Cruise lovers are eager to return to the seas, but many may be still holding back due to the current landscape.
Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea and Azamara, is doing its part to ease concerns by extending the popular “Cruise With Confidence” program through November 30, 2020 for all sailings departing through April 2022.
“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings, because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility,” says Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain.
The policy offers peace of mind by allowing cancellations on new bookings up to 48 hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit. For eligibility, bookings must be active (not previously cancelled) with no other cancellation offers previously.
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An option dubbed “Lift & Shift” is designed for guests who simply wish to move their vacation plans to next year.
From now through November 30, 2020, they can opt to shift their existing booking, protecting their original cruise fare & promotion, to a qualifying sailing next year on the same itinerary type, sailing length and stateroom category.
However, it has to be within four weeks before or four weeks after the date of their original cruise.
Royal Caribbean Group is also offering clients a “Best Price Guarantee,” valid up to 48 hours prior to their cruise vacation start date and ensuring they secure the best possible rate. Price variances will result in a rate adjustment if requested outside of final payment or a non-refundable onboard credit when requested inside the final payment period.
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“Best Price Guarantee” is applicable to qualifying guests on sailings departing on or before April 30, 2022.
Guests wishing to cancel prior to final payment can also do so for a full refund of all monies paid to date, and all nonrefundable deposits returned in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.
After final payment, the standard cancellation penalties apply for those guests not interested in taking advantage of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy.
By Bruce Parkinson
