What if I need to replace a passenger on my booking?

Replacing a passenger is considered a cancellation and rebooking. The original guest faces cancellation fees based on timing, while the new guest pays current fares (often higher). This is allowed up to 30 days before sailing, except within 24 hours of initial booking when Royal Caribbean's '24-Hour Guest Replacement Policy' allows penalty-free substitutions. All guests must requalify for promotions when replacing passengers.

Royal Caribbean Change Policy 2025 | Name & Booking Modifications

Q: Can I change the name on my Royal Caribbean reservation?

Yes, Royal Caribbean allows name changes with conditions: Minor spelling corrections are free with documentation, last name changes cost $50 with proof, and full name changes may incur cancellation fees. All changes must be completed 24-48 hours before sailing by calling Royal Caribbean or your travel agent. The name on your reservation must match your passport exactly for boarding.

Q: How much does it cost to change my Royal Caribbean sail date?

Royal Caribbean sail date change fees range from $50-$300 per person depending on timing: $50 if 90+ days before sailing, $100 at 89-30 days, $200 at 29-15 days, and $300 at 14-3 days. Changes within 48 hours are prohibited. You'll also pay any fare difference, which may be substantial if rebooking close to departure. Some non-refundable fares prohibit date changes entirely.

Q: What is Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy?

For cruises 5+ nights, Royal Caribbean's cancellation fees are: Full refund if cancelled 90+ days out; deposit forfeited at 89-60 days; 50% of total fare at 59-30 days; 75% at 29-15 days; and no refund within 14 days. Non-refundable deposits are always forfeited. Shorter cruises have more lenient policies. Travel insurance is recommended as exceptions aren't made for medical or family emergencies.

Q: Can I switch to a different Royal Caribbean ship?

Yes, Royal Caribbean permits ship transfers if requested at least 60 days before original sailing, with fees of $100-$200 per person. You'll pay current fares on the new ship and may lose original promotions. Ship changes are treated as cancellations in their system, requiring full rebooking. Availability depends on capacity, and popular sailings often have limited options for transfers.

Royal Caribbean Change Policy Overview

Need to modify your Royal Caribbean cruise booking? Our guide covers everything from name changes and date adjustments to cabin upgrades and cancellation fees. Learn how to make changes with minimal fees and maximum flexibility for your dream vacation.

Royal Caribbean Name Change Policy

royal caribbean change contact

Check Eligibility

Name changes are permitted up to 24 hours before sailing for most bookings, with fees.

Prepare Documentation

Have legal proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order) if correcting spelling.

Contact Royal Caribbean

Call your travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly (name changes cannot be done online).

Pay Name Change Fee

Fees range from $50-$100 per name depending on sailing date proximity.

Important: Complete name changes (replacing one passenger with another) may be treated as a cancellation with applicable fees.

Name Change Restrictions

Situation	Allowed?	Fee	Deadline
Minor spelling correction	Yes	$0-$25	24 hours before
Last name change (marriage)	Yes	$50	48 hours before
First name change	Case-by-case	$50-$100	7 days before
Replace passenger entirely	Limited	Cancelation fees may apply	30 days before

Royal Caribbean Booking Change Policy

Modifiable Booking Elements

Sail Date Changes

Allowed up to 48 hours before original sailing, subject to availability and fare differences.

Cabin Upgrades/Downgrades

Available until sailing if inventory exists. Pay/receive fare difference.

Add/Remove Guests

Possible if cabin capacity allows. Must maintain minimum occupancy.

Dining Preferences

Adjustable online until 3 days before sailing.

Pro Tip: Changes made more than 90 days before sailing typically incur lower fees than last-minute modifications.

Change Fees & Deadlines

Modification Type	61+ Days Out	60-15 Days Out	14-3 Days Out	48 Hours or Less
Sail Date Change	$50 per person	$100 per person	$200 per person	Not permitted
Cabin Category Change	$25 per booking	$50 per booking	$100 per booking	$200 per booking
Ship Transfer	$100 per person	$200 per person	Not permitted	Not permitted
Name Change	$50 per name	$75 per name	$100 per name	Not permitted

Royal Caribbean Change Policy FAQs

Name Change Questions

Can I change the name on my Royal Caribbean reservation? +

What if I need to replace a passenger on my Royal Caribbean booking? +

Date & Itinerary Changes

How much does it cost to change my Royal Caribbean sail date? +

Days Before Sailing	Change Fee	Additional Costs
90+ days	$50 pp	Fare difference
89-30 days	$100 pp	Fare difference
29-15 days	$200 pp	Fare difference + 10%
14-3 days	$300 pp	Fare difference + 25%

Can I switch to a different Royal Caribbean ship? +

Cancellations & Refunds

What is Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy? +

Can I get a refund if Royal Caribbean changes the itinerary? +

Expert Tips for Royal Caribbean Changes

For name changes: Make corrections during the 24-hour grace period after booking to avoid fees
For date changes: Monitor price drops - you may save more than the change fee
For cancellations: Consider transferring your booking instead to preserve promotions
For upgrades: Check for price drops after final payment - Royal Caribbean may offer free upgrades
For flexibility: Book refundable fares or purchase travel insurance