Royal Caribbean is offering guests aboard an upcoming cruise on Allure of the Seas some amazing compensation if they downgrade their stateroom or change sailings.
Passengers booked on the May 15, 2025, sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, received an email asking if anyone had flexible travel plans.
While they didn't explicitly state that the cruise is overbooked, they're looking for passengers to either move to a "cozy interior stateroom" or Odyssey of the Seas' May 18 sailing from Civitavecchia.
"Ahead of our Allure of the Seas, May 15, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel plans," reads the email.
Thankfully, it doesn't appear as if they're in dire need of volunteers — at least not yet. The email continues by stating that if travel plans are set in stone, the notice can be disregarded:
"If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as 'read,' and gear up for your upcoming adventure - although, there are some pretty sweet options below."
Guests can get up to two free Royal Caribbean cruises
Nobody wants their vacation plans to change, especially at the last minute. Many passengers may not have the flexibility to rebook another cruise, even if it leaves just a few days later.
For those who want to remain on the original May 15 sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, the first option asks guests to move to an inside cabin for a full refund and $200 USD in onboard credit per stateroom.
"We'll move you to one of our cozy Interior staterooms and Royal Caribbean International will fully refund your current booking, including any non-refundable deposit for Allure of the Seas," says the email.
Of course, inside cabins are pretty divisive. Some love the pitch-black caves, while others can't imagine embarking on a cruise without a private verandah.
The second option asks confirmed guests to move to Odyssey of the Seas' 7-night Greek Isles cruise from Civitavecchia on May 18, calling at Santorini, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Naples, Italy.
According to the email, "You'll receive a complimentary transfer to the Odyssey of the Seas sailing you selected in the same category you previously booked. The complimentary transfer covers your cruise fare for the new sailing only and excludes taxes, fees & gratuities."
Plus, Royal Caribbean will fully refund the original reservation aboard Allure of the Seas.
The last option is the most lucrative, as guests could walk away with a full refund and Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
"If you choose to cancel, you'll receive a 100% refund, PLUS a 100% Future Cruise Credit to book an alternate Royal Caribbean sailing," reads the email.
The biggest situpulations are that the FCC is valued at 100% of the cruise fare paid for the May 15 sailing on Allure of the Seas. It must also be used on a Royal Caribbean voyage departing by May 15, 2026.
Guests who elect to move to Odyssey's sailing or receive a full refund will also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses, including hotels and flights.
Still, it's possible to ignore options and continue with last-minute preparations for the 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise:
"Please note that this special offer is time-limited and subject to availability. If you're happy to be excluded from the special offer, please disregard this email - no further action is required."
However, if you're booking on Allure of the Seas that week and have a flexible schedule (or don't mind a windowless inside cabin), it's worth filling out the survey link in the email to snag one of these great deals. They can easily help pay for another vacation!
Read more: Royal Caribbean is upgrading one of its mega ships with $100M+ improvements
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
