The Royal Caribbean Group has announced a change to the rules surrounding free cruises granted to casino players, with a deposit now required for all bookings for guests who’ve previously no-showed.
Guests on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sailings are often invited to enjoy free cruises, if they spend enough money in the casino onboard during past cruises.
It makes sense for the cruise line, because they will often make more money from those guests when they return and play more in the casinos.
However, there have been some issues with guests no-showing their cruise, meaning that there are empty beds on the cruise ships that could otherwise have been filled.
As a result, those guests have been contacted and told that, in future, they must pay a $200 deposit to secure their free cruises.
It only applies to guests who’ve no-showed or who have cancelled within two days of a sailing date, but it will apply to all future bookings from 5th September 2024 onwards for those guests.
If the guests do board the ship, the $200 deposit will be converted into onboard credit for them to enjoy. If they cancel with at least seven days’ notice, it’ll be refunded. But, if the guests cancel at short notice or no-show the cruise, the deposit is forfeited.
While it may be controversial for those impacted guests, on the outside the move makes sense, as it’s not fair on the cruise lines to award free places to guests who then no-show a room that could otherwise have been sold.
Want the best Royal Caribbean deal?
Get a free quote from Cruise Mummy’s trusted travel agent, with exclusive onboard credit and expert help at no extra cost.
Related posts
- Celebrity Cruises Blue Chip Club: Everything You Need To Know
- How To Get A Free Cruise (15 Ways To Do It)
- Royal Caribbean Emerald Benefits
Glass Panel Shatters in Legend Of The Seas’ AquaDome
Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship Legend of the Seas has suffered a shattered glass panel in its signature AquaDome attraction, just over a month after entering service. The incident marks…
Port Canaveral Launches $95 Million Terminal 10 Transformation
Port Canaveral has commenced a $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, with completion targeted for November 2027. The ambitious project will increase the facility’s footprint by nearly…
Explora Journeys Welcomes EXPLORA III As New Luxury LNG-Powered Cruise Ship Begins Maiden Voyage
Explora Journeys has officially welcomed EXPLORA III into its growing fleet, with the luxury cruise ship departing on her maiden voyage after a naming ceremony in Barcelona on 4th August…
Carnival Suspends Platinum Benefits For Eclipse Voyage
Carnival Cruise Line has suspended several key Platinum-tier benefits for passengers booked on Carnival Legend’s groundbreaking solar eclipse sailing departing 9th August 2026 from Dover. The 11-night voyage, timed to…
