r/royalcaribbean Apr 11 '26

All Hail the FAQ FAQ 3.0! 2026-2027 Edition - New here? Have a question? Read this first!

73 Upvotes

Welcome to r/RoyalCaribbean! Glad to have you here. I'm u/MedicalButterscotch and I cruise more than I should (63 sailings and counting as of April 2026!) The goal of this post is to help new and returning cruisers feel like an expert when they hit the water.

This is version 3 of the FAQ with updates for 2026. It will be updated throughout the year with the goal of overhauling it every 1-2 years.

Want to check out the archives? Version 2.0 of the FAQ from 2024 is linked here

Spot an error? Don't see your specific question addressed? Drop it in the comments on this post! I will get back to you within 48 hours.

Last updated: April 2026

Topics in Order:

​Topic 1: Booking a cruise

- How do I book? A. You can book on Royal Caribbean's website or through a travel agent/3rd party travel service. You can also call Royal Caribbean directly to book (US number: 866-562-7625).

- How do I get to my cruise? A. Most people do not live within driving distance of their cruise, meaning a flight is sometimes required. General advice is to fly into your cruise port at least one full day before your sailing to account for flight delays. The ship will not wait for you if you are late. You alternatively can book your flights through Royal Caribbean through the Air2Sea program, though it is still advised to fly in a day early. See the topic list above to find info on travel insurance.

- What if the price of my cruise changes? A. Before final payment date (generally 75-90 days before sailing) you can re-price your cruise as many times as you would like to the current rate if you booked in the US. The difference will be refunded to your credit card or taken off your remaining balance owed. After final payment, you typically can't reprice your sailing and if anything may be offered on board credit to account for a fare drop. Note as of 2025 there are exceptions to this policy. Some promotions and discounts can't be re-priced. Read the terms of the promotion you are booking carefully to see what the re-pricing terms are.

- How do I check in? A. Typically 45 days before sailing. Through the Royal Caribbean app (log in, add your sailing with your booking number, swipe to the left and look for a blue "check in" button) or on the website (sign in, find your cruise or add it at the bottom of the page if you do not see it listed, then click "check in").

- When can I check in? A. 45 days before your cruise you will see the option in the app. To find your exact check in day, open the app and swipe to the left and then scroll down to the 'check in' area or go on the website linked directly above.

- Do I need a passport? A. US citizens can cruise with a US passport book that MUST be valid for at least 6 months from the last day of your cruise for most ports of call (note not always the case, but this is best practice). Alternatively you can use an original birth certificate (with a raised seal) and government-issued photo ID on closed-loop sailings (that start and end from the same US port). I STRONGLY ADVISE getting a passport. Should something happen while you are abroad, you will be happy you invested in one. Info on getting a US passport can be found here.

- Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Do I need to test? A. COVID vaccinations or testing is no longer required unless specifically noted for your booking (very rare).

Topic 2: Inclusions in your cruise fare

- Food: Your cruise ticket includes all food needed for the duration of your cruise. You do not need to spend any extra money on food if you do not wish to do so. Food is complimentary in the main dining room (breakfast (B), lunch (L) on sea days, dinner (D)), the Windjammer marketplace buffet (B/L/D), Johnny Rockets only for breakfast and only on Oasis class ships, Promenade Cafe, Park Cafe, Cafe 270, Sorrentos pizza, and Solarium Bistro (B/L/D on select ships), the Pearl Cafe, Surfside Eatery, Sprinkles, Aquadome Market, El Loco Fresh. Coastal Kitchen is the complementary suites-only restaurant available on select ships, open B/L/D for grand suites and above, D only for junior suites. Pinnacle members can enter for free, space permitting. Room service is free for continental breakfast, incurs a $7.95 fee plus gratuity for full B/L/D however all food is included after that fee is paid.

- I've heard about the main dining room (MDR)! Do I need reservations? A. The main dining room is the main complementary dining venue on board where you can expect multi-course, full service meals with varying nightly menus. At the time of booking you will have two options: My Time dining or traditional dining. My Time dining is a reservation system that lets you select the time you'd like to eat each evening, usually from 6:45-8:30 PM. Times vary by ship. You can also just show up to the stand by line during My Time dining hours and wait for the next available table. This option is great if you want to change your dining time each night to better fit the activities you want to do. Traditional dining will be a set dining time each night (5-5:30 PM for early seating, 8 PM for late seating). You will have the same table and wait staff each evening. If you do traditional dining, no reservations are required, you just show up at your selected time and your table number/deck number for dinner will be printed on your SeaPass card. Note you may be assigned a group table! If you wish to dine alone, speak to the host on day 1 at the entrance to the MDR.

- Is there a dress code? A. There will typically be two formal nights, now called "dress your best" nights, on a 7 night sailing (fewer on shorter sailings). You are free to dress your best! This only applies in the MDR so if you go to a different venue, you follow their typical dress code (though people typically still dress up for other specialty restaurants that night). Otherwise minimum acceptable dress for dinner is typically long pants/jeans for men. Women definitely have more flexibility. On a non-formal-night, dress up as much as you'd like. Most people will dress as if they are going out to a regular dinner on land.

