Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is a major commitment, often involving airfare, hotel accommodations, excursions, and onboard expenses. While most travelers enjoy a smooth experience, life is unpredictable. Sometimes plans change, requiring passengers to modify or reschedule their bookings. In such cases, understanding Royal Caribbean’s change fees is crucial.

Change fees are charges applied when passengers alter aspects of their cruise booking, such as dates, cabins, or passenger details. Knowing the rules, timelines, and procedures helps travelers make adjustments efficiently while minimizing costs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of change fees, the factors influencing them, step-by-step instructions for making changes, and tips to reduce or avoid extra charges.

1. What Are Change Fees?

A change fee is a charge imposed by Royal Caribbean when a passenger modifies an existing cruise reservation. These changes can include:

• Changing the sailing date

• Changing the cabin category or location

• Modifying the number of passengers

• Updating passenger details (names, age, or special requirements)

• Upgrading or downgrading the fare type

Change fees help the cruise line manage operational costs and compensate for administrative adjustments. They are distinct from cancellation fees, which apply when a booking is entirely canceled.

2. Factors Affecting Royal Caribbean Change Fees

Several factors influence the amount of a change fee:

2.1 Fare Type

• Refundable fares: Usually lower change fees or waived if modified within allowed periods

• Non-refundable fares: Higher change fees, sometimes only offering Future Cruise Credit (FCC) options

• Promotional fares: Fees depend on promotion terms and may include restrictions

2.2 Timing of Change

• Early changes generally incur lower fees

• Changes made closer to departure dates result in higher fees

• Last-minute modifications may require both change fees and additional payment for fare differences

2.3 Type of Change

• Date changes typically incur a standard fee plus any fare difference

• Cabin upgrades or category changes often require additional payment along with the fee

• Modifications to passenger details may incur minimal fees if done early

2.4 Cruise Length and Destination

• Longer cruises or specialty destinations may have higher change fees due to logistical complexity

• Remote destinations like Alaska or Europe can have stricter policies

3. Standard Change Fee Structure

Royal Caribbean’s change fees typically follow a sliding scale based on timing before departure:

Days Before DepartureChange Fee (Refundable Fare)Change Fee (Non-Refundable / Promotional Fare)Notes

More than 90 daysMinimal / NoneFCC or standard feeEarly modifications preferred

61–90 daysModerateFCC or partial penaltyFees increase as departure approaches

31–60 daysHigherFCC or partial penalty + fare differenceRefundable fares still eligible for partial credit

0–30 daysHighestFCC only + fare differenceLast-minute changes incur max fees

Note: Fees may vary by fare type, cruise line policy, and promotion terms.

4. Change Fees Based on Fare Type

4.1 Refundable Fares

• Usually allow date or cabin changes with minimal fees if done early

• Ideal for travelers who want flexibility

• Example: Moving a 7-night Caribbean cruise from one month to another more than 90 days in advance may incur no fee

4.2 Non-Refundable Fares

• Cash refunds are rarely available for changes

• FCC may be offered instead of traditional change

• Passengers may also pay the difference in fare for new dates or cabins

4.3 Promotional Fares

• Terms vary depending on the promotion

• Often restricted to FCC or specific modifications

• Full cash refunds or free changes are uncommon

5. Types of Changes That May Incur Fees

5.1 Date Changes

• Most common type of modification

• Change fee plus any fare difference applies

• Earlier changes incur lower fees

5.2 Cabin Changes

• Upgrading to a higher category may require both change fee and fare difference

• Downgrading may also incur fees depending on fare type and availability

5.3 Passenger Details

• Modifying passenger name, age, or special requirements

• Usually minimal fees if done early

• Late changes may incur administrative charges

5.4 Group Bookings

• Modifying group reservations may incur higher fees due to coordination requirements

• FCC may be issued for individual passengers if the entire group changes plans

6. Extraordinary Circumstances

Royal Caribbean may waive or reduce change fees in certain situations:

• Medical emergencies (passenger or immediate family)

• Travel restrictions or government mandates

• Cruise line cancellations or itinerary changes

Supporting documentation, such as medical certificates or official notices, is usually required.

7. Steps to Make a Change to Your Royal Caribbean Booking

Step 1: Gather Booking Information

• Reservation number, passenger names, cabin details, payment receipts

Step 2: Review Fare Rules

• Check the terms for refundable, non-refundable, or promotional fares

• Identify allowable changes and deadlines

Step 3: Contact Royal Caribbean Customer Service

• Call or email official support

• Provide detailed information about the desired change

Step 4: Submit Written Request

• Include supporting documentation if required

• Specify the type of change: date, cabin, or passenger details

Step 5: Confirm New Booking

• Royal Caribbean acknowledges changes and fees

• Payment of any fare difference or change fee may be required

• Updated confirmation provided to passenger

8. Timing and Deadlines

• More than 90 days before departure: Lowest change fees

• 61–90 days: Moderate fees and fare differences

• 31–60 days: Higher fees and fare differences

• 0–30 days: Maximum fees, may only allow FCC instead of cash refund for non-refundable fares

Early modifications are strongly recommended to minimize fees and secure desired cabins or dates.

9. Tips to Minimize Change Fees

• Book refundable fares for maximum flexibility

• Make changes early to reduce fees and increase availability

• Document extraordinary circumstances for potential fee waivers

• Use FCC for non-refundable fares when changing dates or cabins

• Maintain regular communication with customer service

• Consider travel insurance to cover fare differences or non-refundable costs

10. Travel Insurance and Change Fees

Travel insurance can cover:

• Non-refundable fare change fees

• Fare differences for rescheduled dates

• Emergency medical or travel restrictions

• Additional expenses related to itinerary changes

Using travel insurance alongside Royal Caribbean’s policies ensures maximum recovery and flexibility.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last minute to request changes

• Not understanding fare rules before booking

• Assuming verbal promises guarantee fee waivers

• Ignoring documentation requirements for extraordinary circumstances

• Failing to consider travel insurance for non-refundable fares

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What types of changes incur fees?

• Date changes, cabin upgrades, passenger modifications, and group booking adjustments typically incur fees.

Can change fees be waived?

• Yes, for medical emergencies, government travel restrictions, or cruise line cancellations.

Do non-refundable fares allow changes?

• Usually yes, but cash refunds are not available; FCC may be provided instead.

Is there a deadline for changes?

• Yes, fees increase as departure approaches. Early changes have lower fees.

Does travel insurance cover change fees?

• Often yes, especially for emergencies, non-refundable fares, or unforeseen events.

13. Conclusion

Royal Caribbean change fees are applied when passengers modify their cruise bookings, including date changes, cabin upgrades, passenger details, or group modifications. Fees vary based on:

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

• Timing of the change

• Type of change

• Cruise length and destination

Passengers can minimize fees by booking refundable fares, making early changes, documenting extraordinary circumstances, and considering travel insurance. Understanding Royal Caribbean’s change fee policies ensures informed decision-making, reduces financial risk, and allows for flexible planning of future cruises.