How To Cancel A Royal Caribbean Cruise

It was already due after your honeymoon and now your work has come in between to delay it for some more time, but apart from this regret that you won’t be clinking champagne glasses on the Cruise’s deck in the midst of the Ocean, do you have any idea about the cancellation charges of a Royal Caribbean cruise. The process to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise is easy but the consequences like the charges to cancel which are inevitable aren’t going to be that easy on your credit card. I believe you have tried hard to look for alternatives to cancel and have thought about many options to not cancel, but, nothing worked.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise line popular for its innovative ships and vast range of itineraries. Royal Caribbean is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, providing a range and variety of onboard activities, entertainment, dining options, and shore excursions. You have been planning it for a long time and have in your imagination you have already felt that breeze on your face, but then a Skype beep opens up your eyes and you read about an important meeting that is right in between the dates of your vacation.

Well, reasons could be many others also, but this guide won’t add to your sadness and help you understand the simple and easy ways possible to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise correctly and quickly. There are some important terms and policies as outlined by Royal Caribbean which you must know and understand while you cancel, for your convenience I have simply mentioned them below for you to understand easily.

Can I Cancel Royal Caribbean Cruise Anytime?

You can cancel, but when and how exactly you shall cancel, is you will understand after reviewing the factors mentioned below;

• Cancellation notices are only effective when received and confirmed by the Operator. 
• Whenever you are canceling a Cruise or Cruise Tour, any applicable Taxes/Fees or Fuel supplement charges shall be refunded. For all the bookings which have been made outside of the United States and Canada, a different cancellation policy would apply and you in such a scenario are advised to contact your local office or travel advisor for further information and details. 
• If you have booked a CruiseTour and are now planning to only cancel your tour portion while retaining the Cruise then refunds of the CruiseTour Fare (which includes any applicable supplement charges) have different cancellation policies. Guests who are converting their CruiseTours to a cruise-only booking within forty-two (42) days of the start date of their tour segment of the CruiseTour will have to pay a cancellation charge. The exact amount of that charge varies and depends upon the location of the Cruise Tour and/or its length. 
• The cancellation charge policies that are set forth above change for single occupancy or for the third, fourth, or higher occupants in a stateroom or for groups. Consulting your travel advisor or calling Royal Caribbean in any such scenario for further details is advised. 
• If you request for the cancellation after the Cruise or CruiseTour has started, early disembarkation of the Passenger for any reason which includes pursuant to any provision of this Ticket Contract, or “no-shows” shall be entertained by Royal without refund, compensation, or liability to the carrier’s part whatsoever. 
• If the carrier you have booked with has received payment via credit card, the refund will be then only made to that credit card and in case the carrier has got their payment from your travel advisor, the refund will be then only provided back to that travel advisor. 
• Your carrier might have offered promotional cruise fares or other offers which you must check as they change the cancellation policies and conditions vary slightly. 
• Along with the Royal Caribbean cruise booking, if you also need to cancel air flights, hotel stays, transfer services, shore excursions, pre-purchased amenities, Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program, pre-booked services (like spa, photography or wedding services) along with pre-booked arrangements like specialty dining, you must consult your travel agent to know the applicable terms and conditions for any applicable cancellation charges. 
• Apart from the final payment, when a non-refundable deposit cancellation request is received and processed, the full deposit amount will always be held in penalty and any other additional payments made will be refunded. 
• If you only need to change your original ship and/or sail date, if you have booked directly with Royal Caribbean, contact their Consumer Outreach team where a representative will assist in letting you know the desired changes along with applying the qualifying change fee(s) and collecting payment, if not completed yet. But if your booking is via a travel advisor, you must contact them for any booking changes.

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What Are The Cancellation Charges For Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Cruises that are canceled prior to the sail date, and the CruiseTours that are canceled prior to the first day of the CruiseTour, invite cancellation charges. The amount of the cancellation charge shall be decided as per the Royal’s policies and is shown in the table below. Understand that it varies depending on how far in advance of the sail date (or first day of the Cruise Tour) you raise the request to cancel. After your final payment date is over, you will be then subjected to cancellation charges as mentioned below, depending on how close you are to your sailing. 

