Are Carnival cruises cashless?

Going Cashless on Carnival: Your Room Key is Your Wallet

Carnival Cruise Line has embraced a fully cashless system onboard, streamlining the vacation experience and eliminating the need to constantly carry cash or worry about credit card transactions. Your room key, cleverly acting as your onboard spending account, is the key to this smooth sailing.

Forget fumbling for wallets in bustling bars or restaurants. Once you’ve embarked, all purchases – from that delicious cocktail by the pool to souvenirs in the gift shop, and even spa treatments – are charged directly to your room key/account. This integrated system offers a seamless and convenient way to manage your onboard spending.

While you’re welcome to bring cash, it’s not directly accepted at any onboard venues. However, upon embarking, you can easily add any cash you have to your room key account at designated kiosks or through guest services. This added cash then operates exactly as if it were a credit or debit card transaction. Similarly, while you can link a credit card to your account for added convenience, you won’t directly swipe or insert your credit card at point of sale.

The benefits of this cashless system are numerous. It eliminates the hassle of carrying cash, reduces the risk of loss or theft, and streamlines the checkout process at the end of your cruise. You’ll receive a detailed statement of all your transactions before disembarkation, allowing you to review your spending before you even set foot back on land.

For those accustomed to the traditional cash-and-card system, this initially may seem unusual. However, Carnival’s cashless system is designed for convenience and security. The elimination of physical cash transactions makes the entire onboard experience smoother, allowing you to focus more on relaxation and enjoyment. So, pack light – your room key is all you’ll need to access the onboard delights of your Carnival cruise.