Royal Caribbean’s New Cancellation Policy Could Cost Cruise Travellers More
October 15, 2026 Team Contributor
Royal Caribbean’s new cancellation policy could leave some travellers paying a much larger penalty if their cruise plans change. The cruise line has removed the 25% cancellation penalty tier from its updated North American cancellation schedule. This means means affected passengers could face a 50% penalty earlier than under the previous rules.
The change took effect on October 11, 2026, for new cruise and cruisetour bookings. It also applies to certain 2028 sailings booked from September 29, including Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal and Transpacific voyages.
For travellers planning a cruise well in advance, understanding the new Royal Caribbean cancellation policy is now particularly important. Cancelling a trip could mean losing a substantially larger share of the fare.
What has changed in Royal Caribbean’s new cancellation policy?
Previously, Royal Caribbean had a 25% cancellation penalty tier for certain longer cruises. Under the revised schedule, that tier has been removed for covered bookings, and the penalty rises directly to 50% of the total price.
The new schedule also groups cruises differently, using 5–9 nights and 10 nights or longer as the main categories for cruises of five nights or more.
For all three categories, the cancellation penalty increases to 75% between 60 and 31 days before departure, and 100% within 30 days of sailing.
Booking a cruise? Connect with a cruise travel agent to understand your cancellation terms before you commit
Affected Canadian cruise bookings at a glance
Royal Caribbean’s revised cancellation schedule applies to cruise and cruisetour bookings made on or after October 11, 2026, for guests whose primary country of residence is Canada.
There is an earlier effective date for certain 2028 sailings. The revised terms also apply to Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal and Transpacific voyages purchased on or after September 29, 2026.
Bookings made before the applicable dates remain subject to the cancellation schedule stated in the original booking confirmation. Travellers should check their reservation terms before cancelling, as non-refundable deposits and other fare-specific conditions may also affect the amount they receive back
What about existing reservations?
Bookings made before October 11 generally remain subject to the cancellation schedule provided at the time of booking, subject to the specific terms of the reservation. Travellers should check their confirmation rather than assume the new penalties apply to every existing booking.
Families and groups sharing a cabin should take note
The change could also matter to families and groups travelling together.
Royal Caribbean’s terms state that cancellation charges are assessed per guest and may vary for third, fourth or fifth guests sharing a stateroom.
If one person in a shared cabin can no longer travel, the remaining guests should ask Royal Caribbean or their travel advisor how the cancellation would affect the booking, the total fare and any occupancy-related charges.
Travellers should not assume that a cancellation penalty will be waived.
If your plans are still up in the air, talk to a cruise travel advisor first. They’ll know how the new rules apply to your sailing and where there’s room to stay flexible.
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