What Tourists Are Entitled To If Their Royal Caribbean Cruise Itinerary Changes

Whether you're sailing on Royal Caribbean to the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a short weekend getaway, or you're doing an adventurous Transatlantic voyage from the U.S. to Europe, it's always a shame when the itinerary you originally booked gets tweaked. From weather issues, mechanical problems, port restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances, anything could happen, but it's important to note that guests still have rights. 

As someone who worked for Royal Caribbean's Guest Communications team and had to issue guests' letters of communication with what they are offered, there are various options depending on the situation. If the port is changed, the maritime team tries to book a like-for-like port. In this case, the guests simply get informed of the change without any money back. In fact, the Royal Caribbean website specifically states: "Neither Royal Caribbean nor any affiliated party shall be required to refund any portion of fare or other charges or make any compensation under these circumstances." However, the team at Royal Caribbean understands they are selling memories, and they want loyal customers. So, for significant changes, there are ways you can get your money back. 

Usually, you will be given your money back on Shore Excursions. Depending on how bad the itinerary shift is, they may even give you an onboard cruise credit or a future cruise credit as a goodwill gesture, and, in some cases, a full refund. Sometimes itinerary adjustments are unavoidable, but Royal Caribbean is responsible for clear communication and fair compensation when warranted.

Occasionally, more serious situations happen onboard, like a medical emergency that requires hospitalization ashore or altercations between guests that cause a problem for other passengers. When sudden issues like this occur, guests are generally entitled to transparency, safety, and appropriate accommodations rather than monetary compensation. Cruise lines prioritize passenger welfare, meaning the ship may divert to the nearest port, delay departure, or adjust activities to handle the situation. For example, if a medical emergency requires returning to port, Royal Caribbean is obligated to ensure the affected passenger receives urgent care while minimizing disruption for others. In cases of disturbances, such as altercations, crew members act quickly to restore order and maintain a secure environment.

Guests should expect a stateroom letter, captain's announcement, and even push app notifications. While subtle onboard disruptions usually don't trigger refunds or credits, passengers may receive adjustments if specific services are directly impacted, such as canceled shows, delayed excursions, or restricted access to amenities. Royal Caribbean also has established protocols for guest conduct and medical support, ensuring that situations are managed fairly and swiftly. Compensation may not be standard for these scenarios, even when traveling on the world's largest cruise ship, but the Guest Experience team does what they can to make up for missed ports or complex adjustments in the itinerary.

It's good to know your rights as a passenger before you embark on any trip, just to be prepared. And speaking of preparations for your open-sea adventure, don't forget to check out our feature on what to pack!