Royal Caribbean to charge no-show fees for specialty dining reservations
Cruise line says 24-hour cancellation rule will be enforced for onboard paid dining experiences as demand outstrips limited capacity
Royal Caribbean has introduced a policy to charge passengers who fail to cancel or appear for specialty restaurant reservations less than 24 hours before the booking, the company said.
Under the policy, no-shows or late cancellations will incur fees that begin at $25 per person for many specialty dining venues. The charge increases to $50 per person for higher-end experiences that include Omakase, Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki, the Empire Supper Club, Chef's Table, Lincoln Supper Club and Royal Railway. Bookings at the Celebration Table will be charged at half the cost of the overall experience. Star Class and Dining Package reservations are excluded from the new rule.
The company said in a statement, "A 24-hour cancellation period will be enforced for all specialty dining reservations and culinary experiences, excluding Star Class and Dining Package reservations." Royal Caribbean added the change "allows us to ensure guests have a chance to enjoy popular dining experiences during their vacation, especially those with limited capacity," according to reporting that first surfaced in travel outlets.
Specialty restaurants aboard cruise ships often have limited seating and book quickly, the company said, and the fees are aimed at improving availability for guests who plan to dine there. The policy applies across the line's fleet and governs on-board paid dining experiences that are separate from included dining options.
The move follows a period of fleet expansion and heightened investment in onboard amenities by Royal Caribbean. In late August, the line's new vessel, Legend of the Seas, completed its initial float-out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The vessel, described by the company as the world's largest cruise ship, is reported to weigh about 250,000 tonnes and measure nearly 1,200 feet in length. Royal Caribbean has promoted the ship's record-setting water park and an array of bars and restaurants as part of its bid to attract family and luxury travelers.
Company representatives framed the dining policy as a measure to protect access to limited-capacity culinary experiences amid growing demand tied to new vessels and onboard attractions. Travel reporting cited by media outlets gave the fee amounts and listed the venues that will carry the higher penalty.
The Daily Mail has approached Royal Caribbean for further comment on the policy and its implementation. The company did not specify an exact date of rollout in its public statement, and consumers are advised to check Royal Caribbean's official booking terms and communications for the most up-to-date information on cancellation windows and charges.
Cruise passengers who frequently book specialty dining or culinary experiences should review reservation and cancellation rules before sailing to avoid unexpected charges. Royal Caribbean's announcement follows broader industry attention to managing demand for premium, limited-capacity amenities as cruise lines expand onboard entertainment, dining and luxury offerings.