small catamaran cruises barbados

Next Stop Barbados

8 Best Barbados Catamaran Cruises (That are Totally Worth it!)

Published: April 20, 2021

Updated: September 6, 2023

*This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our disclosure.

Barbados is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches. So of course, there are many water activities available such as jet-skiing, surfing, boogie boarding, and paddleboarding. But what if you want to do something a little different? Luckily, Barbados also offers many different catamaran cruise options! Let’s take a look at some of the top Barbados catamaran cruises and tours.

Why Take a Barbados Catamaran Cruise?

Barbados has some of the best Catamaran cruises available. How could it not with its crystal clear waters and abundant sea life?

Taking a Barbados catamaran cruise is not only a great way to explore the area, get closer to nature, and see the island from a new perspective. Some Barbados catamaran cruises offer a luxurious experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and pampered. Some experiences focus on snorkeling and adventurous water activities.

Most cruises offer a meal of some sort and some even offer wine as you step aboard the boat. No matter what you choose, get ready to have a wonderful, memorable catamaran experience!

What to Look for in a Barbados Catamaran Cruise

When looking at Barbados catamaran trips, consider what activities you want to be included in your package. Some catamaran outings offer tours, some offer snorkeling, and some offer multi-course meals with bottomless drinks. 

Ensuring your expectations line up with the planned activities on the catamaran trip will make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Another tip is to check the catamaran departure and return time for your selected trip. Make sure it aligns with any other activities you have planned. For example, if you want to be back at your hotel by lunchtime, make sure the catamaran trip itinerary matches your desired timeline. 

Types of Barbados Catamaran Cruises

There are three main types of catamaran cruises in Barbados – private tours, sunset cruises, lunch and snorkel cruises.

• Private Catamaran Tours.  These are great for people who are seeking a more exclusive event. The catamaran is reserved just for the individual’s group, making this a perfect option for hosting a special event like a wedding, a date night (think proposal!), and even a honeymoon activity. Private tours are customized to your requested length of time and preferred activities.
• Sunset Cruises.  Sunset cruises are exactly what they sound like. These catamaran cruises typically begin in the later afternoon and continue into the evening. Unlike private tours, sunset tours have established start and end times as well as pre-planned activities and meals. Most sunset cruises will include activities like snorkeling and dinner. This option is perfect for travelers who want to experience a Barbados sunset on the open water.
• Lunch and Snorkel Cruises.  These catamaran snorkel cruises offer tasty lunches and snorkeling at some of the best spots around the island. Swim among sunken ships while admiring diverse marine life and even sea turtles! Cruise-goers will also enjoy sipping drinks and relaxing on the boat while sailing up the West Coast of the island. These cruises also have set start and end times and pre-determined activities. Perfect for travelers who want relaxation and those who want a bit of adventure.

Let’s take a look at the top catamaran cruises available in Barbados. All of the cruises listed below have great reviews on TripAdvisor and knowledgeable captains.

Top 8 Barbados Catamaran Cruises

• Calypso Cruises

Elegance Catamaran Cruises Barbados

Cool runnings catamaran.

• El Tigre Catamaran Cruise Barbados

Tiami Silver Cruises Barbados

Silver moon barbados, jammin catamaran cruises, seaduced luxury catamaran, calypso cruises with captain nick.

With over 500 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, Calypso Cruises has a lot to offer. Calypso Cruises provides all three types of cruises – private tours, sunset cruises, and lunchtime snorkel cruises. Captain Nick has wonderful reviews for being a fun, well-informed ship captain.

Calypso Cruises use a spacious sailing catamaran named Calypso Girl for their excursions. In addition to serving lunch, they offer hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and all-inclusive drinks throughout the day. Maxing out at 12 people per cruise, Calypso Cruises is best for small groups and intimate outings. Cruises last 3-5+ hours depending on which package you select.

