# What is Royal Caribbean cancellation policy | Royal Caribbean Refund

To Know the Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy call **1-833-807-7245** tollfree for US and Canada users and for Cancellation and refund info.

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* **Guest-initiated cancellations**: refund/penalty depends on your *fare type*, how far from sailing you cancel, and whether you paid a refundable or non-refundable deposit. Review your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation schedule.
* **Royal Caribbean-initiated cancellations** (ship or itinerary cancelled): usually you’ll be offered full refund to original form of payment or a **Future Cruise Credit (FCC)** and sometimes extra compensation. Refund specifics depend on the cancellation reason and what you purchased.
* **Travel insurance / Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)**: Royal Caribbean offers trip protection add-ons and CFAR options that can reimburse or provide credits for certain cancellations; CFAR has limits and time windows. Independent insurers also offer CFAR with different reimbursement rates.

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## How Royal Caribbean cancellation system works

**1. Fare classes and deposits matter**

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise you’ll be paying either:

* a **refundable fare** (higher fare or refundable fare program) where the deposit can be refundable up to a point, or
* a **non-refundable deposit fare** (lower fare), where that deposit is forfeited if you cancel.
Change fees and cancellation penalties are tied to the fare rules that appear on your confirmation. Always check your booking confirmation and the Guest Terms for exact amounts and time frames.

**2. Cancellation fee schedule (general model)**

Royal Caribbean applies **graduated cancellation fees** depending on how close to sail date you cancel. While the exact days/percentages can vary by sailing length and holiday sailings, a typical pattern (subject to your booking terms) is:

* Cancel far in advance: partial refund or full refund less deposit
* As final payment date approaches: cancellation penalties increase
* Very close to sailing: heavy penalties or loss of full fare

The precise dates (for example, “full refund if cancelled ≥75 days before” vs. “60 days for short sailings”) are printed on your booking confirmation/terms. Always rely on your booking docs.

**3. What you can get back (forms of refund)**

* **Full refund to original payment method** — usually when Royal Caribbean cancels the sailing or if your fare is refundable and you cancel within the allowed window. ([Royal Caribbean][2])
* **Future Cruise Credit (FCC)** — often offered when you cancel outside the strict refundable window or if you used a specific promotion (or Royal Caribbean cancels and offers FCC). FCCs typically have expiration and usage rules. ([Royal Caribbean][5])
* **Partial refunds** — e.g., refundable taxes and fees, refundable add-ons (depending on vendor), prepaid gratuities/air/hotel if they were refundable.

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## Every possible reason for cancellation, what Royal Caribbean’s policy typically says, and practical solutions

> **Important**: Royal Caribbean’s public rules are standardized, but *your booking confirmation* is the legal contract that governs your particular reservation. Always check that and the Guest Terms. I’ll explain general practice, show likely outcomes, and give step-by-step solutions and scripts you can use.

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#### A. You decide to cancel (personal choice / change of plans)

**What happens**

* **Refund depends on fare & timing**. If you cancel early enough under a refundable fare you might get a full (or large) refund; if you booked a non-refundable deposit fare you typically forfeit the deposit. Additional payments made beyond deposit are sometimes refundable depending on timing.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Check booking confirmation** for the cancellation schedule get help [phone] tollfree (it lists exact deadlines and dollar amounts).
2. **Consider alternatives**:

* *Modify* your sailing dates instead of canceling (Royal often allows transfers for a fee).
* *Change to FCC* if the terms allow—sometimes Royal offers an option to convert to FCC with lower penalties.
3. **If you still cancel**:

* Call Royal Caribbean reservations [phone] tollfree (or your travel agent) and request cancellation in writing (email). Keep the confirmation number and agent name.
* Ask explicitly: “Please confirm the cancellation penalty and whether a refund or FCC will be issued and date by which I will receive it.”
4. **If you paid a non-refundable deposit**, accept that deposit is typically lost; ask if any add-ons are refundable (air, transfers, pre-paid gratuities may be refundable).

**Sample script**:
“Hello — I need to cancel reservation #XXXXXX. Please confirm my cancellation fee, whether any portion will be refunded to my card, and whether I have the option to receive a Future Cruise Credit instead. Please provide confirmation in writing.”

