BarbaraKnowsBest
Our friendly cruise director, Barbara, has compiled a few handy tips and tricks to help our cruisers get ready for adventure!
Things to Know
Plan to arrive at your departure city a day or more before the cruise. Your ship may leave in late afternoon, but a delayed flight or heavy traffic could eat up that advance time. If you are late to board, the ship will leave without you.
Pack a carry-on bag. Passengers board the ship well before your luggage reaches your cabin, so pack any necessities — medication, important documents, phone chargers — in a carry-on bag or backpack. If you’ve got room, include items like bathing suits and sunscreen so you can immediately jump in the pool or relax in the sun without having to wait for your other bags.
Prebook activities before you leave home. If your heart is set on a particular shore excursion, spa service, class, or specialty restaurant, book them in advance, as reservations onboard fill up quickly. Bonus: booking in advance allows you to take advantage of sales!
Make sure you print your Royal Caribbean luggage tags (found in the “Travel Documents” you will receive upon check in) and affix them to your bags prior to arriving at Port. These tags tell the ship’s porters where to take your luggage on boarding day.
If your credit/debit card is attached to your Seapass, then it can be used as an extension of that card for purchases on the ship.
A daily gratuity will be automatically charged to your account so budget accordingly. Amounts can be adjusted on board with a visit to guest services.
If you have a medical device such as a CPAP or other item that you need to be bed side (requiring an extension cord) or need things like distilled water, Royal Caribbean in advance as they can provide those items in the cabin before you arrive.
Switch your phone to airplane mode. International roaming rates can apply even if you don’t make a call, so switch to airplane mode as soon as you leave port.
Confirm your door closes and locks behind you when you leave your cabin, don’t just walk away. Cabin doors are heavy and don’t always latch when closed slowly.
Watch the clock. Some ports are in different time zones than the ship’s clock, so synchronize your watches if you go ashore. The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late!
Check YouTube for a tour of the ship and also watch other travelers’ tips videos. They’ll give you a visual idea of what to expect when you board!
Food & Drink
Yes, you can still get drinks without a beverage package – no one wants you sick and dehydrated!
There are free dining options available 24 hours on board, including room service, so you do not need to budget anything for meals on board unless you choose to go to one of the (optional) paid restaurants.
You can have breakfast delivered to your room for no additional charge, just fill out the menu card in your cabin and and put it on your door to place your order.
Don’t be shy in the dining room! Can’t decide which dessert you want? Order both – the waitstaff will bring you as much as you want.
Don’t take food off the ship. International laws often prohibit transportation of produce and other fresh foods. If you’re going ashore, plan to eat at the available venues, or stick with prepackaged and sealed snacks, such as granola bars.
What to Pack
Do not pack power strips – they will be confiscated
Pack your power cords in your carry on. If you pack them in your luggage, security may confiscate your bag and hold it.
Bring backup batteries to charge items while away from the cabin. You won’t be spending a lot of time in yours!
A multi port usb charging hub will benefit you if you have multiple devices, as outlets will be limited in your cabin.
Bring sunscreen! And a rash guard, sunglasses, and a hat… and aloe for when you forget to apply the above.
Pick up a dry bag, depending on which excursions you plan – it will keep your phone, wallet, external battery, towel, and whatever else dry and handy.
Magnetic hooks and clips are handy to have, as cabin walls and ceilings are made of metal. Useful for hanging bags, clothes, towels, hats, etc.
Make sure you remember any medication needed, including prescribed medications (enough to last the full trip plus a couple extra days in case of delay). Don’t forget to include medication for motion sickness if you are prone to it!
Double check any excursion you’ve signed up for. There will usually be a list of things to bring at the end.
Most importantly, make sure you bring along a sense of fun!
