You can cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise at any time, but the refund you receive depends on how far in advance you cancel and which fare type you booked

Royal Caribbean allows cancellations up until your departure date. If you cancel more than 75 days before your sailing, you typically receive a refund of your deposit or full payment, minus a cancellation fee that varies by voyage length. If you cancel between 75 and 1 day before departure, you lose your deposit and receive a future cruise credit for the remaining balance instead of a refund. If you cancel after your ship has sailed, you receive nothing.

The exact cancellation terms depend on the fare type you purchased. Standard fares have stricter cancellation windows than flexible or refundable fares, which allow cancellations closer to departure with smaller penalties. You should check your booking confirmation or contact Royal Caribbean directly to confirm which fare type applies to your reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancellations made more than 75 days before departure usually result in a refund minus a cancellation fee, while cancellations within 75 days convert your payment to a future cruise credit.
  • Your refund amount depends on your fare type—flexible fares allow cancellations with smaller penalties, while standard fares have stricter terms.
  • You can cancel online through your Royal Caribbean account, by phone at 1-866-562-7625, or through your travel agent if you booked through one.
  • If you cancel due to a covered reason like illness or death in the family, Royal Caribbean may waive cancellation fees, though you must provide documentation.
  • Cancellations made after your ship departs result in no refund or credit.

How Royal Caribbean's Cancellation Timeline Works

Royal Caribbean divides cancellations into three time windows, and your refund or credit depends entirely on which window your cancellation falls into. The first window is more than 75 days before departure—this is when you receive the most money back. The second window is 75 days to 1 day before departure—this is when you lose your deposit but keep the rest as a future cruise credit. The third window is after departure—this is when you receive nothing.

The cancellation fee charged in the first window varies by cruise length. For cruises of 5 nights or fewer, the fee is typically $50 to $100 per person. For cruises of 6 to 9 nights, the fee is usually $100 to $150 per person. For cruises of 10 nights or longer, the fee can be $150 to $200 per person. These amounts are examples and may vary depending on the specific sailing and current Royal Caribbean policies.

If you fall into the second window (75 days to 1 day before departure), you do not receive a cash refund. Instead, Royal Caribbean converts your entire payment into a future cruise credit that you can use toward any Royal Caribbean sailing within one year of your original departure date. This credit is non-transferable to other people and cannot be converted back to cash.

Cancellation Fees by Fare Type

Royal Caribbean offers different fare categories, and each has its own cancellation rules. Standard fares follow the timeline described above. Flexible fares allow you to cancel closer to departure with a smaller penalty—typically you can cancel up to 1 day before departure and receive a future cruise credit for most of your payment, with a smaller fee deducted. Refundable fares are the most permissive and allow cancellations very close to departure with minimal or no penalty, though these fares cost more upfront.

Some cruises are also sold under promotional terms that may have different cancellation windows. For example, a "non-refundable" promotional fare may not allow cancellations at all, or may only allow cancellations with a future cruise credit. You can find your fare type on your booking confirmation email or by logging into your Royal Caribbean account and viewing your reservation details.

How to Cancel Your Cruise

You have three ways to cancel: online, by phone, or through a travel agent. The online method is the fastest. Log into your Royal Caribbean account at royalcaribbean.com, find your reservation, and select the cancellation option. You will be asked to confirm your reason for cancellation and your preferred refund method (cash refund or future cruise credit, depending on your cancellation window). The system will show you the exact amount you will receive before you confirm.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call Royal Caribbean's customer service at 1-866-562-7625. Have your booking confirmation number and the names of all passengers ready. The phone line is open seven days a week, though wait times can be long during peak travel seasons. If you booked through a travel agent, you can also contact them directly to request the cancellation—they will process it on your behalf.

After you cancel, you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you are receiving a cash refund, it typically appears in your original payment method within 5 to 7 business days. If you are receiving a future cruise credit, it will be added to your Royal Caribbean account when ready and you can use it to book a new cruise right away.

Cancellations Due to Illness, Death, or Other Hardship

Royal Caribbean may waive or reduce cancellation fees if you cancel due to a covered reason. Covered reasons typically include the death of a family member, a serious illness or injury that prevents you from traveling, or a military deployment. You must provide documentation—a death certificate, a letter from a doctor, or military orders, for example—to may have access to for a waiver.

To request a fee waiver, contact Royal Caribbean customer service by phone at 1-866-562-7625 and explain your situation. Have your documentation ready to send by email or mail. The company will review your request and respond within 5 to 10 business days. If approved, the cancellation fee will be waived and you will receive a refund or future cruise credit based on your original cancellation window, without the fee deducted.

Note that Royal Caribbean does not automatically waive fees for reasons like job loss, financial hardship, or travel restrictions due to weather or government orders. However, it is worth calling and asking—the company sometimes makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis, particularly if you have a long history of booking with them.

What Happens to Onboard Credits and Add-Ons

If you purchased onboard credits, beverage packages, specialty dining packages, or shore excursions as part of your booking, these are treated differently from your cruise fare. Most add-ons are non-refundable and will be lost if you cancel. However, some add-ons purchased through Royal Caribbean's website can be cancelled separately if you cancel your cruise—you will need to contact customer service to request this.

Travel insurance, if you purchased it, may cover some or all of your cancellation costs depending on the policy. Check your insurance documents to see what reasons are covered and what the claim process is. If your cancellation qualifies, you can file a claim with the insurance company after you cancel your cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel less than 75 days before my cruise?

No, cancellations within 75 days of departure result in a future cruise credit rather than a cash refund. The only exception is if you purchased a refundable fare, which allows cancellations closer to departure with a refund, or if Royal Caribbean waives the fee due to illness or death. Some travel insurance policies will reimburse you for the cancellation fee if your reason is covered.

What if I cancel but then want to rebook the same cruise?

You can rebook using your future cruise credit, but you will have to pay any difference in price if the cruise costs more than your original booking. If the cruise costs less, the difference stays on your account as a credit. You have one year from your original departure date to use the credit.

Can someone else use my future cruise credit?

No, future cruise credits are non-transferable. Only the person whose name is on the original booking can use the credit. If you want someone else to take the cruise, you would need to cancel and have them book a new reservation.

Do I lose my deposit if I cancel more than 75 days before departure?

You do not lose your entire deposit, but you do pay a cancellation fee. For example, if you paid a $500 deposit on a 5-night cruise and cancel 100 days before departure, you would pay a $50 to $100 cancellation fee and receive a refund of $400 to $450. The exact fee depends on the cruise length and current Royal Caribbean policies.

What if Royal Caribbean cancels my cruise?

If Royal Caribbean cancels your cruise due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons, you have the right to a full refund or to rebook on a different sailing at no extra cost. The company will contact you directly with your options. You do not have to accept a future cruise credit—you can request a full refund instead.