Royal Caribbean Offers Smart Solutions For Flight Worries

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Royal Caribbean advises all guests to arrive at the cruise port city at least one day early to mitigate risk from flight disruptions.
  • Guests who miss their cruise must contact the Emergency Travel Team (ETT), which may allow them to join the cruise at the next port of call.
  • The Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program provides financial reimbursement for costs incurred due to covered delays or cancellations.
  • The Air2Sea program offers an “Assured Arrival” benefit, ensuring the ETT handles re-arrangements for delayed or canceled flights

Despite widespread concern among cruisers over the FAA-mandated 10% flight cuts due to the government shutdown, Royal Caribbean has existing policies and programs in place to assist guests facing travel disruptions. While the cruise line has not issued a new official statement specific to the shutdown, its online resources address flight cancellations and delays.

The core advice from Royal Caribbean is twofold: passengers should always aim to arrive at their port city at least a day before sailing to build a buffer against delays, and they should strongly consider purchasing the company’s Travel Protection Program. This program offers financial reimbursement for additional accommodations, meals, and “catch-up” transportation expenses if a trip is missed due to carrier-caused delays or other covered reasons. Without this insurance, guests are responsible for all costs incurred to meet the ship at its next port of call.

For those who miss their departure, Royal Caribbean advises immediately contacting their Emergency Travel Team (ETT). In specific, properly documented situations, the ETT may authorize a guest to join the cruise at the next port. Additionally, guests who book flights through Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program receive the benefit of “Assured Arrival,” meaning the ETT will handle all necessary re-arrangements and ensure a resolution to reach the ship. The comprehensive Travel Protection Plan also includes cancellation, trip interruption, and medical coverage, reinforcing the need for preparation during this period of high uncertainty and looming holiday travel congestion.