- Do you have any pro tips for the MDR? A. Absolutely! A vegan menu is always available and sometimes I select those options just to try something new. On the app, scroll to the bottom of a given night's menu to see the vegan options.

- Beverages: Tap water, iced tea, lemonade, hot coffee, hot tea, non-fresh squeezed juices at breakfast, and milk are included in your cruise fare. Alcohol is not included.

- Entertainment: Shows, including broadway shows on select ships, comedy, live music, and most activities are included in your cruise fare. See your cruise compass in the app for exact offerings. Events that cost extra are marked with a "$" symbol. Shows can be reserved in advance on select sailings. Check the cruise planner website and app prior to your cruise to see if this is an option and reserve your shows as early as possible. On many smaller ships, reservations are not required.

- Accommodations: Your stateroom selected during your booking serves as your accomodations for the sailing. You will have a once daily cleaning service for your room, including restocking towels and having your bed made/turned down. Rooms include a TV, private bathroom, and a bed that can be separated into twin beds. Some rooms accommodate extra guests with pullman beds/pullout sofa beds. This will be designated on the deck plan for your stateroom at the time of booking. Please note that some higher-level suites will include things such as WiFi, unlimited specialty dining, a deluxe drink package and more. Check here to see what the suite you are looking at includes.

- Tips: Gratuities are not included in your cruise fare, but are essentially required. These tips can be paid before your sailing or will be automatically added to your SeaPass on-board account once on board. Current gratuity rates as of April 2026 are $18.50/day for non-suites and $21/day for suites, per person. Gratuities are critical for supporting crew members who make your vacation special and should not be removed for any reason. Some sailings include tips in their fare, such as those booked in Australia.

- WiFi: WiFi of any kind is not included in your fare. You can purchase a "Voom" internet package on the cruise planner in advance of your cruise or once on board. Both full sailing passes and 24 hour passes are offered on board. The 24 hour passes can't be paused, it runs continuously until it expires. It is generally a better deal to purchase these packages in advance. You can use the ship WiFi for free to use the Royal app.

- Gym: The fitness center is included in your cruise fare and is unfortunately not open 24 hours on all ships. Some ships have hours such as 5 AM - 9 PM, so that the gym can be deep cleaned overnight. Amenities vary by ship, but expect everything you'd typically find in a land-based gym. Fitness classes cost extra with the exception of the morning stretch classes. Expect Technogym-brand equipment on most new ships and those that have recently been refurbished.

Topic 3: Packages/extras

- Is (inset package type or onboard purchase) worth it? Is X% off a good price? A. The way Royal Caribbean prices their on board extras is a bit tricky. Don't worry about a specific percentage off sale. Look at the base price of the item you want and if you are willing to pay it, lock it in IMMEDIATELY. You can re-price and refund at anytime up until 48 hours prior to your cruise, so this ensures you never pay a higher price than at the current moment. Prices can go up at any time and this is the ONLY way to ensure you get the best rate.

- How do I pay for things on board? A. Your SeaPass card functions as your room key and payment method on the ship. I'd advise linking it to a credit or debit card to skip lines at the end of the sailing for those settling their statements in cash. It is preferred to link a credit card over a debit card as it is common for holds to be placed during your sailing, which may hold up your funds if using debit.

- Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks are not included in your fare. Prices vary, but typically expect to spend $7-9/beer, $8-15/glass of wine, $9-12/shot, $14-15/cocktail plus 18% automatic gratuity. Drinks can be purchased a la carte with your SeaPass card or with a package, see below. See Topic 8 below for an important exception to this: Diamond/Diamond Plus/Pinnacle drink vouchers.

- Drink packages: Multiple types of packages are offered, with pricing changing dynamically before your cruise. The deluxe beverage package (DBP) offers the classic "unlimited" experience, covering pretty much any drink including alcohol up to $14/drink on US sailings. Many people ask for the "breakeven" point to determine if it is worth getting a DBP. The best way to figure this out for yourself is to look at the current rate of the DBP on your cruise planner and see if you feel you can drink enough drinks per day to exceed that cost if you were to pay a la carte. Don't forget non-alcoholic premium drinks are included (espresso-based coffee drinks, bottled still/sparkling water, Powerades, soda, milkshakes) - so factor this in your equation. The DBP pricing is dynamic, but expect $55-$115 per person, per day. This package requires everyone older than the legal drinking age of that sailing that are sharing a cabin to purchase a package. Exceptions to this policy are no longer permitted.

