What Is Included in Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One 60% Cruise Offer?

Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One (BOGO) 60% Cruise Offer is one of the most widely advertised promotions in the cruise industry—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Travelers often assume it means a free cruise or a flat 60% discount, only to discover that the real value depends on cabin pricing, sail dates, and fare rules.

This in-depth guide explains exactly what’s included, what’s not included, how the offer is calculated, and how to maximize real savings—based on publicly available information, official Royal Caribbean policies, and consumer pricing principles.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Royal Caribbean guest, this article will help you decide whether the BOGO 60% deal is actually worth booking.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One 60% Offer

What the Offer Really Means

Despite the name, Royal Caribbean’s BOGO 60% promotion does not provide a free cruise.

Instead, it means:

• The first guest pays full cruise fare

• The second guest receives 60% off the same fare

• Both guests must stay in the same stateroom

• Taxes, fees, gratuities, and add-ons are not discounted

In pricing terms, the offer is a tiered discount model, not a traditional “buy one, get one” free deal.

Why Cruise Lines Use This Pricing Strategy

From a revenue-management perspective, cruise lines use BOGO offers to:

• Maintain advertised “discounts” without cutting base pricing

• Encourage double occupancy (more onboard spending)

• Control yield during slower sailings

According to Harvard Business Review, tiered discounting allows travel brands to preserve perceived value while still stimulating demand (HBR, Pricing Strategy in Hospitality).

What Is Included in the BOGO 60% Cruise Offer

1. Discounted Cruise Fare for the Second Guest

The only guaranteed inclusion is:

• 60% off the base cruise fare of the second guest

This applies to:

• Interior cabins

• Ocean view cabins

• Balcony cabins

• Suites (including Sky Class and Star Class)

•  The discount applies only to the base cruise fare, not the total booking cost.

2. Eligible Sailings and Ships

The BOGO 60% offer typically applies to:

• Select sailings across most Royal Caribbean ships

• Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, and Asia itineraries

• Departures usually 3–18 months out

However:

• Holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year, Spring Break) may be excluded

• Some high-demand ships (e.g., Icon-class) may have limited eligibility

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a universal inclusion list for all ships.

3. Stackable with Kids Sail Free (Sometimes)

In certain promotions, Royal Caribbean allows BOGO 60% to stack with:

• Kids Sail Free (ages 12 and under)

• Reduced deposits

• Onboard credit offers

Stacking depends on:

• Sail date

• Cabin category

• Number of guests

Royal Caribbean confirms that promotional stacking is capacity-controlled (RoyalCaribbean.com).

4. Applies to New Bookings Only

The BOGO 60% offer:

• Applies only to new reservations

• Usually cannot be retroactively applied

• May require cancellation and rebooking (subject to penalties)

Consumer Reports advises comparing rebooking fees against savings before changing travel reservations.

What Is NOT Included in the BOGO 60% Offer

1. Taxes, Fees, and Port Charges

Mandatory fees are never discounted, including:

• Government taxes

• Port fees

• Harbor maintenance charges

These are regulated by port authorities and governments (U.S. Department of Transportation).

2. Gratuities

Royal Caribbean’s daily gratuities are not included unless specifically stated:

Cabin Type	Daily Gratuity (Approx.)
Interior / Oceanview	$18 per person
Balcony / Suite	$20+ per person

(Source: Royal Caribbean Guest Services)

3. Drink Packages, Wi-Fi, and Dining

The BOGO 60% fare does not include:

• Deluxe Beverage Package

• Internet packages

• Specialty dining

• Shore excursions

• Spa services

These are separate onboard purchases.

4. Airfare and Transfers

Unless explicitly bundled:

• Flights

• Airport transfers

• Hotels

are not included in the cruise fare.

How the BOGO 60% Discount Is Calculated (Step-by-Step)

Example Pricing Breakdown

Assume:

• Cruise fare per person: $1,000

Guest	Fare
Guest 1	$1,000
Guest 2	$400 (60% off)
Total Fare	$1,400

Now add:

• Taxes & fees: $200 per person

• Gratuities: $140 per person (7-night cruise)

Final total: ~$2,280

This example shows why advertised discounts rarely equal total savings.

Is the BOGO 60% Offer Actually a Good Deal?

When It’s Worth It

The offer tends to be valuable if:

• You’re traveling as a couple

• You book during off-peak seasons

• You choose mid-range cabins

• You compare against non-promo base fares

When It’s Not Ideal

You may get better value when:

• Traveling solo (single supplement applies)

• Booking last-minute flash sales

• Using loyalty or casino offers

• Sailing during peak holidays

Comparing BOGO 60% with Other Royal Caribbean Deals

Offer Type	Best For	Typical Savings
BOGO 60%	Couples	20–35%
Kids Sail Free	Families	25–40%
Flash Sale	Flexible travelers	Up to 50%
Resident/Military	Eligible groups	10–30%

Savings estimates based on historical fare analysis and Consumer Reports travel pricing insights.

Expert Tips to Maximize the BOGO 60% Offer

1. Compare Per-Person Pricing

Always calculate:

• Total booking cost ÷ number of guests

Ignore headline percentages.

2. Track Price Drops After Booking

Royal Caribbean often allows:

• Price adjustments before final payment

• Rebooking without penalty (depending on fare type)

3. Book Early, Reprice Often

Early bookings secure cabin choice, while repricing captures later discounts.

4. Use a Cruise Price Tracker

Third-party tracking tools can alert you to fare changes (based on publicly available pricing data).

Health, Safety, and Policy Considerations

Royal Caribbean follows international maritime health standards, including:

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (CDC.gov)

• WHO international travel health guidance (WHO.int)

Promotions do not override health or documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the second cruise really 60% off?

Yes—but only the base cruise fare, not total trip cost.

2. Can I apply BOGO 60% to an existing booking?

Usually no, unless you cancel and rebook (fees may apply).

3. Does the offer apply to solo travelers?

No. Solo travelers pay a single supplement.

4. Can I combine it with onboard credit?

Sometimes. It depends on the specific promotion.

5. Is airfare included?

No, unless explicitly bundled.

6. Does it apply to suites?

Yes, but the absolute savings depend on the fare.

7. Are gratuities included?

No, unless stated otherwise.

8. Is this deal available year-round?

It appears frequently but is not always active.

9. Does Kids Sail Free stack with it?

Sometimes, during select promotions.

10. Is it better than booking last-minute?

Not always. Last-minute deals may be cheaper for flexible travelers.

Final Verdict: Should You Book Royal Caribbean’s BOGO 60% Offer?

Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One 60% Cruise Offer is legitimate, transparent, and often valuable—but only when understood correctly.

It is best suited for couples, moderate sail dates, and travelers who compare total costs rather than marketing headlines. When combined with careful repricing and stackable promotions, it can deliver meaningful savings, but it is not automatically the best deal available.

Smart cruising isn’t about chasing the biggest discount—it’s about understanding the real price.