Refund for cruise cancellations before 1/31/22

[read2learn]

I sent a request to TA to cancel my Jan 29th cruise. I requested a refund and this is the reply I received. Is this correct? I thought it was available thru 1/31. I also stated that I was cancelling due to the mask protocal change.

The refund option is for sailings through 1/17/2022, your sailing only qualifies for the FCC.

 

+

 

 

Thanks!

                                       

[Ladymom30]

I was told the same thing. Does anyone have a copy of the policy?

[coldflame]

I'm saying this as my sister and I (different bookings) called and cancelled for full refund because we were not going to be able to meet the new testing protocols (and they had changed the itinerary twice on us already). If you do not wish to travel, have your agent call Royal and request a refund on the basis of unable to meet health and testing protocols or new CDC "avoid cruising" guidance.

[read2learn]

Thank you! The concierage of the ageny I use answered my request . I am going to call my TA  directly as I feel I was given the wrong info. Fingers crossed she is still working there. 

[pcur]

@coldflame is correct:  they are a lot more lenient if it's COVID related.

 

However, be aware that anything paid toward port taxes, fees, or gratuities IS refunded back to the original form of payment.  The rest is an FCC.

[read2learn]

Thank you. I stated that due to the new mask protocaol I had to cancel. My asthma is severe and having to wear a mask for extended periods of time is uncomfortable . I am definitely pro-mask but feel the fun would be diminished . 

[MsDolly]

With the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, our public health guidance continues to evolve and we want to let you know what to expect as we prepare to welcome you onboard.

All our crew members are fully vaccinated, have received booster shots when eligible, and are tested on a weekly basis with high contact front of house service staff tested every three days. All your fellow guests 12 and older are fully vaccinated and tested before boarding. And the small number of children sailing who are 11 and under get a second test at the terminal and are increasingly vaccinated. Typically, your onboard cruise community vaccination rate is in the 95% range.

As a result of Omicron, which we have seen is much more transmissible with much milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened onboard health protocols, such as the requirement to wear a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino.

Even with such a high onboard community vaccination rate and enhanced protocols in place, there is a possibility of positive cases arising during your sailing, just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. Our protocols anticipate this possibility and we implement them as needed to protect the health and safety of everyone.

We also work with local governments in all the ports of your itinerary who are informed of the ship's public health status before arrival and together, we decide if we can debark in their country. When we make these decisions, we consider the number of COVID positive cases onboard, and also the number of cases in the destination community along with factors such as the community vaccination status. Should we need to cancel a port of call, we will always do our best to find an alternate destination or work through a resolution for our missed port.

You should also note that some onboard activities, such as ice skating, rock climbing, laser tag, production shows, Adventure Ocean, etc., could be impacted during your sailing, as we adjust ourplans to ensure that the health of both our guests and crew remain our priority.

For our full protocols, please click here. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details. For sailings departing through January 17^th, if you prefer not to sail as a result of this information and would like to reschedule your cruise, we are available to assist you.

[MsDolly]

My email clearly says for cruises through to January 17th

[read2learn]

This was my email but it doesn't state anything about refunds or FCC so.....guess we have to read between the lines. Updated mask protocols for departures through January 31, 2022 With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world and added Omicron variant concerns, we feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols to require masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. This new update also applies to vaccinated areas and venues. Lastly, in alignment with the updated mask policy, smoking will also not be permitted in the casino for all cruises departing on or before January 31, 2022. We're sorry for any disappointment that this may cause, but hope you understand that health and safety come first. Despite the new requirement, we know you will still have a great time onboard. For full protocol details, please click here. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details or contact us at 1 (866) 562-7625 or 541-285-9150 for assistance. If you prefer to not sail as a result of this change or would like to reschedule your cruise, we are glad to assist. Looking forward to seeing you onboard!

