Is Royal Caribbean’s Next Cruise Program Worth It? Pros & Cons
Booking your next Royal Caribbean sailing while you’re still onboard can unlock real financial advantages—extra onboard credit, reduced deposits, and access to promotions that often stack together in ways you can’t replicate once you’re back home. For cruisers who love a deal, the Next Cruise program can be one of the easiest ways to secure meaningful savings on a future vacation. But the value depends on how you cruise, how flexible you are, and whether you’re willing to compare offers afterward. Understanding the savings potential helps you decide if booking onboard is the smartest financial move.
What the Next Cruise Program Actually Offers in Terms of Savings
Next Cruise is essentially Royal Caribbean’s onboard booking desk, but the real appeal is the financial perks. You can reserve a specific sailing—or an open‑ended booking—and receive incentives that translate directly into savings on your next trip.
The biggest savings drivers include:
- Bonus onboard credit for your next cruise
- Reduced deposits that lower your upfront cost
- Stackable promotions that can amplify existing sales
- Locked‑in pricing before fares increase
For cruisers who already plan to sail again, these perks can add up quickly.
The Savings Perks That Make Next Cruise Attractive
Bonus Onboard Credit (OBC) This is the headline perk. Depending on cruise length and cabin type, you receive extra onboard credit to spend on your next sailing—money you can use for drinks, Wi‑Fi, excursions, or specialty dining. It’s essentially free spending money you wouldn’t get booking at home.
Reduced Deposits Instead of paying the full deposit, you secure your next cruise with a smaller upfront amount. This keeps more cash in your pocket while still locking in your reservation and perks.
Stackable Deals One of the biggest financial advantages is that Next Cruise perks often combine with Royal Caribbean’s public promotions—Kids Sail Free, seasonal sales, or Crown & Anchor discounts. Stacking these can create a savings package that’s hard to beat.
Open Bookings for Maximum Flexibility If you’re not ready to choose dates, you can book an open reservation. You lock in the perks now and pick your cruise later, giving you time to shop for the best fare while still keeping your incentives.
Where the Savings Can Fall Short
Non‑Refundable Deposits Many Next Cruise bookings use non‑refundable deposits. If your plans change, you may lose that money or pay change fees. For travelers who need flexibility, this can reduce the overall value.
Limited Repricing Options If fares drop after you book, you may not always be able to reprice your reservation. Deal‑hunters who like to track price drops may find this limiting.
Travel Agents May Offer Better Incentives Some agencies provide additional onboard credit or exclusive promotions that exceed the Next Cruise perks. If you love to comparison‑shop, you might find stronger savings off the ship.
Suite Bookings Aren’t Always a Win Suite guests sometimes get better value through agencies that specialize in high‑end bookings. In those cases, the Next Cruise perks may not outweigh other offers.
Who Gets the Most Savings From Next Cruise
The program delivers the strongest value for cruisers who:
- Know they’ll sail Royal Caribbean again
- Want bonus onboard credit for their next trip
- Prefer low deposits to secure a future sailing
- Don’t need fully refundable deposits
- Like the convenience of stacking perks without hunting for deals
If this sounds like you, the savings can be significant.
Who Should Skip It
You may save more by waiting if you:
- Need refundable deposits
- Want the ability to reprice when fares drop
- Prefer to compare multiple agencies for the best deal
- Are booking a suite and want specialized offers
In these cases, the flexibility and potential savings outside the program may outweigh the onboard perks.
Final Verdict: Is Next Cruise Worth It for Savings?
For cruisers who want to lock in their next vacation with bonus onboard credit, reduced deposits, and stackable promotions, the Next Cruise program can deliver real financial value. It’s convenient, perk‑heavy, and often cheaper than booking at home. But it’s not the best fit for travelers who prioritize refundable deposits or aggressive deal‑tracking. The smartest approach is to secure the perks onboard, then compare offers afterward to confirm you’re getting the strongest savings.
Interested in learning about the Royal Caribbean Key program? If yes, check out my blog post: Royal Caribbean Key Program: Pros and Cons.