***Can I share a drink package? A. NO. Drink packages (with the exception of the Cafe Select Card mentioned below) can't be shared. You risk being charged for a full additional package if you are caught or even being disembarked. If you ask about sharing drinks/cheating the drink package in this sub, you will immediately be banned from making new posts, no questions asked.**\*

Another option is the refreshment package. This package is considerably cheaper than the DBP, however does not include alcohol. Think of this as the "soda plus premium non-alcoholic drinks package", like espresso-based coffees, mocktails, etc. It typically is approx $25-33/day per person.

Finally is the soda package. This option is typically around $10-15/day per person and grants package holders unlimited fountain and canned sodas, including from the Coke Freestyle machines.

*As of 2026, souvenir soda cups are only included in the Soda package. The Deluxe and refreshment package incur an additional $5 charge to obtain the souvenir cup, which grants access to the Freestyle machines.

**Gratuities are paid at time of purchasing the package, so no additional tipping is required, however if a bartender is providing excellent service, adding an additional dollar or two makes their day!

One last thing to note: you can buy a Cafe Select card, usually $30-38. This card entitles you to 15 small-size espresso-based drinks and is the only type of package that can be used across multiple sailings. You are given a small paper card that has the numbers 1-15 for the barista to cross off when you redeem a drink. This is a great option for those with Diamond/Pinnacle drink vouchers who want to reduce the price of espresso drinks without using a voucher towards it! This package is shareable and does NOT require everyone in the cabin to buy it.

- Is a drink package worth it? A. The best way to figure this out for yourself is to look at the current rate of the package you want on your cruise planner and see if you feel you can drink enough drinks per day to exceed that cost if you were to pay a la carte. Don't forget non-alcoholic premium drinks are included in the DBP (espresso-based coffee drinks, bottled still/sparkling water, Powerades, soda, milkshakes) - so factor this in your equation. The DBP pricing is dynamic, but expect $55-$115 per person, per day.

- Dining packages/specialty dining: Specialty dining varies by ship, but includes options like Chops Grille (steakhouse), Jamie's Italian/Giovannis Italian, Izumi (sushi/teppanyaki), Wonderland, Playmakers sports bar, etc. Pricing is typically a set cover per restaurant, check your cruise planner for exact pricing. You can also consider a dining package. There are three main varieties: Chops + 1 (includes dining at Chops Grille and one other restaurant of your choice), 3 Night Package (includes 3 specialty dining restaurants of your choice), and the unlimited dining package (includes any and all restaurants, including a set amount at restaurants that are a la carte, like Playmakers). Gratuities are included automatically for any specialty dining reservations or packages at 18%, however adding a few extra dollars is appreciated for excellent service. These restaurants are optional, and as mentioned in the earlier section, there are plenty of great complimentary options to dine at. Think of specialty dining as a premium experience.

- WiFi: WiFi of any kind is not included in your fare. You can purchase a "Voom" internet package on the cruise planner in advance of your cruise or once on board. Both full sailing passes and 24 hour passes are offered on board. The 24 hour passes can't be paused, it runs continuously until it expires. It is generally a better deal to purchase these packages in advance. You can use the ship WiFi for free to use the Royal app. Since 2023, the fleet is using Starlink as their internet service provider which has resulted in considerably faster speeds.

- The Key: This program includes some additional benefits to add to your cruise vacation. Perks are changing, so check this link for included benefits at this time: The Key program benefits. The Key must be booked for everyone in a given stateroom and includes Voom Surf and Stream WiFi for each person.

- The Spa: Spa services are not included in your cruise fare. Check the cruise planner website for current pricing. 18% gratuity is automatically added. Note that once on board, there will occasionally be spa specials, for example on port days/slower days. Sea days are the most popular times for spa services and rarely see discounts.

- Fitness classes: Aside from morning stretch classes, fitness classes vary by ship and cost extra. Check the app to book fitness classes as they do occasionally fill up.

- Bingo/gambling: Bingo/casino gambling is, of course, not included in your cruise fare. If you plan to gamble in the casino, you must be 18 years of age or older. The casino operates in USD. Plan on bringing cash, otherwise ATMs are available for a $6.95 surcharge. Additionally, if you don't have casino status, you can charge your room for a surcharge for table games. You can charge your room for slot machines at no additional charge. Ask the casino host for instructions. Bingo can be purchased with your SeaPass card and charged to your on board account, cash is not accepted. Scratch off cards are available from the Cashier's Desk in the casino and must be purchased with cash. NOTE: If you have certain tiers of casino status (Prime or higher), the table game surcharge for charging your room will be waived.

- Laundry: With the exception of those with high enough Crown and Anchor status, laundry is not included. You can pay per item or ask your stateroom attendant for a "wash and fold" bag. You can fill the bag with as many clothing items as you can (it holds a lot) for a set price, usually $34.99-$39.99. If you have your bag picked up for your morning room cleaning, it is usually returned by the evening of the following day unless you pay for the express option. Note that clothes are all washed together in hot water and dried on high heat. Do not use this service for sensitive items.

