Frequently Asked Questions

Event Questions

Does everyone planning to attend need a badge?
Yes, your King Con Cruise badge purchase guarantees your inclusion into our on board travel group as well as entry into exclusive events.

Will badges be available at the door?
Unfortunately, no. As King Con Cruise takes place actually at sea, we can’t accommodate last minute walk ins. All attendees must be pre-registered and paid prior to departure.

Where will registration be for badge pick-up?
King Con Cruise badge pickup will be in the conference center on board. Check the final schedule of events for times.

What kind of programming will there be?
King Con Cruise is focused more on creating an up close and personal fan experience, and less on traditional programming. The schedule will include panels, meet & greets, and autographs with the guests, but will also integrate offerings available through Royal Caribbean, such as island excursions and on board activities.

What special events will be happening?
King Con Cruise will have a full schedule of events, integrating the endless options offered by Royal Caribbean. Check the final schedule as we get closer to sailing for more information.

When and where will the Programming Schedule be visible?
The programming schedule will be available via our social media and on the website as soon as it’s finalized, but we will be posting event updates on our website in the interim.

Will there be attendee panels, or only guest programming?
We are currently only planning guest programming, but we are open to attendee panels if people really want to bring something to the con. Let us know if you have something specific in mind!

Will there be vendors/artist alley?
Due to the restrictions placed on sales in international waters, we will not be having vendors on this cruise. However, King Con Cruise merchandise is available as part of attendee registration through our website.

Are there restrictions on cosplay?
There are restrictions on cosplay. In keeping with the regulations of Royal Caribbean and international travel, the following restrictions will apply: Costumes deemed by ship staff to be of an offensive or inappropriate nature will not be allowed at the public venues on board. Masks are also prohibited in public spaces, but are welcome in the convention space and events. Weapons (including prop weapons) are prohibited in their entirety. However, closet cosplay (think disneybounding) is allowed (and encouraged!) across the entire venue, so feel free to get creative with your wardrobe! For more information on Royal Caribbean’s policy on appearance, check their website.

How old do you have to be to attend?
All ages are welcome to join King Con Cruise, so feel free to bring the whole family. (Please note: all attendees will be subject to Royal Caribbean’s age restrictions as noted in the above section.) Royal Caribbean has lots of onboard activities for both kids and adults. For more information on what Independence of the Seas has to offer all ages, check out their website.

Do minors need to be accompanied by an adult?
Yes, minors will need to accompanied by an adult and will be subject to age restrictions for cruise activities. However, there are plenty to do while the adults sneak off to the 21+ pool.

Is the cruise exclusively for King Con cruisers?
No, we will sharing the cruise ship with other individuals not associated with King Con and will need to be considerate of their cruise experience.

What is the refund policy for badges?
All badges are non-refundable and non-transferable. Badges purchased for this event cannot be applied to future events. Exceptions will only be made in the event that you have purchased a badge and accommodations are no longer available on the ship, in which case your badge price may be refunded provided the request is received within 14 days of the initial purchase.

Is there anything else we need to know?
Only that general rules of convention conduct apply – just because we aren’t at a convention center doesn’t mean this isn’t still a public venue. Please observe the following:

  • Be kind to others. Insults, discrimination, harassment of any kind, etc. will not be tolerated and may be cause for revoking your badge. While we cannot remove you from the premises, we can remove you from our presence. We’ll be coexisting on a ship with each other for days, let’s please do our best to get along.
  • If it is illegal outside the convention, it is illegal inside the convention. Please follow all local, state, national, and international laws as well as King Con and Royal Caribbean policies.
  • Alcohol is not allowed in convention space. Keep it in your rooms. Public drunkenness will not be tolerated per Royal Caribbean policy.
  • Hygiene is important. The ship and the convention request that all attendees bathe daily and wash their hands frequently for the comfort and safety of all parties on the ship.
  • Staff are on board to ensure the event runs smoothly. Please defer to their direction when requested.

Be sure to join our cruisers group on Facebook to stay on top of any updates!

