One of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask is: “Can I really get off the ship without spending anything extra?” The answer is yes, but it takes a little planning.
Here are six smart ways to make sure you can leave your Royal Caribbean cruise with a zero dollar balance.
👉 Not in the mood to read? No worries, here’s the quick TikTok version ⬇️
✅ 1. Buy Packages in Advance
If you know you want a drink package, VOOM internet, or specialty dining, book them before you sail in the Cruise Planner. Prepaid packages won’t show up on your onboard account, and they often cost less when purchased ahead of time.
✅ 2. Use Onboard Credit Wisely
Check your account in the Royal Caribbean app or on your stateroom TV. If you have onboard credit, use it toward gratuities, drinks, dining, or souvenirs before paying with cash or card. This ensures you spend the free money first.
✅ 3. Stick to Complimentary Dining
The best-kept secret is how much food is already included. The main dining room, Windjammer buffet, Café Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza, and other venues are complimentary. Specialty restaurants are optional extras. If you want to keep your balance at zero, enjoy the included dining.
✅ 4. Avoid Impulse Extras
The spa, casino, arcade, and souvenir photos all come with extra charges. If you’re aiming for zero balance, set a budget or simply skip them. There’s plenty of fun to be had without those extras.
✅ 5. Handle Gratuities Early
Daily gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account unless you prepay them before sailing. If your goal is to walk off with a balance of zero, prepaying gratuities is the way to go. It removes one of the biggest onboard charges.
✅ 6. Do Excursions and Activities That Are Free
Shore excursions through the cruise line or third parties can get expensive. Instead, enjoy free or low-cost activities in port, such as walking around town, visiting a beach, or exploring local markets. Onboard, there are also countless free activities: live shows, trivia, game shows, pools, the gym, and more.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you really can leave a Royal Caribbean cruise with a zero dollar balance. The key is to prepay for what you know you’ll use, stick to what’s included, and avoid extras you don’t need.
This doesn’t mean you should never splurge. Plenty of cruisers love specialty dining, shore excursions, or spa treatments. But if your goal is to keep your balance at zero, these six steps will get you there.
FAQs About Onboard Spending
Q: Do I have to prepay gratuities?
No, but if you don’t prepay them, they’ll be automatically added to your onboard account each day. Prepaying just makes it easier to manage your balance.
Q: Are drinks included on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, water, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and some juices are included. Alcohol, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee require payment unless you have a package.
Q: Can I really spend nothing extra on a cruise?
Yes. If you stick to included dining, enjoy onboard entertainment, and explore ports on your own, you can cruise without spending extra.
Q: What’s included for free?
Meals in complimentary venues, most onboard entertainment and shows, pools, fitness center, youth programs, and basic drinks like coffee, tea, and water.
Q: Can I use onboard credit to cover gratuities?
Yes. Onboard credit can be applied to gratuities, drinks, dining, and even shore excursions.
Charity Bradley 🌺 
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