Royal Caribbean Extends Cruise With Confidence Policy To 2022

Royal Caribbean Extends Cruise With Confidence Policy To 2022

Cruise lines are hard hit by the impacts of coronavirus.  One cruise line’s response to COVID-19 even being investigated by Congress.  Cruise lines have been hard hit, particularly because they are deemed as petri dishes for viruses.  Royal Caribbean even filed a trademark for its own face masks.  Meanwhile, the CDC issued a “no sail order” that is in effect until at least July 24, 2020.

Royal Caribbean announced on Wednesday that it is extending its “Cruise with Confidence” policy through April 2022.  The policy is for all bookings created by August 1, 2020, including existing bookings.

Here’s what the “Cruise with Confidence” policy includes:

• Cancellation: Cancel your booking within 48 hours of cruising for a full credit for a future cruise booking through April 2022;
• Lift and Shift: Allows the passenger for up to 48 hours before departure to “lift and shift” their cruise to the same itinerary departing on a different date.  The original price and promotions on the reservation will be protected, along with the cruise length and room category; and
• Best Price Guarantee: Guests can choose to change the price and promotional offer on their reservation up to 48 hours before their cruise.

Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain said in a statement,  “Guests are reacting positively to our Cruise with Confidence policy,” says RCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain, “because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”

When Will I Cruise Again?

Admittedly, I love cruising.  I’ve done five cruises and loved every single one of them.  My husband, mom, and I are planning a Hawaiian cruise next year that we plan on booking pretty soon.  I look forward to being on a cruise ship again.  But obviously there are a lot more precautions to be taken than getting on a plane.

Bottom Line

Royal Caribbean extended their “Cruise with Confidence” policy through April 2022, which gives people some peace of mind to book a cruise.  As cruise lines start to announce their plans to set cruising, this may be a time to keep a watchful eye on a cruise you might want to take.