Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: Required documentation depends on citizenship, residency, departure port and itinerary. Royal Caribbean provides voyage-specific document requirements, while our Cruise Planning Guide covers passports and other general documentation topics in greater detail.
• Travel Insurance: Royal Caribbean offers optional travel protection on eligible bookings, and independent travel-insurance policies are also available. Our Cruise Planning Guide covers the broader considerations involved with cruise travel insurance.
• Ship Differences: Royal Caribbean ships vary substantially in restaurants, entertainment venues, attractions, neighborhoods and accommodations. Features promoted by the cruise line are not necessarily available on every ship.
• Pre-Cruise Purchases: Beverage packages, dining, internet, shore excursions, spa services and other extras can be purchased before sailing through Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise planning tools or the Royal Caribbean App. Pricing and promotional discounts can change between booking and departure.
• Packing: Royal Caribbean-specific prohibited-item and beverage rules apply in addition to normal cruise packing considerations. For a broader packing checklist and carry-on information, see our Cruise Packing Guide.

The Key

• Optional Program: The Key is an additional-cost program offered on selected sailings. Availability, benefits and pricing can vary by ship and itinerary.
• Current Benefits: Benefits can include designated priority terminal access, carry-on bag delivery to the stateroom, an exclusive welcome lunch, fast-lane access to selected onboard activities, priority tender departure, reserved seating at selected shows, VOOM internet access and an exclusive departure breakfast with choice departure.
• Additional Discounts: Current benefits can also include selected dining, sports and spa discounts subject to the program's terms.
• SeaPass: A Key icon appears on the SeaPass card to identify participating guests.

Crown & Anchor Society

• Loyalty Program: Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. Members normally earn Cruise Points based on completed cruise nights, with additional earning available for qualifying suite accommodations and certain solo bookings.
• Membership Tiers: Current status levels are Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club.
• Benefits: Benefits increase by tier and can include onboard discounts, member offers, priority services, exclusive events, beverage benefits, internet discounts and other recognition.
• Status Match: Royal Caribbean Group provides tier matching among Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club and Silversea Venetian Society under its current status-match program.

Points Choice

• Cross-Brand Points: For eligible sailings departing on or after January 30, 2026, Points Choice allows points earned while sailing Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Silversea to be applied to a participating loyalty program of the guest's choice.
• Request Window: Points Choice requests are subject to the program's current eligibility rules and submission period.
• No Request: When no Points Choice request is made, points follow the normal loyalty-program earning rules for the cruise line sailed.

Royal Caribbean App

• Before Sailing: The Royal Caribbean App supports cruise check-in and provides access to the SetSail Pass. Available dining, shore excursions, spa services, packages and selected entertainment or activities can also be managed through the app.
• Onboard: After connecting to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi, the app provides activity and entertainment schedules, dining information, venue hours, deck maps, menus, reservations and onboard-account access.
• Guest Chat: In-app guest chat is available onboard while connected to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi.
• Departure Planning: Available departure information and selected departure requests can also be managed through the app on supported sailings.

Tipping / Gratuities

• Daily Gratuities: Royal Caribbean currently charges $21.00 per guest, per day for guests sailing in any suite and $18.50 per guest, per day for all other stateroom categories.
• Prepaid or Onboard: Daily gratuities can be prepaid or automatically applied to the guest's SeaPass account during the cruise.
• Adjustments: Royal Caribbean permits guests to modify daily gratuities at Guest Relations before the morning of disembarkation. Adjustments cannot be made after the sailing has ended.
• Other Gratuities: An 18% gratuity is currently added to beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and dining packages, room service and minibar purchases. Spa and salon purchases receive a 20% gratuity.

Embarking

• Check-In: Royal Caribbean supports app check-in. Guests select an available terminal arrival time and receive a SetSail Pass after completing the required check-in information.
• SetSail Pass: The SetSail Pass is Royal Caribbean's boarding pass and is used during the terminal check-in and boarding process.
• Safety Briefing: Portions of Royal Caribbean's safety briefing can be completed through the app before guests report to their assigned Assembly Station. All required safety steps must be completed.
• Wine & Champagne: Royal Caribbean permits qualifying guests to bring limited wine or champagne onboard under its current embarkation beverage policy.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Limited non-alcoholic beverages can also be brought aboard as carry-on items under Royal Caribbean's current policy.
• Checked Luggage: Checked luggage may arrive at the stateroom later in the day. Our Cruise Packing Guide covers general carry-on planning in more detail.
• Embarkation Lunch: Windjammer is a common first stop, but many Royal Caribbean ships offer additional complimentary lunch venues on boarding day.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• VOOM: VOOM is Royal Caribbean's branded onboard internet service and is available fleetwide.
• Device Plans: Internet packages are available for different numbers of connected devices. Package pricing varies by sailing.
• App Without Internet: A paid VOOM package is not required simply to use supported Royal Caribbean App functions onboard while connected to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi.
• Package Inclusions: VOOM can also be included with certain products or qualifying accommodations, including The Key and some Royal Suite Class benefits.