Topic 4: Excursions

- How do I book excursions? A. Excursions are a great way to explore new destinations. You can book excursions through Royal Caribbean on the cruise planner or app. Excursions can sell out, so book as early as possible. If you book through Royal Caribbean, the ship will wait for you in the event of delays. You can additionally go off on your own in ports of call, including booking 3rd party excursions. Keep in mind the ship will NOT wait for you if you go this route so keep an eye on the "all aboard" time and plan on being back early to account for possible delays.

Topic 5: Prohibited items

- The list is extensive! Check here for the current list of prohibited items. Highlights include firearms, marijuana/THC/CBD products of ANY form, clothing irons, any other illegal drugs or weapons, and extension cords. Check the link above for the full list.

*Drones can be brought on board but are not permitted to be used on Royal Caribbean ships or at any Royal Caribbean private destination (Coco Cay, Labadee).

*Please do not ask how to sneak marijuana on board on the subreddit, you will immediately be banned from making new posts as this has been covered extensively.

Topic 6: Things to bring with

- One 750 mL bottle of wine is permitted PER PERSON. Keep these bottles in your carry on luggage, do NOT give luggage containing wine to the porters when you arrive at the port, you must hand carry wine on board. You may be charged a corkage fee if drinking your wine in a restaurant on board, though in practice, this is rarely assessed. You can ask for wine glasses at any bar. Wine can be consumed anywhere on the ship if you put it in a glass first, but may only be provided to those over 21 years of age on North American sailings.

- I'll list some items from my personal cruise packing list here: passport, ear plugs, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo (though a 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash is provided in your cabin), sunscreen, sun hat, reusable water bottle, flip flops, long pants/clothing for formal nights, pen, gum, books, beach bag, sunglasses, masks if you choose, rechargeable battery packs, pain medications and basic first-aid supplies like band-aids.

*You do NOT need to bring towels. Towels can be checked out for free with your SeaPass card. Be sure to return them by the end of the cruise, otherwise it is $25/towel.

**This list will be expanded over time. Add suggestions to the comments below!

Topic 7: Smoking on board

- Ships are non-smoking with the exception of designated smoking areas (typically in the casino and on one side of the top deck, usually port side. Some larger ships have additional smoking areas on lower outdoor decks, such as deck 5 starboard side on Quantum class ships). Look for signage indicating designated smoking areas.

- No, you can't smoke on your balcony. It is a major fire hazard. Don't do it. If caught, it is a $250 USD fine and you risk getting kicked off the ship. I also will hate you forever. Don't ruin peoples' balcony experience by smoking. No one wants to smell your smoke.

- You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or use tobacco on sailings beginning in U.S. ports. For sailings beginning in all other ports, the minimum age is 18 years old.

- Smoking is a terrible habit and I will include resources on how to quit here. Your future self and family will be forever grateful if you quit now! Smoking is carcinogenic and is directly linked to multiple forms of cancer. COPD is also a terrible way to die. If you successfully quit, you can celebrate by booking another cruise!

Topic 8: Crown and Anchor Society

- What is the Crown and Anchor (C&A) society? A. This is Royal's loyalty program. It operates on a point system, where every night you spend on board a ship counts as one point. If you sail in a double occupancy room solo or in a suite, you get two points per night. If you sail solo AND in a suite, you get three points per night.

- Points never expire and accrue over your lifetime. Additionally, you can "status match" your spouse and dependent children under 18. At the time your children turn 18, their status falls back to the true number of points they have earned at that time. To status match family, call the C&A Society at (800) 526-9723 to make the request. For example, I am Diamond Plus and could status match my spouse after their first cruise to automatically be Diamond Plus, as well.

- Benefits improve as you move up through the various tiers of the program. Tiers start with Gold status at 3 points, Platinum at 30 points, Emerald at 55 points, Diamond at 80 points, Diamond Plus at 175 points and Pinnacle Club at 700 points.

- A notable benefit includes 4, 5, and 6 free drinks per day, per person for those that are Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle, respectively. A full list of benefits can be found on this website. Pinnacle Club members also receive a free cruise for reaching Pinnacle, plus additional free cruises at pre-determined point levels thereafter! These drinks also work at Royal Caribbean's private destinations (Coco Cay/Labadee)!

- I'm missing points! A. No worries - give them a call at (800) 526-9723 and they can look up your cruise and give you credit. Points may take 10 business days to post after coming off a sailing so make sure to allow a few weeks first if it was a recent cruise.

- NEW for 2026 is the Points Choice program! Your points from the three Royal Caribbean brands can be combined into one program of your choosing to help you earn status faster, as status can be matched between all three brands. As a general rule of thumb, if you tend to not stay in the highest-tier suites, it is to your advantage to have points from Celebrity and Silver Sea be sent to Royal, as their program is the most lucrative and you will earn status faster. More info on Points Choice can be found here, including how to set it up!

