You’re Booked!
Now Let’s Get You Ready.
Everything you need to know to have the best possible Royal Caribbean cruise — from documents and packing to CocoCay and debarkation. I’m here to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Everything You Need, All in One Place
First Steps
Link your booking, download the app, join the Facebook group, and find your confirmation number. Start here.
Know Your Ship
All seven ship classes, what makes each one unique, and links to Royal’s full breakdown for your vessel.
Suite Life
Already in a suite or considering an upgrade? Sea, Sky, and Star Class explained — and WOW Band info.
Cruising By Age
Little ones through grandparents — Royal Caribbean has something spectacular for every generation.
Dining & Drinks
What’s included, what’s extra, drink package pricing, bar highlights, and specialty restaurant guide.
Packing Smart
The secret is to overpack. Theme nights, dress codes, must-haves, and what not to bring.
Documents & Check-In
Passports, SetSail passes, why to stay up until midnight, and the full check-in walkthrough.
Royal App Guide
Daily planners, deck maps, messaging, VOOM WiFi, and tracking price drops on packages.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
What’s included, what costs extra, Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, shopping, and the balloon.
Shore Excursions
Royal vs. independent operators, Erica’s Viator list, timing rules, and price tracking tools.
Entertainment
Broadway, ice shows, AquaTheater, comedy — what to expect and how to reserve your seats.
Your Room Steward
Towel animals, mattress toppers, fans, and why tipping on day one is a smart move.
Duck Hunt!
The rubber duck hiding tradition — one of cruising’s best-kept secrets. Here’s how to play.
Debarkation Day
Self-assist vs. luggage tags, elevator tricks, and a smooth farewell to the ship.
Pro Tips
Gratuities, Crown & Anchor, embarkation strategy, arriving the night before, and more.
Your First Steps After Booking
A few quick things to take care of right away. Do these now and embarkation day will feel smooth and exciting rather than stressful.
Join Erica’s Private Facebook Group
I’d love for you to join my Facebook group exclusively for my travel clients. There’s a lot of great info in there — take it in bites, but be sure to read it all!
Create Your Royal Caribbean Account
Easiest to start on your computer at RoyalCaribbean.com, then link it to the app. Once logged in, enter your confirmation number. Your reservation number, guest list, boarding pass, and check-in tools all live here.
Download the Royal Caribbean App
The app is your home base for everything cruise-related. After linking your account, you’ll find reservation details, check-in, deck maps, daily planner, messaging, and your Cruise Planner all in one place. See The App page for the full guide.
Find Your Confirmation Number & Crown & Anchor Info
After logging in, your reservation number appears at the top of your booking (see image 1 from Erica’s email for a visual). Below that you’ll find your Crown & Anchor member number and tier status — this tracks with every sailing you complete. Even on your first cruise, sign up! It’s free.
Mark Your Check-In Date on Your Calendar NOW
Check-in opens at 12:01 AM, exactly 45 days before your sailing date. Set a reminder. Consider staying up for it — those early boarding time slots fill within minutes. An earlier arrival window means more hours of vacation. See the Documents page for the full check-in walkthrough.
Explore the Cruise Planner
From your app or RoyalCaribbean.com/booked, the Cruise Planner is where you’ll book excursions, specialty dining, beverage packages, WiFi, spa appointments, and more — often at a lower price than buying onboard. Start browsing early and check back for price drops (see RoyalPriceTracker.com). You can also check the Royal Up stateroom bidding option here.
Your Ship: Know It Before You Board
Royal Caribbean groups its ships into classes that share a design, size, and feature set. Find your ship below and tap through to Royal’s full breakdown for every detail.
Icon Class
The most innovative ships ever built. Eight distinct neighborhoods, Category 6 waterpark, AquaDome, and The Marketplace food hall — a food hall concept unique to Icon Class. More dining and entertainment than most land resorts.
Oasis Class
Iconic "neighborhoods" including Central Park (with real trees!), the Boardwalk, AquaTheater, and the legendary Ultimate Abyss dry slide. Carrying up to 5,700+ guests, these are floating cities with spectacular entertainment.
Quantum & Quantum Ultra Class
North Star observation capsule, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, Two70 entertainment venue, and SeaPlex. Unique innovations you won’t find anywhere else. Great for cooler itineraries like Alaska.
Freedom Class
Once the world’s largest ships. Updated with Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider surf simulators (first on Royal!), mini golf, and the Royal Promenade. Excellent Caribbean itineraries from Florida ports.