Cruise Questions

Does everyone planning to attend need a cabin reservation?
Yes, as King Con Cruise takes place onboard the cruise liner Independence of the Seas , everyone who intends to board must have a reservation. Cabins are available via Royal Caribbean upon registration for your King Con badge.

How and when do I pay for my cruise? Are there payment options? Is there a deposit?
A small deposit will hold your cabin when you book your reservation through Royal Caribbean via our travel partner, Academy Travel. Once reserved, balances can be paid off through them as well. Start the process with your registration at www.kingconcruise.com

What is included in the price?
Included in your reservation are your cabin and numerous ship amenities, as well as meals, basic beverages, and general activities and entertainment. You can eat like a king (and with the King!) all week at no extra charge. You’re also free to enjoy a round of mini golf, surf the wave rider, and enjoy countless other onboard activities at no extra cost. Plus, of course, there are all the fun King Con Cruise events, like panels and karaoke with our celebrity guests, all included in your King Con Cruise registration and fare!

Where can I eat and what does it cost?
Meals are included in your King Con Cruise cabin fare! Each evening, attendees will enjoy a multi-course, gourmet dinner (with guests!) in the Main Dining Room. In addition, buffet meals are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Windjammer Cafe plus there are a variety of grab-and-go-eateries (including midnight pizza!) located throughout the ship. Also included are select room service options for those times when you feel like dining in. There are some specialty restaurants that are not included in your cabin fare, but the free options will keep you fed, happy, and ready for more! For more information about onboard dining and what’s included, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

What is a drink package?
Beverages are included in meal service, but for those who would like additional options throughout the cruise, beverage packages are available to suit your needs. Packages range from bottled water only to alcohol-inclusive all-you-can-drink. And can be purchased onboard or pre-reserved before you set sail. Beverage packages are honored at all on board bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, and private destinations during normal business hours. For more information, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

Meals are included – what if I have allergies or other restrictions?
Inform the waitstaff of your restrictions at meal times, and they will be sure to accommodate your dietary needs.

Are there any stops that the Cruise will be making?
Yes, King Con Cruise will be making stops at some exciting ports of call. Check our itinerary for specific destinations.

What is an excursion and how do I book one?
Excursions are outings arranged by your cruise line which enhance your experience during port visits. Excursions usually are not included in the cost of your cruise package. Or, chat with our travel partners about additional excursions available through Royal Caribbean. For more information, please visit the Royal Caribbean website.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes! VOOM is available onboard all ships fleetwide. Prices for internet access vary and are subject to change. Log on to the to the network “royal-wifi” using your device, open your browser and follow instructions to log on. For information on the packages that Royal Caribbean offers for WiFi and streaming, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

Will I need a passport?
Yes, King Con Cruise goes into international waters, so passports/passport cards are required. Please check the USPS website for more information and an application to get yours.

Will an enhanced license or passport card work?
Yes and no, Royal Caribbean does indeed accept passport cards, but discourages passengers from traveling with state issued id’s. Per their guidelines, you must have a valid passport/passport card or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) or Trusted Travel Documents. For more information on travel documents, contact Royal Caribbean directly or check the Royal Caribbean website.

How old do I have to be to join the cruise?
Although all ages are welcome, per Royal Caribbean’s policy, you must be 21 or older at the time of sailing or accompanied by an adult. For more information on this policy, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

Are there amenities geared for children?
Yes! Bring the whole family! Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean® youth programs are entertaining and educational, as well as age appropriate. For more information, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

Is there a dress code?
When you’re onboard, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by item.
Casual: You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.
Smart Casual: Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.
Formal: Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. On a $ night cruise such as ours, the formal dinner night is generally on day 2.
Please note that bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner. For information on Royal Caribbean’s dress code, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

Do I need a travel agent to book a cruise?
Not at all! King Con Cruise will be directing registered attendees to book via our travel agent, Kat Barnard, an Affiliate of Academy Travel, to reserve your cabins in order to ensure you are included in the King Con group and receive any booking incentives you may have earned. Academy Travel can also assist with any additional bookings you have, like reserving your rooms at our pre-cruise hotel or coordinating our theme park group outings.

