How did I not know this?

I was on the Wish last week and I learned something new to me.  I always had the understanding that the only way to pay for something on the ship was to have it charged to your room.  I have always settled all purchases of any kind this way.  Last week on the Wish, when I was in Mickeys Mainsail, I was asked if I wanted to pay for my items with credit/debit or gift card.  I had never been asked that before, and trust me, I make purchases on every sailing. 

So, when did this policy change?  Has it been months, years?  I think I will always continue to charge everything to the room, because I like having all transactions in one place and helps me keep better track of my spending, but it is nice to have the option to use other forms of payment.  Still shaking my head in wonder that I had no idea you could do this as I consider myself a pretty knowledgeable cruiser.