How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Royal Caribbean?

Why this matters (and why you should read right now)

Imagine you’ve spotted a better date for your long-awaited cruise: a cheaper flight, a friend joining later, or a must-attend event that clashes with your sail date. Before you panic about penalties, breathe — changing a cruise date with Royal Caribbean is doable, and how much it costs to change a cruise date with Royal Caribbean depends on a few clear factors. Read this guide and you’ll know the exact levers to pull to keep your wallet happy and your vacation intact.

Understand the moving parts (so you stop guessing)

When someone asks how much it costs to change a cruise date with Royal Caribbean, the honest answer is: it depends. But “depends” can be turned into predictable decisions once you know the variables. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:

1. Type of fare / rate rules

   • Deep-discount or promotional rates may have stricter change or cancellation fees. Flexible or “refundable” fares cost less to change — sometimes only taxes or a small administrative fee.

2. How far in advance you change

   • The earlier you request a change, the lower the fees and the higher chance of finding available cabins at a similar price. Last-minute changes are often costlier.

3. Difference in cruise price

   • If the new cruise date has a higher fare for your chosen cabin, you’ll pay the fare difference. If it’s cheaper, the handling of the price gap depends on Royal Caribbean’s policies (you may receive onboard credit or a reduced amount after deductions).

4. Number of guests and fare categories

   • Each passenger’s booking may have different rules. If you move one guest to a different date, their penalty/difference is computed separately.

5. Promotions, deposit protection, and travel insurance

   • Some promotions or protection plans reduce or waive change fees. Travel insurance sometimes covers change costs for covered reasons.

6. Currency, taxes, and port fees

   • Even when no fare difference exists, taxes, fees, and port charges can vary by itinerary and may be due upon change.

7. Third-party bookings

   • If booked through a travel agent, third-party terms may apply — sometimes the agent handles changes (with their own service fees).

Now that you know the levers, let’s make this workable. We'll convert unknowns into a predictable formula.

What you gain by using this guide

• Avoid surprise charges and double-booking your schedule.

• Save money by timing your change and using proven tactics.

• Preserve travel credits, loyalty perks, and seat/amenity choices.

• Get step-by-step scripts to use when contacting Royal Caribbean or your travel agent.

• Sleep easier knowing your vacation is secured without unnecessary cost.

Plus — missing the right rebook window can cost far more than the change fee itself. Don’t miss out.

The Practical Formula (short and powerful)

Use this to estimate:

Estimated Cost to Change = Change Fee (per person) + Fare Difference (if new date is pricier) + Taxes & Port/Service Fee Adjustments + Agent Fee (if applicable)

Examples:

• If change fee = $100 per guest, fare difference = $200 (new date pricier), taxes = $40 → Total per guest = $340.

• If fare difference is negative (new date cheaper), Royal Caribbean may issue a credit after deducting the change fee — not always a cash refund.

Step-by-step guide — exactly what to do to change your cruise date (and minimize cost)

Step 1 — Pause, gather your booking info

Get these ready:

• Booking confirmation number(s)

• Guest full names as on booking

• Cabin number (if known)

• Current sail date and desired new sail date(s)

• Payment method details

• Travel insurance policy number (if purchased)

Step 2 — Check the fare rules on your confirmation

Look for phrases like “non-refundable,” “change fee,” or “transfer allowed.” This sets expectations and tells you if you can change online or must call.

Step 3 — Search availability for your new date

Do this before calling. Use Royal Caribbean’s website or ask your travel agent. Note cabin category and price. If the new date is cheaper, write down the price and cabin; if expensive, note the fare difference.

Step 4 — Check promotions and credits

• Do you have a “Future Cruise Credit” (FCC)? Many guests get FCCs from previous cancellations — these can usually be applied to the fare difference and possibly the change fee.

• Any loyalty status or onboard credits? These sometimes help offset costs.

Step 5 — Decide how to change: online vs call vs travel agent

• Online: If Royal Caribbean’s site allows a straightforward transfer and your fare rules permit it, this is fast.

• Call: Best when policies are unclear, you need to apply credits, or if you want the agent to search for lower fares or waive fees.

• Travel agent: If you booked through one, many agents can change for you and negotiate on your behalf. They may charge a fee, so factor that in.

Step 6 — Make the change

Use the script below (copy/paste) for the agent or call center:

“Hello — I’m calling about booking #XXXXXX. I’d like to change the sail date from [current date] to [new date]. Please confirm the change fee, any fare difference, and how any Future Cruise Credits can be applied. Also, will my cabin category, special requests, and loyalty benefits transfer with the booking?”

