Royal Caribbean Adds New Fee for Guests Who Don’t Show Up to Dinner
Royal Caribbean is rolling out a new policy designed to tackle a common frustration onboard: guests who reserve tables at specialty restaurants but never show up.
The cruise line has informed travel agents that a no-show fee will soon be applied fleetwide. While the exact cost and conditions of the charge have not yet been disclosed, the company says the move is meant to “preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options.”
Why the Change?
Specialty dining venues such as Izumi and the Lincoln Park Supper Club are often in high demand, especially on formal nights and holiday sailings. Loyal cruisers know reservations can book up quickly, leaving some guests unable to enjoy these experiences. When passengers fail to show up for their reserved time, it can throw off the restaurant’s service flow and result in empty tables that others would have gladly filled.
Royal Caribbean hopes the new fee will encourage guests to cancel in advance if their plans change, rather than simply skipping the meal. “By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience,” the cruise line noted.
What Will It Cost?
At this time, the cruise line has not confirmed how much the penalty will be. It could be a flat fee added on top of the already-paid dining charge or possibly a percentage of the cost—something that could make a missed meal very expensive.
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s policy allows full refunds for specialty dining cancellations made at least four days before sailing, or once onboard if more than 24 hours before the reservation. Within 24 hours, a minimum $10 cancellation fee applies. The new rules will go further, targeting guests who skip their reservations altogether.
Exceptions to the Rule
Two groups of guests will be exempt from the no-show fee: those who already hold dining packages and travelers booked in Star Class suites. It is unclear, however, if future dining package purchases will also include the exemption, or if it only applies to packages already purchased before the policy takes effect.
The Star Class exception aligns with the premium perks these top-tier accommodations offer, such as priority access and personalized service.
Why It Matters
Some cruisers may wonder if no-shows are really a big issue on a ship carrying thousands of people. But for venues with live entertainment, such as supper clubs or hibachi-style dining, seats can’t easily be filled last-minute. These experiences run on strict timing, and open spots can go unused if guests don’t turn up.
Beyond logistics, Royal Caribbean argues the new fee promotes fairness. Guests who secure reservations without attending may prevent others from enjoying the experience. For many, especially on special sailings, that’s a disappointment the cruise line is eager to prevent.
While the fine details are still to be revealed, one thing is clear: Royal Caribbean wants guests to take their reservations seriously. For those who love the exclusive dining options at sea, this new policy may mean more chances to actually snag a coveted seat.
