Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, both part of Royal Caribbean Group, announced new cancellation policy changes in emails sent to travel advisors on September 28, 2026. These revised rules will apply to North American sailings beginning October 11, 2026.
Changes to Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policies
Royal Caribbean eliminated the 25% cancellation penalty tier across all sailing lengths, increasing penalties for cancellations soon after the final payment date. The company also streamlined its sailing length categories in the updated cancellation schedule. For cruises lasting one to four nights, penalties remain unchanged: cancellations 75 days or more before departure only forfeit nonrefundable deposits. The final payment deadline for
10- to 14-night cruises moves up to 120 days before sailing from the previous 90-day window. A seven-night cruise with a $4,000 fare canceled 75 days prior would now incur a 50% penalty, doubling the prior charge within that timeline.
Celebrity Cruises Adjusts Penalty Timelines
Celebrity Cruises consolidated its cancellation penalty tiers from three to two starting October 11, 2026. One- to five-night sailings now trigger penalties starting 75 days before departure, shortened from 90 days. For cruises lasting six nights or more, penalties begin 120 days before sailing. Bookings made before October 11 will retain prior cancellation terms, while reservations from that date onward
must follow the new policies. New Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coast, and transpacific itineraries opening for booking on September 29, 2026, will also adhere to these updated rules for voyages in 2028 and later.
Enforcement of Penalties on Additional Guests
Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises will start charging cancellation penalties on the third and fourth guests of a booking as of October 11, 2026. Previously, these fees were often waived. This change affects families and groups, where an additional guest’s cancellation could result in financial penalties under the new framework.
Industry Perspective and Traveler Impact
Amy Post, co-owner of Postcard Travel Planning, emphasized the rationale behind the tighter rules, stating that
rising cruise demand requires firms to limit holding inventory for uncommitted bookings. She said, “These are policy updates we will be sure to brief our clients on, especially since the third and fourth guest will also be penalized where that fee was waived before.” Post added that moving final payment deadlines earlier and imposing stricter penalties assists cruise lines in providing better customer service and improved cabin availability for passengers.
