Travel tip: Cruise line offers credit to passengers changing plans

Shirley McMarlin
Sunday, March 29, 2020 12:01 a.m. | Sunday, March 29, 2020 12:01 a.m.

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Royal Caribbean is allowing its cruise ship passengers to cancel a booking within 48 hours of departure in exchange for credit on a future cruise. Here, the line’s Empress of the Seas departs Miami Beach, Fla., in 2016.

Royal Caribbean is offering a “Cruise With Confidence” plan to passengers already booked on a cruise, or those thinking about booking.

The Future Cruise Credit plan allows passengers to cancel bookings on any cruise that embarks through July 31 from any port for credit on a future cruise. Cancellations must be made by phone at least 48 hours before the ship sets sail.

The credit can be used toward any later cruise that sets sail through Dec. 31, 2021.

If the fare on the new booking exceeds the Future Cruise Credit’s value, the passenger pays the difference. If the new cruise fare is lower than the Future Cruise Credit’s value, a new credit will be issued for the remaining balance.

On March 24, Royal Caribbean said its ships would resume sailing on May 12 after suspension of cruises due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alaska, Canada and New England cruises currently are set to begin July 1.

Details: 800-256-6649 or royalcaribbean.com