Ask the agent to itemize the charges: change fee per person, fare difference per person, taxes/fees. If anything seems off, request they place a hold while they research.

Step 7 — Confirm everything in writing

After the call or online change, get a new confirmation email showing the updated itinerary, the total paid, and any credits or refunds due. Save screenshots.

Step 8 — Recheck travel logistics

Flights, hotels, transfers — changing the cruise date may require moving other bookings. Check refundable options or rebooking fees for those too.

Advanced tips to reduce or avoid costs (insider-level)

1. Change early — penalties are usually lower and fare availability better.

2. Use FCCs and onboard credits smartly — apply them to minimize cash outlay.

3. Watch sale windows — if Royal Caribbean launches a sale for your new date, you might lower the fare difference or secure a better cabin for similar cost.

4. Ask for fee waivers during disruptions — if Royal Caribbean changes the ship itinerary or sailing date, they often offer rebooking without penalty.

5. Combine changes with upgrades — sometimes paying a little more gets you a cabin upgrade that increases vacation value.

6. Split the booking — if one guest must change, sometimes moving just that person and keeping others on the original booking (if allowed) can be cheaper.

7. Travel agent negotiation — agents have access to promotions or hold inventory that can minimize cost.

8. Leverage loyalty status — elite members sometimes get more flexible change terms.

9. Buy a refundable fare next time — if future flexibility matters, it’s worth the up-front premium.

Why you should act now (and what you might lose if you wait)

• Cabins in sought-after categories (balconies, suites) sell out quickly for popular dates. Waiting can force you into a higher-priced cabin or worse — no availability.

• Seasonal differences matter: holidays and school breaks have massively higher fares; missing the right rebook window can make the fare jump by hundreds per person.

• Future Cruise Credits and promotions often have expiration dates — letting them lapse is money lost.

• If your reason for changing is limited (a wedding, concert, family event), dates fill fast — delaying your change risks losing group discounts or connecting cabins.

Acting now doesn’t mean rushing blindly — use the steps above to change intelligently.

Final tips to save money now

• Before you call: have payment ready, but ask if you can use a credit first.

• If the price difference is huge, ask the agent to search similar cabins or nearby sailings — they may find a better option.

• Keep all communications written — email confirmation is your best friend.

• Consider refundable fares next time if you value flexibility.

Your immediate next steps

1. Pull up your booking confirmation.

2. Use the checklist above.

3. Call or message Royal Caribbean / your agent with the provided script.

4. Confirm everything in writing, then update flights and hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q1: How much does Royal Caribbean charge to change a cruise date?

A1: There isn’t a single universal fee — change fees vary by fare type, booking terms, timing, and whether you booked through a third party. Expect a per-person administrative fee plus any fare difference and taxes. The exact amount will be shown when you request the change.

Q2: Will I get a refund if the new date is cheaper?

A2: Often you receive a Future Cruise Credit or onboard credit rather than a full cash refund after deductions like the change fee. Policies can vary, so ask for the precise outcome when you change.

Q3: Can I change just one person’s cruise date?

A3: In many cases yes, but it depends on booking rules and cabin configurations. For cabins where pricing is per cabin (e.g., suites), changes can be more complex. Always verify per-person vs per-cabin rules.

Q4: If Royal Caribbean cancels or changes the itinerary, do I have to pay to move?

A4: Usually no — if Royal Caribbean changes your itinerary or cancels a sailing, they typically provide options such as refund, rebooking without penalty, or future cruise credit. Terms depend on the nature of the change.

Q5: Does travel insurance cover change fees?

A5: Some travel insurance policies include coverage for changes or trip interruption for covered reasons (illness, jury duty, etc.). Read your policy carefully and ask the insurer before assuming coverage.

Q6: What if I booked through a travel agent?

A6: Contact your travel agent first. Agents can often negotiate on your behalf and may waive or lower service fees they control. However, they might also charge a service fee for making the change.

Q7: Can I change online?

A7: Many changes can be made online via your Royal Caribbean account, but some bookings require phone support — especially if credits or complex changes are involved.

Q8: Can I change the ship or itinerary, not just the date?

A8: You can request it, but shipping/itinerary changes are treated as new bookings whose costs depend on availability and fare differences; change fees may still apply.

Q9: Will my loyalty benefits (Wi-Fi packages, drink packages) transfer to the new date?

A9: Pre-purchased packages typically transfer if the booking is moved intact. Ask confirmation; packages sometimes need to be re-applied or re-purchased depending on the change.

Q10: Any hidden fees I should watch for?

A10: Watch for small print about administrative fees, currency conversion charges, and port-specific tax differences. Also, agent service fees can be hidden if you don’t ask.