Can I upgrade my booking after paying the deposit on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Upgrading a cruise after you’ve already paid a deposit is one of the most common—and smartest—questions travelers ask. Plans evolve, budgets shift, and sometimes that ocean-view balcony suddenly feels irresistible. If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean International, the good news is that upgrades are often possible after paying your deposit, but how, when, and at what cost depends on several factors.

This in-depth guide breaks down exactly how upgrades work on Royal Caribbean, what’s allowed after a deposit, real-world upgrade scenarios, timelines, risks, and expert strategies to get the best value—without losing your money. The advice is grounded in Royal Caribbean’s publicly available policies, industry best practices, and consumer-protection principles referenced by organizations such as Consumer Reports and Harvard Business Review.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Booking and Deposit System

Before discussing upgrades, it’s important to understand how Royal Caribbean structures bookings and payments.

How Deposits Work on Royal Caribbean

When you reserve a Royal Caribbean cruise, you typically pay:

• A refundable or non-refundable deposit, depending on the fare type

• The remaining balance by a specified final payment date (often 60–90 days before sailing)

The deposit secures:

• Your stateroom category

• Your cruise fare rate (subject to fare rules)

• Any promotions included at booking

Once the deposit is paid, your reservation becomes active—but not locked beyond change.

Can You Upgrade After Paying the Deposit? (Short Answer)

Yes. In most cases, Royal Caribbean allows upgrades after a deposit is paid, provided:

• The upgraded option is available

• You agree to any fare difference

• You comply with the rules of your original fare type

However, not all upgrades are equal, and some involve trade-offs.

Types of Upgrades You Can Make After Paying the Deposit

1. Stateroom Category Upgrades

This is the most common upgrade request.

Examples include:

• Interior → Ocean View

• Ocean View → Balcony

• Balcony → Junior Suite

• Suite → Higher-tier suite (e.g., Owner’s Suite)

Key rule:You pay the difference between your original fare and the current price of the new category—not the price you saw earlier.

Expert Tip: Cruise pricing is dynamic. According to Consumer Reports, cruise fares can fluctuate multiple times per week based on demand.

2. Fare Type Upgrades (Refundable vs. Non-Refundable)

Royal Caribbean offers:

• Non-Refundable Deposits (NRD) – cheaper, stricter

• Refundable fares – more flexible, usually higher cost

After deposit:

• You can usually upgrade from non-refundable to refundable

• You typically cannot downgrade from refundable to non-refundable

If you switch fare types, Royal Caribbean may:

• Reprice the entire cruise at current rates

• Reset promotional offers

3. Promotional Upgrades and RoyalUp Bidding

Royal Caribbean operates RoyalUp, a post-booking upgrade bidding system.

How RoyalUp works:

1. Eligible guests receive an email invitation

2. You place bids for higher stateroom categories

3. Royal Caribbean accepts bids close to sailing

4. You’re charged only if your bid is accepted

Pros:

• Potentially cheaper than standard upgrades

• No upfront payment

Cons:

• No guarantee

• Cabin assignment is random within the category

• You cannot choose location or deck

4. Add-On Experience Upgrades

Even after paying your deposit, you can upgrade:

• Beverage packages

• Dining packages

• Internet packages

• Spa packages

• Shore excursions

These are usually fully flexible until shortly before sailing.

Step-by-Step: How to Upgrade Your Royal Caribbean Booking

Step 1: Log In to Your Cruise Planner

Visit Royal Caribbean’s official website and access your booking using your reservation number.

Step 2: Check Availability

Search for:

• Higher stateroom categories

• New fare options

• Add-on packages

If you don’t see availability online, call Royal Caribbean or your travel advisor.

