# **What Payment Methods Are Accepted by Royal Caribbean International?**

Royal Caribbean International accepts credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, cash deposits, and onboard credit for payments. For booking support or payment assistance, you can contact customer service at **1-877-897-7186**.
Planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean International involves more than choosing a destination or picking the right stateroom. One of the most important steps in the booking and travel experience is understanding the **payment methods the cruise line accepts**. Whether you're booking your vacation, making onboard purchases, or settling your account at the end of the sailing, Royal Caribbean offers several convenient ways to pay.

This detailed guide breaks down every payment method accepted by Royal Caribbean International—from booking payments to onboard spending—so you can plan your trip with confidence and avoid any last-minute surprises.

## **1. Payment Methods Accepted When Booking a Royal Caribbean Cruise**

When booking your cruise, Royal Caribbean provides a wide selection of secure payment methods to ensure maximum flexibility.

### **A. Credit Cards**

Credit cards are the most frequently used form of payment for Royal Caribbean bookings. The cruise line accepts major global card brands, including:

* **Visa**
* **MasterCard**
* **American Express**
* **Discover**
* **Diners Club** (in some regions)
* **JCB** (for international customers)

Credit cards are widely preferred because they:

* Allow installment payments (through your credit provider)
* Offer travel reward points
* Provide built-in fraud protection
* Easily handle large transactions like cruise fares

### **B. Debit Cards**

Royal Caribbean also accepts debit cards with major card network logos such as:

* Visa Debit
* MasterCard Debit
* Maestro (select countries)

However, guests should note that **debit card authorizations may place temporary holds** on funds, which can affect your available balance. Using a debit card is acceptable, but many travelers prefer credit cards to avoid potential holds during the cruise.

### **C. Royal Caribbean Gift Cards**

Royal Caribbean offers branded gift cards that can be used to pay for:

* Cruise fares
* Onboard purchases
* Pre-cruise purchases like dining or excursions
* Taxes and fees

Gift cards are available in both physical and digital form and make perfect gifts for birthdays, holidays, and weddings.

### **D. Bank Transfers**

In some regions, Royal Caribbean allows customers to pay via **bank transfer or wire transfer**. This option is often preferred by corporate groups, international guests, or those who want to avoid credit card fees.

### **E. Travel Agency Payments**

If you book your cruise through a professional travel agent, you can make payments directly to the agency. Travel agencies typically accept:

* Cash
* Checks
* Wire transfers
* Credit cards

The travel agent then handles the payment with Royal Caribbean on your behalf.

### **F. PayPal and Digital Wallets (Region-specific)**

While not always available globally, some regions allow payments through:

* PayPal
* Apple Pay
* Google Pay

These options are usually offered through online booking platforms.

## **2. Payment Methods Accepted for Pre-Cruise Purchases**

Before sailing, guests can log into Royal Caribbean’s **Cruise Planner** to buy add-ons such as:

* Wi-Fi packages
* Shore excursions
* Specialty dining
* Beverage packages
* Spa treatments

Payment methods accepted in the Cruise Planner generally include:

* Credit cards
* Debit cards
* Royal Caribbean gift cards
* Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)
* Onboard credit (if allowed pre-cruise)

Pre-paying for onboard extras is often recommended because prices may increase once onboard.

## **3. Payment Methods Accepted Onboard Royal Caribbean Ships**

Once you’re onboard, Royal Caribbean uses a **cashless system** called the **SeaPass account**. Instead of swiping cards at every venue, your SeaPass card acts as your onboard credit card.

### **How the SeaPass System Works**

When you check in, you’ll attach a payment method to your SeaPass account. Every onboard purchase—including shops, bars, restaurants, spa appointments, and casino charges—is automatically billed to this account.

Accepted payment types for setting up your SeaPass include:

### **A. Credit Cards**

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are widely accepted onboard. This is the most convenient and recommended payment method because:

* Purchases are authorized instantly
* Holds are manageable
* You receive detailed receipts
* Cruise rewards or card travel points may apply

### **B. Debit Cards**

Debit cards can be used, but with caution. Royal Caribbean places **daily authorizations** that temporarily freeze funds in your checking account. For example:

* A $300 hold may be applied at boarding
* Additional holds may be added after significant purchases

These authorizations can take days to clear after your cruise. For this reason, most guests avoid using debit cards for onboard accounts.

### **C. Cash**

Royal Caribbean accepts cash to set up or settle your SeaPass account. You can:

* Deposit cash at Guest Services at the beginning of the cruise
* Add more cash if your spending exceeds your deposit
* Pay the final balance in cash at the end

This method works well for travelers who want to stick to a strict budget.

### **D. Travelers Checks (Limited Acceptance)**

Some ships accept traveler’s checks for onboard account setup or final payment, but their use has declined in recent years. Always verify availability before sailing.

### **E. Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit**

Onboard credit (OBC) can come from:

* Booking promotions
* Crown & Anchor loyalty rewards
* Travel agent perks
* Future Cruise Certificates
* Compensation gifts

OBC can be applied toward:

* Drinks
* Dining
* Excursions
* Merchandise
* Spa
* Wi-Fi

It cannot typically be used in the casino (except certain pre-authorized OBC types).

### **F. Casino Payments**

The casino accepts:

* Cash
* Credit cards
* Debit cards
* SeaPass account charges (with processing fees)

## **4. Special Payment Methods**

### **A. Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)**

FCCs are issued when cruises are canceled or rescheduled. They can be applied to:

* Base cruise fare
* Taxes and fees (depending on policy)
* Rebooking future trips

FCCs cannot be used onboard unless converted to OBC during specific promotions.

### **B. Crown & Anchor Society Discounts**

These aren’t “payments” but they reduce your total spending. Loyalty members may receive:

* Discounted cruise fares
* Internet package discounts
* Photo and laundry discounts
* Supplemental onboard credits

## **5. What Payment Methods Are Not Accepted?**

Royal Caribbean does **not** accept:

* Cryptocurrency
* Personal checks at the port
* Foreign currencies (except converted at Guest Services)
* Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle
* Prepaid debit cards (for onboard accounts)

## **6. Tips for Choosing the Best Payment Method**

### **1. Use a credit card for smoother processing**

It avoids large holds and offers better fraud protection.

### **2. Avoid using debit cards onboard**

Daily holds can freeze funds unexpectedly.

### **3. Consider buying gift cards for budgeting**

Gift cards allow you to control spending before the trip.

### **4. Prepay as much as possible**

This locks in lower prices for excursions and packages.

### **5. Bring a backup payment method**

If one card fails, having another available avoids boarding delays.

## **Final Thoughts**

Royal Caribbean International provides a wide range of payment options to help travelers plan and enjoy their cruise seamlessly. Whether you're booking your vacation, purchasing onboard experiences, or settling your account, the cruise line offers flexible methods—credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, cash deposits, and digital payments—so every traveler can choose the system that suits them best.

Understanding the payment process ensures a stress-free, enjoyable experience from the moment you book your cruise to the time you disembark. If you plan ahead and select the right payment method for your needs, your Royal Caribbean vacation will be smooth, convenient, and financially comfortable.