I’ve gone on the Calypso snorkel cruise several times and it’s always one of the highlights. Captain Nick takes you to beautiful coral reefs around the island where you can see tropical fish and incredible shipwrecks in the crystal clear waters off the Barbados coastline. Plus, the food is amazing! The snorkel tour includes a premium bar (with some dangerously good signature cocktails) and a Bajan lunch buffet, complete with macaroni pie and other local favorites!

• Located in Bridgetown near Carlisle Bay
• Lunch cruises, sunset cruises, and private tours available
• Tours include snorkel gear and unlimited drinks
• One of the best catamaran cruises in Barbados with over 500 Excellent reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Check Captain Nick’s availability

  Elegance Catamaran Cruises Barbados also offers all three types of cruises – private tours, sunset cruises, and lunch and snorkel cruises. Lunch cruises start from Bridgetown and offer snorkeling stops, a delicious meal, and plenty of time for lounging on the way back. These trips have a maximum of 12 guests.

Sunset dinner cruises offer a unique opportunity to snorkel as the sun goes down and enjoy a delicious dinner with all-inclusive drinks. All Elegance cruises offer hotel transportation and have an open bar.

• Located in Bridgetown
• Luxury experience
• They offer a sunset dinner cruise, a lunchtime catamaran snorkeling cruise, and a private cruise option
• Food, drinks, hotel transportation, and snorkel gear included
• Book Elegance Catamaran Cruise

Cool Runnings Catamaran is another popular Barbados cruise option that offers great value. Snorkel and lunch cruises are offered daily while sunset cruises are only offered Wednesdays and Thursdays each week. Private tours are by appointment. 

All Cool Runnings tours include a buffet meal and all-inclusive drinks. Snorkeling equipment is provided and they also offer transportation to and from your hotel or cruise ship terminal.

• Over 2000 Excellent reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Hotel transportation, meal, and drinks included
• Book Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruise

El Tigre Catamaran Barbados

The El Tigre Catamaran Barbados has over 400 excellent reviews on Viator and offers memorable tours aboard their 60-foot catamaran. You’ll kick off your catamaran tour with a snorkel among the shipwrecks and ocean life, then you’ll return to El Tigre for unlimited drinks and good vibes.

El Tigre offers 3-hour cruises and 5-hour cruises. All tours come with snorkel gear and bottomless drinks. The 5-hour cruise option also includes lunch. They also offer a 3-hour sunset cruise.

• Accommodation pick up and drop off at select hotels
• Maximum 36 guests per cruise
• Discounted pricing for children under 12
• Book an El Tigre Catamaran Barbados Cruise

Tiami Silver Cruises Barbados offers eight different cruise ships to travel on and tours include delicious local dishes. Each cruise ship is custom-built and incredibly spacious. 

Tiami Catamaran Cruises offers private charters that go above and beyond with live music and catered food by request. The lunch cruises have three swimming and snorkeling stops as well as a delicious lunch buffet — perfect for anyone who wants to get to know the friendly sea turtles and see colorful marine life off the coast of Barbados. The sunset cruise has a full buffet dinner and gorgeous views.

• Luxury Packages
• 8 available cruise ships
• Round trip transfers
• Book Tiami Cruises Barbados

Silver Moon Barbados has been around since 2002 and is run by Nick and Nicky. Silver Moon Barbados has a fleet of three ships. Silver Moon Barbados offers two excursion options. You can book a lunch cruise that lasts about 5 hours and has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers per trip. You’ll enjoy an incredible Bajan meal, bottomless drinks, and transportation from your accommodation.

The second option is a private charter that can be booked for any time of day. Food is catered and private pickup is offered. The amount of time is by request.

• 4500+ Excellent Reviews on  TripAdvisor
• Lunch cruises and private charters
• Book your excursion with Silver Moon Catamarans

Jammin Catamaran Cruises offers fun-filled daytime and evening catamaran trips the whole family will love. All cruises include a delicious buffet meal, an open bar, hotel pickup, and even water slides!