© 2021 Royal Caribbean International. Use of our various websites, mobile application(s), kiosks, and other digital platforms are subject to our Terms of Use. Royal Caribbean Intl. 1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33132 www.royalcaribbean.com

[HicksRA]

I’d hold off cancelling a week or so and see if they extend the date. They probably will. 

[HicksRA]

I believe this is the relevant email. 
 

 

Dear Guest,

With the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, our public health guidance continues to evolve and we want to let you know what to expect as we prepare to welcome you onboard.

All our crew members are fully vaccinated, have received booster shots when eligible, and are tested on a weekly basis with high contact front of house service staff tested every three days. All your fellow guests 12 and older are fully vaccinated and tested before boarding. And the small number of children sailing who are 11 and under get a second test at the terminal and are increasingly vaccinated. Typically, your onboard cruise community vaccination rate is in the 95% range.

As a result of Omicron, which we have seen is much more transmissible with much milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened onboard health protocols, such as the requirement to wear a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino.

Even with such a high onboard community vaccination rate and enhanced protocols in place, there is a possibility of positive cases arising during your sailing, just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. Our protocols anticipate this possibility and we implement them as needed to protect the health and safety of everyone. 

We also work with local governments in all the ports of your itinerary who are informed of the ship’s public health status before arrival and together, we decide if we can debark in their country. When we make these decisions, we consider the number of COVID positive cases onboard, and also the number of cases in the destination community along with factors such as the community vaccination status. Should we need to cancel a port of call, we will always do our best to find an alternate destination or work through a resolution for our missed port.

You should also note that some onboard activities, such as ice skating, rock climbing, laser tag, production shows, Adventure Ocean, etc., could be impacted during your sailing, as we adjust our plans to ensure that the health of both our guests and crew remain our priority.

For our full protocols, please click here. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details. For sailings departing through January 17^th, if you prefer not to sail as a result of this information and would like to reschedule your cruise, we are available to assist you.

To avoid waiting on the phone to reschedule or cancel, click here and we will get the process started for you or contact us at 1 (866) 562-7625 or 954-628-9290.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

Sincerely,

[Biker19]

15 minutes ago, MsDolly said:

My email clearly says for cruises through to January 17th

They haven’t read or gotten the message that the policy was extended by two weeks. 

[coldflame]

4 hours ago, pcur said:

@coldflame is correct:  they are a lot more lenient if it's COVID related.

 

However, be aware that anything paid toward port taxes, fees, or gratuities IS refunded back to the original form of payment.  The rest is an FCC.

 

Fully refundable. I'm sure Royal would love not to refund you the money, but if you insist you want a refund, they will extend it. The agent that handled our case was super helpful, so that might make a difference.As usual with Royal customer service, if you're not getting anywhere, hang up and call again.

[RoyalC]

4 hours ago, read2learn said:

I sent a request to TA to cancel my Jan 29th cruise. I requested a refund and this is the reply I received. Is this correct? I thought it was available thru 1/31. I also stated that I was cancelling due to the mask protocal change.

The refund option is for sailings through 1/17/2022, your sailing only qualifies for the FCC.

 

+

 

 

Thanks!

                                       

Bottom line as some said- any cruise in January can be fully refunded regardless of booking NFD or otherwise. It was extended a few days ago. "If you prefer to not sail as a result of this change" -that is the somewhat subtle way of them saying you can cancel for full refund.

[greeneng]

Does anyone have, or can provide a link to, anything in writing from Royal which states that a booking for any cruise leaving on or before Jan. 31, 2022 can be refunded if the passenger(s) object to the new policies.  I have been searching, but have not been able to find anything.  I did get the email with the change in protocols and have followed most of the links in there but only find that one can cancel and get an FCC.

 

[read2learn]

My problem has been resolved as RC has cancelled all Serenade sailing thru March along with several other ships. Have not received email from TA yet but another CC poster has so I think a refund will be an option. Deja-Vu again! I did get one cruise in before the new variant reared its ugly head. Hoping my April European on Azamara is a go. Sorry that so many people are once again facing this disappointment. 

