How To Move To A Different Date On Royal Caribbean International: What Royal Caribbean International Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's what Royal Caribbean International guests need to know about moving your booking to a different date, in plain English.
Moving to a different sailing works the same way as a date change once you're past final payment, falling under the standard cancellation terms: On sailings of 5 nights or longer, you can cancel 90+ days out and get a full refund except for any non-refundable deposit. Inside that window the penalty climbs in steps: 25% of the fare from 89-75 days out, 50% from 74-61 days, 75% from 60-31 days, and 100% (no refund) inside 30 days. Shorter 1-4 night sailings use a tighter 75-day cutoff for the free-cancellation zone.
Rules on moving your booking to a different date can shift by ship and season, so it's worth a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 before you finalize plans. This can shift a little depending on which travel agency or booking channel you used, so confirming with whoever holds your reservation is a good habit. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I move to a different date on Royal Caribbean?
Contact the cruise line or your travel advisor with your confirmation number - moving to a new date before final payment is usually simple, while moves closer to departure may incur standard cancellation fees. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Can I move to a completely different itinerary, not just a different date?
Yes, though that's typically treated as a full rebooking rather than a simple date change, since pricing and availability reset. Since this can vary slightly by sailing date, it's worth a quick check against your specific departure before you make other plans around it. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Will I lose my deposit if I move to a different date?
If your deposit was refundable, it typically transfers to the new date; non-refundable promotional deposits usually don't carry over. A travel advisor who already has your booking details on file can usually confirm this faster than searching the cruise line's general FAQ pages. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change my date?
Most lines don't set a hard limit, but each change made after final payment is generally subject to cancellation fees, so repeated changes can get expensive. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Does moving to a different date affect my loyalty points?
No, your accumulated loyalty status stays with your guest profile regardless of which specific sailing you end up taking. This tends to be handled a little differently for bookings made directly with the cruise line versus through a third-party agency, so checking your paperwork helps. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Who can help me find a better date for my Royal Caribbean cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can check alternative dates and pricing. This can shift a little depending on which travel agency or booking channel you used, so confirming with whoever holds your reservation is a good habit. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Is moving to a different date the same process as a full rebooking?
It can function similarly - if you're inside the cancellation penalty window, a date change might be treated the same as canceling and rebooking under current pricing. It's worth double-checking this against your own confirmation email, since promotions occasionally add extra flexibility beyond the standard rule. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does Royal Caribbean charge a rebooking fee for date changes made early?
Many lines allow free or low-cost date changes when requested well before the cancellation penalty window opens, though this varies by cruise line and fare type. Peak season sailings sometimes have tighter rules than the general policy, so it's worth asking if your dates fall into that window. That's the short version, at least.
Can I move my sail date to a completely different year?
Generally yes, as long as the itinerary is still offered and inventory allows, though pricing will reflect the new sailing's current rates rather than your original booking price. Keeping a screenshot or PDF of your booking terms at the time you paid is a smart backup if a policy detail is ever disputed later. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Will my deposit carry over to a new date?
If your original deposit was refundable, it typically transfers to the new date; non-refundable promotional deposits are usually forfeited when moving to a different sailing. If your itinerary includes a charter or repositioning sailing, terms can differ from a standard published route, so it's worth asking specifically. Good to know before you finalize anything.