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## B. You cancel because of **medical reasons** (illness, injury) — you or immediate family member

**What happens**

* Medical emergencies are usually **covered by travel insurance**, not by the cruise line’s standard refund rules. Royal Caribbean’s standard policy does not automatically refund for personal illness unless you purchased an applicable trip protection or the circumstances align with specific policy conditions.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Document everything**: doctor’s note, hospitalization records, diagnosis and dates.
2. **Check your travel insurance** (Royal Caribbean’s offered protection or third-party). Trip cancellation benefits often cover illness if you provide proof. CFAR (if purchased and within the rules) may also apply.
3. **Open a claim** with the travel insurer immediately — insurers often have time limits. Provide medical documentation and booking confirmation.
4. **Call Royal Caribbean** as well to notify them. Ask what portion (if any) they can refund versus what insurer will cover. Sometimes Royal issues an FCC if the claim isn’t covered.
5. **If coverage denied**, escalate with insurer — get a claim denial letter, then you can appeal or ask the cruise line for leniency (rare).

**Tip**: Buy travel insurance that covers medical cancellation as soon as you book — many insurers require CFAR/Cancellation purchase within 14–21 days of deposit.

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## C. Royal Caribbean Cancellation due to Death in the family.

**What happens**

* This is usually handled through travel insurance (death of a close family member is a common covered reason). Royal Caribbean itself does not typically provide unconditional refunds for guest-initiated cancellations due to death unless under special compassionate circumstances.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Obtain official proof** (death certificate, obituary, funeral program).
2. **File claim with travel insurer** quoting the policy’s “death of immediate family” clause.
3. **Contact Royal Caribbean** to advise — request compassionate consideration and ask for FCC if insurer rejects full monetary refund. Document any concession in writing.

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## D. Royal Caribbean cancels your sailing (ship cancelled or itinerary changed)

**What happens**

* If Royal Caribbean cancels the ship/sailing: **you are generally entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment OR a Future Cruise Credit**. There may be additional options/compensation depending on the situation (length of cancellation, notice, etc.). Refunds for associated bookings (air, transfers, hotels) that were booked through Royal Caribbean are often refundable; third-party bookings must be handled with those vendors.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Royal will contact you** by email and your booking portal will show changes. Review the options provided (refund vs FCC).
2. **If you want a refund**, follow Royal Caribbean’s instructions — generally the refund will be processed automatically if that is the option you select; allow several billing cycles.
3. **If you want to rebook** on a different sailing, do that through your agent or Royal’s reservations — sometimes there are incentives to rebook (bonus FCC value, reduced change fee).
4. **For independent purchases** (air/hotel not booked through Royal), contact that vendor for refunds/cancellation. Royal will refund what they booked for you.

**Note**: If Royal cancels due to operational issues, delays in reimbursement can occur — keep all communications and escalate if necessary.

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### E. Government travel advisories / visa issues / passport problems / immigration denial

**What happens**

* If you can’t travel because you were denied entry due to visa/passport problems or a government travel ban, refunds depend on whether this falls under insured reasons. Generally this is **not automatically refunded by the cruise line** unless Royal cancels the sailing or offers an exception. Travel insurance may cover visa denial in some policies.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Document the denial**: embassy letter or official communication.
2. **Check if travel insurance covers visa denial** (some policies have narrow coverage).
3. **If not insured**, ask Royal for an FCC or exception — explain the situation and supply documentation. Travel agents can sometimes negotiate better outcomes.

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## F. Missed flight / travel delays en route to port

**What happens**

* Missing embarkation due to flight delays is generally **not automatically refundable**. Royal Caribbean recommends booking air through their partners (if possible) or buying travel insurance that covers missed connections. If you miss the ship, the cruise line may charge you the full fare for missed days or deny boarding—policies vary.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Call Royal immediately** at **[phone] tollfree **if you see you’ll miss the ship — they sometimes can advise on “late boarding” options or re-routing to the next port embarkation (rare).
2. **If you booked air through Royal**, they may assist. If independent, contact the airline for rebooking/expedited routing.
3. **Buy insurance covering missed connections** when booking, or purchase “Protect” plans that include missed connections.

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### G. Weather / natural disaster affecting itinerary or port on Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy

**What happens** Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy

* If ports are closed or itineraries altered for safety (hurricanes, storms), Royal may change the itinerary, delay, or cancel a sailing. In those cases, Royal commonly offers **refunds, FCCs, or alternative sailings**; how generous they are depends on the scope and timing.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Monitor Royal’s travel updates** and your email for official notices.
2. **Decide** if you want refund vs FCC vs rebook. If you accept FCC, note expiration and blackout rules.
3. **If you have non-Royal bookings**, contact those vendors (airlines/hotels) for their policies — many offer free rebooking in weather events.

