Royal Caribbean International Policies: Everything in One Place
This page pulls together the Royal Caribbean International policies our advisors get asked about most - cancellation rules, baggage limits, booking and deposit terms, dining, gratuities, and more. Each topic has its own dedicated page linked below with the full details.
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.
Since exact terms can shift by itinerary, ship, and promotion, the fastest way to confirm Royal Caribbean International's current rules for your specific sailing is to call one of our advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Royal Caribbean International's cancellation policy?
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.
Does Royal Caribbean International charge for checked baggage?
Royal Caribbean doesn't enforce a hard piece limit - the official wording is that each guest may bring "a reasonable amount of personal property" aboard. In practice, most guests pack two checked bags per person at around 50 lbs each, plus one carry-on that can pass through the terminal's X-ray scanner. Suite guests can add Luggage Valet (about $29 per person) to check airline bags straight from the ship.
How much is the deposit to book Royal Caribbean International?
A per-person deposit is due at booking, with the balance due 90 days before sailing on most cruises (75 days for 1-4 night sailings).
Are gratuities included in the Royal Caribbean International fare?
$18.50 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and $21 per person, per day for suite guests. It's added automatically to your onboard account and can be adjusted at Guest Services.
What's Royal Caribbean International's Wi-Fi policy?
VOOM, powered by Starlink fleet-wide. The Surf plan runs roughly $20 a day if you buy it before sailing, and Surf + Stream (built for video and streaming) runs closer to $30 a day.
Who can walk me through all of Royal Caribbean International's policies at once?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and one of our advisors can go through cancellation, baggage, dining, and any other policy questions specific to your upcoming Royal Caribbean International sailing.
How does Royal Caribbean International's check-in process work?
Online check-in opens as early as 45 days before sailing and needs to be completed at least 48 hours ahead. If you check in online, plan to arrive about 90 minutes before your ship sails; skip it and you'll need to arrive at least 2 hours early.
What documents does Royal Caribbean International require for boarding?
A passport isn't legally required for closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port, but Royal Caribbean strongly recommends carrying one anyway - it's the fastest path through customs and your only option if you ever need to fly home from a foreign port. Any passport used should be valid at least 6 months past your return date. Since terms occasionally get updated, double-checking this closer to your travel date is a reasonable precaution.
Does Royal Caribbean International have a loyalty program worth joining?
Crown & Anchor Society. You earn points per night sailed (double in suites), and perks start meaningfully around 80 points (Diamond level: free drinks, Wi-Fi discounts, laundry). The very top tier, Pinnacle, typically takes around 700 cruise nights and includes a free cruise. As of January 2026, points are also transferable across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea under the group's Points Choice program.
What's Royal Caribbean International's policy on sailing with kids?
6 months old on the first day of the cruise for most itineraries. That minimum rises to 12 months for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, and any sailing with 3 or more consecutive sea days, since onboard medical care for very young infants is limited that far from shore.