Atlas by Shumba Travel · Ask Atlas
How much deposit do I need to book a cruise?
The deposit depends on how long you're sailing, what kind of room you book, and which deposit schedule applies to your reservation. It is not based on how excited you already are about the itinerary. For many standard stateroom bookings, Royal Caribbean still uses $100 per guest on 1 to 5-night cruises, $250 on 6 to 9 nights, $450 on 10 to 14 nights, and $500 on sailings of 15 nights or longer. Bermuda sailings need $250 per person no matter the length. Suites use 10% of the cruise fare or the standard deposit, whichever is higher. Some newer bookings use a simplified schedule: $100 for 1 to 5 nights, $250 for 6 to 9 nights, and $450 for 10 nights or longer, with Bermuda 5-night sailings still at $250 per person. That newer deposit table already appears on Royal Caribbean's site for certain Alaska, Hawaii, Transpacific, Panama Canal, and Pacific Coastal reservations created on or after September 29, 2026 for sailings on or after April 11, 2028. Your booking confirmation shows the exact amount due for your reservation.
- Legacy standard deposits still listed for many bookings: $100 (1 to 5 nights), $250 (6 to 9), $450 (10 to 14), $500 (15 nights or longer)
- Newer simplified deposits for some bookings: $100 (1 to 5 nights), $250 (6 to 9), $450 (10 nights or longer)
- Bermuda: $250 per guest on the legacy table regardless of length, and $250 for Bermuda 5-night sailings on the newer table
- Suites: 10% of the cruise fare or the standard deposit, whichever is higher
- Confirm the amount on your booking confirmation, because schedule depends on when and what you booked
Source: Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean
Last verified 2026-10-04