After the disappointment of a cancelled Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise, the next question on your mind is likely: how long will it take to get your refund? Refund timelines can vary depending on how you booked and which type of reimbursement you’re eligible for. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how long you should expect to wait, your refund options, and how to follow up if there are delays.
How Long Does a Royal Caribbean Refund Take?
Royal Caribbean typically processes refunds within 7 to 21 business days after a cruise cancellation. However, this can vary based on several factors:
- Refund method: Credit card refunds can take up to three weeks. Refunds to debit cards may take longer.
- Booking method: If you booked directly through Royal Caribbean, you’ll deal with them for refunds. If you booked through a travel agent, they manage the refund process.
- Who cancelled: If Royal Caribbean cancelled the cruise, processing tends to be faster than if the guest initiates the cancellation.
It’s important to note that delays can occur during periods of high volume, such as after mass cancellations or peak travel seasons.
Refund Options: What You May Get
When your cruise is cancelled, you may receive one of the following refund types:
Full Refund
- Return to your original form of payment.
- Takes about 7–21 business days.
Future Cruise Credit (FCC)
- Often issued faster, usually within 5–10 business days.
- Can be applied to another cruise booking.
- Typically must be used within 12–18 months.
Bonus FCC Offers
- Occasionally offered if you choose FCC instead of a refund.
- May include 125% FCC during special promotional windows or after significant cruise disruptions.
How to Track Your Refund Status
You can monitor the progress of your refund in a few ways:
- Log in to your Cruise Planner account to check for updates or FCC availability.
- Check your email regularly for refund confirmation notices.
- Contact Royal Caribbean customer service if you haven’t received a refund after 21 business days.
- Booked through a travel agent? Reach out to your agent directly, as they may handle the refund process on your behalf.
What If Your Refund Is Delayed?
Before sounding the alarm, make sure you’ve waited the full 21 business days. After that point, consider these common causes of refund delays:
- Bank processing times (especially with debit cards)
- System overload during peak periods
- Incorrect or outdated payment details on file
Pro Tip: Always save a screenshot or copy of your cancellation confirmation email. This makes any follow-up easier.
When to Contact Customer Service
Here are scenarios when you should reach out to Royal Caribbean’s support team:
- More than 21 business days have passed with no refund
- You received only a partial refund
- You want to switch from a refund to FCC
Customer Service Contact:
- Website: Royal Caribbean Contact Page
- Phone (US): 1-800-256-6649
Quick Summary Table
|
Refund Type |
Timeline |
Notes |
|
Credit Card Refund |
7–21 business days |
May vary by bank |
|
FCC (Credit) |
5–10 business days |
Faster can be used on future cruises |
|
Bonus FCC |
Varies by promotion |
Offered during large-scale cancellations |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a refund from Royal Caribbean?
A: Most refunds are processed within 7–21 business days, depending on your payment method and booking channel.
Q: Is Future Cruise Credit faster than a refund?
A: Yes, FCCs are typically issued in 5–10 business days, often faster than traditional credit card refunds.
Conclusion
Royal Caribbean typically issues refunds within 7–21 business days, but FCCs often arrive sooner. Be patient, but don’t hesitate to follow up if it’s been longer than three weeks. Choosing Future Cruise Credit can also be a faster and flexible alternative, especially if you’re planning to sail again soon.
Related Resources:
- Why Are Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Cancelled?
- Royal Caribbean Cancellation Policy for Alaska Cruises
- What to Do If Your Alaska Cruise Gets Cancelled