The Sun Blast Cruise lasts about five and a half hours and there are plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. The Twilight Cruise promotes a 4-hour sunset cruise with entertainment. If you’re planning a special event, their private cruises can hold up to 85 people at a time. This is a great option for larger groups.

• Round Trip Hotel Transfers
• Great for families with kids
• Large group private catamaran option
• Book Jammin Catamaran Cruises

If you’re looking for luxury, Seaduced Luxury Catamaran Barbados won’t disappoint. Both private and semi-private charters are available. Private cruises last about 5 hours and are scheduled based on the requested time. Semi-private charters have a maximum of 14 people and include snorkeling, refreshments, and a chef-prepared lunch.

If spending the afternoon on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean sounds like your definition of paradise, take a look at Seaduced Catamarans.

• Luxury yacht experience
• Private Chef
• Book Seaduced Luxury Catamaran

FAQ: Taking a Catamaran Cruise in Barbados

How much is a catamaran cruise in barbados.

Catamaran cruises in Barbados typically cost between $75 and $150 USD per person for a half-day, non-private charter. Usually, this includes several hours of exploring, snorkel equipment, drinks, snacks, and a meal.

How long is a Barbados catamaran cruise?

Catamaran boat trips typically last anywhere from a few hours to a half day, depending on the offer you book. When you make your reservation, your captain will tell you when to meet the boat and what time you can expect to return.

What do you wear on a catamaran cruise in Barbados?

Most Barbados catamaran cruises are casual and involve lots of swimming, so I recommend wearing a bathing suit with an easy coverup or tee-shirt for when you want sun protection. A hat is nice to have for keeping the sun off your face, and you’ll definitely want to bring sun screen and sun glasses. It’s also a good idea to bring a quick-drying towel so you can dry off between snorkel sessions. On your feet, a pair of flip flops is fine since you’ll take off your shoes before you get on board.

Final Thoughts: Top Catamaran Trips in Barbados

Whether you are looking for a relaxing day trip or a bit of adventure among the impressive reefs, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect Barbados catamaran tour for you. Check out the catamaran experiences above for an unforgettable experience.

More Fun Things To Do In Barbados

• The Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
• Fun Things To Do In Barbados
• Best Beaches in Barbados
• Visiting Animal Flower Cave Barbados
• Best Barbados Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Travelers
• Best Sunset Spots in Barbados

Recent Articles

Accommodation

6 sun-drenched hotels in carlisle bay barbados.

Where to Stay in Barbados: Area and Neighborhood Guide

16 Best South Coast Barbados Hotels and Resorts

9 Best Hotels in Speightstown Barbados

Things To Do

Barbados magic lounge review: best magic show in barbados.

Let's plan your dream Barbados vacation!

Read the ultimate Barbados Travel guide

Acccommodation

Destinations

Things to do

Read the Blog

© Next Stop Barbados 2024

This Website Uses Cookies

Privacy overview.

• +1 246 422 1900

27, Upper Mount Standfast - St. James, Barbados W.I.

Discover the Best of Barbados with Good Times Catamaran Cruises

Embark on a journey of luxury, adventure and unforgettable memories.

or Call us: +1 246 422 1900

Lunch Snorkel Cruise: Discover Underwater Wonders and Savor Coastal Flavors

Private Charter: Exclusive Voyages Tailored Just for You

Embark on a personalized sea adventure with Good Times Catamaran Cruises, where your Private Cruise is crafted to your desires. From selecting your ideal route to indulging in gourmet cuisine and premium beverages, every detail is tailored to your preferences. Perfect for celebrating special occasions, enjoying romantic escapes, or simply savoring a day of opulence, our Private Cruise offers not just exclusivity but also culinary excellence. Relish in the privacy of your catamaran, complemented by exquisite meals and drinks, as we turn your dream sea journey into a reality.