What is gratuity, and how is it paid?
The automatic service gratuity is $14.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Junior Suites and below, or $17.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above, applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. The gratuity applies to individual guests of all ages and stateroom categories as a way to reward Royal Caribbean crew members for their outstanding service. Gratuities are shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience. For Royal Caribbean’s included gratuity policy, and the differing amounts for gratuities that are not included, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

Are reservations/badges transferable?
Unfortunately, per Royal Caribbean policy, cabin reservations are non-transferable.

Is there a different currency? Do you need to exchange US Dollars to purchase things in the Bahamas?
Although there is technically a different currency in the Bahamas, there is no need for currency exchange, USD is accepted at our scheduled ports of call.

What is a port and how do I get there?
The Port is where you board the ship. The most common methods of getting to port include public transportation, taxi, or by driving.
Is there lodging near the port?
This depends on the port; however, most ports do have lodging within reasonable travel distance. King Con Cruise will be posting preferred hotel packages as we get closer to sailing.

How early should I arrive at port the day of my cruise?
Guests should arrive to the port no later than 60 minutes prior to the published sail time. Guests should adhere to the published check-in windows, where applicable, that can be found in their itinerary.

When should I check in?
Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to their cruise. If you do not complete Online Check-in 3 days prior, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time.

How do you get your Royal Caribbean luggage tags?
Go to the Royal Caribbean website and log in with your account information. Click the “Cruise Documentation” tab, where you’ll see “Guest Vacation Documents.” Your documents include a luggage tag that has your specific sailing information. Print as many tags as you like (color printing recommended).

What’s the parking situation for people driving in?
There are guest parking areas adjacent to the piers, with a rate of $20 USD/day. However, just like any major airport, there are a number of off site lots that have lower rates. For more information on parking at the pier, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

Can you tell me more about the cruise?
Have more questions about the cruise? Royal Caribbean may already have answered them on their website. Please check their FAQ.

Accessibility/Medical Questions

Is the cruise handicap accessible?
Yes. Royal Caribbean strives to ensure all passengers are included in everything the cruise has to offer. For more information, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

What if I need medical attention while on the cruise?
Don’t worry. On the cruise ship, you’re covered! Every Royal Caribbean ship offers limited professional medical services through licensed (international or domestic) physicians and nurses. All Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ships have shipboard medical facilities that are built, staffed, stocked and equipped to meet or exceed guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine Section. For more information about Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship medical services, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

What if I’m prone to sea-sickness?
Prepare before your cruise with these seasickness tips: FDA-approved acupressure wristbands and various over-the-counter medications and natural treatments can help prevent seasickness, and should be used before you start to feel ill. Consult your physician before choosing to use either.

What if I have an audio/visual impairment? What accommodations can I expect?
Royal Caribbean strives to accommodate all passengers regardless of hurdles or limitations, For information regarding audio and visual impairment and how it affects your cruise experience and what you can expect, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

All audio/visual accessibility requests need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date unless a sign language interpreter is required. In that case, you must submit this for no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

What if I have a physical disability? What accommodations can I expect?
Royal Caribbean strives to accommodate all passengers regardless of hurdles or limitations, For information regarding physical disability and how it affects your cruise experience and what you can expect, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

All physical disability requests need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

Does a wheelchair or scooter prevent me from coming on the cruise? What accommodations can I expect?
Royal Caribbean strives to accommodate all passengers regardless of hurdles or limitations,

All mobility requests need to be made no later than 30 days before your sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

What is a tender boat, and does my disability affect my ability to board one?
At some ports, the ship will anchor offshore, and guests are taken to shore by small boats called tenders. Even if the ship is scheduled to dock at a pier, it can change to tendering. Guests with assistive devices who are unable to take a few steps will be unable to board tenders unless roll-on capability is available.

In order to safely board most tenders, guests must be able to take steps and use a collapsible manual wheelchair. In addition, motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be taken on tenders, unless roll-on capability is available. Inquire about tender roll-on capability at Guest Relations Desk while on board. Please note roll-on capability is not guaranteed.

