The key is to book a cruise as early as possible. Prices are usually the lowest when sailings first go on sale, and as the ship fills up with guests, prices tend to go up. Booking anywhere from 12-24 months in advance is a great strategy.
While a boarding time will be assigned to you during online check-in, this time is more of a suggestion than a rule. You can arrive to the cruise port earlier than the posted time. In most cases, arriving before noon will ensure minimal waits at check-in and during boarding.
These kinds of activities usually become available around 90 days before the cruise, although they can show up earlier than that.
Yes, you may bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages in a carry-on or hand luggage onboard only on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages brought onboard may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom.
Yes, guests wishing to bring personal wine and champagne onboard may do so only on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom.
Guests will find plenty of complimentary food and drink available throughout the cruise. This includes tap water, milk, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters, juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed), and hot chocolate.
Formal night is an evening where the dress code at the main dining room is more upscale. A typical Royal Caribbean 7-night cruise will feature two formal nights.
Yes, as of 2018, Royal Caribbean requires if one adult elects to purchase an unlimited alcohol package, all adults in the same stateroom must each buy a drink package.
Each stateroom has a phone that can be called from any other stateroom or public phone onboard. Use of the phones for calls to a guest's stateroom is complimentary.
Royal Caribbean can accommodate dietary needs such as food allergies, gluten-free, Kosher, low-fat, and low-sodium. It is required that you update the cruise line at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries).
Royal Caribbean works with most cellphone companies that offer 'cellular at sea' program so that passengers can use their cell phones onboard. However, usage may be subject to data and roaming charges as determined by each service provider.
Passengers may not bring any beer or hard liquor onboard, but they may bring up to two 750-ml bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin. Bottles can only be brought onboard on the first day of the cruise and they must be carried in the passenger's carry-on luggage.
Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette and pipe smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on any stateroom balcony.
Passengers who are U.S. citizens on cruises that start and end in a U.S. port, need either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate (not a photocopy) and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.
The lunch buffet at Windjammer Marketplace is available on all Royal Caribbean ships on embarkation day. Additionally, some specialty dining venues -- both for-fee and complimentary -- may be open as well.
My Time Dining is Royal Caribbean's flexible dinner time program, which enables cruisers to eat dinner in the main dining room at any time during opening hours on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cruise Compass is Royal Caribbean's daily onboard newsletter. It features a schedule of each day's activities, restaurant and facilities hours, port information, any specials and deals that will be available both onboard and in port, and just about anything you could want to know about what you can do onboard your cruise on any given day.
While in-cabin babysitting is not available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, passengers can put their kids in the cruise line's Adventure Ocean kids' club during the day.
Royal Caribbean ships do not have self-service launderettes, but they do offer extra-fee washing, pressing and dry cleaning services.
All Royal Caribbean ships are equipped with standard North American (110V) and European (220/230V) outlets; some ships also have USB ports in cabins.
No, cruisers may not plug any external devices (DVD players, gaming consoles, etc.) into the stateroom televisions.
You may bring most duty-free purchases onboard; however, all duty-free alcohol purchases (and, in some ports, cigarettes) will be taken by the crew and stored onboard for the duration of the sailing.
The dress code varies by restaurant. For the main dining room, smart casual attire is recommended. For specialty restaurants, the dress code can range from smart casual to formal.
While you can't bring food onboard, Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of dining options, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account, but you have the option to adjust or remove these gratuities before the end of the cruise.
Yes, but it's important to check with your cell phone provider about international rates and data charges. You can also use the ship's Wi-Fi for an additional fee.
Royal Caribbean ships offer a wide range of activities, from rock climbing and ice skating to Broadway-style shows and live music. There are also numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.
Your cruise fare includes your accommodation, meals in the main dining room and buffet, some beverages, and most entertainment and activities onboard.
Not included in your cruise fare are specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, shore excursions, and personal expenses such as shopping and gambling.
The cancellation policy varies depending on how far in advance of the departure date you cancel. It's best to review the cancellation policy at the time of booking.
A guaranteed cabin is a cabin category (inside, outside, balcony, suite) that you agree to purchase without knowing the exact cabin number. The cruise line assigns the cabin number closer to the sailing date.
A tender port is a port where the ship anchors offshore rather than docking at a pier. Passengers are then transported to shore by small boats or 'tenders.'
A sea day is a day spent entirely on the ship while it is at sea, with no stops at any ports.
The best cabin for you depends on your personal preferences and budget. Consider factors such as the size of the cabin, the view, location, amenities, and price. If you're prone to seasickness, a lower and more central cabin might be best. If you value peace and quiet, avoid cabins near the pool or entertainment areas.
The best room location can vary depending on personal preferences. If you're prone to seasickness, a lower and more central cabin might be best. If you want to be near the action, choose a cabin close to the dining and entertainment areas.
All cabins come with basic amenities like housekeeping and turndown service, basic toiletries, and climate control. However, certain room categories come with added perks like access to a concierge, in-cabin bars, yoga mats, and pampering bath amenities.
Inside cabins are typically the most budget-friendly option and don't have windows to the sea. Outside cabins, also referred to as oceanview rooms, feature a window or porthole with a view to the sea.
Balcony rooms allow you to get fresh air and enjoy the view from the comfort of your own room. This can be a great option if you want to relax in a private space away from the crowds.
Suites offer the most space and best room locations, often with separate living and sleeping areas. They generally feature large balconies, and extra amenities and perks, making them the most luxurious option on a cruise ship.
Family rooms are often suites that feature a separate kids' room or sectioned-off area, plus an area for a parent or parents. The spaces for kids can range from a small alcove with bunk beds to an entire adjoining cabin.
Solo cabins are cabins dedicated to solo travelers. These cabins have sleeping space for one and can be quite small. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, offer exclusive lounge access for solo travelers.
Scenic view cabins offer more than just a view of the ocean or sea. These cabins are ideal for itineraries where the scenery is one of the main attractions, such as a cruise to Alaska or a trip from Barcelona to Rome.
Click hereto sign up for the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
Click here to learn more about the Captain's Club membership program with Celebrity Cruises