Booking a cruise involves a blend of art and science, with prices subject to frequent changes and cruise ships often selling out. This process becomes even more complex when coordinating multiple room bookings for family and friends on the same cruise.
Utilizing a travel agent is generally advisable due to their access to tools that can secure optimal pricing and facilitate group reservations. A competent travel agent, typically someone working full-time within an agency that offers nearly round-the-clock support, can simplify the process of booking the desired cruise at a competitive price.
Some travelers, however, prefer to book independently and can access certain tools available to both them and travel agents. For instance, Royal Caribbean allows travelers to place a temporary hold on their cruise without immediate payment, offering a window of 24 to 48 hours to contemplate the purchase. This time frame enables individuals to consult partners or involve family groups in the decision.
Acknowledging the brevity of the hold period, Royal Caribbean has opted to extend this duration for both passengers and travel agents before a deposit is required.
Royal Caribbean has announced an update, extending the hold period for cruise bookings without an upfront payment. This hold temporarily removes the cruise from inventory, preventing others from booking the cabin. This new policy outlines that holds depend on the proximity to the final payment deadline. For cruises more than 91 days from the final payment due date, a five-day hold is available. Cruises 46 to 90 days out permit a two-day hold, and those 31-45 days out allow a one-day hold before a deposit is needed to secure the reservation. No extensions to the hold period are permitted under this policy, applicable to both travel agents and self-booking passengers.
These guidelines apply only to individual cabin reservations. Travel agents can secure longer, 30-day holds for groups, while groups larger than 16 cabins necessitate a $50 deposit per room. Similar policies for 48-hour holds are offered by Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean’s sister line, Celebrity Cruises.
