What is the Lift & Shift option on Royal Caribbean, and how does it work?

The Lift & Shift program is one of Royal Caribbean International’s most flexible booking features, designed to protect consumers against price fluctuations and scheduling changes—especially during uncertain travel periods. While originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lift & Shift has evolved into a broader rebooking mechanism that allows guests to move their cruise reservation to a new sailing under specific conditions, often without change fees.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What Lift & Shift really means

• How it works step by step

• Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)

• How it compares to other Royal Caribbean booking policies

• Expert tips to maximize savings and minimize risk

This article is based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean’s official website, consumer advocacy sources, and established travel industry analysis. Where data is unavailable, it is clearly stated.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Lift & Shift Program

What Does “Lift & Shift” Mean?

In simple terms, Lift & Shift allows you to:

Move (“lift”) your existing cruise reservation and apply it (“shift”) to a new sailing date or itinerary while preserving key booking benefits.

Unlike canceling and rebooking from scratch, Lift & Shift is designed to:

• Retain your original booking rate type

• Preserve onboard credits or promotions (when applicable)

• Avoid standard change fees in qualifying scenarios

Why Royal Caribbean Introduced Lift & Shift

Royal Caribbean introduced Lift & Shift during periods of widespread travel disruption to:

• Offer flexibility amid unpredictable travel conditions

• Reduce guest cancellations

• Build long-term customer trust

According to travel industry analysts cited by Harvard Business Review, flexible rebooking policies significantly improve brand loyalty during times of uncertainty.

How the Lift & Shift Option Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Lift & Shift eligibility depends on:

• Whether your sailing was affected by itinerary changes or disruptions

• The fare type you booked (refundable vs. non-refundable)

• Whether Royal Caribbean is actively offering Lift & Shift for your sailing

Important: Lift & Shift is not always available for voluntary changes.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data showing that Lift & Shift applies universally to all bookings.

Step 2: Choose a New Sailing

When eligible, you can typically move your booking to:

• A new sailing within a specific date window

• A comparable ship or itinerary

• Sometimes the same itinerary on a different date

Royal Caribbean often limits Lift & Shift to sailings within a defined range, such as within the same season or calendar year.

Step 3: Price Protection Rules Apply

One of Lift & Shift’s biggest benefits is price protection:

• If the new cruise is more expensive, Royal Caribbean may honor your original rate

• If the new cruise is cheaper, policies vary—price reductions are not always guaranteed

This differs from standard cruise repricing policies, which often require full cancellation and rebooking.

Step 4: Confirm and Reissue Booking

Once confirmed:

• Your booking number remains active

• Payments and deposits transfer automatically

• Travel documents are reissued

Lift & Shift vs. Cancel and Rebook

Feature	Lift & Shift	Cancel & Rebook
Change fees	Usually waived	Often applies
Price protection	Often honored	Not guaranteed
Promotions	May transfer	Must requalify
Deposit	Transferred	May be forfeited
Risk level	Low	Medium–High

Consumer Reports frequently advises travelers to choose policy-based changes over cancellations whenever possible to reduce financial risk.

Eligible Fare Types and Restrictions

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Fares

• Refundable fares: Most flexible; more likely to qualify

• Non-refundable fares: Lift & Shift may still apply if initiated by Royal Caribbean

Group and Promotional Bookings

Lift & Shift availability for:

• Group rates

• Travel agent bookings

• Casino or loyalty offers

…depends on the original contract terms.

Always confirm with Royal Caribbean or your travel agent before assuming eligibility.

Real-World Example: How Lift & Shift Saves Money

Example Scenario

• Original booking:

  • 7-night Caribbean cruise

  • Price paid: $1,600 per person

• New sailing price: $1,950 per person

Using Lift & Shift, Royal Caribbean may:

• Move your booking

• Honor the $1,600 rate

• Avoid change penalties

Potential savings: $350 per person

Lift & Shift and COVID-Era Consumer Protections

Lift & Shift gained prominence during the pandemic, aligning with consumer protection principles recommended by:

• UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

These agencies emphasized flexible rebooking instead of forced cancellations.

Although COVID-specific rules have ended, Lift & Shift reflects broader industry shifts toward consumer-friendly policies.

Expert Tips to Maximize Lift & Shift Benefits

1. Book Early (But Monitor Prices)

Early booking gives access to:

• Better cabin selection

• Promotional perks

• Greater Lift & Shift flexibility

2. Choose Refundable Fares When Possible

Although more expensive upfront, refundable fares offer:

• Lower long-term risk

• Easier rebooking options

3. Track Cruise Pricing Weekly

Cruise pricing fluctuates similarly to airline fares. Travel analysts recommend:

• Monitoring prices until final payment date

• Using Lift & Shift or repricing tools when available

Lift & Shift vs. Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee

Royal Caribbean also offers a Best Price Guarantee, which allows repricing before final payment.

Feature	Lift & Shift	Best Price Guarantee
Applies after booking	Yes	Yes
Requires rebooking	Sometimes	No
Date change allowed	Yes	No
Fee waived	Often	Yes

Lift & Shift is broader but more situational.

Common Misconceptions About Lift & Shift

Myth 1: It’s Always Available

Reality: It’s situational and policy-driven.

Myth 2: You Always Get the Lower Price

Reality: Price drops are not guaranteed.

Myth 3: You Can Change Anything

Reality: Cabin categories and itineraries may be restricted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Lift & Shift still available in 2025 and beyond?

Based on publicly available information, Lift & Shift is offered selectively, not as a permanent universal policy.

2. Can I use Lift & Shift more than once?

Generally no—most bookings allow one shift only.

3. Does Lift & Shift apply to airfare booked through Royal Caribbean?

Airfare policies are separate and may not qualify.

4. Will my onboard credit transfer?

Often yes, but promotional terms apply.

5. Can I upgrade my cabin using Lift & Shift?

Sometimes, if availability exists and price differences are paid.

6. Is Lift & Shift better than cruise insurance?

They serve different purposes; Lift & Shift is policy-based, insurance covers unforeseen events.

7. Does Lift & Shift apply to international sailings?

Yes, when offered by Royal Caribbean for those itineraries.

8. Can travel agents process Lift & Shift?

Yes, authorized agents can manage the change.

9. What happens if the new sailing is canceled?

Standard Royal Caribbean cancellation policies apply.

10. Is Lift & Shift available for last-minute bookings?

Rarely, due to fare and inventory restrictions.

Final Verdict: Is Lift & Shift Worth Using?

For travelers seeking price protection, flexibility, and reduced financial risk, Royal Caribbean’s Lift & Shift option is a valuable tool—when available. While not universally applicable, it offers a consumer-friendly alternative to canceling and rebooking, aligning with modern travel industry best practices.

If you value flexibility and peace of mind, understanding Lift & Shift before booking can save both money and stress.