursions and specialty dining have stricter important date. Check your booking confirmation for the specific terms of each add-on.
Cancellation insurance: what it covers and what it costs
Royal Caribbean offers cruise insurance (sometimes called trip insurance) that protects your full payment if you cancel for covered reasons. Covered reasons include illness or injury to you or a family member, death in the family, job loss, military deployment, and a few other circumstances. The insurance does not cover cancellations for convenience — if you straightforward change your mind, the insurance does not pay out.
The cost of cancellation insurance is roughly 5 to 10 percent of your total cruise fare, depending on the length of the cruise and your age. A seven-day cruise costing $1,400 might have insurance around $70 to $140. You must purchase insurance at the time you book your cruise or within a short window afterward (usually 14 days); you cannot add it later.
If you need to cancel and have insurance, you file a claim with the insurance company, not with Royal Caribbean. You will need documentation of your reason — a doctor's note for illness, a death certificate for a death in the family, or a termination letter for job loss. The insurance company reviews the claim and either approves a full refund or denies it if the reason is not covered.
How to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise
To cancel, log into your Royal Caribbean account on the company's website and navigate to "Manage My Booking." You can view your reservation and request cancellation directly through the online system. The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your cancellation number.
If you prefer to cancel by phone, call Royal Caribbean's reservations line at 1-866-562-7625. Have your booking confirmation number ready. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, explain what you will receive (refund, credit, or nothing), and answer questions about your specific fare type.
If you booked through a travel agent, you can still cancel through Royal Caribbean's website or phone line directly. Some travel agents offer their own cancellation services, but Royal Caribbean's official channels are the fastest and most reliable. Do not assume your travel agent will handle the cancellation for you — confirm with them first.
What happens if you do not cancel but do not show up
If you do not cancel your cruise and do not board the ship on departure day, Royal Caribbean keeps your full payment. There is no refund, no credit, and no exception. The company considers this a no-show, and your reservation is forfeited entirely. This is why cancelling, even at the last minute with a loss, is better than straightforward not showing up.
If you miss your cruise because of a medical emergency or other unforeseen event, contact Royal Caribbean when ready after the fact. In rare cases, the company may issue a courtesy credit if you can document a genuine emergency, but this is not may provide and is handled on a case-by-case basis. Do not rely on this — cancel formally as soon as you know you cannot travel.
Refunds versus credits: where your money goes
When you cancel, Royal Caribbean offers either a refund or a credit, and the difference matters. A refund goes back to your original payment method — your credit card, debit card, or bank account — within 7 to 14 business days. A credit is a voucher that you can use only to book another Royal Caribbean cruise; it has no cash value and cannot be transferred to someone else (except in the case of flexible fares, which allow transfers).
If you cancel more than 75 days out, you usually get to choose between a refund and a credit. If you cancel between 75 and 15 days out, you receive a credit only. If you cancel 14 days or fewer out, you receive nothing. Check your confirmation email after cancellation to see which option was applied to your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel within 14 days of my cruise?
No, not with a standard fare. If you cancel 14 days or fewer before departure, you forfeit your entire payment. The only exception is if you purchased cancellation insurance, which would cover your full payment for covered reasons like illness or death in the family.
What is the difference between a credit and a refund?
A refund is money returned to your original payment method. A credit is a voucher you can use only to book another Royal Caribbean cruise. Refunds take 7 to 14 business days to appear in your account. Credits are applied when ready to your account and can be used anytime within the validity period.
Can I transfer my cruise credit to someone else?
Standard credits cannot be transferred. However, if you booked a flexible fare and cancel, your credit can be transferred to another person. Check your booking confirmation to see which fare type you purchased.
What if I cancel but then want to rebook the same cruise?
You can rebook using your credit or refund, but availability and pricing may have changed. If you received a credit, the amount is locked in and can be applied to any Royal Caribbean cruise. If you received a refund, you will pay the current price for the new booking.
Do I lose money if I cancel a prepaid drink package or shore excursion?
Most prepaid packages can be cancelled up to 14 days before departure for a full credit. However, some shore excursions and specialty dining have earlier important date. Review the terms for each add-on in your booking confirmation, or contact Royal Caribbean to confirm the cancellation important date for your specific packages.