Cabin

• Stateroom Variety: Royal Caribbean offers interior, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodations, with additional configurations varying considerably by ship.
• SeaPass: The SeaPass card serves as the stateroom key, onboard identification and connection to the onboard expense account.
• Onboard Account: SeaPass accounts can be backed by an accepted payment method or cash, and account activity can be viewed through the Royal Caribbean App.
• Card Authorizations: Card-backed SeaPass accounts can generate temporary authorization holds during the cruise. Release timing is controlled by the guest's financial institution.
• Room Service: Room service is available throughout the cruise, with complimentary and additional-cost selections depending on the order and accommodation benefits.
• Storage: Cabin storage varies by ship and stateroom design, and many staterooms provide space beneath the bed for luggage.

RoyalUp

• Upgrade Bidding: RoyalUp allows eligible reservations to submit bids for higher stateroom categories when upgrade opportunities are available.
• Managing Bids: Eligible guests can manage RoyalUp bids through their reservation while the bidding period remains open.
• No Guarantee: Submitting a bid does not guarantee an upgrade, and available categories vary by sailing.

Royal Suite Class

• Participating Ships: Royal Suite Class is Royal Caribbean's tiered suite-benefit program on participating ships rather than a fleetwide suite system.
• Sea Class: Sea Class includes enhanced suite benefits such as dedicated check-in and access to selected suite amenities.
• Sky Class: Sky Class adds benefits such as concierge service, expanded dining access, priority services, entertainment seating and qualifying internet benefits.
• Star Class: Star Class includes Royal Genie service along with extensive dining, beverage, gratuity, internet, priority-access and other benefits. Exact inclusions depend on the qualifying suite and current program terms.

On Deck

• Pool Areas: Pool layouts vary by ship and can include family pools, splash areas, whirlpools and adults-focused spaces.
• Solarium: Many Royal Caribbean ships feature a Solarium designed as a quieter adults-focused pool and relaxation area. Configuration and age rules vary by ship and market.
• Ship Class Matters: Royal Caribbean's onboard experience changes substantially between ship classes. Larger ships combine outdoor recreation with purpose-built neighborhoods, entertainment complexes and attractions not available throughout the fleet.

Ship Neighborhoods

• Neighborhood Concept: Royal Caribbean's largest ships organize major portions of the vessel into named neighborhoods.
• Oasis Class: Neighborhoods can include Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Entertainment Place, Pool and Sports Zone and other distinct areas depending on the ship.
• Icon Class: Icon Class expands the concept with neighborhoods including AquaDome, Central Park, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, Surfside, Thrill Island and The Hideaway.

Attractions & Activities

• Signature Attractions: Depending on ship, Royal Caribbean attractions can include FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, Ultimate Abyss, North Star, RipCord by iFLY, ice skating, bumper cars, laser tag, escape rooms and waterslides.
• Icon Class: Icon Class adds attractions and recreation areas including Category 6 waterpark and Crown's Edge on applicable ships.
• Included vs. Additional Cost: Many headline attractions are included with the cruise fare, while selected experiences, premium access or reservations can carry an additional charge.

Dining

• Main Dining Room: The Main Dining Room is included in the cruise fare and serves rotating menus.
• Traditional Dining: Traditional Dining assigns an early or late dinner seating and table.
• Included Casual Dining: Depending on ship, complimentary venues can include Windjammer Marketplace, Sorrento's, Café Promenade, Park Café, Solarium Bistro, El Loco Fresh, Dog House, Pearl Café and other ship-specific concepts.
• Dietary Needs: Royal Caribbean accommodates many dietary requirements, although advance notice may be required for certain needs and availability varies by venue.

My Time Dining

• Flexible Dinner: My Time Dining is Royal Caribbean's flexible Main Dining Room option.
• Reservations: Reservations can be made before sailing or onboard, subject to availability. Walk-ins are also accepted when space is available.
• Same Menu: My Time Dining uses the same Main Dining Room dinner menu as Traditional Dining.

Specialty Dining

• Ship-Specific Selection: Specialty restaurants vary widely by ship and can include Chops Grille, Giovanni's concepts, Izumi, Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, 150 Central Park, Chef's Table and newer ship-specific experiences.
• Premium Experiences: Newer ships also feature higher-priced or immersive concepts such as Royal Railway, Omakase and supper-club experiences on applicable ships.
• Cancellation Policy: Specialty-dining reservations are subject to Royal Caribbean's current cancellation and no-show policies.