Private Sunset Cruise: An Exclusive Twilight Voyage

  An Exclusive Evening on the Sea – Embark on a private and enchanting Sunset Cruise with Good Times Catamaran Cruises, where the serene Caribbean Sea meets the vibrant colors of the evening sky. Experience the tranquility and beauty of the sunset from the privacy of your catamaran, gliding over calm waters as the day transitions into night. Perfect for romantic moments, peaceful reflections or intimate gatherings, our Sunset Cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Barbados’s coastal splendor.

Special Events: Intimate Celebrations at Sea

Celebrate your special occasions with an intimate cruise. Perfect for weddings, birthdays or gatherings, our catamarans offer a unique, customizable experience for up to 25 guests. Enjoy special menus, water activities, and the beauty of Barbados in a private setting.

Watersports Adventures: Dive, Fish, and Play in Barbados

Experience the thrill of the sea with our exclusive watersport activities. Dive into Barbados’s best sites with our PADI Dive Master, fish for the big catch with our experienced captain, or enjoy exhilarating water thrills like banana rides, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Our private tours ensure a personalized adventure, with options for all skill levels and preferences. Join us for unforgettable water experiences!

Over 20 Years of Experience: With more than two decades of navigating the Caribbean, our seasoned crew ensures a safe and memorable journey.

Our catamarans, "Good Times" and "Good Times Too," are equipped with fuel-efficient diesel engines and solar panels for battery recharging. This design ensures that we are largely independent of external power sources, reducing our environmental impact and enhancing the sustainability of our tours.

Whether you choose to embark on our captivating Snorkel Lunch Cruise or design your own adventure with our versatile Private Cruise options, one thing remains constant: The creation of unforgettable memories. 

Bountiful Buffet & Attentive Service: Delight in a bountiful buffet of gourmet offerings and top-quality drinks while our attentive and courteous crew caters to your every need, ensuring a voyage that's truly special.

Recognized for Excellence: Our guests consistently celebrate their experiences with us, as reflected in our outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. Join the ranks of satisfied adventurers who have made lifelong memories with our expertly crafted cruises. [ View Reviews ]

Our Passion

The Lunch and Snorkel Tour is priced at $140 per adult and $90 for children aged 12 years and younger. Toddlers under 4 years can join for free. The Private Catamaran Experience on the 'Good Times' is priced at $300 per hour. For the 'Good Times Too,' the rate is $425 per hour, with additional charges of $20 per guest for drinks and $30 per guest for food.

Barbados Catamaran Cruise on Calypso Girl

Top Ten on Trip Adviso r !   Come join us for an award-winning, relaxed fun day of sailing and snorkeling aboard a 43 foot catamaran boat tha t cruises along the coast of Barbados…

Don’t save this for your last day – you will want to do it again during your stay in Barbados!

www.tripadvisor.com

I live in Barbados and have always gone on the very big catamarans. No more. I am a convert to this particular boat. The staff were amazing. Due to the fact that it is not one of the very large boats my friends and I did not have to deal with loads of other people on the boat. It was heaven. It felt like a private charter even though it was not. I highly recommend this boat.

Nick, Luca and Akim made our day out w Calypso cruises the highlight of our vacation. Whether swimming w the turtles, seeing the shipwrecks or just relaxing on the boat the calypso crew attends to every detail. It is pure fun from start to finish. And of course the pick up and drop off by Sean makes the day even easier. It is a much smaller group than some of the other boats running at the same time and everyone is just so friendly. It’s Barbados at its finest.

www.facebook.com/calypsocruisesbarbados

Sarah Ellis | May 2018

As always Nick delivers the best catamaran cruise trip on the island. This is absolutely a must-do when you visit Barbados and Nick and his team on Calypso Cruises offer a magical day. Their attentive service, fabulous food and drink and stops to swim the majestic turtles and snorkle over reefs and wrecks will give you lif time memories.

