Royal Caribbean will implement a new cancellation policy for all new bookings made on or after October 11, 2026, removing the 25% cancellation penalty tier for cruises lasting five to nine nights.
Revised Penalty Schedules for Different Cruise Lengths
Under the updated policy, cancellation penalties for five- to nine-night cruises will be 50% from 89 up to 61 days before departure, replacing the prior structure where cancellations 89 to 75 days out incurred a 25% fee and 74 to 61 days a 50% fee. Cruises lasting 10 nights or more will face a 50% cancellation penalty beginning 119 days before sailing, instead of the previous 89-day threshold
that grouped 10- to 14-night cruises with shorter sailings. The policy affecting cruises of one to four nights will remain unchanged, maintaining a no-fee cancellation period 75 or more days before departure and escalating penalties closer to departure.
Financial Impact on Travelers
The elimination of the 25% penalty tier means travelers canceling a five- to nine-night cruise between 75 and 89 days before departure will face increased fees. For example, cancelling a $4,000 five-night cruise 80 days before sailing will now incur a $2,000 penalty, doubling the previous $1,000 charge. Those booking cruises of 10 nights or longer must be prepared for penalty fees
applying much earlier, at over four months before departure.
Exceptions and Application to Specific Voyages
The new cancellation policy primarily applies to bookings made on or after October 11, 2026. However, certain cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal regions, Panama Canal, and Transpacific routes departing on or after April 11, 2028, and booked starting September 29, 2026, are already subject to the updated cancellation rules. Existing bookings generally retain the cancellation terms active at the time of reservation unless falling under these specified voyages.
Rationale and Effect on Travelers
Royal Caribbean states the policy updates aim to “streamline, consolidate, and simplify” the North American cancellation penalty structure. While the adjustment creates
a more straightforward penalty schedule, it results in higher cancellation costs for travelers who cancel five- to nine-night cruises between 75 and 89 days before departure and for passengers on extended cruises who must secure commitments earlier than before.
