Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional upgrade to standard travel insurance 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). Unlike traditional trip cancellation insurance, which only covers cancellations for specific, documented reasons (such as illness, injury, or severe weather), CFAR provides broader flexibility. As the name suggests 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whether or not it is listed in the insurance policy.
For Royal Caribbean passengers, this coverage means that if something unexpected arises, or even if you simply decide not to travel 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), you won’t lose your entire investment. While you may not get 100% of your money back, CFAR typically reimburses a substantial percentage of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses.
Royal Caribbean offers CFAR coverage through its CruiseCare® Protection Plan, which is administered by Aon Affinity and underwritten by Arch Insurance Company 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). Here’s how it generally works:
Eligibility – You must purchase CruiseCare (and the CFAR upgrade, if offered) soon after your initial deposit 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), usually within a specific time frame such as 14–21 days.
Standard Coverage – CruiseCare already includes trip cancellation protection for covered reasons like illness 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK) injury, or severe weather.
Cancel for Any Reason Benefit – If you cancel for reasons not normally covered (like work conflicts, personal issues, or simply deciding not to go), you may receive up to 75% of your prepaid 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), nonrefundable cruise fare as a future cruise credit.
Reimbursement Type – Instead of cash back, Royal Caribbean typically provides the refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), which you can apply toward another Royal Caribbean sailing within a set period (often 12 months to 2 years).
Notification Deadline – You usually need to cancel your cruise at least 48 hours before scheduled departure to qualify for CFAR benefits 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK).
CFAR is designed to offer broad flexibility. Examples of situations where passengers might use CFAR include:
Changing your mind about traveling 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK).
Deciding the timing no longer works for your schedule 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK).
Concerns about health, even without a doctor’s note.
Canceling due to family issues or personal matters 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK).
Worrying about global events or personal safety.
Without CFAR 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), these reasons typically would not be covered by traditional insurance, and you would risk losing your nonrefundable cruise fare.
While CFAR offers peace of mind, it’s important to understand its limitations before relying on it:
Not 100% Refundable – You usually get up to 75% of your cruise fare back 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), not the full amount.
Refund in FCC – The reimbursement is given as a Future Cruise Credit instead of cash.
Time-Sensitive Purchase – You must buy the coverage within a limited time after booking 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). Waiting too long may make you ineligible.
Deadline to Cancel – You can’t cancel at the last minute 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). Cancellation must usually occur at least 48 hours before departure.
Only Covers Cruise Fare – Additional travel arrangements, like airfare or hotels booked separately, may not be included unless you insure them as well.
Whether CFAR is worth purchasing depends on your travel style and comfort level with risk 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). Here are some factors to consider:
High Nonrefundable Costs – If you’ve invested a significant amount in your cruise, CFAR provides valuable protection against losing it all.
Uncertain Travel Plans – If you have a job or lifestyle that may require last-minute changes 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), CFAR gives you flexibility.
Peace of Mind – Even if you don’t expect to cancel, knowing you can back out if necessary often makes the extra cost worthwhile.
For travelers who are confident in their plans, the additional expense may not be necessary 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). But for those who prefer a safety net, CFAR can be a smart investment.
Royal Caribbean also offers its Cruise with Confidence policy (available during certain promotions or special periods), which allows passengers to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before sailing and receive a Future Cruise Credit 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). However, this program may not always be available. Standard trip insurance without CFAR is another option but provides less flexibility.
Royal Caribbean’s Cancel for Any Reason option is a valuable tool for travelers who want flexibility when planning their cruise 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). While it doesn’t offer a full cash refund, it ensures that you recover most of your investment in the form of a future cruise credit if plans change unexpectedly 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK). The key is understanding the rules: purchase the plan promptly after booking, cancel within the allowed timeframe, and be prepared for reimbursement in the form of FCC rather than cash.
If flexibility and peace of mind are priorities for your vacation 1-800-950-4401(US) /+44 (20) 39003980(UK), Royal Caribbean’s CFAR coverage is well worth considering.