Mel Early | Oct 2018

Had the best day with Nick and James. From start to finish it was all i wished for and more. Nothing was too much trouble and the knowledge and information given to us was second to none. We were lucky there was only myself and my husband and American couple on board so it felt more like a private charter. Weve been on catamarans all over the Caribbean and parts of Europe and i have to say this made the rest look like amateurs. Loved ever second of it. Thanks Nick and James for a truely memorable day xx

More Info…

We sail with limited numbers (max 14) to ensure a more personal and intimate experience. Our 5 hour tour includes pick up from your hotel/resort/ship, snorkeling with the turtles, ship wreck or reef and a leisurely lunch stop. We provide snorkeling gear, noodles and all your refreshments.

There is coffee, tea and light snacks to start the morning – including Bloody Caesars if you are so bold. Hors d’oeurves while we sail and a full Bajan buffet lunch of local fish, baked chicken, macaroni pie, pasta salad, potato salad, tossed salad and dinner rolls / garlic bread, followed by delicious desserts.

The crew operates an open bar throughout the cruise to keep you hydrated and relaxed. We serve a premium bar, wine, rum punch, coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks – we will bring you drinks to wherever you are on the boat!

• Activities & Attractions (23)
• Aerial Footage of Barbados (3)
• Barbados Trivia
• Car Rentals (1)
• Cool Things To Do (19)
• Cruises (11)
• Cultural Festivals
• Deep Sea Fishing (4)
• Environmental Initiatives
• Gardens (3)
• Great Views
• Historical Sites (4)
• Island Tours (6)
• Magazines (1)
• Nightlife (2)
• Real Estate (3)
• Services (8)
• Shopping (6)
• Sporting Festivals & Events
• Surfing (0)

You are here

Small cats catamaran cruises.

Main Tab Group

Small Cats specialises in smaller, more personalised cruises with the emphasis on intimacy carrying a maximum of 12 people. Our cozy 30-foot catamaran has a comfortable open canopy area for those avoiding the sun as well as ample deck space for sun bathers. The boat sails from Bridgetown and takes you to the Carlisle Bay area, just minutes away from the island's friendly sea turtles and for a sail along the beautiful West Coast of the island. As you sail our friendly captain will point out the many hotels, restaurants and holiday homes of the rich and famous on the water's edge. 

Elegance Catamaran Cruises

Tiami Catamaran Cruises

Sail Calabaza

We started in the field of brochure distribution in 1998. We offer brochure distribution to approximately 180 locations all over Barbados. In 2015 we decided to take all of the information in our stands and place it online creating an incredibly comprehensive website that can be used before your visit to Barbados or while you are here. If you have a mobile device, simply go to any of our stands and scan the QR code on its front, and you will have access to all of the printed information in the stand. 

Barbados website design by Caribbean New Media.

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

Our Cruises

Snorkel cruise.

Explore life beneath the waves as you get a chance to snorkel and swim with the beautiful sea turtles in their natural habitat. Visiting the shipwreck or coral reef, you will also have the opportunity to swim with many varieties of tropical fish.

Catamarans:

• SHASA (30ft/8 passengers)

• SHASA II (38ft/10 passengers)

Lunch Cruise

More leisurely than our snorkel cruise, you will have even longer to enjoy the glorious marine life. We also take you on to a serene bay where you can enjoy a stroll along the beach before a delicious buffet style lunch of many local favourites is served on board.

Sunset Cruise

This cruise is for the more romantic at heart! After stopping to swim with the turtles and snorkel at the coral reef, sit back and enjoy the view as we sail along the beautiful west coast of Barbados watching the sunset.

Private Charter

Our private charter itinerary is very flexible, whether it be lunch, snorkelling or site seeing. You choose the setting and we do the rest.

Beach pick-up is available from your hotel or villa on the beach (weather conditions permitting).

Champagne Sunset Cruise

Adults only. We snorkel in 2 locations, swimming with turtles,over a coral reef and shipwreck. Refreshments include a bottle of Champagne per couple, assorted canapes, cheese plate & fruit platter.