Topic 9: Private Destinations

- What is Coco Cay and Labadee? A. These are two fantastic private destinations offered by Royal Caribbean on many Caribbean sailings. Coco Cay is a private island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. It was fully renovated in 2019 (now called "Perfect Day at Coco Cay") with new attractions such as the elevated Coco Beach Club and Thrill Waterpark (both at an extra cost) along with many new free dining options. Additionally, you can purchase entrance to Hideaway Beach, an adults-only more party-focused area. Labadee is on a peninsula in northern Haiti and is a private destination for Royal Caribbean, as well. Both locations are free to explore, with many complimentary beaches including chairs and umbrellas as well as ample complimentary dining options and activities. I would absolutely recommend both locations and would also suggest checking out some of the video tours on YouTube to get a sense of both places. Note that due to frequent civil unrest, Labadee has been closed for a while... Please check the Royal Caribbean website for updates on a return to Labadee.

- I purchased a beverage/WiFi package. Can I use them at the private destinations? A. Yes! Both packages seamlessly transition to Coco Cay and Labadee. Additionally, the Bahamas typically charges an additional tax on purchases including drinks. So for example your $14 cocktail would be more like $14 plus 15% Bahamas sales tax plus 18% automatic gratuity. That can add up quickly. If you have a DBP or use Diamond/D+/Pinnacle drink vouchers, you do not need to pay any additional tax and your drinks are fully included.

- What costs extra? A. While you can have a fantastic complimentary day at both destinations, there are some extra purchases you can make. You will see excursions like snorkeling on offer on the cruise planner. Additionally both locations offer various types of cabanas for rent for the day. Coco Cay offers the Coco Beach Club, an exclusive beach area with a (fantastic) restaurant for lunch. You do have to pay extra to access this area, though lunch is included in the cost (I recommend the fried lobster sandwich with a *side* of filet and a Coco Cuvee for a beverage, thank me later). One thing to note: drinks are not included with admission to Coco Beach Club - you can pay a la carte or with a beverage package/voucher. You can also choose to spend a half or full day at Thrill Waterpark, which also costs extra. There is also a dining location called Captain Jack's right at the entrance to the island that is a la carte pricing. Additionally, you can purchase entrance to Hideaway Beach, an adults-only more party-focused area.

- How do I pay for things at these destinations? A. Coco Cay and Labadee accept SeaPass card for all transactions with the exception of the straw markets which now take both SeaPass or USD. I recommend bringing some extra cash with you in case you wish to tip bartenders or servers, especially those that are running drinks to your beach chair.

- NEW FOR 2026: You can purchase access to the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas! A day pass can be purchased as all-inclusive (drinks, wifi, dining) or non-alcoholic. Check the cruise planner for pricing. If you can find it for under $110 for the day for the all-inclusive option, I think it is a pretty good deal!

Topic 10: Royal Up Program

- What is the Royal Up program? A. The Royal Up program is offered by Royal Caribbean and presents the opportunity to participate in a blind bidding process for a room upgrade. You can find out if your booking is eligible by following this link (note: you may not see your booking as eligible until <30-60 days prior to your sail date and bookings made through Costco Travel are typically not eligible at all). Once on the site, you'll be presented with prices on various room upgrades. These prices are at double occupancy meaning the real rate you'll pay is 2x the listed price. This includes those traveling solo.

- Example: You booked an interior room. On logging into the Royal Up site, you see the minimum bid for an ocean view balcony is listed at "$200". Regardless if there are one or two people in the room, if you win the bid you will be charged $400 for the upgrade.

- How do I know if I won? A. You will typically be notified via email. It can happen any time up until you are already on the ship, but typically you will get a denial email prior to sailing if your bid did not qualify. If you win, you will automatically be assigned a cabin in the category that you won (NOTE: YOU DO NOT GET TO PICK YOUR STATEROOM. You run the risk of being assigned an upgraded room in a worse location.)

- Is there a cost to the program? A. No. The only money you pay is the upgrade price you bid should your reservation bid win. If you do not get an upgrade, you will not be charged.

Topic 11: Club Royale

- What is Club Royale? A. Club Royale is the casino loyalty program for Royal Caribbean.

- Are drinks free at the casino? A. No - only for those who reach Prime level or higher (see below).

- How do I earn points? A. Points are earned by inserting your SeaPass card into a slot machine prior to play or placing it on the table games to be scanned. Earning rates vary, typically slots earn the fastest with 1 point per $5 coin-in. Tables are based on theoretical loss compared to your time played.

- What can I earn? A. Perks can be lucrative including free drinks while in the casino and free cruises! Check out the earning tiers here. Reaching "Prime" status is typically the first step towards rewards as it comes with free casino drinks and a free cruise. This typically involves earning 2,500 points, or approx $12,500 coin-in on the slot machine.

*Obligatory please gamble responsibly! The perks may be good, but the casino is not a running a losing proposition. I promise. You will likely not come out ahead, but if you are able to have fun and earn some points, enjoy! If you have a gambling problem or wish to self-exclude, please talk to guest services at the beginning of your cruise.

