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Deal alert: Save big on Royal Caribbean cruise ship packages with this new sale

Feb. 24, 2023
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3 min read
Wonder of the Seas
Deal alert: Save big on Royal Caribbean cruise ship packages with this new sale
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Get your credit cards ready, Royal Caribbean fans: It's time to pre-purchase packages for dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and more for your next cruise.

The world's largest cruise line has launched another one of its periodic sales on pre-purchased cruise packages, with savings of up to 50% for some items. You must act fast to take advantage of it, though. These short-term Royal Caribbean deals only will be available through Wednesday.

Offers include:

  • 30% discount on pre-purchased soda packages.
  • 40% discount on pre-purchased water packages.
  • Up to 30% discount on pre-purchased Wi-Fi packages.
  • Up to 50% discount on pre-purchased dining packages.

There also are discounts on pre-purchased beverage packages that include alcoholic drinks, but the amount of the discount varies by ship.

You can also save up to 25% on pre-purchased shore excursions, with discounts varying by ship. There also are discounts available for pre-purchased photo packages, spa packages, ship tours and shipboard Casita rentals.

Secure these discounts when you buy a package for one of the above items now for sailings scheduled to take place Monday through the end of the year.

Related: 35 tips and tricks that will make your Royal Caribbean cruise better

Sailings for 2024 and 2025 are not part of the sale.

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Royal Caribbean periodically offers sales on pre-purchased packages for drinks, Wi-Fi and other onboard spending items. These deals can offer significant savings over buying the same packages after boarding a ship. The sales typically don't last long, though. So, when they appear, it's good to jump on them.

To take advantage of this week's sale, log in to your account on Royal Caribbean's website and find the "Cruise Planner" section. You can pre-purchase cruise packages there.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean ships and sailings

The sale on pre-purchased packages comes even as base fares for Royal Caribbean cruises are on the rise.

Cruise line executives say bookings have soared since the start of "wave season" — the period beginning in January when large numbers of cruisers book trips for the year. That means cruise brands will likely be able to raise prices in the coming months.

The strength in bookings means that the days of $26-a-night cruise deals is likely coming to an end. Still, that doesn't mean that cruisers can't find good offers for soon-to-depart sailings.

For example, Virgin Voyages recently launched one of the best offers we've seen this year.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Featured image by MICHEL VERDURE STUDIO
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.