FOR 1 TO 4 NIGHTS 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 Non refundable 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 TO 14 NIGHTS 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 Non refundable 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)
FOR 15 NIGHTS OR LONGER CRUISES (including Holiday sailings and Cruisetours) IF CANCELLATION IS MADE	CANCELLATION CHARGE
120 days or more prior to the first day of the Cruise	No charge (except for Non Refundable Deposit amounts)
119 to 61 days	25% of total price
60 to 41 days	50% of total price
40 to 25 days	75% of total price
24 days or less	100% of total price (No refund)

How To Cancel Royal Caribbean Cruise?

After reading the cancellation charges now, if you’ve finalized your decision to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise, then understanding the cancellation process is another crucial step to ensure a smooth experience. Whether it’s due to a change in plans, unforeseen circumstances, or simply exploring other travel options, knowing how to navigate through the cancellation can save you time and potential fees.

In this section, I have provided a complete detailed guide on the steps to take while canceling your cruise which includes different ways to cancel along with important considerations like cancellation policies, necessary documentation, and how you communicate effectively with customer service or your travel agent.

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How To Cancel Royal Caribbean Cruise Via Calling?

If you’re looking for a quick and straightforward way to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise, then contacting their customer service by phone is a suitable and effective option. This method allows for direct communication with a customer service representative guiding you through the cancellation process, although you might experience some wait time before you get connected to someone. Below are the detailed steps to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise via phone;

Call Royal Caribbean Customer Service

• Dial the Phone Number
  Use the dedicated customer service number, 866-562-7625, which is provided for cruise cancellations and general inquiries. If you have booked through a travel agency, consider reaching out to them first, as they may have specific procedures.

Timing

• Call During Business Hours
  Royal Caribbean’s customer service is usually available seven days a week, typically from 9 am to 10 pm EST. To avoid the long queues, consider calling during off-peak hours which is usually mid-afternoon or late evening.

3. Talk to a Representative

• Navigate the Automated Menu
  Upon dialing, you will be received by an automated phone system. Listen carefully to the options being said and then select the one related to cruise cancellations or account management. This would involve pressing specific numbers, such as “1” for cancellations.
• Speak Clearly
  Once you get connected to a representative, mention clearly that you need to cancel your cruise. Be prepared and explain your reason for cancellation, as this information is crucial in helping them assist you more effectively.

4. Provide Booking Information

• Prepare Your Details
  Before you call them, gather all necessary information to streamline the process;
• Booking Number: Have your cruise booking number readily available, you can easily find it in your confirmation email or account.
• Personal Information: Your full name (the name with which booking is made) , registered email, billing address, and phone number for verification purposes.

5. Verification Process

• Identity Verification
  The representative will firstly ask you to verify your identity by answering a few security questions or providing additional details associated with your booking. This could include details about your planned voyage, like the ship name, sailing date, and itinerary.

6. Request Cancellation

• State Your Request Clearly
  After verification, clearly mention to cancel your cruise. Inquire about any other specific terms, conditions, or fees associated with the cancellation. For instance, ask about cancellation policies depending upon how far in advance you are canceling relative to your departure date, as fees could vary significantly.

7. Confirm Cancellation and Documentation

• Request Confirmation
  After you have submitted your cancellation request, ask for confirmation that includes the effective date of the cancellation and any further actions you may require to complete on your part.

• Obtain Written Confirmation
  Request a written confirmation of the cancellation via email or postal mail. This documentation is important as it serves as proof that your Royal Caribbean cruise has been canceled and should include:
• Effective Date: The date when your cruise will officially be canceled.
• Confirmation Number: A unique receipt or reference number for your cancellation request.
• Any Refunds: Information related to any refunds due for remaining balances or deposits. Remember that refund processing times can vary and depend upon the payment method originally used and the terms of your booking.

8. Consider Travel Insurance Implications

• In case you have purchased travel insurance via Royal Caribbean or a third party, inquire about how your cancellation would affect your refunds and coverage. Some policies may offer refunds and also cover cancellation fees and this depends upon the circumstances.

