Before you book an Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean, it’s crucial to understand their cancellation policies. While an Alaskan cruise is often the trip of a lifetime, these sailings can be impacted by factors such as unpredictable weather, high seasonal demand, limited port access, and operational adjustments. These variables make it even more important to know your rights and options if your plans change or if the cruise line makes changes to your itinerary.
This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step breakdown of Royal Caribbean’s 2025 cancellation policies. You’ll learn about refund eligibility, timelines, non-refundable deposits, how Future Cruise Credit (FCC) works, and what to do if Royal Caribbean cancels the sailing.
Overview of Royal Caribbean’s Standard Cancellation Policy
Royal Caribbean’s general cancellation policy falls under its “Cruise with Confidence” initiative, though aspects of this policy are subject to change depending on booking dates and fare types. Here is a simplified breakdown of the standard refund policy based on how many days remain before your sailing:
Standard Refund Timeline:
|
Days Before Sailing |
Refund Eligibility |
Notes |
|
75+ Days |
Full Refund (minus deposit) |
Usually safest time to cancel |
|
74–31 Days |
Partial Refund |
Penalties begin applying |
|
<30 Days |
Limited or No Refund |
Cancellation fees typically apply |
Cancellations made closer to the departure date will incur higher penalties, and after a certain point, refunds may not be issued at all.
Alaska Cruise-Specific Considerations
Alaska cruises are seasonal, typically running from late April through September. Because of this short window and high demand, there are fewer ships and cabins available, which means stricter booking and cancellation terms may apply.
Additionally, Alaskan itineraries are more susceptible to weather disruptions. Ports like Skagway or Sitka may close unexpectedly due to storms or ice conditions, leading to itinerary changes or cancellations. Royal Caribbean sometimes exercises more flexibility with refunds or FCC when weather causes significant impact.
Non-Refundable Deposit (NRD) Fares
Non-Refundable Deposit (NRD) fares are popular due to their lower upfront costs. However, they come with significant restrictions, especially for Alaska sailings.
- What is an NRD Fare? A fare with a discounted rate where your deposit is not refunded if you cancel.
- Impact on Alaska Cruises: Given their popularity, Alaska cruises often offer NRD fares to lock in bookings early.
- What Happens if You Cancel? You may lose your deposit entirely or be issued an FCC, depending on when you cancel.
While you can usually convert your NRD into a Future Cruise Credit (minus a change fee), no cash refunds are provided.
Future Cruise Credit (FCC): How It Works
If you cancel your cruise or Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Cancelled it, you may be offered a Future Cruise Credit (FCC). Here’s what you need to know:
- When FCC is Offered: If the cancellation occurs within penalty windows or due to Royal Caribbean’s operational decisions.
- Expiration: FCCs typically expire within 12 to 24 months of issuance.
- How to Use: FCCs can be applied toward any future Royal Caribbean cruise, including Alaska sailings, as long as travel is completed before the expiry.
- Transferability: FCCs are generally non-transferable, but Royal Caribbean has made exceptions in the past under extenuating circumstances.
Cancelled by Royal Caribbean: What You Get
If Royal Caribbean cancels your Alaska cruise (rather than you doing so), you will be offered:
- A full refund, or
- A Future Cruise Credit (FCC), often with a bonus (e.g., 125% of your original fare).
In the past, Alaska sailings have been canceled due to:
- Ship maintenance issues
- Crew shortages
- Weather-related port closures
When these cancellations happen, compensation options vary but often include perks like onboard credits or additional FCC bonuses.
How to Cancel a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise
If you need to cancel your booking, follow these steps:
- If booked directly through Royal Caribbean:
- Log in to your Cruise Planner account.
- Navigate to your upcoming trips and select “Cancel Reservation.”
- If booked through a travel agent:
- Contact your agent directly. Some agencies can offer added support or benefits.
- Customer Service Contacts:
- U.S. & Canada: 1-800-256-6649
- International numbers are available on Royal Caribbean’s website.
Tip: Cancel as early as possible to reduce or avoid cancellation penalties.
Travel Insurance: Why It Matters
Even with Royal Caribbean’s policies, there are several scenarios where only travel insurance will protect your investment:
- Personal illness or emergency
- Missed flights or connections
- Family emergencies or medical cancellations
For Alaska cruises in particular, comprehensive insurance is recommended because:
- Remote destinations mean limited emergency services
- Higher risk of weather-related delays
- Longer travel durations increase exposure to disruptions
Choose a policy that covers cruise-specific issues, including cancellation, interruption, and missed port coverage.
Group Bookings and Alaska Cruise Tours
If you’re part of a group or have added a land tour extension (like Denali National Park or Anchorage add-ons), cancellation policies can be different.
- Group Policies: Often have stricter terms and earlier payment deadlines. Changes can impact group pricing.
- Cruise Tours: These packages are more rigid. Canceling the land portion may not result in a full refund.
Always review the combined policy and coordinate with your group leader or travel advisor.
Summary Table of Key Cancellation Deadlines
|
Days Before Sailing |
Refund Eligibility |
Notes |
|
90+ Days |
Full Refund |
Best time to cancel |
|
89–30 Days |
Partial Refund |
Penalties apply |
|
<30 Days |
No Refund |
Unless cruise is canceled by RC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I cancel my Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise for any reason?
Yes, but your refund depends on how close to departure you cancel. Early cancellations offer better refund options.
Q2: What happens if Royal Caribbean cancels my Alaska cruise?
You’ll typically receive a full refund or a Future Cruise Credit, often with a bonus percentage.
Q3: Is Alaska cruise cancellation policy different from Caribbean cruises?
Not significantly, but Alaska cruises face more risks related to weather and port availability.
Conclusion
Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise cancellation policies can be complex, especially when factoring in seasonal demand, NRD fares, and cruise-tour packages. However, with early planning and an understanding of the rules, you can avoid major financial losses.
Always consider travel insurance, choose refundable fares if your plans aren’t set in stone, and be mindful of key cancellation dates. By doing so, you can book your Alaska cruise with more confidence and flexibility.
For more help planning your Alaska adventure, check out our related guide: “What to Do If Your Alaska Cruise Gets Cancelled.