Royal Caribbean Introduces 48-Hour Cancellation Policy Called ‘Cruise with Confidence’
by Daniel McCarthy
Royal Caribbean’s Richard Fain said that the company wanted guests to “know you have the option to take a rain check” on existing bookings. Photo: Shutterstock.com.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is now allowing guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea to cancel up to 48-hours before a sailing with a full future cruise credit refund.
The policy is for all bookings, even new ones, with a sail date on or before July 31, 2020. The credit can be applied to any new booking in 2020 and 2021.
In a statement announcing the new policy, Royal Caribbean’s Richard Fain said that the company wanted guests to “know you have the option to take a rain check” on existing bookings and for those wanting to book now to be able to do so with confidence.
“We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary.”
“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” he said. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.