[read2learn]

As a result of the ongoing COVID-related circumstances around the world, and in abundance of caution, we have made the tough decision to pause operations on the following ships:

 

• Jewel of the Seas sailings from Jan. 9 – Feb. 12, returning on Feb. 20, 2022
• Serenade of the Seas sailings from Jan. 8 – March 5, resuming service after her dry dock on April 26, 2022
• Symphony of the Seas sailings from Jan. 8 – Jan. 22, returning on Jan. 29, 2022
• Vision of the Seas’ return to cruising is postponed until March 7, 2022

[Ourusualbeach]

1 hour ago, greeneng said:

Does anyone have, or can provide a link to, anything in writing from Royal which states that a booking for any cruise leaving on or before Jan. 31, 2022 can be refunded if the passenger(s) object to the new policies.  I have been searching, but have not been able to find anything.  I did get the email with the change in protocols and have followed most of the links in there but only find that one can cancel and get an FCC.

 

There is nothing that specifically states refund but it is implied and they will grant you the refund without batting an eye for cruises through Jan 31.  I cancelled 3 more clients sailings this morning for a full refund, up to about 8 in total, never an issue.

[read2learn]

RC just sent email that for cancelled cruises you may choose 100% refund or FCC with 125% extra. 

[sailing sue]

This is so very frustrating! My cruise is Jan 24th and I emailed my TA that I want to cancel because of the new mask protocol. She told me she spoke with a Royal agent who told her that I cannot get a full refund because I am booked on a non refundable deposit reservation and I used a FCC toward my payment. I told my TA do not cancel my booking because I am not going to accept the FCC. Any ideas of what to do next to get my refund?

[Biker19]

28 minutes ago, sailing sue said:

Any ideas of what to do next to get my refund?

Call again. 

[pcur]

Yes, call again, because any cruise booked before 1/31/22 and sailing before 5/31/22 there is NO such thing as a non-refundable deposit.  You get ALL you paid back.

 

BUT, it's the form of payment that's at issue here.  If RCCL cancels the cruise, then they will offer you either a 100% refund of all monies paid, OR a 125% FCC for the cruise fare.  Port taxes, gratuities, and any other items you paid cash for is refunded back to the credit card you used. (Happened to me today for my 1/29/22 Serenade cruise).

 

So if you cancel, it's FCC; if RCCL cancels it a choice.

 

But, I suggest you do call back and when Push and Shove start butting heads, ask to escalate you problem to the Resolutions Department.

 

 

[adidas5676]

14 minutes ago, pcur said:

Yes, call again, because any cruise booked before 1/31/22 and sailing before 5/31/22 there is NO such thing as a non-refundable deposit.  You get ALL you paid back.

 

BUT, it's the form of payment that's at issue here.  If RCCL cancels the cruise, then they will offer you either a 100% refund of all monies paid, OR a 125% FCC for the cruise fare.  Port taxes, gratuities, and any other items you paid cash for is refunded back to the credit card you used. (Happened to me today for my 1/29/22 Serenade cruise).

 

So if you cancel, it's FCC; if RCCL cancels it a choice.

 

But, I suggest you do call back and when Push and Shove start butting heads, ask to escalate you problem to the Resolutions Department.

 

 

Don't bookings now say that any cancellations they will keep $100/pp as a fee before refunding the remainder?

[Biker19]

7 hours ago, adidas5676 said:

Don't bookings now say that any cancellations they will keep $100/pp as a fee before refunding the remainder?

That’s after CWC expires and they go back to pre pandemic rules. 

[Ourusualbeach]

17 hours ago, read2learn said:

RC just sent email that for cancelled cruises you may choose 100% refund or FCC with 125% extra. 

That was for the cancelled cruises on 4 ships.  This thread is discussing the protocol change and allowing guests to cancel any sailing for cruises departing through Jan 31, two entirely different situations