Royal Caribbean cruise holiday almost ruined after passenger makes basic payment error

A Reddit user has shared the alarming story of how their cruise was almost cancelled last minute after making a basic payment error.

When it comes to holidays, cruises are becoming more and more popular options to the general public, which is perhaps no surprise when you consider all the benefits that are included with a life on board.

Some people are even considering switching to life at sea full-time, as it works out than renting a flat or house, which I'm sure is fantastic so long as you get used to the sea legs and can deal with the crushing fact that none of the staff will ever be able to have a relationship with you.

But for one Reddit user, a trip with Royal Caribbean was planned as the perfect anniversary trip, until a small error threw everything up into the air.

What happened to the Royal Caribbean passenger?

Posting on the Royal Caribbean Reddit page, user Norie08 posted: "Hello everyone. I forget to pay my final balance on my Royal Caribbean. Finally, remember it while I'm at work. I'm planning to pay for it after work. But now I have received notice of cancellation of my cruise. Can I still beg them I'm going to pay? I keep calling them, but nobody answers. I'm so sad!"

The customer made a basic error (Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

While most of us are worried about forgetting our passports or making sure we have the right colour suitcase when we're going on holiday, remembering to pay seems like a far less common mistake, but things are very different when it comes to booking a cruise.

Did the Royal Caribbean passenger manage to sort it out?

For those of you on the edge of your seat and worrying for the original poster, then I have some good news. After persevering, they managed to get hold of Royal Caribbean and were able to pay off the final amount.

However, the late payment did mean they lost some of the free things they were expecting to receive due to it being their anniversary.

Their anniversary was nearly ruined (Getty Stock)

They added: "Everyone. Thank you so much. I got it. I contacted them, and I paid my final balance and restored my reservation. I just lost my freebies for the anniversary!"

Royal Caribbean deposit and final payment rules to avoid the same stress

So, if you're keen to avoid making the same mistakes, there are some rules that you definitely need to follow when booking with Royal Caribbean.

You'll need to pay a deposit of £75 for a one to five night cruise, £150 for a six to 14 night cruise and £430 for a 15 night or longer cruise per passenger.

For cruises between one to 14 nights, the final payment is required 70 days before you travel.

For cruises 15 nights or longer, the payment is required 120 days before you depart.