Voyager Class
Introduced the beloved Royal Promenade — an indoor boulevard of bars, shops, and entertainment. Rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and FlowRider. Classic Royal Caribbean feel.
Radiance Class
Smaller, more intimate ships with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect for scenic itineraries like Alaska and the Mediterranean. Less crowded, more refined atmosphere.
Vision Class
The most boutique feel in the Royal fleet — fewer crowds, intimate atmosphere, and itineraries off the beaten path. Great for couples and destination-focused cruisers.
Suite Perks: What You’re Getting
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class transforms your cruise well beyond a bigger room. Here’s exactly what each tier unlocks.
Royal Suite Class (Sea/Sky/Star) is available on Icon, Oasis, and Quantum Class ships. Older ships have suite amenities but a slightly different structure.
🌊 Sea Class
- ✓Junior Suites — significantly more space than standard staterooms
- ✓Coastal Kitchen access for dinner
- ✓Upgraded bathroom with double vanity & soaking tub
- ✓Priority check-in at embarkation
- ✓Suite welcome gift
- ✓Pre-cruise concierge email
☁ Sky Class
- ✓All Sea Class perks, plus…
- ✓Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch & dinner
- ✓Suite Lounge: complimentary cocktails & bites 5–8pm nightly
- ✓Exclusive Suite Sun Deck access
- ✓VOOM Surf + Stream WiFi included
- ✓Priority boarding & escorted departure
- ✓Exclusive suite activities & behind-the-scenes tours
- ✓Complimentary minibar (waters + Coca-Cola)
⭐ Star Class
- ✓All Sky Class perks, plus…
- ✓Royal Genie — personal concierge assigned before sailing
- ✓Unlimited specialty dining (most venues) included
- ✓Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (adults)
- ✓Complimentary Refreshment Package (under 21)
- ✓VOOM Surf + Stream WiFi included
- ✓Genie handles ALL reservations before & during cruise
- ✓Complimentary WOW Band (select ships)
- ✓Priority embarkation — Genie personally escorts you onboard
Cruising at Every Age
Royal Caribbean’s greatest strength is delivering a great time to every person simultaneously — from toddlers to grandparents.
WOW Bands for Little Ones
Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands are waterproof RFID wristbands that replace a SeaPass card. Parents love them for kids — they stay on in the pool, don’t get lost in small pockets, and tap easily into Adventure Ocean. On select ships; $9.99 onboard for most guests, free for Star Class. Learn more ↗
Royal Babies & Tots (6–36 months)
Adventure Ocean nursery (Fisher-Price partnership) on select ships. Per-hour fee; reservations required; space is limited — book as soon as you board. Confirm nursery availability for your specific ship before sailing.
Adventure Ocean (Ages 3–11)
Award-winning kids club runs morning, afternoon, and evening sessions at no extra cost. Age-grouped: Aquanauts (3–5), Explorers (6–8), Voyagers (9–11). Science experiments, arts & crafts, dance parties, and themed adventures.
Water Features
Larger ships have dedicated kids’ splash zones. Icon Class has Category 6, a massive multi-story aqua playground. Height restrictions apply on some slides — check in advance to set the right expectations with little ones!
Teens-Only Zone
Teens (12–17) have a dedicated space — often called "The Living Room" or "Social279" — without adult supervision. Gaming stations, chill lounges, and teen-only activities. No kids club vibes — this is genuinely cool space.
Thrills for Thrill-Seekers
FlowRider surf simulators, Ultimate Abyss dry slides, RipCord by iFLY skydiving, zip lines, rock climbing walls, waterslides, go-karts (select ships), mini golf — Royal Caribbean excels at keeping teens genuinely engaged all day.
Evening Independence
Late-night teen programming means parents can enjoy shows and dinner in peace. Teens can check themselves in and out of Adventure Ocean once parental permission is signed at the start of the cruise.
Keeping Teens Connected
The Royal Caribbean app’s messaging feature is free ship-wide — perfect for group coordination without cell data. For social media and streaming, VOOM WiFi packages are available. See the App page for details on VOOM and avoiding carrier roaming charges.
Solarium — Adults-Only Retreat
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Solarium — a covered, adults-only pool with hot tubs and its own bar. On Icon Class, it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful with a retractable roof and Solarium Bistro dining. Your peaceful haven from the main pool deck.
