Excursions payment question

[My Next Trip]

We have booked our first Royal Caribbean cruise. I was looking at Alaska excursions and am interested in booking, but was surprised when I went to reserve it that I have to enter a credit card number. We’ve cruised Disney and excursions were added to the onboard account. Excursions have to be paid in advance on Royal Caribbean? 
Thanks for any info you can provide. 

[firefly333]

Yes to reserve them you pay in advance. They cost more onboard.

[twinmommy08]

You pre-pay. Watch the prices though. If they go on sale, you can cancel and re-book at the lower price. You will be refunded the original amount and then charged the new amount. 
 

Editing to add: It’s never too early to book Alaskan excursions. The best ones will quickly sell out! 

Edited January 22, 2023 by twinmommy08

[LeeW]

And local operators are good in Alaska.  Don't limit yourself to just cruise line tours.