Anyone who has booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for early 2022 now has more flexibility in changing plans and making payments.
Royal Caribbean informed travel agents on Friday of a number of changes related to guest programs, many of which have been well received by guests.
Here is a breakdown of the major changes that have just been announced.
More time to cancel a cruise for credit
The “Cruise with Confidence” program has been extended again.
The Cruise with Confidence program is expanding to include reservations confirmed on or before December 17, 2021 and sailing by April 30, 2022.
This program allows guests to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours prior to its departure date without penalty in exchange for 100% credit on future cruises.
Launched at the beginning of the cruise industry shutdown in 2020, Cruise with Confidence is designed to give guests peace of mind that they can change their plans after the final payment date.
Typically, guests would have to pay a penalty if they cancel a ride past the last payment date, which is usually 90 days prior to the start of the ride. Cruise with Confidence offers a lot more flexibility to change your mind without penalties.
Included in this extension is the Best Price Guarantee, which allows guests to recalculate their travel prices up to 48 hours prior to the travel date if the price drops.
Cruise with Confidence program credits must be redeemed by April 30, 2022 on departures on or before September 30, 2022, or 1 year from the original departure date, whichever is later.
Last payment window moved
The final due date for payment for departures by March 31, 2022 now has up to 30 days before departure to make full payment.
The change was made to give guests more flexibility in deciding whether to take a cruise without forcing an earlier cancellation.
Royal Caribbean said they will not notify guests directly of this change so travel agents can do so if they so choose.
“Rest assured, no action is required on your part and no cancellations will be made until the new final payment date.”
Typically, the final payment date for a cruise is 90 days prior to departure.
COVID-19 aid program extended
Another extension concerns Royal Caribbean’s COVID-19 Assistance Program, which covers passengers if someone tests positive within 14 days of the cruise or on board.
Vaccinated guests and children who cannot yet be vaccinated and who are sailing on or before April 30, 2022 will receive the following COVID-19 assistance at no extra charge.
- 100% refund of the cruise price for you and your fellow travelers if one of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days before the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
- Proportional refund of the cruise price if your cruise is canceled for reasons related to COVID-19.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the cost of COVID-19-related medical treatment on board, the required quarantine on land and the journey home for you and your tour group.