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## H. Onboard medical emergency leading to trip interruption or early disembarkation Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy

**What happens**

* If a guest is medically evacuated or disembarked, onboard medical expenses and medevac bills are usually the guest’s responsibility and are covered by travel medical insurance, not Royal. Refunds for unused cruise days may be limited; again, travel insurance is the key.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Keep all medical reports and receipts.**
2. **File claims** with travel insurance and health insurer.
3. **Ask Royal** about any partial refund policy for interrupted voyages—these are handled case-by-case.

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### I. COVID / communicable disease and health screening policies Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy

**What happens**

* Since the pandemic, Royal has maintained specific health/board policies which may include denying boarding for symptomatic guests or positive tests. Historically, some special programs (like Cruise with Confidence) gave more flexible cancellation options during peak COVID times — check current policy language and whether any legacy protections apply to your booking.

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Follow Royal’s pre-boarding testing and vaccination rules.** If denied boarding due to health screening, Royal will follow their health policy and refund rules.
2. **If you’re symptomatic before sail**: document testing results and reach out to Royal and your insurer. CFAR/insurance may cover certain situations; otherwise, you may get an FCC.
3. **If the cruise line imposes an itinerary cancellation** for health reasons, you’ll typically get refund or FCC.

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## J. Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy on Booking mistakes (double payment, wrong date, wrong name, etc.)

**What happens**

* Minor booking errors can sometimes be corrected for a fee; refunds depend on timing and what was paid. Name corrections have specific policies (small corrections may be allowed).

**Solution / How to proceed**

1. **Contact Royal immediately** and explain the mistake.
2. **If within 24 hours**, some rules (if booked in the U.S.) may allow cancellation with minimal penalty — but this DOT 24-hour rule applies to air, not cruises; cruise lines’ own policies govern.
3. **For name corrections**, submit required documentation (passport/ID) as directed by Royal.

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## Specific items: refunds and credits for add-ons and third-party purchases

#### Prepaid air, transfers, hotels (booked via Royal)

* If booked through Royal and the sailing is canceled, **refundable air and hotel** that Royal booked for you are usually refunded. Non-refundable independent bookings must be handled with those vendors.

#### Onboard purchases, specialty dining, shore excursions

* **Shore excursions** and **most My Cruise Planner purchases** often have their own cancellation windows; if the entire sailing is canceled, Royal typically refunds these to the original form of payment. If you cancel separately, shore excursion refunds depend on supplier terms.

#### Prepaid gratuities

* When the sailing is canceled by Royal, prepaid gratuities booked through Royal are usually refundable. If *you* cancel, refundability depends on timing and fare rules.

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## Travel insurance and “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR)

### What CFAR is and how it usually works

* **CFAR** is an optional add-on (either from Royal’s offered plan or third-party insurers) that **reimburses a portion** (often 50–75% with independent insurers; Royal’s program has historically offered up to 90% FCC under its enhancement language) of non-refundable prepaid costs if you cancel for reasons not otherwise covered—subject to purchase and purchase-by windows and cancellation notice rules. CFAR also commonly requires you buy the insurance within 10–21 days of initial deposit and cancel at least 48 hours before departure.

**Practical steps**

1. **Buy early**: CFAR must be purchased soon after booking to be valid.
2. **Keep documentation**: if you claim, you’ll need proof of payments, deposit dates, and cancellation notice.
3. **Understand reimbursement type**: CFAR sometimes pays cash back; Royal’s internal “Cancel for Any Reason Cruise Vacation Enhancement” has historically provided FCC as reimbursement up to a percentage. Confirm current terms at purchase.

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## How to get a refund from Royal Caribbean: step-by-step

These steps apply whether you are seeking a refund after you cancel, after Royal cancels your sailing, or seeking reimbursement for refundable items.

**Step 1 — Gather documentation**

* Booking confirmation number and fare rules
* Payment receipts / credit card statements (showing full payment or deposit)
* Any insurance policy numbers and insurer contacts
* Supporting docs for the reason (medical records, death certificate, government travel restriction notice, etc.)

**Step 2 — Check the official FAQ & Guest Terms**

* Review Royal Caribbean’s official cancellation & refund FAQ and the Guest Terms that apply to your booking. These pages state refund entitlements, FCC rules, and which items are refundable.

**Step 3 — Contact the booking source**

* **If booked through a travel agent** — contact your agent first; they often act as intermediary and can escalate.
* **If booked direct** — call Royal Caribbean reservations; follow any online prompts for cancellations. Keep the agent name and confirmation number.

**Step 4 — Ask for a written confirmation of the outcome**

* Request the cancellation confirmation email that sets out applicable fees, FCC issuance (if any), and expected refund timeline.

