What Is Royal Caribbean’s Price Match Policy and How Does It Work?

Booking a cruise is often one of the biggest travel purchases people make in a year. Prices fluctuate, promotions change weekly, and travelers naturally worry about one thing: “What if the price drops after I book?”

If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, the good news is that the cruise line offers a price protection system—often referred to as its Price Match or Best Price Guarantee. However, the rules are specific, time-sensitive, and frequently misunderstood.

This in-depth guide explains Royal Caribbean’s price match policy, how it works in real life, who qualifies, how to request a price adjustment step-by-step, and how it compares to competitors. The goal is simple: help you book confidently and avoid leaving money—or perks—on the table.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Price Match Policy

Is There an Official “Price Match Policy”?

Royal Caribbean does not use the phrase “price match” in the traditional retail sense. Instead, it operates under what it calls the Best Price Guarantee.

Based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean’s official website, this policy allows guests to reprice their cruise if the fare drops before final payment.

Once the final payment date passes, the policy changes significantly.

How Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee Works

The Core Rule (Most Important Part)

Royal Caribbean allows you to reprice your cruise at a lower fare if the price drops before your final payment date, as long as:

• The cruise is the same sailing

• The same cabin category is available

• You are not past final payment

This is not automatic—you must request it.

Royal Caribbean Price Match: Key Conditions at a Glance

Condition	Allowed?
Price drops before final payment	Yes
Price drops after final payment	No
Same ship & sailing	Required
Same cabin category	Required
Lower price from Royal Caribbean site	Accepted
Lower price from third-party agency	Not matched

What Happens If the Price Drops Before Final Payment?

If Royal Caribbean lowers the fare before your final payment date, you typically have two options:

Option 1: Reprice to the Lower Fare

• Your cruise fare is reduced

• Your deposit and booking remain intact

• You pay the new lower balance

Option 2: Receive Onboard Credit (OBC)

In some cases, especially during promotions, Royal Caribbean may offer:

• Onboard credit instead of a cash fare reduction

Step-by-Step: How to Request a Price Adjustment

Step 1: Monitor Cruise Prices

• Check Royal Caribbean’s website weekly

• Track promotions during major sales (Wave Season, Black Friday)

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

• Final payment date has not passed

• Your cabin category is still available at the lower price

Step 3: Contact Royal Caribbean

You can:

• Call Royal Caribbean directly

• Contact your travel agent if you booked through one

Step 4: Request Repricing

Ask for:

• A fare adjustment under the Best Price Guarantee

• Confirmation via email

What If the Price Drops After Final Payment?

This is where many travelers get caught off guard.

After Final Payment:

• Royal Caribbean does not lower your fare

• No cash refunds

• No price matching

In rare cases, the cruise line may offer:

• Onboard credit (not guaranteed)

• Cabin upgrade offers (promotion-dependent)

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data that Royal Caribbean consistently adjusts prices after final payment.

Deposits, Refunds, and Cancellations

Can You Cancel and Rebook?

Sometimes—but it’s risky.

• Cancelling after final payment often incurs penalties

• Deposits may become non-refundable

• Promotions may no longer be available

According to Consumer Reports, cancellation fees are one of the most common ways travelers lose money on cruises.

Price Match vs Repricing: Important Distinction

Royal Caribbean does not match competitor prices.

That means:

• No matching Expedia

• No matching Costco

• No matching third-party travel agencies

Only prices listed directly by Royal Caribbean are eligible.

Real-World Example: How Travelers Save Money

Example Scenario

• Original booking: $2,400 (balcony cabin)

• 6 weeks later: Price drops to $2,050

• Final payment not yet made

Result

• Passenger contacts Royal Caribbean

• Fare is repriced

• Savings: $350

This aligns with common traveler reports on Cruise Critic and Consumer Reports.

Common Misconceptions About Royal Caribbean’s Price Policy

 “Royal Caribbean matches Expedia prices”

False.

“They refund you automatically”

False—you must request it.

 “Price drops always get refunded”

False—timing matters.

Royal Caribbean vs Other Cruise Lines (Comparison)

Cruise Line	Price Protection
Royal Caribbean	Before final payment only
Carnival	Before final payment
Norwegian	Offers future cruise credit
Disney Cruise Line	More restrictive
MSC Cruises	Limited adjustments

Best Expert Tips to Maximize Savings

Book Early, Monitor Often

Early bookings often qualify for repricing.

Avoid Non-Refundable Deposits

They limit flexibility.

Use a Travel Agent

Agents monitor price drops automatically.

Track Wave Season Deals

January–March typically has the best promotions.

Legal & Consumer Protection Perspective

According to U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidance:

• Businesses must honor advertised prices

• But are not required to retroactively refund discounts

Royal Caribbean’s policy aligns with standard industry practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Royal Caribbean have a price match guarantee?

Royal Caribbean offers a Best Price Guarantee before final payment, not traditional price matching.

2. Can I get money back if the cruise price drops?

Only before final payment. After that, refunds are unlikely.

3. Does Royal Caribbean match Costco or Expedia prices?

No.

4. How late can I request a price adjustment?

Up until your final payment date.

5. Will I get cash back or onboard credit?

It depends on the promotion and Royal Caribbean’s discretion.

6. Can travel agents reprice my cruise?

Yes—and often faster than doing it yourself.

7. Are taxes and fees adjusted too?

Usually yes, if part of the fare.

8. What if my cabin category sells out?

You may lose eligibility for repricing.

9. Is repricing guaranteed?

No. It depends on availability and timing.

10. Is Royal Caribbean’s policy better than competitors?

It’s average—fair, but strict after final payment.

Final Verdict: Is Royal Caribbean’s Price Match Policy Worth It?

Royal Caribbean’s price match system is fair, transparent, and consistent, but not generous after final payment. If you understand the rules and act early, it can save you hundreds of dollars.