Royal Caribbean to revise cancellation terms for select North American cruises
The changes are scheduled to take effect in October 2026, with some 2028 itineraries covered earlier.
Royal Caribbean is scheduled to introduce a new cancellation policy on October 11, 2026, for cruises departing from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The cancellation rules for sailings of one to four nights will remain unchanged.
Under the new terms, guests canceling cruises of five to nine nights between 89 and 61 days before departure will face a 50% penalty. For itineraries lasting at least 10 nights, the 50% penalty will apply to cancellations made between 119 and 61 days before sailing.
Across all cruises covered by the revised policy, cancellations made 60 to 31 days before departure will carry a 75% penalty. Cancellations 30 days or less before sailing will incur a 100% penalty.
The policy will apply immediately to 2028 Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal and Transpacific sailings when they open on September 29. Royal Caribbean’s reservation system will also automatically apply the cruise line’s existing cancellation policy for third and fourth guests.
