Are towels free onboard Royal Caribbean?

Understanding Whether Towels Are Free Onboard Royal Caribbean

If you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the simplest yet most confusing questions travelers often ask is: “Are towels free onboard Royal Caribbean?”The short answer is yes, towels are free to use onboard—but with a few guidelines and procedures that every guest should understand.

From poolside towel stations to private island towel rules, many first-time cruisers feel unsure about how towel access works. This pillar article breaks down everything you need to know—including towel deposits, locations, policies, fees, best practices, and insider tips to make your cruise completely stress-free.

Let’s explore the full experience of using towels on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Are Towels Free on Royal Caribbean Ships?

Yes—Towels Are Free, But With Some Rules

Royal Caribbean provides complimentary towels for all guests onboard. You don’t need to pack towels from home, and you won’t be charged to borrow them.However, Royal Caribbean follows a check-in, check-out system at dedicated towel stations to avoid losses. While towels are technically free, guests may incur charges only if they lose or fail to return a towel before the end of the sailing.

Why Royal Caribbean Tracks Towels

Since thousands of towels circulate across dozens of pools, whirlpools, waterparks, and private islands, the cruise line uses a tracking system to maintain supply and accountability.This ensures:

• Towel availability

• Cleanliness

• Proper inventory

• Reduced waste

• Fair use among guests

So while towels remain free, responsible usage is expected.

Types of Towels Onboard Royal Caribbean

Pool and Beach Towels

These are the towels you’ll pick up from the pool deck for:

• Swimming

• Sunbathing

• Whirlpools

• Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Labadee beach days

They are thick, large, blue-striped, and easy to identify.

In-Cabin Towels

Your cabin includes:

• Bath towels

• Hand towels

• Face towelsThese are meant for showering and personal use—not for pool or beach activities.

Suite Guest Towels

Suite guests may receive upgraded bath towels depending on the ship class. These are still intended for in-cabin use only.

Where to Find Towels Onboard

Pool Deck Towel Stations

Most ships place towel stations near:

• Main pools

• Solarium area

• Sports deck

• Water activity zones

Crew members scan your SeaPass card when you check out and return towels.

Private Island Towels (CocoCay & Labadee)

You must bring towels from the ship when visiting:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Labadee

There are no towel pickups on the island, but you can return towels onboard after your beach day.

Towel Pickup at Shore Excursions

Some water-based excursions (snorkel, beach break) recommend or require you to bring your ship towel.

How the Royal Caribbean Towel System Works

Checking Out a Towel

To borrow a towel:

1. Visit any towel station

2. Present your SeaPass card

3. A crew member scans the towel to your account

4. You’re free to use it anywhere onboard or ashore

Returning Towels

At the end of the day:

• Return your towel to any towel station

• Crew scans it back into the system

• No charges apply

You may swap wet towels for dry ones anytime.

What If You Lose a Towel?

Lost towels or unreturned towels may result in a fee, usually around $25 per towel.This charge appears only if:

• You forget to return a towel

• You lose it on an excursion

• It goes missing from your lounge chair

Simply returning towels by the final evening avoids all charges.

Why Some Guests Think Towels Aren’t Free

Older Policies Required a Deposit

Many years ago, Royal Caribbean required a cash deposit or automatically charged your account. While the deposit system ended, some travelers still believe towels aren’t free.

Some Guests Are Charged After Forgetting to Return

If someone forgets to return a towel or leaves it in a cabin, they may see a charge.This creates confusion, but technically, towels remain free to use as long as they're returned.

Misunderstanding Between Cabin Towels and Pool Towels

In-cabin towels are not meant for pool use. Once guests understand the difference, confusion clears up.

Benefits of the Royal Caribbean Towel System

You Never Have to Pack Your Own Towels

Save suitcase space by leaving bulky towels at home.

Fresh Towels Anytime

Swap wet towels for dry ones anytime during the day.

No Worry About Sand or Chlorine

Beach and pool towels return to the ship’s laundry—not your suitcase.

Eco-Friendly Management

Tracking ensures towels are not wasted or lost.

Insider Tips for Using Towels Onboard

Avoid Leaving Towels on Lounge Chairs

Royal Caribbean periodically clears abandoned chairs.Tip: Keep your SeaPass with you—never leave it attached to a towel on your chair.

Return Towels Before the Last Night

Many guests forget this and risk being charged. Make it part of your evening routine.

Pick Up Towels Early on Port Days

Towels can run short in the early morning rush for:

• CocoCay

• Labadee

• Water-based excursions

Borrow Only What You Need

You can check out multiple towels, but returning them is your responsibility.

Avoid Taking In-Cabin Towels Outside

Cabin towels are thinner and not intended for beach/pool use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are towels free on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, towels are complimentary. You only pay if you lose or fail to return one.

How many towels can I check out at once?

Most stations allow two per person.

Do I need towels for CocoCay or Labadee?

Yes—bring them from the ship.

Can I take towels on excursions?

Absolutely. Just return them later to avoid charges.

Do suites get special towels?

Suites get nicer cabin towels but still use standard pool towels outside.

Are kids allowed to borrow towels?

Yes, but an adult’s SeaPass may be required depending on policy.

Can I exchange my towel during the day?

Yes, unlimited exchanges are allowed.