Royal Caribbean Tests Early Cabin Assignment Option

Royal Caribbean International is testing a new option that allows guests booking guarantee cabins to pay a fee for earlier stateroom assignments.

Based on guest feedback, the feature is part of a limited-time “Early Access” pilot program introduced in late April and the cruise line is reportedly charging $30 per cabin for passengers who want to find out their stateroom details sooner than usual.

Under the standard guarantee cabin policy, staterooms are assigned automatically, sometimes just a few days before departure. With the new program, guests who pay the fee can receive their cabin assignment within 24 business hours.

“Early Access” is currently available for U.S. bookings on selected cabin categories during specific pre-cruise periods.

For sailings of five nights or less, guests may receive their stateroom assignment between 30 and 60 days before departure. For cruises lasting six nights or longer, assignments can be confirmed between 50 and 80 days in advance.

Royal Caribbean’s guarantee cabin option typically offers lower fares but does not allow passengers to choose the exact location of their stateroom. Instead, guests select a category such as interior, ocean view, balcony, or suite, and the cruise line assigns the specific cabin.

On Oasis- and Icon-class ships, the policy also includes an additional category, where guests are assigned balcony cabins overlooking the ship’s internal neighborhoods.