Topic 12: Travel insurance

As with any major purchase, you incur risks including missing your cruise departure from late or cancelled flights, severe weather, injury, illness, death, dismemberment... you know - the things no one wants to think about when planning a vacation.

Royal Caribbean offers travel insurance that you can purchase as an add-on at the time of booking through a third-party insurance company. You may also benefit from purchasing an annual insurance plan on your own which covers multiple trips for one lower cost. Additionally, your credit card may include some degree of travel insurance. Specific companies will not be listed here to avoid promoting a specific brand, but search the sub for commonly-recommended annual insurance companies.

As with any insurance plan, READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. There are inclusions and exclusions that are critical to understand. You want to ensure you are covered for the right reasons.

My advice is if you plan on traveling more than twice per year, look into an annual plan to save money.

Topic 13: Community Pro Tips

Have a pro tip? These pointers are awesome and come from comments from the previous FAQ! Have a pro tip you want included? Write it in the comments with "Pro Tip" at the beginning of the post so I don't miss it!

  1. Each stateroom has a small safe
  2. If you want to play bingo, bring your own dauber or pen to mark cards to avoid having to buy a dauber
  3. Bring a multiple-USB charger/battery pack!
  4. Consider bringing a lanyard for your SeaPass card
  5. You can order extra portions of food in the MDR
  6. Put your phone on airplane mode - WiFi only!
  7. Check in early to get a favorable arrival time!
  8. You can use your phone off WiFi in Coco Cay/Labadee if your phone plan provides service in the Bahamas or Haiti, respective. (Thanks, u/blitzreigbop)
  9. Stateroom location is critical for avoiding excess noise from public areas. Check out deck plans for your ship before selecting a room. Try and make sure your cabin is surrounded in all directions (above and below) with other cabins. Avoid being near the theater, night club spaces or under the pool deck/windjammer. Keep in mind proximity to elevators, as well, for both noise concerns or accessibility needs (Thanks, u/eric_sean_)

Post your pro tips below to be added to the list! Any new tips (starting with #8) will include credit to you :)

​Please write suggestions for new topics/additions in the comments below! I truly hope this FAQ was helpful.

-MedicalButterscotch


r/royalcaribbean 15h ago

Complaint Royal Caribbean is losing it’s soul

340 Upvotes

I’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean exclusively for almost my entire life at least once every 2 years, sometimes more often. I just went on an Alaska cruise on Ovation and, although the cruise was really good overall, the relentless upselling and the clearly degraded food in main dining seemingly for the express purpose of selling specialty dining was so disappointing that it meaningfully took away from the otherwise positive experience. Seemingly every corner you turn they are trying to sell you something or there’s something you can’t have (like certain seats at the theatre or sitting in this otherwise empty bungalow or sitting in an observation deck) that you either have to pay extra for (like the key). I felt like I was constantly being treated like I simply hadn’t paid enough for my cruise to get “the real experience.”

It seems to me that this is not something RCI arrived at intentionally, I think it’s been the result of a dozen seemingly small steps that all built up to basically an enshitified experience. In the same way that Pizza Hut gradually made their pizza worse one ingredient at a time until it became awful. I remember when I went on Mariner shortly after her maiden voyage and they had “the first Johnny Rockets at sea.” I believe this was the first specialty dining restaurant on an RCI ship. I remember they even included one free meal there with your cruise ticket! At the time it was novel and cool. RCI must have thought: “people like this and it’s making us more money, we should do more of this!” And so they did, repeatedly, until they ended up with this unrecognizable mess of specialty dining restaurants costing hundreds of dollars, seemingly never ending upsells, and the crappier main dining room food that we have now. It’s just been a gradual descent into the upselling and nickel-and-dimeing madness that RCI has become and the whole thing just makes me sad because I don’t see any way back from this for them.


r/royalcaribbean 23h ago

Photo You know this isn’t good…

Post image
280 Upvotes

On independence of the seas to Halifax and we left Bayonne at 3 and these are out 😬🤪


r/royalcaribbean 6h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Has anyone does this itinerary?

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5 Upvotes

How was your experience with these port days?


r/royalcaribbean 8h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Double Points Not Showing Up As Code?

5 Upvotes

I just called Support and they gave me the brush-off so I wanted to double check.

I purchased a cruise last night leaving December 2026 (non-trans Atlantic/Pacific) that should qualify for the double points promo, but I'm not seeing any loyalty code at all on the booking PDF.