Step 3: Compare Costs Carefully

Look at:

• Fare difference

• Lost promotions

• New cancellation terms

Step 4: Confirm Upgrade and Payment

Once confirmed:

• You’ll pay the fare difference immediately

• Your booking details update instantly

Real-World Upgrade Scenarios

Scenario 1: Balcony Upgrade After Deposit

• Original booking: Interior cabin, $1,200

• Balcony price later: $1,500

• Deposit already paid: $250

Cost to upgrade:$300 (difference), applied to remaining balance

Scenario 2: RoyalUp Bid Success

• Original booking: Ocean View

• Bid: $200 for Balcony

• Bid accepted 10 days before sailing

Outcome:$200 charged, original fare unchanged, new cabin assigned automatically

Scenario 3: Non-Refundable Fare Upgrade

• Original fare: Non-refundable

• Desired upgrade: Junior Suite

• Result: Full repricing at current rates + stricter cancellation rules remain

Important Rules That Affect Upgrades

Final Payment Date Matters

Before final payment:

• Most upgrades are flexible

• Deposit rules apply

After final payment:

• Changes may incur penalties

• Some upgrades become unavailable

Availability Is Never Guaranteed

Cruise ships have:

• Limited inventory

• Category caps

• Suite-level perks that restrict capacity

Promotions May Reset

Upgrading can cause you to lose:

• Onboard credit

• Kids Sail Free

• Discounted drink packages

Always ask before confirming.

Is It Better to Upgrade Early or Wait?

Upgrade Early If:

• You want a specific cabin location

• You need accessibility features

• You’re traveling during peak season

Wait for RoyalUp If:

• You’re flexible

• You want potential savings

• Cabin location doesn’t matter

According to Harvard Business Review, bidding systems favor flexible consumers willing to trade certainty for price efficiency.

Consumer Protection and Transparency

Cruise bookings fall under general consumer protection principles outlined by government agencies such as gov.uk and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, including:

• Transparent pricing

• Clear cancellation terms

• Disclosure of non-refundable components

However, cruise lines are governed primarily by contract law, not airline-style regulations.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating a legal obligation for cruise lines to allow upgrades after deposit—this remains a discretionary policy.

Expert Tips to Maximize Upgrade Value

• Track prices weekly after booking

• Call instead of clicking—agents can see unpublished options

• Upgrade cabin first, packages later

• Avoid peak sailing dates if flexibility matters

• Use a travel advisor for group or suite bookings

Comparison Table: Upgrade Options After Deposit

Upgrade Type	Allowed After Deposit	Cost Impact	Risk Level
Stateroom category	Yes	Fare difference	Low
Fare type change	Limited	Full repricing	Medium
RoyalUp bid	Yes	Bid amount only	Medium
Add-on packages	Yes	Package price	Low
Cabin location change	Sometimes	Possible fee	Medium

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I upgrade my cabin after paying the deposit on Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Most cabin category upgrades are allowed, subject to availability and fare rules.

2. Will I lose my deposit if I upgrade?

No. Your deposit usually transfers to the new booking, unless you cancel instead of modify.

3. Are upgrades cheaper closer to sailing?

Sometimes. RoyalUp bids can be cheaper, but standard upgrades may increase as cabins sell out.

4. Can I upgrade after final payment?

Possibly, but options are limited and penalties may apply.

5. Does Royal Caribbean automatically offer upgrades?

No. You must request them or participate in RoyalUp.

6. Can I upgrade just one guest in a cabin?

No. Upgrades apply to the entire stateroom.

7. Can I downgrade my cabin after paying a deposit?

Usually not without penalties, especially on non-refundable fares.

8. Do upgraded cabins include extra perks?

Yes. Suite upgrades may include priority boarding, concierge service, and exclusive lounges.

9. Is RoyalUp worth it?

For flexible travelers, yes. There’s no risk unless your bid is accepted.

10. Should I use a travel agent for upgrades?

For complex itineraries or suite bookings, absolutely. Agents often access better options.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade After Paying the Deposit?

Upgrading your Royal Caribbean cruise after paying a deposit is not only possible—it’s often strategic. Whether you upgrade immediately, wait for RoyalUp, or enhance your experience with onboard packages, the key is timing, flexibility, and understanding fare rules.

For travelers who value comfort, space, or premium perks, a well-timed upgrade can significantly elevate the cruise experience—often for less than expected.