Specialty Dining
Chops Grille steakhouse, Wonderland’s surrealist tasting menu, Giovanni’s Italian, Izumi hibachi, and more. Specialty dining is where Royal truly elevates the experience. Reserve at least one restaurant per sailing. See the Dining page.
World-Class Entertainment
Broadway-caliber shows, ice skating productions, AquaTheater acrobatics, comedy, live music, and casino. Evenings on Royal Caribbean are genuinely impressive. Reserve shows early via the app. See the Entertainment page.
Vitality Spa
Full menu of treatments, thermal suite day passes, and salon services. Book on port days for better availability and pricing. The thermal suite (steam rooms, heated loungers) is accessible separately from individual treatments.
Why Cruising Works for Multi-Gen
Cruising solves the hardest problem of multigenerational travel: keeping everyone happy. Grandparents relax on deck while teens hit the waterslides and parents enjoy the spa — simultaneously, no compromise needed.
Cabin Strategy
Book connecting staterooms or cabins on the same floor. Junior suites sleep 4–5 and are great for families. A suite for grandparents provides extra space and meaningful perks. I can help map out the best configuration for your group.
Dining Together
Traditional dining (same table, same time nightly) is perfect for multigenerational groups. It becomes the daily anchor that brings everyone together. Book specialty dining for a special occasion night.
Photo Packages for Groups
Royal’s photographers are everywhere — embarkation, formal nights, port days. The digital photo package is an incredible keepsake for a large group and much more affordable than buying individually. Purchase early in the cruise for the best rate.
Dining & Drinks on Royal Caribbean
Your cruise fare covers all meals and most snacks. There are also specialty restaurants, bars, and drink packages worth knowing about. Here’s the full breakdown.
Main Dining Room Included
Nightly dinner is a beloved Royal tradition. Choose Traditional Dining (same table/time each night) or My Time Dining (flexible). Menus rotate nightly. Service is warm and the complimentary food quality is genuinely good. If you chose My Time, make reservations for your preferred times early — popular slots fill quickly.
Windjammer Buffet Included
Casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner with huge variety. On embarkation day, the Windjammer is where you’ll grab lunch while waiting for cabins to be ready. Arrive at off-peak times for the best experience — it can get busy.
Café Promenade & Sorrento’s Pizza Included
Light bites, pastries, and coffee at Café Promenade, plus complimentary pizza by the slice at Sorrento’s — on most ships. Perfect for late-night snacks between activities or a quick lunch.
The Marketplace IncludedIcon Class Only
Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas feature The Marketplace — a neighborhood food hall with global cuisine options throughout the day at no extra cost. Unique to Icon Class ships and a genuinely elevated casual dining experience.
Room Service Included (Basic)
A basic room service menu is available. A delivery fee applies to some items. Sky and Star Class suite guests have access to an expanded menu. Continental breakfast items are often complimentary; hot items may carry a small fee.
Chops Grille 🥩 Additional $
Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse. Consistently praised as one of the best onboard dining experiences. Premium cuts, impeccable service. Pre-purchase via Cruise Planner for the best rate — walk-up pricing is higher.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 🍝 Additional $
Italian classics in a warm trattoria setting. Pastas, seafood, wood-fired dishes. One of the most popular specialty venues. Reservations strongly recommended.
Izumi Japanese 🍣 Additional $
Sushi, sashimi, and hibachi on select ships. Hibachi tables fill fast — reserve as soon as the Cruise Planner opens (typically 90 days before sailing). One of the most fun group dining experiences at sea.
Wonderland ✨ Additional $Select Ships
An Alice in Wonderland-inspired tasting menu with theatrical presentation. Found on Oasis Class and select ships. Best for adventurous eaters who want something truly one-of-a-kind.
Mason Jar Southern Kitchen 🌼 Additional $Icon & Select Oasis Class
Southern comfort food, brunch, and dinner. Popular on embarkation day for a more relaxed start. Found on Icon Class and select Oasis Class ships.
Coastal Kitchen 🏖 Sky & Star Class Only
Available to Sky and Star Class suite guests for all meals. Mediterranean-inspired menu, calm atmosphere, exceptional service. Many suite guests consider Coastal Kitchen the single most valuable perk of upgrading.
The Schooner Bar 🎵
A nautical-themed piano bar on nearly every Royal ship — one of the most beloved gathering spots fleet-wide. Live music, sing-alongs, and a cozy maritime atmosphere. A must-visit on any sailing.