Our Friends

Customer Reviews

It was a great time and one of the best excursions we have ever taken! The crew was amazing and the scenery was beautiful. Loved the turtles.

Skipper Jason and his First Mate, Rory were amazing hosts! The drinks were flowing regularly too. Rory swam down and found fish and turtles for us to see. The photos Rory took are amazing and available free of charge, which is fantastic. We had the best day – only wish we could do it all over again. Thank you.

We had an awesome experience with Jason & Rory. In addition to seeing lots of turtles when snorkeling we also also saw four humpback whales in the distance. Jason really knew the best places to snorkel and Rory was awesome underwater. Great couple of very nice guys that made our day with them the highlight of our trip.

Gallery From Our Tours

*There is a charge of US$20 per person for drinks & transportation on our 3 hour private charters.  

*There is a charge of US$25 per person for drinks & transportation on our 4 & 5 hour private charters.

Cavans Lane, Bridgetown, BARBADOS

+ 1 (246) 421 6419

• Mon - Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm AST
• Follow Us On Instagram
• Like Us On Facebook

Small Cats Catamaran Sailing Cruises Barbados

• 5-Hour Cruises
• 3-Hour Cruises
• Private Charter Cruises
• Reservations

3-HOUR SNORKELING CRUISES

Your ticket to snorkel paradise

The experience of a snorkel excursion with the tropical fish and over historical shipwrecks is truly special. We love to share our beautiful ocean and its wonderful creatures with our guests. This is a great choice to enjoy Barbados' blue scenery.

• Transport from your hotel/ villa/ cruise ship  (if selected)
• Set sail from the Careenage in Bridgetown at 10:00 am
• Watch the crew in action as they handle this authentic sailing catamaran
• Enjoy 2 swim & snorkel stops: one with amazing sea turtles, and one to see historical shipwrecks as well as beautiful tropical fish
• Anchor in a tranquil bay
• Sit back, relax, sway to the music as you sip a rum punch
• Depart the catamaran at 1:00 pm (Depending on whether you are a shared or private cruise, we may be able to accommodate the preferred beach drop off)
• Return transport to your hotel/ villa/ cruise ship  (if selected)
• Unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
• Snorkel & safety gear
• On board marine toilet
• Deck space, for working on your tan
• Shade, for when you want it
• Transportation to and from hotels/ select villas/ cruise ships on the West and South coasts

WHAT TO BRING

• Swimwear (under your clothing, for easy changing)
• Beach towels
• Anything else you would take to the beach!
• $150 BDS ($75 USD) per Adult
• $130 BDS ($65 USD) per Child (3-12 years)
• Free for infants (0-2 years)
• We take a maximum of 12 people for your absolute comfort and safety on board
• Sea turtles are wild animals and as such we are unable to guarantee you will meet them during your cruise (although it is very likely you will!)
• Gratuity is not included in the cruise rates

Send us a reservation request

Make your Barbados vacation extra special with Action Charters Catamaran Sailing Cruises

Book Online

We accept credit cards.

You can now check availability for a Silver Moon Catamaran Cruise and book online  instantly.

Digital security

We take your security seriously.  Your credit card details are passed directly to our payment providers using banking-level encryption.   We never see or store your credit card details.

If you have any questions about your booking, or wish to book a private charter, you can call us directly on +1 (246) 435-5285.

You can also contact our  Reservations Manager  with your booking request, or for more information on private charters, weddings & special events on Silver Moon.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay The World’s Biggest Weekend Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

7 Ways To Use Onboard Credit

How to use cruise credits.

By Adam H. Graham | Published on March 7, 2024

You may have seen deals that include onboard credit and wondered what that entails. Onboard credit — otherwise known as OBC or "cruise cash" — is a promotion that offers cruisers a dollar amount to use toward onboard spending. It is loaded automatically onto your SeaPass® card, the personal onboard expense account you'll use for all your onboard expenditures, and credits are automatically applied to all purchases made on board. Think of it as a gift card from Royal Caribbean.