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How To Cancel Royal Caribbean Cruise By Calling Your Travel Agent?

If you’ve booked your Royal Caribbean cruise via a travel agent and for canceling your reservation, the process differs from canceling directly with the cruise line. Below is a step-by-step guide to effectively cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise when booked via a travel agent;

1. Review Your Travel Agent’s Policies

• Before you make any calls, check the cancellation policies as outlined by your travel agent. This information is mentioned and included in the documents you received while booking the cruise. Understanding their terms and policies will help you navigate the cancellation process.

2. Gather Necessary Information

• Prepare all relevant information regarding your booking which includes;
  • Booking Number: Available on your confirmation documents.
  • Personal Information: Name with which booking is made, contact information, and any identification numbers ready for reference.

3. Contact Your Travel Agent

• Call or Email Your Travel Agent
  Use the contact information provided by your travel agent to reach out. It’s mostly faster to call, but you can also send an email if that’s more convenient and could take up more time and delay the process. While contacting them, clearly mention that you need to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Be Prepared for Questions
  Your travel agent will ask for your booking details and the particular reason for you to cancel, provide all this information correctly to help them assist you more efficiently.

4. Discuss Cancellation Fees and Policies

• Clarify Any Fees
  Ask your travel agent regarding any potential cancellation fees or penalties associated with your cancellation for booking. As it depends on how close you are to your departure date, these charges and fees could vary significantly. Your travel agent can provide you clarity and more details on the financial implications of canceling your cruise.

5. Initiate the Cancellation

• Request Cancellation
  After you have all the necessary information, instruct your travel agent to proceed with the booking cancellation. They will further contact Royal Caribbean on your behalf to process the request.
• Confirm That They Will Handle the Process
  Make sure that your travel agent confirms the cancellation with Royal Caribbean and provides you with every update or additional information as required.

6. Request Confirmation

• Ask for Written Confirmation
  After your travel agent has processed the cancellation, request for written confirmation of your cancellation request. This confirmation must include;
  • Effective Date: The date when your cruise booking will be officially canceled.
  • Confirmation Number: A reference number from Royal Caribbean for your request to cancellation.
  • Refund Information: Information about any refunds due for remaining balances or deposits.

7. Follow Up

• Monitor Your Refunds
  Keep track of any refunds that are due to you. Depending on the payment method applied and the cruise line’s terms and policies, refunds can take several days to process. If the refunds don’t reflect in your account after a reasonable period, follow up with your travel agent.

8. Consider Travel Insurance Implications

• If you have also purchased travel insurance when booking your cruise, inquire if your booking cancellation will cover it or not. Some policies could provide refunds or coverage for cancellation fees and this depends upon your circumstances.

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Alternatives To Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re considering alternatives to a Royal Caribbean cruise for any reason, there are numerous cruise lines and travel options which I have shortlisted below that cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. Below are some popular alternatives;

Carnival Cruise Line

• Famous for its fun and casual atmosphere, Carnival provides a variety and range of itineraries which include short getaways and longer voyages. The cruise line features family-friendly activities, and entertainment, along with diverse dining options.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Norwegian is known for its “freestyle cruising” concept which allows guests more flexibility in dining and entertainment. With a vast variety and wide range of numerous destinations and onboard activities, it caters to families, couples, and solo travelers.

Princess Cruises

• Princess Cruises is known for its glamorous yet elegant experience, with an emphasis on enriching itineraries and a variety of destination inclusions. It provides a mix of relaxation and adventure, with various options for cultural excursions at various ports.

Celebrity Cruises

• If you need a more upscale experience, Celebrity Cruises provides modern luxury with sophisticated dining, premium service, along stylish accommodations. Their ships largely feature unique amenities and itineraries.

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Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you to correctly understand and cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise booking. There will be cancellation charges and this is for sure. but how much they will press on your pocket you will understand by the table mentioned above which includes the varying charge rates for how close you are to the sailing date.

Determining the exact timing and understanding the process along with aligning with the terms and policies will help you efficiently maneuver through the process and cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise. How this guide has helped you please let us know, your feedback can only help us improve. 

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