Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting. The anticipation of luxury cabins, world-class dining, entertainment, and exotic destinations creates lasting memories even before departure. However, life is unpredictable. Plans can change due to work, personal matters, health issues, or global events. Many travelers ask: can I reschedule my Royal Caribbean cruise?

The answer is yes, but it comes with certain conditions, policies, and potential costs. Rescheduling a cruise is different from canceling one. Instead of losing your payment, you can move your reservation to a new date or sailing while preserving some or all of your cruise investment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Royal Caribbean’s rescheduling policies, step-by-step instructions, fees, and tips for a smooth process.

1. Understanding Cruise Rescheduling

Rescheduling means changing the dates of your booked cruise while keeping the same stateroom and reservation. Unlike cancelation, where you might forfeit some or all payments, rescheduling allows flexibility to adjust travel dates without losing the entire amount paid.

Key Points About Rescheduling

• You may move your cruise to a later sailing or even to a similar cruise itinerary.

• Rescheduling is subject to availability, especially for popular ships and peak seasons.

• Policies and fees vary depending on how far in advance you request the change.

• Sometimes cruise fare differences apply if the new sailing is more expensive.

2. Royal Caribbean Rescheduling Policy

Royal Caribbean allows guests to reschedule their cruise bookings under certain conditions:

2.1 Advance Notice

• Generally, the earlier you request a reschedule, the fewer fees you pay.

• Many cruises allow rescheduling up to 48 hours before departure if done through your travel agent or Royal Caribbean customer service.

2.2 Fare Difference

• If the new sailing has a higher fare, you must pay the difference between your original cruise cost and the new fare.

• If the new cruise is cheaper, Royal Caribbean usually issues onboard credit or partial refund, depending on the booking method.

2.3 Rescheduling Fees

• Fees vary by promotion, fare type, and timing.

• Standard rescheduling fees can range from 50 USD to 100 USD per stateroom, but some fares, especially promotional or non-refundable deals, may have higher fees or restrictions.

3. Situations That Allow Free or Flexible Rescheduling

Royal Caribbean sometimes offers more flexible options under special circumstances:

• Travel Insurance Claims – If your reschedule is covered by insurance (medical emergency, flight cancellation, etc.), fees may be waived.

• Global Events – During extraordinary situations such as hurricanes, port closures, or pandemics, Royal Caribbean often allows rescheduling without penalty.

• Onboard Credits or Promotions – Guests with future cruise credits from prior reschedules or cancellations can use them to reschedule.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Rescheduling

Follow these steps to reschedule your Royal Caribbean cruise:

Step 1: Review Your Booking

Check your confirmation email or Royal Caribbean account to identify:

• Cruise dates

• Stateroom type

• Fare type (refundable, non-refundable, promotional)

• Payment status

Step 2: Check Availability

Visit the Royal Caribbean website or contact your travel agent to check available sailings that match your preferences. Popular sailings may fill quickly, so flexibility in dates is beneficial.

Step 3: Contact Customer Service or Travel Agent

• Call Royal Caribbean customer service or your booking agent.

• Provide your reservation number, preferred new sailing, and stateroom preference.

Step 4: Review Fare Differences and Fees

• Customer service will confirm if any additional payments are required.

• You may need to pay a rescheduling fee, fare difference, and any applicable taxes.

Step 5: Confirm and Pay

• Once you accept the new dates and costs, finalize the change.

• Ensure you receive new confirmation documents reflecting the updated itinerary and payment details.

Step 6: Update Travel Arrangements

• Adjust flights, hotels, and transportation to match your new cruise dates.

• Review travel insurance policies to ensure coverage for the updated itinerary.

5. Fees and Fare Differences

Rescheduling can involve:

• Rescheduling Fee – Flat fee charged per stateroom or per booking.

• Fare Difference – If the new sailing costs more, you must pay the difference.

• Promotional Restrictions – Some deeply discounted fares may have limited or no rescheduling options.

