22+ Essential Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Tips to Know Before You Sail

Pick the Right Royal Caribbean Ship for Your Cruise Style

Royal Caribbean is famous for its fleet of game-changing ships, but size matters—and so does personality. If you want the full-throttle experience, think Icon Class (the biggest ships in the world), Oasis Class, or Quantum Class, where you’ll find waterslides, Broadway-caliber shows, and activities galore. Prefer a more low-key vibe and ports that mega-ships can’t reach? Radiance Class ships offer a more relaxed experience with smaller, scenic itineraries.

It’s like choosing between a theme park and a boutique resort—both are great, but knowing what you’re in the mood for makes all the difference. Bigger isn’t always better.

Crown & Anchor Status Match with Celebrity and Silversea

If you’re a frequent cruiser with Royal Caribbean, you can take advantage of their status match with sister brands Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. Your Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society status matches Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society, giving you access to similar perks like priority check-in, discounts, and exclusive events.

You can enroll online or by calling Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society. Make sure to have your Captain’s Club or Venetian Society loyalty numbers ready to make the process smooth and quick.

Extras Like Wi-Fi, Drink Packages, and Specialty Dining Aren’t Included

Unlike some cruise lines that bundle drinks, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi into all-inclusive packages, Royal Caribbean keeps these as add-ons. If you want to enjoy these extras, you’ll need to purchase them separately after booking—often at a better price through the Cruise Planner before you set sail.

Take Advantage of the Dynamic Sales Pricing

One thing that sets Royal Caribbean apart is its ever-changing dynamic sales pricing. While retail prices are listed for drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and other add-ons, frequent sales can offer anywhere from 5% to 40% off.

Here’s the trick: check both the Royal Caribbean app and the Cruise Planner online—prices sometimes differ. And before checking out, pay attention to the final total. The “discount” can look tempting, but it’s worth noting that retail prices are sometimes adjusted to make the savings appear better than they are.

This is why it’s important to download the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you book your cruise. The app makes it easy to track sales, monitor prices, and snag the best deals before they’re gone!

Most Cruise Ship Activities Are Still Included

While many cruise lines now charge extra for attractions like go-karts, rope courses, and laser tag, Royal Caribbean still includes major activities in your fare. Thrilling options like the FlowRider surf simulator, the carousel, and ziplining are available at no extra cost—making it easier to enjoy the fun without worrying about hidden fees.

When ‘The Key’ Is Worth Considering Adding to Your Reservation

Royal Caribbean offers The Key, a priority add-on that includes early boarding and perks like an embarkation day lunch, priority tender access, and Wi-Fi. The real value lies in the Wi-Fi. If The Key goes on sale for close to the cost of a standalone Wi-Fi package for one device, it can be worth it—especially if everyone in your cabin plans to use Wi-Fi.

In that case, the added perks are essentially a bonus, making The Key a solid deal.

Read more: Here’s Why Royal Caribbean’s ‘The Key’ May Not Be for Everyone

Royal Up: Try to Win a Suite Upgrade

After your final payment, you may receive a RoyalUp email inviting you to bid for unsold suites. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded to a suite closer to your sail date, but note that Royal Caribbean chooses the suite’s location, so it may not be in your ideal spot.

Tip: Bid an amount you’re comfortable with, as there’s no guarantee a higher bid will always win. The charge is non-refundable if accepted, so weigh the potential perks against your budget.

Check-in is 45 Days Before Embarkation Day

You can check in for your Royal Caribbean cruise 45 days before embarkation day using the app or Cruise Planner online. I always check in right after 12:01 am EST to grab the best available boarding time. Early boarding means you can start enjoying your vacation as soon as possible!

Of course, some cruisers prefer a later check-in time to avoid the busy terminal and simply walk onto the ship, skipping the morning’s excitement. Choose the option that suits your style!

You Can Bring Wine Onboard

If you’re skipping the drink package but still want to enjoy a glass of wine, Royal Caribbean allows each guest to bring one unopened bottle of wine or champagne (750 ml) onboard. Just make sure it’s packed in your carry-on bag when you board.

Don’t Be Surprised By RCCL Daily Service Charges

Royal Caribbean’s daily service charges—essentially cruise gratuities—are not included in your cruise fare. You can choose to prepay them before your cruise or have them automatically charged to your stateroom account during your sailing.

The current rates are:

• $18.50 per person, per day for standard staterooms
• $21.00 per person, per day for suite guests

We always recommend having your travel agent add the charges to your reservation at the time of booking or prepaying them before your cruise. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by additional charges while onboard. These fees go toward compensating the hardworking crew who make your vacation memorable.

Take Advantage of Free Continental Breakfast

Royal Caribbean still offers free continental breakfast delivery to your stateroom, unlike some cruise lines that now charge for delivery on basic items. You can wake up to fresh coffee, juice, and pastries delivered straight to your door—perfect for early port days or a relaxed morning.

If you’re craving a hot breakfast, it’s available too, but with a $7.95 delivery charge.

Skip the Buffet: Head to Park Cafe, Solarium Bistro, or Book a Specialty Restaurant for Lunch

The buffet on embarkation day is often packed, with passengers scrambling for seats and waiting in long lines for food. Instead of starting your cruise in the chaos, choose a more relaxing option.

