Why is Royal Caribbean charging me twice?

The Mystery of the Double (and Triple!) Royal Caribbean Charges: Understanding Pre-Authorization Holds

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting, but the unexpected appearance of multiple pending charges on your credit card can quickly dampen the pre-vacation enthusiasm. Many cruisers find themselves scratching their heads, wondering why Royal Caribbean seems to be charging them twice, or even three times, before their cruise has even begun. The answer lies in a common practice known as pre-authorization or authorization holds.

Instead of directly charging your card for onboard purchases before you’ve made them, Royal Caribbean (and many other cruise lines) utilize pre-authorization holds. These holds essentially “reserve” funds on your credit card, acting as a guarantee that you’ll have sufficient credit available to cover any purchases you make during your voyage. Think of it like a temporary block on a portion of your available credit.

Several factors contribute to seeing multiple pending charges:

• Multiple Cards: If you’ve registered more than one credit card with Royal Caribbean, you’ll likely see pre-authorization holds placed on each card. This is a security measure to ensure enough funds are available, even if one card is declined or has insufficient funds.

• Different Spending Categories: Royal Caribbean might place separate holds for different spending categories. For example, one hold might cover your onboard account (for drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions), while another covers gratuities, and yet another might be a security deposit. These are all temporary holds, not actual charges.

• Pre-Cruise Expenses: You might see a hold related to any pre-paid excursions or activities booked directly through Royal Caribbean. This is a separate hold ensuring the payment goes through smoothly.

• Fluctuations in Hold Amounts: The amounts of the pre-authorization holds might vary slightly. This isn’t necessarily a double charge; it’s the system accounting for potential fluctuations in your spending habits. The final charge will reflect your actual spending.

What Happens After the Cruise?

Once your cruise concludes, the pre-authorization holds will be released. Your credit card company will then process the final charge, reflecting your actual onboard spending. This final charge will replace the temporary holds, and the reserved funds will become available again. The release of the holds may take a few days to reflect on your statement, depending on your bank’s processing time.

If You’re Still Concerned:

If, after your cruise has ended and your statement reflects your actual spending, you continue to see unusual or unexplained charges, contact Royal Caribbean’s customer service immediately. They can provide a detailed breakdown of your onboard account and clarify any discrepancies.

In short, those multiple pending charges on your credit card before your Royal Caribbean cruise aren’t necessarily cause for alarm. They are simply a precautionary measure to ensure sufficient funds are available for your onboard expenses. Understanding the process of pre-authorization holds will help you avoid unnecessary worry and enjoy a smoother, more stress-free cruise experience.