Here's how to get the most out of your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth voyage.
If you're looking for a classic cruise, consider Royal Caribbean, one of the world's leading cruise lines. Its fleet includes 27 ships, including the new Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, which can accommodate 7,600 passengers. Four more megaships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean's smallest ships can accommodate more than 2,400 passengers.
For those embarking on their first Royal Caribbean voyage, it may take some time to get comfortable on board. Since your vacation is precious time, here are some helpful tips for first-timers.
1. Don't delay booking.
This advice applies to most cruise lines. Cruise prices are flat or rising, and demand is higher than ever. Your best bet is to book 12-24 months in advance to lock in the lowest price.
2. Book your show in advance.
If you were going to the theater, you probably wouldn't just hope to get seats. So use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on Royal Caribbean's website to reserve your seats for shows in advance. This will help you ensure you get the seats you want and avoid lines on board.
3. Study the ship's plan before the cruise.
Waiting for your cruise is half the fun. Use the time before departure to study the deck plan and choose your favorite activities. Royal Caribbean's largest ships, like the Icon and Oasis, even have their own "neighborhoods." Knowing the ship's layout in advance will save you time by not wandering around the decks looking for your cabin or the right restaurant.
4. Start online registration as early as possible.
Once you've booked, log into the Manage My Cruise portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the app has some of the same features). Once online check-in is available, do it now to get the earliest boarding time possible. This will speed up the process at the terminal. About 30 days before departure, you'll be assigned a check-in time. Once you arrive on time, you'll be able to move through the terminal quickly, without having to stop.
5. Consider a drinks package.
The only free drinks available on Royal Caribbean are standard coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other beverages. Everything else costs money. If you like premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled water, consider purchasing a beverage package. Royal Caribbean sometimes offers beverage promotions through the Manage My Cruise portal.
6. Take your swimsuit in your carry-on luggage.
Royal Caribbean ships have plenty of pools and water activities that fill up quickly. You can take advantage of this by packing your swimsuit in your carry-on or a small backpack. While you wait to check into your cabin, you can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the FlowRider surf simulator. Departure day is one of the best times to visit the pools. If you're traveling with kids, you'll be glad you brought your swimsuits.
7. Allow yourself the best.
Royal Caribbean ships can feel big and busy, so it might be worth considering upgrading to a suite. Suites offer extra space, private areas, and VIP amenities, including access to suite-only restaurants and lounges.
8. Assess your strengths.
Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs between $56 and $105 per person per day, depending on the ship and itinerary. To make the package worth it, you'll need to drink a lot. If you're not sure how much you'll drink, start by calculating as you go, and you can always add the package later if you have at least four days left on your cruise.
9. Find your place in the sun.
If you want to grab a lounge chair by the pool, arrive no later than 10 a.m. But Royal Caribbean ships have plenty of open space, not just by the pool. The farther you are from the pool, the better your chances of finding an open seat.
10. Consider a cabin with a balcony.
Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins to its ships because they are a popular choice among passengers. Although they are more expensive than inside cabins, they are still significantly cheaper than suites. Balconies offer more space and fresh air, and if you suffer from seasickness, the view and air will help.
11. Choose a smaller liner.
If the itinerary is more important to you than the ship itself, consider Royal Caribbean's smaller ships. The Radiance and Vision classes are among the smallest in the fleet, but they still offer all the amenities of a larger ship while maintaining a cozy atmosphere without the "city on the water" feel.
These ships are easier to navigate, and you're less likely to need to book shows or restaurants in advance.
12. Adults only areas.
Royal Caribbean is a family cruise operator and has many programs for children. But if you prefer an adult vacation, there are such areas. Adults can enjoy casinos, nightclubs and bars, where children are rarely seen. Almost all ships have a Solarium, an adults-only area with a pool, Jacuzzi, sundeck and bar. The private island of CocoCay has a beach and pool for adults only, but for an additional fee. On longer cruises, lasting more than seven nights, the number of children is sharply reduced.
13. Try to get into the show without a reservation.
Even if you weren't able to reserve seats for the show in advance, arriving 30 minutes before the show starts is almost guaranteed to get you in, as many people miss their reservations.
14. Study the program "The Key".
"The Key" is a paid service that includes priority boarding, lunch, internet access, and special show seats. Compare the price to the Voom Surf & Stream internet package before you buy. If the difference is small, "The Key" is worth it, but if the price is significantly higher or you don't need internet, you can skip it.
15. Choose excursions with caution.
While third-party companies may offer excursions at better prices, it’s important to remember that they are not responsible for ensuring you return to the ship on time. The safest option remains to purchase excursions directly from the cruise line.
16. Your own drinks.
You may bring one bottle of wine (750 ml) per guest per cabin. You are also allowed to bring up to 12 soft drinks (up to 500 ml each).
17. Avoid transatlantic cruises for the first time.
Transatlantic cruises can offer great value for money, but they involve many days at sea and are subject to weather influences, which can be challenging for first-timers.
All Royal Caribbean cruises here.