Royal Caribbean’s Park Cafe, located in Central Park, is a great alternative, offering sandwiches and light bites in a quieter setting. Another excellent choice is the Solarium Bistro, where you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere and a variety of healthier options.

For a special treat, consider booking a specialty restaurant for lunch on embarkation day or any day open during your sailing, which is often discounted compared to dinner. It’s a great way to kick off your vacation on a stress-free note.

Don’t Miss Royal Caribbean’s Kummelweck Sandwich

Royal Caribbean offers plenty of delicious food, but the Kummelweck Sandwich is a fan favorite among royal cruisers. This sandwich features tender, slow-roasted beef served on a freshly baked kummelweck roll (a Kaiser-style roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt). It’s usually paired with a side of au jus for dipping and a dollop of horseradish for that extra kick.

I missed trying it on my last Royal Caribbean cruise, but you don’t have to! You can typically find it at the Park Cafe on select ships—don’t let this iconic treat pass you by.

Breakfast is Included at Johnny Rockets

Here’s a little-known secret: breakfast at Johnny Rockets is FREE on Royal Caribbean! It’s a great alternative to the buffet, Main Dining Room (MDR), or Solarium Bistro if you want to mix things up one morning. Keep in mind, though, that other meals at Johnny Rockets come with an additional charge.

When Making Reservations for Anytime Dining Makes Sense

The beauty of Anytime Dining is the flexibility to eat when you’re ready, without being tied to a set dining schedule. However, on Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, like the Oasis Class or the Icon Class, making reservations can be a smart move—especially if you’re dining as a group or planning to eat during peak times.

While I didn’t have any trouble walking in with my party of four on my last Oasis Class cruise, we chose to dine earlier in the evening. By the time we finished, a huge line had formed for seating. If you want to avoid the wait, making a reservation is worth considering, particularly for prime dining hours.

Make Specialty Dining Reservations Early

If you’re planning to dine at Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants, make your reservations as early as possible. Popular spots like Wonderland, Izumi Hibachi, Chef’s Table, and unique experiences like the Royal Mystery Dinner Theater or Royal Railway can book up quickly, especially on Oasis Class and Icon Class ships.

For new specialty dining experiences like the Royal Railway, reservations typically open about 60 days before your sail date. When we managed to snag a Royal Railway reservation, it was only available through the Cruise Planner online—not in the app—so be sure to check both options to secure your spot.

Guarantee Seating By Making Show Reservations

About 30 days before your sail date, reservations open up for the major production shows on Royal Caribbean ships. This is the perfect time to book and guarantee your seat in the theater. It’s best to plan your reservations around your dining times and any other scheduled activities, giving yourself at least 30 minutes to arrive before showtime. If you don’t check in 30 minutes prior to the start of the show, your seat may be given away to the standby line.

Cruise Compasses Are No Longer Automatically Provided in Your Stateroom

Royal Caribbean no longer leaves Cruise Compasses (the daily newsletter) in your cabin automatically. Instead, all the information is available on the Royal Caribbean app, making it easy to check schedules, events, and activities from the palm of your hand.

If you prefer a paper version, you can ask your stateroom attendant to deliver it each night or pick one up at guest services. It’s a handy way to plan your day without relying solely on your phone.

Multi-Power Electric Outlets Are No Longer Allowed

If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean, leave the power strip or multi-power electric outlet at home. This item was recently added to the prohibited list, and many cruisers have had them confiscated during embarkation.

The good news is that newer ships, like the Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, are designed with plenty of US electrical outlets and USB ports in the cabins. If you need extra charging options, consider bringing a USB multi-charger for devices or a universal power adapter to convert European outlets to US-style plugs. These are great alternatives to keep your gadgets powered up without violating the rules.

Read more: Top Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Should Know

Some Activities May Require That You’re Dressed

Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly activities—like the Ultimate Abyss slide, ziplining, and rock climbing—are packed with fun, but many have specific safety requirements. You may need closed-toe shoes, certain clothing, or to leave personal items behind. Check the activity guidelines before boarding so you can pack what you’ll need to enjoy them.

Be Pool Ready on Embarkation Day

Whether you wear your swimsuit onboard or pack it in your embarkation day bag, you’ll want to be ready to hit the pool right away. Cabins typically aren’t available until 1-2 pm, and delays can push that even later. Meanwhile, the pools and waterslides—one of the highlights of Royal Caribbean ships—are open and ready to enjoy.

While I personally like to explore the ship on embarkation day, keep in mind that ships like the Oasis Class or Icon Class are massive, and you’ll likely spend most of your cruise discovering everything they offer. Sometimes, grabbing a pool lounger, ordering a vacation drink, and easing into vacation mode from the start will serve you better.

Own 100 Shares of RCL Stock and Get Onboard Credit

If you own 100 shares of Royal Caribbean Group stock (RCL), you’re eligible for onboard credit as a shareholder benefit. The credit amount depends on the length of your cruise:

• $50 for sailings of 5 nights or fewer
• $100 for sailings of 6-13 nights
• $250 for sailings of 14 nights or longer

To claim your credit, you’ll need to fill out the Shareholder Benefit Request Form, which you can find on Royal Caribbean’s website. Then, submit it to the shareholder benefits department at least three weeks before your sail date. Be sure to include a current brokerage statement (dated within the last 90 days) showing your name, which must match your cruise reservation, and proof that you own a minimum of 100 shares of RCL stock.

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