Cruise Sweepstakes: What's Included and What Winners May Pay
Photo: Jahra Tasfia Reza / Pexels
See which cruise-prize costs may be covered—and which taxes, fees, documents, and travel extras can remain yours.
Cruise sweepstakes may include a cabin, airfare, hotel stays, event tickets, or merchandise. Winners may still pay income tax, cruise fees, gratuities, meals, documents, and other travel expenses. The documented Royal Caribbean "Ultimate Away Trip Giveaway" is no longer open.
Its entry period ran from February 19 through February 26, 2026, according to the Royal Caribbean official rules.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on September 09, 2026.
What the documented prize included
The grand prize paired a three- to five-night Caribbean cruise for two with a balcony stateroom. It also included up to $1,200 in airfare, soccer tickets, one hotel night, and jerseys. Royal Caribbean listed the package's total value at up to $3,584.
That amount described the combined prize package, not cash automatically paid to the winner. The promotion was limited to legal residents of the United States and Washington, D.C., age 21 or older. Puerto Rico residents, employees' immediate families, and household members were excluded.
Which expenses remained with the winner
A cruise prize may cover the headline components while leaving many supporting costs unpaid. For this promotion, the winner was responsible for: The cruise-certificate winner had to pay the applicable cruise taxes and fees during redemption to confirm the sailing. Readers should examine each prize component separately instead of assuming "trip for two" means every expense for two people is covered.
- Cruise taxes and fees
- Ground transportation
- Meals and gratuities
- Passenger tariffs or duties
- Airline and airport fees
How prize taxes can affect the real cost
Sweepstakes prizes generally count as taxable income in the United States. IRS Publication 525 says prizes received as goods or services are included in income at fair market value, so a cruise can produce federal income-tax liability even when no purchase was required to enter. IRS Publication 525 explains the treatment of prizes.
A business generally files Form 1099-MISC for prizes and awards worth at least $600, according to the IRS Form 1099-MISC guidance. Taxable prize income still must be reported when required even if the recipient does not receive a form. Before accepting, a prospective winner can ask the sponsor what value it expects to report.
That figure is not the same as the winner's final tax bill, which depends on the person's tax circumstances.
Redemption dates and travel documents matter
The Royal Caribbean cruise certificate remained valid for one year and could be subject to blackout dates and other restrictions. A winner unable to travel within the permitted period might lose the practical value of the cruise. The winner and guest also had to obtain and pay for required passports, visas, and other travel documents.
Royal Caribbean warned that missing documentation could result in cancellation at cruise check-in. Before committing to dates, check:
- The certificate's expiration date
- Available sailings and blackout dates
- Passport and visa requirements
- Transportation to and from airports or cruise terminals
- The amount due when redeeming the prize
Separate legitimate expenses from a false prize demand
Real travel costs do not make an unexpected payment demand trustworthy. The Federal Trade Commission warns that legitimate sweepstakes are free and chance-based; demands for money to claim a cruise—including supposed taxes, shipping, processing, or customs charges—are warning signs. If someone announces a win, contact the sponsor through independently located contact information and compare the message with the published rules.
Verify the promotion name, entry period, eligibility requirements, prize, redemption process, and responsible sponsor before providing money or personal information.