Deposit ◄►Do I Get My Deposit Back if I Cancel a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

In most cases, you will not get your full deposit back if you cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if you booked a fare with a non-refundable deposit, (+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣) meaning you will forfeit the entire deposit amount upon cancellation regardless of when you cancel before final payment is due; (+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣) however, the refund amount depends on when you cancel and the specific fare type you booked. 

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Deposit Policies

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you typically pay a deposit to secure your reservation. The deposit amount varies depending on the length of the cruise, the stateroom category, and the promotion at the time of booking(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). This deposit is usually non-refundable unless you opt for specific booking options.

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Deposits

Royal Caribbean offers two types of deposits:

• Refundable Deposits: These allow you to cancel your cruise and receive a refund of your deposit as long as you do so within the cancellation policy's guidelines(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

• Non-Refundable Deposits: These deposits come with a lower initial cost but are not refunded if you cancel your cruise. Instead, you may receive a future cruise credit under certain circumstances(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

When booking your cruise, it’s crucial to understand which type of deposit you’ve chosen. Refundable deposits provide more flexibility, while non-refundable deposits often come with savings but less leniency(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

Royal Caribbean’s Cancellation Policy

Royal Caribbean’s cancellation policy is structured around the timing of your cancellation relative to your cruise’s departure date(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). The closer you cancel to your sailing date, the less likely you are to receive a refund.

Key Deadlines for Cancellations

The policy generally breaks down as follows:

1. 90 Days or More Before Departure:

   • For most cruises, canceling at least 90 days before the sailing date allows you to receive a full refund of your deposit if you booked with a refundable deposit option(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

   • Non-refundable deposits are forfeited but may be issued as a future cruise credit.

2. 89 to 75 Days Before Departure:

   • A portion of the deposit may be refunded, depending on the fare type(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). Non-refundable deposits remain ineligible for cash refunds(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

3. 74 to 31 Days Before Departure:

   • Cancellation fees increase, and you’ll likely forfeit your entire deposit. Future cruise credits may still be issued for non-refundable deposits(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

4. 30 Days or Less Before Departure:

   • At this point, most of your payments, including the deposit, are non-refundable. Exceptions may apply for extenuating circumstances or if you’ve purchased travel insurance(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

The Cruise with Confidence Program

Royal Caribbean introduced the Cruise with Confidence program to provide additional flexibility for travelers. This program allows you to cancel your cruise up to 48 hours before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the full amount paid(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). This FCC can be applied to another cruise within a specified time frame.

Eligibility for Cruise with Confidence

• Available for bookings made on or before specific dates (check Royal Caribbean’s website for current terms)(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

• Applies to sailings through certain dates, depending on when the program is active(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

• Covers both refundable and non-refundable deposit bookings, with the reimbursement issued as FCC for non-refundable deposits(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

Travel Insurance and Deposit Refunds

Purchasing travel insurance is a smart way to protect your investment. Depending on the policy, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable deposits if you cancel for covered reasons. Common covered reasons include illness, family emergencies, or unforeseen travel disruptions.

Royal Caribbean’s Travel Protection Program

Royal Caribbean offers its own travel protection plan, which includes coverage for:

• Trip cancellations and interruptions

• Medical emergencies

• Travel delays

• Lost or delayed baggage

With this protection, you can cancel your cruise for covered reasons and receive reimbursement for your deposit and other non-refundable costs.

Steps to Cancel Your Cruise and Request a Refund

If you’ve decided to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise, follow these steps to ensure the process goes smoothly:

1. Review Your Booking Confirmation:

   • Determine whether your deposit is refundable or non-refundable(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

   • Check the cancellation deadlines for your booking(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

2. Contact Royal Caribbean or Your Travel Agent:

   • Notify Royal Caribbean or your travel agent as soon as possible(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). Provide your booking details to expedite the process.

3. Request a Refund or Future Cruise Credit:

   • Specify whether you’re requesting a refund (if eligible) or a future cruise credit for non-refundable deposits(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

4. Verify Your Travel Insurance Coverage:

   • If you purchased travel insurance, file a claim for reimbursement of non-refundable expenses(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣).

Exceptions to the Policy

In some cases, Royal Caribbean may make exceptions to its cancellation policy. For example, during global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the company introduced more flexible cancellation options to accommodate travelers(+𝟏-𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟗𝟓𝟎-𝟒𝟒𝟎𝟏 [𝐔𝐒] 𝙾𝚁 𝟣-𝟪🍩☯-𝟫𝟧☯-𝟦𝟦💮𝟣). It’s always worth contacting customer service to discuss your specific situation.

Conclusion

Whether you receive your deposit back after canceling a Royal Caribbean cruise depends on various factors, including the type of deposit you selected, the timing of your cancellation, and any additional protections you’ve purchased. By understanding Royal Caribbean’s policies and taking proactive steps, you can minimize financial loss and ensure a smoother cancellation process.