Royal Caribbean is changing its cancellation policy for new bookings beginning October 11, 2026. The updated policy eliminates the 25% cancellation penalty tier for cruises lasting five to 14 nights, increasing penalties during earlier cancellation periods.
Revised Penalties for Different Cruise Lengths
For cruises five to nine nights long booked on or after October 11, 2026, cancellation penalties will be 50% from 89 to 61 days before departure, replacing the previous 25% penalty between 89 and 75 days and the 50% penalty starting 74 days before departure. Cruises lasting 10 nights or longer have a separate cancellation schedule, with the 50% penalty period beginning 119 days
prior to sailing instead of the current 89 days. Cruises lasting one to four nights see no change in cancellation penalties, which include a 50% penalty from 74 to 61 days, a 75% penalty from 60 to 31 days, and non-refundable deposits within 30 days of departure.
Financial Impact on Travelers
The new cancellation policy increases fees for travelers canceling five to nine night cruises between 75 and 89 days before departure from 25% to 50%. For example, a cancellation 80 days before a $4,000 five-night cruise would incur a $2,000 penalty rather than $1,000 under the original policy. Travelers booking cruises 10 nights
or longer will face the 50% penalty starting 119 days prior, necessitating earlier commitment to avoid higher penalties.
Early Adoption for Select Voyages
Certain Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, and Transpacific voyages departing on or after April 11, 2028, and booked on or after September 29, 2026, are already subject to the new cancellation schedule. All other bookings made on or after October 11, 2026, will follow the updated cancellation policies.
Advisory for Bookers and Official Rationale
Royal Caribbean advises travelers to review cancellation deadlines carefully before booking cruises on or after October 11, 2026, to avoid unexpected charges. Bookings made before this date mostly retain the original cancellation terms.
The cruise line states the changes aim to “streamline, consolidate, and simplify” its North American cancellation penalty structure.