Example:Original cruise: 7-night Caribbean sailing, 1200 USD per person.New cruise: 7-night Caribbean sailing, 1400 USD per person.

• Fare difference: 200 USD per person

• Rescheduling fee: 75 USD per stateroom

• Total additional cost: 275 USD

6. Using Future Cruise Credits (FCC)

If you previously canceled or rescheduled a cruise, you may have Future Cruise Credits. These credits can often be applied toward a rescheduled sailing, reducing or eliminating fees.

Key Points About FCC

• Usually valid for 12–18 months from issuance.

• Can be combined with cash payment if the new fare exceeds the credit.

• FCC is non-transferable unless Royal Caribbean allows in special promotions.

7. Rescheduling vs. Cancelation

Understanding the difference helps avoid unnecessary costs:

FeatureRescheduleCancel

Maintain bookingYesNo

Keep depositsUsually yesSometimes partially

Applicable feesRescheduling fee + fare differenceCancellation fee + potential loss of deposit

FlexibilityModerateLow

Rescheduling is generally more cost-effective than canceling, especially if you already paid a significant deposit or balance.

8. Travel Insurance and Rescheduling

Purchasing travel insurance provides additional protection for rescheduling. Typical coverage includes:

• Medical emergencies requiring travel change

• Family emergencies

• Flight cancellations affecting cruise boarding

• Weather-related disruptions

Some insurance policies may cover rescheduling fees, making it cheaper to change plans. Always review the fine print before purchasing.

9. Best Practices for Rescheduling

• Act early: The earlier you request a change, the more options you have and the lower the fee.

• Be flexible: Consider mid-week departures, alternative ships, or slightly different itineraries.

• Check promotions: Royal Caribbean occasionally offers free or reduced rescheduling fees.

• Keep documentation: Save confirmation emails, receipts, and any correspondence.

• Update travel arrangements: Flights, hotels, and transport must match the new cruise dates.

10. Common Questions About Rescheduling

Can I move to a different ship?

Yes, but it depends on availability and fare differences. Rescheduling to a different ship may incur a higher fee or fare difference.

Can I reschedule multiple times?

Repeated reschedules may be allowed, but fees apply each time, and availability is not guaranteed.

What if I need to reschedule last minute?

Late rescheduling is often subject to higher fees and limited availability. Travel insurance can provide assistance.

Do promotional fares allow rescheduling?

Some deeply discounted or non-refundable fares may have restrictions. Always check the fare rules before purchasing.

11. Rescheduling for Health or Emergency Situations

Royal Caribbean is generally flexible if you provide documentation for:

• Medical emergencies (personal or family)

• Death in the family

• Travel restrictions due to government regulations

Supporting documents, such as medical certificates or official notices, may be required to waive fees.

12. Rescheduling During Global Events

During hurricanes, pandemics, or other disruptions, Royal Caribbean may issue:

• Full reschedule options without fees

• Partial reschedule credits

• Flexible policies to accommodate affected passengers

In these situations, customer service usually communicates options proactively.

13. Tips for Avoiding Rescheduling Fees

1. Book refundable fares whenever possible.

2. Purchase travel insurance covering trip changes.

3. Use Future Cruise Credits to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

4. Check Royal Caribbean promotions for fee waivers.

5. Plan your schedule carefully to avoid last-minute changes.

14. Conclusion

Yes, you can reschedule your Royal Caribbean cruise, but doing so involves understanding policies, fees, fare differences, and availability. Acting early, being flexible with dates and ships, and using travel insurance or Future Cruise Credits can make rescheduling easier and less expensive.

Rescheduling is often a better alternative than canceling, allowing you to preserve your cruise investment while adapting to life’s unexpected changes. By following best practices, reviewing policies carefully, and communicating promptly with Royal Caribbean or your travel agent, you can successfully change your cruise dates and continue planning a memorable vacation.