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Royal Caribbean International Cruising Guide & Tips - Cruising Earth
Royal Caribbean International Cruising Guide & Tips
Royal Caribbean International
Cruising Guide & Tips Contents
The information below is specific to cruising with Royal Caribbean International.
For additional general cruise planning information, not specific to any cruise line, use: Cruising Earth's - Cruise Planning Guide.
Before Cruising
- Identification Requirements (as of December 2025):
- U.S. Citizens on Closed-Loop Cruises (starting/ending same U.S. port): Original or certified birth certificate + government-issued photo ID (ages 16+). Passport book highly recommended for faster processing and emergencies.
- All Other Itineraries (including repositioning, international starts/ends): Valid passport book required (6+ months validity beyond cruise end recommended).
- Non-U.S. Citizens: Valid passport + required visas/green card/ESTA/EVUS as applicable.
- Europe/Schengen: Some itineraries accept EU/EEA national ID cards (valid 1+ month beyond return); others require passports. UK/Ireland citizens need full passport.
- Important: Booking name must exactly match ID/passport. Bring originals or notarized copies; no refunds for improper documents.
- Minor Travel Consent: Minors traveling without both parents/legal guardians require a notarized letter from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, supervision, and emergency medical treatment (even for relatives like grandparents).
- Royal Caribbean App: Download pre-cruise for mandatory online check-in, SetSail Pass (digital boarding document), reservations (dining, shows, excursions), daily Cruise Compass planner, account tracking, and onboard chat/messaging.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. Compare third-party providers (e.g., via InsureMyTrip) for broader coverage/value than Royal Caribbean's plan.
- Pre-Cruise Checklist: Complete health questionnaire, payment setup, and any special requests via app/website.
Tipping / Gratuities
- Automatic Daily Gratuities (as of December 2025): $18.50/person/day (standard staterooms/Junior Suites); $21/person/day (Grand Suites and higher). Applies to all guests regardless of age.
- Distributed to dining, stateroom, and behind-the-scenes crew.
- 18% auto-gratuity on beverages/mini-bar/room service; 20% on spa/salon.
- Prepay via app/website or adjust onboard at Guest Services (up/down/remove).
- Additional cash tips welcomed for exceptional service (e.g., bartenders, stewards, porters).
- How you tip is personal—prepay for convenience or adjust based on experience.
Embarking
- Complete mandatory online check-in via Royal Caribbean app/website (up to 90 days pre-cruise; recommended 48+ hours before).
- Arrive during assigned time slot; facial recognition/biometrics at many terminals for faster processing.
- Luggage drop-off at terminal; delivery to cabin by late afternoon/evening.
- Bring-On Allowance (Embarkation Day): 12 sealed non-alcoholic cans/cartons (17oz max) per stateroom in carry-on; 2 x 750ml sealed wine/champagne per stateroom (adults 21+). $15 corkage if consumed publicly.
- Snacks allowed in reasonable quantities (carry-on).
- Pack swimsuit/change of clothes in carry-on for immediate pool access.
- Switch phones to airplane mode to avoid high roaming charges.
- All-aboard typically 1 hour before sail; late returns guest responsibility.
Cabin
- Standard Amenities: Basic shampoo/body wash/soap, hairdryer, in-room safe (free), mini-fridge (stocked; request empty for personal use), flat-screen TV.
- Power: Multiple outlets including USB/USB-C on newer ships; adapters recommended for international.
- Room Service: Continental breakfast (6-11am) complimentary; all other orders $7.95 + 18% gratuity per delivery (total ~$9.40). Suites enjoy free 24/7 room service.
- Storage Tips: Ample under-bed space for suitcases; couch drawers on many cabins.
- Balcony Tips: Bungee cord/door stop to keep door open; small magnet over sensor to keep AC running (select ships).
- "The Key" Upgrade: Optional priority access including embarkation, shows, etc.
On Deck
- Etiquette: Avoid chair hogging (crew may remove items after 30-60 minutes).
- Balcony Tip: Towel on chairs to prevent soot on light clothing.
- Features (vary by ship): Resort-style pools, Lime & Coconut bar, Serenity adult retreat, sports courts, jogging track.
Food & Beverage
- Included Dining: Main Dining Room (multi-course), Windjammer buffet, casual venues like El Loco Fresh (Mexican), Sorrento's Pizza (24hr), Café Promenade (snacks/coffee 24hr), Vitality Café, Park Café (varies by ship).
- Included Drinks: Coffee/tea/hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, select juices (breakfast), fountain water.
- Room Service: Continental breakfast free; other items charged.
- Beverage Packages (pre-purchase for savings; prices vary $50–$115/day):
- Deluxe: Unlimited alcohol (up to $14/drink), premium coffees, sodas, juices, bottled water.
- Refreshment: Non-alcoholic premium (mocktails, coffees, juices).
- Classic Soda: Unlimited fountain soda + souvenir cup.
- Water: Discounted bottled packs.
Private Destinations
- Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas): Complimentary entry, beaches, pools, Oasis Lagoon, Splashaway Bay, lunch at included venues (Snack Shack, Skipper's Grill).
- Extras: Thrill Waterpark (slides/wave pool), zip line, Hideaway Beach (adults-only upcharge), Coco Beach Club (premium beach/infinity pool), cabanas/overwater.
- Labadee (Haiti): Complimentary beaches, BBQ lunch; extras: Dragon's Breath zip line, cabanas, water activities.
- Wi-Fi/drink packages work at CocoCay.
Onboard Planning & Reservations
- Pre-book via app: Specialty dining, shows (Broadway-style/ice/aqua), excursions, spa (sells out fast).
- Dining Options: Traditional fixed seating or My Time (flexible—pre-book times).
- Cruise Compass: Digital daily planner via app (events, times, menus).
- App Chat: Free onboard messaging.
Wi-Fi / Internet Access
- VOOM Surf + Stream (Starlink-powered) fleetwide; single plan for browsing/streaming/video calls.
- Prices ~$18–$30/day/device (pre-cruise/multi-device discounts).
- Works at Perfect Day at CocoCay; best speeds off-peak/port days.
Disembarking
- Self-Assist: Carry own luggage for fastest exit (starts earliest).
- Standard: Colored tags by zone; wait in lounge until called (use Hub App for selection/notifications).
- Vacate cabins early (typically 8–9am); everyone is off approximately 3 hours after docking.
- Porters available (tip $1–$2/bag) to expedite luggage/customs.
- Passport recommended for faster customs lines.