Dining Packages

• Package Options: Royal Caribbean offers specialty-dining packages on eligible sailings, including the Unlimited Dining Package and other multi-meal packages depending on cruise length and availability.
• Unlimited Dining Package: The package generally provides specialty dining at participating venues according to its current terms.
• Premium Surcharges: Certain premium restaurants and experiences are excluded or require an additional surcharge even when a dining package is held.

Food & Beverage

• Complimentary Beverages: A selection of basic beverages is included in the cruise fare, with availability varying by venue and meal period.
• Beverage Package Pricing: Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing for beverage packages, so prices and promotional offers can differ by sailing and change before departure.
• Stateroom Requirement: When one adult purchases an alcoholic beverage package, Royal Caribbean generally requires other guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase an alcoholic package as well, subject to current exceptions.
• Package Sharing: Beverage packages are sold for individual use and cannot be shared among guests.

Deluxe Beverage Package

• Included Beverages: The Deluxe Beverage Package includes eligible alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under the current package limits.
• Current Beverage Limit: The package currently includes qualifying individual beverages priced up to Royal Caribbean's stated package limit and provides discounts on qualifying bottled wine.
• Freestyle Cup: Since March 15, 2026, the Deluxe Beverage Package no longer includes the RFID Coca-Cola Freestyle cup.

Refreshment Package

• Non-Alcoholic Package: The Refreshment Package includes unlimited eligible non-alcoholic beverages such as fountain soda, mocktails, premium coffees and teas, bottled water and selected juices.
• Freestyle Cup: The Refreshment Package no longer includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle cup under the current package structure.

Classic Soda Package

• Fountain Soda: The Classic Soda Package provides unlimited fountain soda at participating venues.
• Freestyle Machines: The Classic Soda Package continues to include the RFID-enabled Coca-Cola Freestyle cup used with Freestyle machines on ships where they are installed.

Water Package

• Stateroom Delivery: Royal Caribbean sells bottled-water packages in multiple quantities for delivery to the stateroom.

Onboard Entertainment

• Entertainment Variety: Royal Caribbean entertainment can include original theater productions, Broadway productions on selected ships, ice shows, AquaTheater and AquaDome productions, Two70 shows, comedy, live music, game shows and parties.
• Most Shows Included: Most standard onboard entertainment is included in the cruise fare.
• Advance Reservations: Selected shows on certain ship classes can be reserved before sailing or onboard, depending on the ship and production.
• App Schedule: Current show times, venues and available reservations appear in the Royal Caribbean App for the specific sailing.

Casino

• Casino Royale: Royal Caribbean ships feature Casino Royale with slot machines and table games. Tournament availability and individual casino layouts vary by ship.
• Minimum Age: Casino age requirements vary by itinerary and departure market, with Alaska sailings carrying a higher minimum age than most Royal Caribbean cruises.
• Cash & SeaPass: Cash is accepted, and eligible guests can access gaming funds through the SeaPass onboard expense account under current casino rules and applicable fees.
• Smoking: Casino smoking policies depend on the ship's departure market and designated casino areas.

Club Royale

• Casino Rewards: Club Royale is Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty program, with rewards based on gaming activity and tier status.
• Earning Points: Guests use their SeaPass while playing to receive gaming credit according to the current Club Royale earning structure.
• Benefits: Depending on tier and play, Club Royale benefits can include FreePlay, casino offers, discounts and complimentary-cruise benefits.
• Separate Program: Club Royale is separate from Crown & Anchor Society.

Wellness & Fitness

• Vitality Spa & Fitness: Royal Caribbean's primary spa and fitness facilities operate under the Vitality brand in varying configurations throughout the fleet.
• Spa Services: Services can include massages, facials, body treatments, salon services and other treatments, generally at additional cost.
• Fitness Centers: Fitness facilities include cardio and strength equipment, while selected classes and specialty fitness services can carry additional charges.
• Ship Differences: Thermal facilities, spa layouts and fitness offerings vary significantly by ship.

Families & Kids

• Family-Focused Ships: Family facilities vary greatly across the fleet. Oasis and Icon Class ships generally provide some of the broadest combinations of youth spaces, water attractions and family activities.
• Family Activities: Depending on ship, families can find miniature golf, rock climbing, FlowRider, ice skating, water attractions, sports courts, bumper cars, laser tag and other activities.
• Surfside: Icon Class ships feature Surfside, a neighborhood designed around families with young children.

Adventure Ocean

• Youth Program: Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean's supervised youth program, with age-group programming and facilities varying by ship.
• Age Groups: Traditional program groups include Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers for different child age ranges.
• Late-Night Programming: Standard programming and additional-cost late-night services operate under separate schedules and policies.

Royal Babies & Tots

• Younger Children: Royal Caribbean provides programming and play opportunities for infants and toddlers on participating ships.
• Nursery: Staffed nursery service is available on participating ships for an additional fee. Availability, hours and capacity vary by ship and sailing.

