What is Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One 60% offer?

If you’ve searched for cruise deals recently, you’ve likely come across Royal Caribbean’s popular Buy One Get One 60% Off (BOGO 60%) promotion. It’s one of the cruise line’s most frequently advertised offers—and one of the most misunderstood.

In this expert guide, we’ll break down:

• What the Buy One Get One 60% (BOGO 60%) offer actually means

• How it works in real-world pricing scenarios

• What’s included (and what’s not)

• How it compares to other cruise promotions

• Step-by-step instructions to maximize savings

• FAQs and expert tips based on consumer travel research

This article is based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean International, industry best practices, consumer protection guidance from Federal Trade Commission, and pricing transparency principles recommended by Consumer Reports.

Royal Caribbean’s Buy One Get One 60% Offer

What Does “Buy One Get One 60% Off” Actually Mean?

Despite the name, this promotion does not mean the second guest cruises for free.

Instead, here’s how it typically works:

• The first guest pays the full cruise fare.

• The second guest in the same stateroom receives 60% off their cruise fare.

• Taxes, port fees, and gratuities are not discounted.

• The discount applies only to the cruise fare portion.

In other words, both guests still pay something—but the second guest’s base fare is significantly reduced.

How Pricing Works: A Real-World Example

Let’s break it down with a simplified example.

ItemGuest 1Guest 2Total

Cruise Fare$1,200$1,200$2,400

60% Discount—-$720-$720

Adjusted Fare$1,200$480$1,680

Taxes/Fees (est.)$200$200$400

Total Cruise Cost$2,080

So instead of paying $2,800 total, you pay $2,080.

However, keep in mind:

• Cruise fares fluctuate based on demand.

• The “full fare” may already be dynamically priced.

• Promotions can be built into the advertised rate.

As the Federal Trade Commission advises, consumers should review how discounts are calculated and compare final totals—not just promotional headlines.

Where the Offer Applies

The Buy One Get One 60% deal generally applies to:

• Select sailings

• Specific travel windows

• Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite categories (with variations)

• New bookings only

It does not usually apply to:

• Solo travelers (single occupancy)

• Third and fourth guests (though other promotions may apply)

• Add-ons like drink packages, shore excursions, or specialty dining

Always review the fine print on the official website:Royal Caribbean International

How This Promotion Fits Into Cruise Industry Pricing

Cruise pricing is dynamic—similar to airlines and hotels.

According to travel industry analysis in the Harvard Business Review, dynamic pricing models allow companies to adjust rates based on:

• Demand

• Booking pace

• Seasonality

• Cabin availability

Smart travelers compare:

• Total price with promotion

• Price without promotion (if available)

• Competing cruise lines

• Past price trends

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize the BOGO 60% Offer

Step 1: Compare Total Pricing, Not Marketing Language

Before booking:

1. Select your sailing and cabin.

2. Note the total price per person.

3. Calculate the combined total.

4. Compare with other current promotions.

According to Consumer Reports, the best way to evaluate travel deals is by comparing final cost—not advertised percentages.

Step 2: Check for Stacking Opportunities

Royal Caribbean sometimes allows stacking with:

• Kids Sail Free

• 30% off all guests

• Instant savings

• Onboard credit

However, not all promotions combine. Read the offer terms carefully.

Step 3: Monitor Price Drops

Royal Caribbean often allows price adjustments before final payment.

If you notice:

• A lower advertised fare

• A better promotion replacing BOGO 60%

You may be able to reprice your booking (if outside penalty window).

Step 4: Understand Refund Policies

Before booking:

• Confirm cancellation deadlines.

• Understand non-refundable deposit rules.

• Review travel insurance options.

Consumer travel protections are discussed by the Federal Trade Commission, which recommends reviewing cancellation policies carefully before committing.

Comparison: BOGO 60% vs Other Royal Caribbean Promotions

PromotionBest ForTypical SavingsProsCons

Buy One Get One 60%CouplesModerateSimple, predictableNot always lowest overall price

30% Off All GuestsFamiliesOften higher for groupsEqual discountSmaller savings for couples

Kids Sail FreeFamilies with childrenSignificantHuge savings for kidsLimited sailings

Instant SavingsFlexible travelersVariesImmediate reductionLess transparent marketing

The best deal depends on:

• Number of guests

• Cabin type

• Sailing date

• Demand level

When Is the BOGO 60% Offer Most Valuable?

This promotion tends to offer the most value when:

• Traveling as a couple

• Booking balcony cabins

• Sailing during shoulder season

• Combining with onboard credit promotions

It may offer less value:

• For solo travelers

• When fares have been dynamically increased

• During peak holiday sailings

Transparency and Consumer Protection

Cruise marketing promotions can be confusing. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to:

• Look for full pricing breakdowns

• Avoid relying solely on percentage discounts

• Confirm total cost before checkout

If certain internal pricing mechanics are unclear, it’s important to note:

Does BOGO 60% Affect Health & Safety Fees?

No. The promotion applies only to base cruise fare.

Government health and port-related charges are regulated by port authorities and international agreements. Health-related policies and safety regulations are influenced by maritime health guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization.

These charges:

• Are mandatory

• Are not discountable

• Vary by itinerary

Expert Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deal

Based on travel consumer research and pricing analysis:

1. Book Early (But Monitor)

Cruise fares often increase closer to sailing.

2. Avoid Peak School Holidays

Holiday sailings often inflate base fares, reducing effective discount value.

3. Work With a Cruise Specialist

Travel advisors sometimes access:

• Group rates

• Extra onboard credit

• Reduced deposits

4. Compare Across Cruise Lines

Compare similar itineraries with:

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Sometimes a lower base fare elsewhere beats a percentage-based promotion.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Is the second guest really free with BOGO 60%?

No. The second guest receives 60% off their cruise fare—not a free cruise.

2. Does the discount apply to taxes and port fees?

No. Taxes, port fees, and gratuities are not discounted.

3. Can solo travelers use this offer?

Typically no. The promotion requires at least two guests in one stateroom.

4. Can I combine BOGO 60% with Kids Sail Free?

Sometimes. It depends on the sailing and current promotional terms.

5. Is this the best deal Royal Caribbean offers?

Not always. Some promotions like “30% off all guests” or instant savings may provide better total value depending on group size.

6. How often does Royal Caribbean offer BOGO 60%?

It is one of their most common recurring promotions throughout the year.

7. Can I reprice if the fare drops?

Often yes—if you’re before final payment. Always confirm fare adjustment policy at booking.

8. Is the discount applied automatically?

Yes. It is typically built into the advertised price shown online.

9. Does cabin type affect the value of the discount?

Yes. The higher the base fare, the larger the dollar-value savings on the second guest.

10. Are there blackout dates?

Yes. The offer usually applies to select sailings only.