All requests regarding accessible shore excursions need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

Are the staterooms big enough to accommodate my electric or manual wheelchairs?
Accessible staterooms are designed for guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the use of the features associated with accessible staterooms. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability.

All requests for an accessible stateroom need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

Does the ADA-defined staterooms come equipped with a roll-in or lowered shower, and are ADA-defined staterooms available in category?
For more information regarding Royal Caribbean’s accessible staterooms, including the availability of roll-in showers, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

All requests for an accessible stateroom need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

Are the pools/hot tubs equipped with lifts to assist those with physical limitations with entering/exiting the pool/hot tub?
Yes! Lifts for one pool and one whirlpool on each ship in the fleet are available.

What excursions are offered to those with limited mobility or physical limitations?
To learn more about accessible excursions, please click here. You may also fill out the Accessible Shore Excursions Reservation on the Royal Caribbean website or email the Accessible Shore Excursions Team by emailing shorexaccess@rccl.com.

Are there any excursions available for those who are unable to transfer themselves and strictly rely on a wheelchair?
Due to the historical nature of the sites and venues at some ports of call as well as the uneven terrain, inclines, steps to navigate and narrow sidewalks not all tours offer access to wheelchair/ scooters. Accessible tours are tours designed for full time wheelchair users or guests unable to negotiate motor-coach steps. They are available in certain ports based on the transportation we have been able to secure.

You may also fill out the Accessible Shore Excursions Reservation form on the Royal Caribbean website or email the Accessible Shore Excursions Team by emailing shorexaccess@rccl.com.

What if I have Autism or a developmental disability? What accommodations can I expect?
Royal Caribbean strives to accommodate all passengers regardless of hurdles or limitations, For information regarding autism or a developmental disabilities, and how it affects your cruise experience and what you can expect, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

What if I have a service animal? Will I be able to bring them on the cruise? What accommodations can I expect?
Royal Caribbean International welcomes service dogs on all ships. Please note they do not accept pets. For information on having a service animal onboard the cruise and what you can expect, please check the Royal Caribbean website.

All service animal requests need to be made no later than 30 days before your sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

What documentation do I need to provide for my service animal?
Evidence that a dog is a service dog is helpful but not required (such as identification cards, other written documentation, presence of harnesses and/or tags or the credible verbal assurance of the person with a disability using the dog).

Will my service animal be allowed to disembark at each port that we visit?
Royal Caribbean is unable to guarantee that your service animal will be able to disembark the ship at every port-of-call. Please review the policies and regulations for ports within your cruise itinerary. Failure to requirements per port-of-call could result in delays or denial of entry for your service animal.

Are there any restricted areas that my service animal is not allowed in aboard the ship?
Service dogs are permitted to accompany the person with a disability in all public areas, including dining venues. While in public areas, service dogs must be on a leash, harness or other restraining device. Due to health regulations, service dogs are not permitted in pools, whirlpools or spas.

Where will my service animal be allowed to relieve themselves?
Your service animal will be provided a relief area either on deck four or deck five near the rear of the ship to relieve themselves.

Can I bring my CPAP/BIPAP? Is distilled water provided?
Yes! Free of charge, you may request distilled water and an extension cord for your CPAP/BIPAP to be placed in your stateroom prior to your arrival.

All requests need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

Are there refrigerators/sharps containers provided in the stateroom for my insulin?
All requests for a refrigerator and/or sharps container need to be made no later than 30 days before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

What if I have dietary restrictions or a food allergy?
All requests regarding dietary restrictions or food allergies need to be made no later than 30 days before the sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request.

How do I notify the cruise line of my accessibility needs before the cruise? What do I do if I have other questions?
All requests for accessibility or medical accommodations need to be made no later than 30 days (60 for all ASL requests) before sail date. Please use the GUEST SPECIAL NEEDS FORM to submit your request. The Access Department can be reached toll-free at (866) 592-7225 or by fax at (954) 628-9622. You may also send them an e-mail at special_needs@rccl.com, or have your local travel agent or International Representative contact them.