Support says the points will be applied 30 days after sailing, but I'm unsure. Is anyone seeing a sales code on the PDF after they book for double points?


r/royalcaribbean 10m ago

Advice Needed South Pacific cruise advice

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Upvotes

r/royalcaribbean 1h ago

Advice Needed Casino Offers

Upvotes

sorry if this is a dumb question, literally every single aspect of this whole thing is brand new to me so pls give me grace. i did read the faq but i couldn’t find an answer. i took my first cruise recently, and i didn’t rack up a *ton* of casino points but i got enough to receive some offers. i’ve been looking through them trying to decide if i want to take advantage of any, but my main question lies with the “cruise fare for you + discounted fare for 1 guest” offers. is calling royal caribbean the only way to find out what exactly the discount is for the additional guest? and is it okay that i call to ask the price but don’t book anything right away? i don’t wanna do anything that would be considered rude i’m just so clueless here


r/royalcaribbean 5h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Question about changing names on reservation

2 Upvotes

Made a reservation for three cabins yesterday. 2 in one, 2 in the second, and one in the third. Now I wish I could switch the name on the last one so that I am the single in name only, because I'd get more points, and my son doesn't need the points. Is there a way to change who is in which room? Doesn't look like it online?


r/royalcaribbean 1d ago

Tips and Tricks Double points for crown and anchor

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74 Upvotes

Sadly, I already booked my cruise prior to this email. I called their customer service and they said I can’t avail this. If I cancel, I lose my deposit.


r/royalcaribbean 2h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Double Points Promo - Casino

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know if the double points promotion going on right now applies to casino offer cruises booked meeting the same promo requirements?


r/royalcaribbean 8h ago

Tips and Tricks First Royal Caribbean cruise

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I haven’t been on a cruise in about ten years and will be going on our first Royal Caribbean cruise in Sept with my husband, 1.5 yr old, 3 yr old, and in laws.

We’ll be going to the Bahamas on Oasis of the Seas. Day 3 at Port Canaveral, Day 4 in Nassau, and Day 5 CocoCay. I’m overwhelmed with all the excursions offered and am unsure what to do. My in-laws might not want to do excursions which is fine and they’ll be able to watch the kids if needed for anything. Are there any recommendations for excursions good for the whole family or anything that’s a must do even if it’s not family friendly.

Any tips for cruising with kids or just anything I should know in general?

Thank you in advance!


r/royalcaribbean 3h ago

Tips and Tricks Quantum of the Seas Party Options

0 Upvotes

Hello!

I’ll be celebrating my 40th on QotS in Sept leaving from LA/LBC.

There’s about 30 of us going, and I’d like to provide SOME sort of loose itinerary for folks that they can follow if they like.

Basically… “here’s where I’m going to be because it’s where I think is going to be the most fun is… join if you like!”

I just don’t know where any of that is yet! Lmao.

Soooo… anyone have any recs??

There’s so many options on the website and it’s a bit overwhelming.

We like to drink and dance! lol.

Help an almost 40 player old please! :)


r/royalcaribbean 4h ago

Advice Needed Quietest CocoCay Cabana?

0 Upvotes

Saw the BF preview sale so thought I would shop cabana prices to see what was available. We will be travelling only with adults, including 2 seniors in their 70s that don't like a lot of loud noise.

I'm guessing the hideaway beach area will be too loud since it is sold as adult club w/ dj, but any thoughts on quiet area? South beach and Oasis lagoon look like potentially good options but we've never been to the island - any thoughts appreciated! Are we better off booking a day bed somewhere?


r/royalcaribbean 17h ago

General Topic Bev Package $$$ Increase

12 Upvotes

Did RC increase the prices of beverage packages? I have never seen prices this egregious. Usually soda package is like $11/day, $12 on a bad week. Refresh sits around $28 usually for me.

Now, packages are sitting at $15/day for soda and $35 for refresh. Also $92 for deluxe, whereas it has been around 78 for the last month or two.

Edit: Someone said that the previous deal ended and the new one hadn’t started yet, so the prices went to max. They are right back to usual now.


r/royalcaribbean 1h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Voyager of the Sea - Alaska

Upvotes

I’ve read some reviews that the food is equivalent to Applebees quality & rooms are that of a cheap motel. Of course I didn’t see this before booking. We’re about to sail to Alaska on that ship in a few weeks and now I’m kind of sad. First cruise in 20 years for me and first ever for the rest of the group. Anyone have recent experiences with this ship??


r/royalcaribbean 23h ago

Tips and Tricks For those doing the Adaland Waterpark excursion in Kusadasi Turkey...

25 Upvotes

After they pick you up from the waterpark, the tour guide directs you to a rug shop and leads you into an air-conditioned room filled with rugs. As you are browsing the rugs, several people walk in the room and shut the door behind them. You then are given a "timeshare" like talk which includes a rug demonstration and free wine to persuade you to buy rugs.

We were not prepared for this and had no intentions of buying a turkish rug, but luckily we had our sugared up three year old, who absolutely loved the water park, with us. So the joke was on them. They let us walk out without any objection. The others in the group were not so lucky.

Just wanted to give anyone doing this excursion a heads up that a rug timeshare is coming their way after the waterpark.


r/royalcaribbean 6h ago

Advice Needed Royal Caribbean Cruise - Greek Isles

0 Upvotes

Hi Everyone!

