If you’ve ever shopped around for Royal Caribbean gift cards, you’ve probably noticed different options: official gift cards sold by the cruise line, and discounted “gift certificates” on resale sites. The terms sound similar, but they work very differently.

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✅ Royal Caribbean Gift Cards

• Sold through: Royal Caribbean website, My Royal Cruise, travel agents, call center, or onboard.
• Can be used for: cruise fare, onboard expenses, dining packages, beverage packages, spa, shore excursions.
• Redemption: Online at RoyalCaribbean.com, by phone (844-645-8889), through your travel advisor, or at Guest Services onboard.
• Never expire.
• Can also be redeemed on Celebrity and Silversea sailings.

Best for: Flexibility. You can cover nearly every part of your cruise, both before sailing and while onboard.

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✗ Royal Caribbean Gift Certificates

• Commonly sold at a discount on third-party sites like CardCash, AARP, or Verizon.
• Can only be used toward cruise fare for new reservations.
• Cannot be used for deposits, onboard expenses, gratuities, or excursions.
• Redemption requires emailing your booking details and the certificate to Royal Caribbean’s Gift Certificate team.
• Restrictions: cannot be split between multiple reservations, cannot be partially redeemed, and cannot be applied to promotions, charters, or casino offers.

Best for: Saving a little on cruise fare if you’re comfortable with the restrictions and process.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use a Royal Caribbean gift card for onboard spending?
Yes. Gift cards can be added to your onboard account at Guest Services and used for dining, drinks, spa, or excursions.

Q: Can gift certificates be used onboard?
No. Certificates are only for cruise fare and cannot be applied to onboard charges.

Q: Why are discounted certificates sold online?
Third-party sites resell unused corporate or promotional certificates. They can save you money, but you’ll have more restrictions and extra steps to redeem.

Q: Do Royal Caribbean gift cards expire?
No, official gift cards never expire and have no fees.

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✅ Bottom Line:
If you want simple, flexible spending power, stick with official Royal Caribbean gift cards. If you’re willing to put in extra effort and accept restrictions, discounted gift certificates might save you a little money, but they aren’t the same thing.