It’s a question many first-time (and even experienced) cruisers ask: “Why are there so many pending charges on my bank account after my cruise?”

The short answer: those charges are temporary holds, not extra fees. Here’s what they mean and how to handle them.

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What Pending Charges Mean on a Cruise

✅ Royal Caribbean places holds on your card during your sailing.
These are similar to hotel deposits. Each day, the cruise line puts temporary authorizations on your account to make sure funds are available for onboard spending.

✅ At the end of your cruise, one final charge is posted.
That single charge reflects your full bill: gratuities, drinks, excursions, spa treatments, and any purchases you made onboard.

❌ The smaller daily amounts aren’t extra.
Even though it can look like you’ve been charged multiple times, the smaller holds will fall off once your bank releases them. For most cruisers, that happens within 3–7 days. For some banks, it may take up to 10 days.

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Why Debit Cards Can Be Risky

If you use a debit card, these holds tie up your actual cash until they clear. That can cause overdrafts or leave you short on funds while waiting for the bank to release the pending amounts.

That’s why many cruisers recommend:

• Using a credit card for your onboard account
• Or setting up a cash account at Guest Services, where you preload money onto your SeaPass card

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How to Stay on Top of Your Charges

• Check your account daily in the Royal Caribbean app or on your stateroom TV.
• Report errors right away. Occasionally, small mistakes happen, like being charged for a soda when you have a drink package or a towel not checked back in. Guest Services can fix these before you disembark.
• Review your final statement. On the last night or morning of your cruise, make sure your charges match what you actually spent.

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FAQs About Pending Charges on Cruises

Q: How long do pending charges take to clear?
Most fall off within 3–7 days. Some banks may hold them up to 10 days.

Q: Are pending charges double charges?
No. They are temporary authorizations. Only the final posted charge remains.

Q: What if pending charges overdraft my account?
This can happen with debit cards. You can call your bank to request holds be released, but the best prevention is using a credit card or cash account.

Q: Can I avoid holds altogether?
Yes. Set up a cash account at Guest Services and preload money onto your SeaPass card. Once it’s used up, you’ll need to load more.

Q: How do I see what I’m being charged during the cruise?
Open the Royal Caribbean app or check your stateroom TV. Both show a running list of your onboard charges.

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Final Thoughts

Those strange pending charges after your cruise aren’t extra costs. They’re just part of how Royal Caribbean (and most hotels and cruise lines) process payments.

Use a credit card instead of a debit card, check your account daily, and review your final bill before you leave the ship. With a little planning, you’ll avoid stress and know exactly what to expect when you get home.