Royal Caribbean Cancellation Rule Change: What Cruisers Lose in Oct. 11 Policy Shift

Royal Caribbean is tightening cancellation terms for cruises booked in North America, with the new rules taking effect Oct. 11, 2026. The line will eliminate a 25% cancellation penalty tier and redesign cruise-length brackets. Under the update, travelers canceling a 5-plus-night sailing 61 to 89 days before departure will lose half their fare rather than a quarter. For 10-to-14-night cruises, final payment deadlines move 30 days earlier, to 120 days before embarkation for the harshest category. Royal Caribbean also reshapes its tiers to 1–4, 5–9, and 10+ nights, with no refunds inside 30 days in most cases.