Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, both under Royal Caribbean Group, announced changes to their North America cruise cancellation policies effective October 11, 2026. These policy updates simplify cancellation penalty tiers and adjust payment deadlines across multiple sailing lengths.
Royal Caribbean Removes 25% Penalty Tier and Adjusts Payment Deadlines
Royal Caribbean will eliminate the 25% cancellation penalty tier for all cruise lengths, increasing penalties for cancellations shortly after final payment deadlines. For cruises lasting one to four nights, cancellation penalties remain unchanged, with no fees beyond nonrefundable deposits if canceled 75 days or more before embarkation. However, for cruises of 10 to 14 nights, the final payment deadline moves from 90
to 120 days before sailing, requiring earlier payments and affecting cancellation timing.
Under the new policy, canceling a seven-night cruise 75 days before departure incurs a 50% penalty, doubling the cost compared to the previous 25% tier. These changes streamline sailing length categories and penalty structures.
Celebrity Cruises Consolidates Penalty Tiers and Revises Cancellation Windows
Celebrity Cruises will reduce its cancellation penalty tiers from three to two starting October 11, 2026. For one- to five-night cruises, penalties now begin 75 days before sailing instead of 90 days. Sailings lasting six nights or longer will enter the penalty period within 120 days of departure.
Bookings made before October 11, 2026
retain their original cancellation terms, while bookings made on or after that date will follow the updated schedules.
New Penalties Applied to Third and Fourth Guests
Beginning October 11, 2026, both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises will enforce cancellation penalties on third and fourth guests on reservations. Previously, these fees were often waived. The penalty will automatically apply to the canceled fare of these additional guests, potentially affecting families who previously avoided such charges.
Amy Post, co-owner of Postcard Travel Planning, 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.” She emphasized the impact on group bookings involving teens, grandparents, or multiple guests sharing a cabin.
Rationale Behind the Policy Changes
The updates respond to rising cruise demand in North America and address the issue of cruise cabins being held by customers without commitment to sail. Shifting final payment deadlines earlier and tightening cancellation penalties aim to free up inventory and improve customer service.
According to Amy Post, “The changes shouldn’t be too impactful, but we want to make sure our clients understand that tightening cancellation policies is necessary because cruise demand continues to grow and cruise lines don’t want to
tie up inventory that could otherwise be sold to cruisers serious about sailing.” She added, “Moving final payment deadlines up and enforcing stricter cancellation policies helps cruise lines give proper customer service and better cabin selection for all cruisers.”
Impact on Travelers and Upcoming Sailings
Travelers must review cancellation policies carefully, as penalties may occur earlier and result in higher fees. Families with multiple guests should note the new enforcement of penalties for third and fourth guests. Existing bookings before October 11, 2026 are unaffected, but new bookings will follow the revised rules.
New Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coast, and transpacific sailings opening for booking on September
29, 2026 will automatically be subject to these updated cancellation policies.