**Step 5 — For refunds: allow time, but follow up**

* Refunds to the original form of payment can take several billing cycles depending on bank/card issuer. If you don’t receive it within the stated timeline, contact Royal with your confirmation number. Document all follow-ups.

**Step 6 — For FCCs: track terms & expiration**

* If you get a Future Cruise Credit, note the expiration date, any restrictions (blackout dates, only valid for certain sailings), and how to apply it during rebooking.

**Step 7 — If you hit resistance: escalate**

* Ask to speak with a supervisor. If unresolved:

* Use social media (Twitter/FB DMs often expedite support) — provide booking number but never share sensitive payment data in public posts.
* File a dispute with your card issuer *only* if Royal has failed to honor a contractual refund and you’ve exhausted customer service.
* If you’re in the U.S. and it's a consumer dispute you may consider filing with the appropriate consumer protection agency — but do this as a last resort.

**Key citation**: Royal’s FAQ and Guest Terms page spell out these processes and refundable items—keep them handy.

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## Common problems and how to fix them (quick troubleshooting)

#### Problem: Royal offered FCC but I want a cash refund

* **Fix**: If Royal’s automatic option is FCC, call and request a cash refund. If denied, check Guest Terms. If sailing was cancelled by Royal, you’re generally entitled to a cash refund. If Royal refuses and you disagree, escalate and retain written denial for potential chargeback or consumer action.

#### Problem: My refund hasn’t shown up after they said it was processed

* **Fix**: Allow 7–14 business days; then contact Royal with refund reference. If they claim refunded, request transaction ID and dispute with your card issuer if not resolved.

#### Problem: Travel insurance claim denied

* **Fix**: Get denial in writing; appeal the decision with additional documentation, or ask Royal for an FCC as a good-will gesture while appealing.

#### Problem: I used an FCC previously to book a cruise that was later cancelled — what happens?

* **Fix**: Royal typically reinstates and may combine FCCs per their policies; check the “Future Cruise Credit / Cruise with Confidence” FAQ for details.

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### A. Cancellation request (to Royal or your travel agent)

> Subject: Cancellation Request — Reservation # [YOUR RESERVATION NUMBER]
> Hello,
> I hereby request cancellation of my Royal Caribbean reservation #[RESERVATION NUMBER], scheduled to depart on [DEPART DATE]. Please confirm the cancellation fees, whether a refund or Future Cruise Credit will be issued, and the estimated date of refund. Please send written confirmation to this email address.
> Regards,
> [Name] — [Phone] — [Booking email]

### B. Insurance claim opening (medical)

> Subject: Claim — Trip Cancellation (Policy #[YOUR POLICY])
> Hello,
> I need to open a claim for trip cancellation for reservation #[RESERVATION NUMBER] due to [medical condition/death/etc.]. Attached are: booking confirmation, proof of payment, medical note/certificate. Please advise on next steps and required forms.
> Thank you,
> [Name] [Phone] [Policy #]

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### Extra tips & best practices Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy (before you book)

1. **Buy trip protection early** (within the insurer’s required window) — it’s the single best hedge against unexpected cancellations. CFAR is expensive but valuable for costly trips. Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy
2. **Book refundable fare if uncertain** — small surcharge for a refundable fare buys flexibility.[1])
3. **Avoid paying in full early** unless you need to — paying closer to final payment date reduces your exposure.
4. **Book air refundable or with flexible change terms**, or purchase airline protection. Missed flights are a major cause of loss.
5. **Keep all invoices and emails** — documentation speeds up refunds and insurance claims.
6. **Use a credit card with travel protections** — some cards offer trip cancellation/interruption benefits as long as you pay with the card.

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### Where to find official Royal Caribbean sources (useful links)

(Use these pages for your exact booking terms and updates.)

* Royal Caribbean Booking & Cancellation FAQ (official).
* Royal Caribbean Guest Terms & Conditions (legal cancellation schedule).
* Royal Caribbean Travel Protection information (Cruise Vacation Enhancement / CFAR language).
* “What items are refundable on canceled or suspended sailings” — details on refundable categories.

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### Final checklist: what to do immediately if you need to cancel Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy

1. Check your booking confirmation for the cancellation schedule and fees.
2. Gather documentation supporting your reason (medical, death certificate, govt order, flight delay proof).
3. Decide: refund to card vs Future Cruise Credit vs rebook.
4. Contact your booking agent or Royal reservations and request written confirmation.
5. If insured, file a travel insurance claim immediately.
6. If Royal canceled: follow their email instructions and choose refund or FCC.
7. Track correspondence, timelines, and escalate if needed.

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