Cruise Lines Hike Cancellation Penalties

Two major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, are set to revise their cancellation policies for North American sailings beginning October 11, 2026. These changes, described as simplifications, will affect penalty structures and payment deadlines.

Royal Caribbean is eliminating its 25% cancellation penalty tier across all sailing lengths. This means penalties could be higher and apply sooner for cancellations made shortly after the final payment deadline. For shorter cruises (one to four nights) and medium cruises (five to nine nights), penalties now start at 50% 75 and 90 days prior to embarkation respectively. For longer voyages (10 nights or more), the 50% penalty begins 120 days before sailing.

Celebrity Cruises is consolidating its penalty tiers from three to two. Sailings of one to five nights will incur charges starting 75 days out, while cruises of six nights or longer enter the penalty period within 120 days of sailing. Additionally, both lines will now apply cancellation penalties to third and fourth guests in a reservation, a fee that was previously often waived, directly impacting family bookings.

These policy updates, including earlier final payment deadlines for longer sailings, are intended to manage inventory more effectively amidst growing cruise demand. Bookings made before October 11, 2026, will retain their original cancellation terms.