What Are the Change Fees on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

# What Are the Change Fees on Royal Caribbean Cruises? Learn about Royal Caribbean change fees, from date changes to cabin upgrades. Call **844-807-7245** for expert help with cruise booking adjustments and fee savings. Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is an exciting experience filled with the promise of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable destinations. However, plans don’t always stay the same. Whether it’s a scheduling conflict, family emergency, or simply a desire to try a different itinerary, many travelers ask: *What are the change fees on Royal Caribbean cruises?* The good news is that Royal Caribbean offers flexibility in modifying bookings, but certain fees may apply depending on the type of change, how close you are to your sailing date, and the type of fare you booked. In this guide, we’ll explore the details of Royal Caribbean’s change fees, how they work, and ways to minimize or avoid them. --- ## 1. Types of Changes You Can Make When we talk about “change fees,” it’s important to clarify what kinds of adjustments guests typically make: * **Date changes:** Moving your sailing to an earlier or later departure date. * **Itinerary changes:** Switching from one cruise route to another. * **Cabin upgrades or downgrades:** Changing stateroom categories (balcony, suite, interior, etc.). * **Name changes:** Adjusting the traveler’s name on the booking. * **Passenger substitutions:** Replacing one guest with another. Each of these may have different rules and fees attached, so it’s important to know what applies to your specific situation. --- ## 2. Standard Change Fee Policies Royal Caribbean’s policies vary, but here are some general guidelines: * **Before Final Payment:** Most changes made before you’ve paid the final balance are free of charge, except in cases where a new rate applies (for example, if you upgrade to a better cabin). * **After Final Payment:** Once you’ve paid in full, change fees may apply. These fees can range from **\$50–\$200 per person**, depending on the type of change, or may fall under the cancellation penalty schedule if the change is significant. * **Name Changes:** Generally, one free name correction is allowed. After that, name changes may incur a fee (around **\$50 per change**). Complete passenger substitutions are often treated as cancellations, which may be more expensive. * **Date and Itinerary Changes:** Moving your sailing date or switching itineraries is usually treated as a cancellation followed by a new booking. In this case, cancellation fees apply based on how close you are to departure. --- ## 3. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings One of the most important factors in Royal Caribbean’s change fees is whether your deposit was refundable or non-refundable: * **Refundable Deposits:** More flexibility, fewer penalties when making changes. * **Non-Refundable Deposits:** If you make significant changes (like altering the ship or sail date), you’ll typically lose the deposit amount. Sometimes, you can apply it toward a **Future Cruise Credit (FCC)**, but it won’t be refunded. --- ## 4. Cruise with Confidence Flexibility Royal Caribbean has offered the **Cruise with Confidence** program during uncertain times, allowing guests to: * Cancel or change plans up to **48 hours before sailing**. * Receive a **Future Cruise Credit (FCC)** for the full value of their booking. This program reduces or eliminates change fees, but it may not always be active. If it’s available for your sailing, it provides an excellent way to adjust plans without losing money. --- ## 5. How to Minimize or Avoid Change Fees Here are some practical tips to reduce or avoid paying unnecessary fees when changing a Royal Caribbean cruise: 1. **Make Changes Early:** Before your final payment date, changes are often easier and cheaper. 2. **Book Refundable Fares:** They cost more upfront but offer flexibility if your plans shift. 3. **Use Future Cruise Credits:** If you already have FCC, applying it to a new booking may limit additional fees. 4. **Work with a Travel Advisor:** Professionals can sometimes negotiate with the cruise line on your behalf to reduce fees. 5. **Consider Insurance:** Travel insurance may cover certain changes or cancellations due to emergencies. --- ## 6. Example of Change Fee Scenarios To better understand how change fees work, let’s look at two examples: * **Example 1: Cabin Upgrade Before Final Payment** You decide to upgrade from an interior cabin to a balcony before your final balance is due. In this case, no change fee applies—you simply pay the price difference. * **Example 2: Date Change After Final Payment** You want to move your sailing from March to June, but it’s after final payment. This may be treated as a cancellation of the original cruise, meaning you’d incur cancellation penalties and rebook at the new rate. --- ## 7. What to Do If You Need Help Understanding Royal Caribbean’s change fees can be overwhelming, especially when policies vary by booking type and sail date. That’s where expert help comes in. Specialists can: * Review your booking terms. * Explain the exact fees you may face. * Suggest alternatives like rebooking or future credits. * Help you save money by avoiding unnecessary penalties. For personalized assistance, call **844-807-7245** and get direct support from professionals who understand Royal Caribbean’s policies inside and out. --- ## Final Thoughts So, what are the change fees on Royal Caribbean cruises? It depends on the type of change and when it’s made. Minor adjustments before final payment are often free, while major changes after final payment can result in fees ranging from \$50 to full cancellation penalties. The best strategy is to make decisions early, understand whether your deposit is refundable, and consider flexible programs like Cruise with Confidence when available.