Actually, that’s incorrect. NRD, non refundable deposit, you did not receive a refund, but a credit, minus the change fee. You can research this that as of 5/31/22 FCC was stopped.
I have booked groups with Royal several times. Deposits use to be fully refundable if you cancelled before final payment. NRD is recent (last few years) and is the default for online reservations. No option for refundable deposits. Over the phone, they don’t offer refundable fares.
Why is that? Without FCC, if you cancel, Royal can basically keep the deposit fees of anyone that doesn’t have another cruise to book. What reputable travel company does that? A booking almost a year away should be able to receive a refund or at least a credit.
Btw, we have several other vacations planned over the next few years and do not have any availability. I would cancel the other cruise, that’s 5+ months away, but don’t want to lose another deposit.
Royal’s business model has changed too much for my family. If it works for you, great.