Cruise & Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Adopts a New Booking Rule

Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Mon July 17, 2023

Royal Caribbean just made it a little easier for its cruise passengers.

In a move similar to what Carnival Cruise Line is already utilizing, Royal Caribbean will give passengers a 48-hour window between booking a cruise and actually paying for it. Frankly, it’s for People who still need to dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s, or take care of any last minute minutia involved with booking a cruise.

Now, booking a cruise is so much easier.

That’s especially true for people booking multiple cabins for family or friends, because cruises are generally nonrefundable. Having a two-day hold on the cabins and the price can be advantageous. But the courtesy hold is not available for all sailings. As one blogger noted, it could be a test by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line could be in beta mode for the moment.

It is not known which shifts or which happens are available. Both cruise lines will still give you on board credit for any difference in the final price. In other words, if you book for $500 in the final price is $450 you will get a $50 on board credit. But it’s up to you to point out the disparity, because the cruise line certainly won’t.

Travel advisors have always been able to use the 48-hour window, but now individuals booking their own cruise are apparently able to do so as well.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...