Though the timing of promotions varies, the credit is issued before you cruise and can be spent on the My Royal Cruise portal even before you board. And here's the really fun part: it can be applied toward a wide array of goods and services, including massages and celebratory bottles of bubbly. But there's a motto for how to treat your cruise credit: Use it or lose it! Credits are nonrefundable and nontransferable, so read on for our list of seven of the best ways to use your onboard cruise credit.

1. Wine, Spirits And Other Beverages

Splurging on a bottle of your favorite bubbly or top-shelf tequila is an excellent way to use your credit. If simply nursing a dark 'n' stormy or a pineapple guava sangria at sunset is more your jam, then treating yourself — and perhaps your significant other or friends — to a round of cocktails at one of the ship's bars is a generous act that won't be forgotten. Daiquiris, caipirinhas and margaritas made with agave syrup are only a few of the creations you can sample.

Drinks Packages  are a smart way to use up cruise credit, too. Guests can opt for unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola® products by purchasing a Classic Soda Package. Add on a Refreshment Package and you'll also get mocktails, premium coffees and teas, milkshakes, Evian bottled water and fresh-squeezed juices with the next level. Or upgrade to the Deluxe Beverage Package for unlimited beer, wine, premium cocktails and 40% discounts on select bottles of wine and Champagne.

2. Specialty Dining

Dining packages  are a fantastic way to spend cruise credit. You can purchase the Three Restaurants package to dine at three different venues or the Unlimited Dining Package, which allows you to visit multiple specialty restaurants every night of your sailing.

Onboard credit can be used for individual meals, too. Hankering for some seafood while sailing in the Caribbean? Use your credit for yellowtail sashimi sushi, shrimp tempura or the famed champagne lobster rolls at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. If you're a meat lover, consider ordering a bone-in rib-eye steak at Chops Grille℠. If you want to really go gourmet, book a seat at Chef's Table and sample, for example, the smoked tomato soup and scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette. Those with a sweet tooth have no shortage of places to satisfy their sugar desires. Trade in your credit for some petits fours and violet cassis macarons at La Patisserie or surprise your family with cupcakes, pastry, donuts or cookies from various venues on board.

3. Shore Excursions

Booking shore excursions is another great way to spend your onboard credit — not to mention deepen your travel experience. Excursions you can spend your credit on include everything from snorkeling, scuba diving, birdwatching and rainforest ziplining to touring archeological sights and embarking on standard city tours at most ports of call.

If you start to experience crowd fatigue mid-cruise, consider using your onboard credit to book Private Journeys  — a customized tour just for you and your crew — so that you can get more personalized experiences onshore. Sample Private Journeys include a Basque cooking class with a chef in Bilbao, Spain; an Alaskan glacier tour by Hummer; a seaplane excursion to a private Puerto Rican island with a catamaran ride; or a simple yet romantic boat tour of Capri, Italy's Blue Grotto.

5. Spa Treatments

6. Shopping

7. Casino Games

If you're a big spender keen to roll the dice and poker-face your way through a hand of Texas Hold 'em, spend your cruise credit at the Casino Royale℠, found on every ship. Your credit can be used for everything from slot machines and craps tables to roulette, baccarat and blackjack tournaments. There are also nightly cash prizes and special one-off events that the resident pit boss can tell you about. It's possible to turn that credit into cash, allowing you to spend even more when hitting the shore.

Ready to book a cruise for your next vacation? Check out these fabulous cruises .

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

STARTING FROM 

Sail on icon of The Seas

Starting from 

FAMILY GETAWAY

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

Related Articles

Best Weekend Cruises from Florida | Royal Caribbean Cruises

7 Ways To Use Onboard Credit | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Top Things to Do on Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Best Family Vacation Onboard Mariner of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

EXPLORE MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.