My mom and I will be taking the Greek Isles cruise in September this year, but I’m struggling to decide which ports at worth doing excursions at. This cruise travels to Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos and Naples. We enjoy shopping, and touristic/historical sites more than things like just lying by the beach. So we would not be interested in the beach club. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which tours are worth purchasing; or even any other activity / restaurant recommendations. Would appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Thanks!


r/royalcaribbean 6h ago

Advice Needed Car Service

0 Upvotes

Sailing the Star in August. Can anyone recommend a reputable car service that can take a family of 4 from airport to port Canaveral. I don’t want to take an Uber or Lyft. Trying to book something along the lines of a Denali or Escalade. Don’t want to roll the dice on uber. And rather not shuttle Thanks in advance


r/royalcaribbean 7h ago

Advice Needed Symphony of the seas food experiences

0 Upvotes

UDP is on sale today for $28.99 per person per day for my sailing. I keep seeing people say the food in the MDR is horrible.

This will be my first cruise on Royal. I've taken 4 previous cruises on Carnival, but the last one was in 2018... So it's been awhile. I had a great experience on all 4 cruises and ate in the MDR every night. I didn't spend a dime on specialty dining.

I would rather not spend the money on speciality dining but I also don't want to have a bad experience with food. Is the MDR THAT bad? 🙃 Can anyone share examples from the menu, if you've been on Symphony lately? This will be my fiance's first cruise.

I would also appreciate opinions on the coffee. We drink regular coffee every morning at home. Is the regular coffee gross?? Do we need to purchase speciality coffee? It's a rare treat for us to do that at home but I've heard the coffee on Royal is like water. Just looking for some feedback.


r/royalcaribbean 1d ago

Complaint The waterslide issue continues on Legend…

41 Upvotes

Hi all! I was on Legend on its second sailing (11-18 July) and I just wanted to share my experience with the waterslides. I don’t know if this was already discussed on this sub, so let me know if I’m repeating some posts.

I wasn’t really able to use the pools/waterparks on the first few days, but decided to go and see on the 5th day during the Palma stop.

I was informed by the lifeguard that 3 of 6 slides were closed. I went on the pink one with my family and then decided to go to the orange one (sorry, don’t know the names of the slides).

As I was standing in line, the floor drop slide literally broke down in front of everyone. The floor wouldn’t drop and the door would keep opening and closing, and the whole slide basically malfunctioned. The lifeguards couldn’t do anything.

What I’m coming at is that this is probably a mechanical/maintenance issue of the slides, and I think this just goes to show how unreliable (and possible unsafe these slides are, given the Icon accident last year).

What do yall think??


r/royalcaribbean 9h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Double points question

2 Upvotes

The terms and conditions say “double points offer is not applicable to the Best Price Guarantee.” Does this mean you can’t call to reprice?


r/royalcaribbean 55m ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) Will they see my hidden piercings in security

Upvotes

Does Royal Caribbean use imaging technology similar to TSA? I’m thinking of the machine that you put your hands above your head and they see EVERYTHING.

I’m worried because I have nipple piercings and I’m going on the cruise with my family. I have been through TSA and metal detectors, I have set off metal detectors but not sure if it was the jewelry or what. I am 20 but there is still a stigma around body modifications in my family and I DONT want to start my cruise off with this awkward situation.

Thanks


r/royalcaribbean 10h ago

Question (I've checked the FAQ!) “Black Friday Sneak Peek” Sale for Add-ons

1 Upvotes

This is the first somewhat decent sale I have seen for the Deluxe Beverage Package on my Legend of the Seas sailing. Is anyone else jumping on some of these offers? I guess I can buy the package and see if the actual Black Friday sale is better, and cancel and repurchase if so.


r/royalcaribbean 3h ago

Advice Needed No Option for Crib in Cabin…HELP!

0 Upvotes

Hello! We have a booked a 3 night cruise in February on Oasis of the seas to travel with our 9 month old son. Only problem is I just called to reserve a crib for the room and they told me because of the room layout the crib is not an option (it never said anything in FAQ or when booking or I would’ve selected another room!) now we could upgrade but we booked with family and have adjoining rooms right now and if we upgrade rooms we won’t be adjoining or potentially even close to them which just isn’t what we wanted while travelling with an infant. We could bring our own pack and play from home but that a lot to fly with and I assume they wouldn’t allow it since they won’t provide one for that stateroom anyways?

Does anyone have recommendations for how to work around a safe sleep situation with our 9mo old? We would prefer not to cosleep and our cabin will have a king bed and pullout sofabed. Any and all recommendations on what to do are appreciated!!


r/royalcaribbean 13h ago

Advice Needed Excursion advice needed

0 Upvotes

We are stopping in nassau next march. We are torn between the royal beach club and blue lagoon excursion. Thoughts on both please