Teen Programs

• Teen Spaces: Royal Caribbean provides dedicated teen programming and social spaces, with venues and activity formats varying by ship.
• Activities: Teen programming can include sports, games, music, parties and informal social activities.

Private Destinations

• Ultimate Destinations: Royal Caribbean uses Ultimate Destinations for its growing collection of Perfect Day destinations, Royal Beach Clubs and other exclusive destinations.
• Different Admission Models: These destinations do not all operate the same way. Some are included as part of the port call, while Royal Beach Clubs and other experiences can require separate admission or excursion purchases.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Included Admission: Admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas is included for Royal Caribbean guests on itineraries calling there.
• Complimentary Experiences: Beaches, pools, selected recreation and several dining venues are included, while premium experiences are available separately.
• Additional-Cost Experiences: Paid options can include Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach, cabanas and other premium activities.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

• Nassau: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean's beach-club destination in Nassau, The Bahamas.
• Day Pass: Admission requires an additional-cost day pass rather than being automatically included with the port call.
• Experience: The destination combines beach areas, pools, swim-up bars, dining, entertainment and premium spaces.

Royal Beach Club Santorini

• Greece: Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of Royal Caribbean's expanding destination portfolio in Greece.
• Excursion Model: The beach club is offered as part of a Royal Caribbean Santorini excursion rather than as a complimentary private-destination port call.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa Upcoming

• Opening: Royal Beach Club Lelepa is scheduled to open in Vanuatu in October 2027.
• Included Admission: Royal Caribbean currently plans to include admission with the cruise fare.
• Planned Experience: Announced features include beach areas, nature experiences, dining and recreation.

Perfect Day Mexico Upcoming

• Opening: Perfect Day Mexico is scheduled to open in Mahahual, Mexico, in fall 2027.
• Included Admission: Royal Caribbean currently plans to include general admission with the cruise fare.
• Planned Features: Announced plans include a major waterpark complex, pools, beaches, dining and additional premium experiences.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel Upcoming

• Opening: Royal Caribbean lists Royal Beach Club Cozumel as opening in 2026.
• Day Pass: Admission will require an additional-cost day pass rather than being included automatically with a Cozumel port call.
• Planned Experience: Announced features include beaches, pools, swim-up bars, dining and locally inspired activities.

Labadee

• Haiti: Labadee is Royal Caribbean's exclusive destination on Haiti's northern coast and is separate from the newer Royal Beach Club and Perfect Day concepts.
• Experience: The destination is known for beaches, recreation, local artisan shopping and additional-cost attractions when operating.
• Itinerary Status: Calls can be affected by operational and security conditions, so current Royal Caribbean itinerary information determines whether a scheduled visit will operate.

Ports / Shore Excursions

• Royal Caribbean Excursions: Shore excursions can be purchased before sailing or onboard, with available inventory shown through Royal Caribbean's planning tools.
• Sponsored Excursion Delays: Royal Caribbean provides return-to-ship protection for guests delayed on qualifying Royal Caribbean-sponsored excursions under its current excursion terms.
• Independent Exploration: Guests exploring independently are responsible for returning before the ship's scheduled departure.
• Ship vs. Local Time: Timekeeping procedures can vary by itinerary, making the ship's published schedule and onboard communications the controlling information for return times.
• Port Days Onboard: Pools, dining, spa services and selected attractions can remain available while the ship is in port, although operating hours vary.

Complimentary Extras

• Entertainment: Most standard Royal Caribbean theater productions, AquaTheater or AquaDome shows, ice shows, live music and scheduled entertainment are included in the cruise fare.
• Activities: Many signature attractions and recreational facilities are complimentary, although the exact included lineup varies by ship and selected premium experiences carry fees.
• Fitness Center: Standard use of fitness-center equipment is included; selected classes and services are additional cost.
• Adventure Ocean: Standard Adventure Ocean programming is complimentary during included operating periods, while selected nursery and late-night services carry fees.
• App & Guest Chat: Supported Royal Caribbean App functions and onboard guest chat can be used while connected to the ship's Guest Wi-Fi without purchasing a VOOM package.

Disembarking

• Departure Planning: Departure information is provided onboard and through the Royal Caribbean App on supported sailings.
• Self-Assist: Self-Assist allows guests who can carry all of their own luggage to leave without placing checked luggage outside the stateroom the previous evening.
• Regular Departure: With regular departure, tagged luggage is collected from the ship and retrieved in the terminal after the assigned departure group is called.
• SeaPass Account: Onboard accounts are settled according to the payment method attached to the SeaPass account.
• Breakfast: Breakfast service is available on departure morning, with venue hours published for the individual sailing.
• Terminal Processing: Immigration, customs and baggage procedures depend on the arrival country and terminal.