Solarium Bistro & Pool Bar 🥂
Adults-only bar in the Solarium. Quieter, more relaxed vibe than the main pool deck. Great for a mid-afternoon cocktail without the splash zone energy.
Bionic Bar 🤖Quantum & Select Ships
Robot bartenders mix custom cocktails. It’s as fun as it sounds — and a novelty kids love to watch (non-alcoholic options available). Worth experiencing at least once.
Suite Lounge Bar 👑Sky & Star Class
Complimentary cocktails, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres from 5–8pm nightly in the private Suite Lounge. A pre-dinner ritual that becomes one of suite guests’ favorite daily highlights.
Pool & Oasis Lagoon Swim-Up Bars 🏈
Select ships and CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon feature swim-up bars you can access while still in the water. Your drink package is valid at these bars, including on CocoCay.
Average Onboard Drink Prices (Without Package)
The Package Options
Deluxe Beverage Package 🍸 Additional $
Covers cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, sodas, juices, and non-alcoholic drinks. Approx. $109/person/day if purchased onboard — pre-cruise via Cruise Planner is typically lower. Key rule: If one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Package, ALL adults in that room must purchase it. No exceptions. They do offer in-stateroom bottle purchases separately — check Royal Gifts in your Cruise Planner ↗.
Refreshment Package 🥤 Additional $
Non-alcoholic beverages: sodas, specialty coffees, juices, smoothies, bottled water. Approx. $59/person/day onboard. Excellent value for families, non-drinkers, or as a kids’ complement to adult packages.
Soda Package 🥛 Additional $
A refillable souvenir cup for the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines around the ship. Approx. $12/person/day onboard. Good value for high-volume soda drinkers throughout the day.
Track Package Price Drops
Drink and dining package prices in the Cruise Planner fluctuate regularly. Book a package early, then monitor with RoyalPriceTracker.com — when the price drops, cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
Visit RoyalPriceTracker.com ↗⚠ RoyalPriceTracker.com is an independent, third-party site. Not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.
Packing for Your Cruise
The secret to packing for a cruise is to overpack. If you normally pack a carry-on, this is the time to check a bag. Between theme nights, formal dinners, pool days, and port adventures, you'll want options.
📋 Documents & Must-Haves Essential
☀ Pool & Beach Days Don’t Forget
📷 Dress Codes & Evening Wear Plan Ahead
Check your reservation info for themed nights — most sailings include 1–2 formal or “smart casual” evenings. Participation is completely optional, but most guests enjoy them. Dining rooms have dress requirements (no shorts or tank tops). Ice skating requires long pants and socks.
🔧 Seasoned Cruiser Must-Haves Pro Picks
⭐ Suite Extras Suite Guests
🚫 What NOT to Pack
Documents & Check-In
Nothing derails embarkation day faster than a documentation issue. Here’s everything you need — and a full check-in walkthrough.
A passport is strongly recommended for ALL sailings. Even on closed-loop Caribbean cruises where a birth certificate + ID technically qualifies, a passport protects you if you miss the ship at a foreign port or face a medical emergency abroad. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your travel END date.
📘 U.S. Citizens — Closed-Loop Cruises
- Original or certified copy of birth certificate (not a photocopy)
- Government-issued photo ID (ages 16+)
- OR a valid U.S. passport book (highly recommended)
- Name must match exactly across all documents
- Children under 16: birth certificate only
🌎 International Sailings
- Valid passport book required (not just a passport card)
- Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your travel END date
- Visa may be required for certain ports — verify by nationality
- ESTA or visa required for U.S. entry if non-U.S. citizen
👧 Traveling with Minors
- Child must be with parent or legal guardian
- Non-parent adult with child: bring notarized consent from both parents
- Different last name: bring proof of parental relationship
- Some ports have strict minor border-crossing rules — verify in advance
✅ Check-In Walkthrough
- Check-in opens at 12:01 AM, 45 days before sailing
- Have passport or birth certificate ready to enter
- Upload a headshot: plain white background, no glasses, no filters
- Add your onboard credit card
- Choose your arrival time window — earlier = better!
- Download your SetSail boarding pass
- Complete eMuster safety drill in the app before boarding
- Visual check-in guide (PDF) ↗
Mastering the Royal Caribbean App
The Royal Caribbean app is genuinely one of the best cruise line apps in the industry. Download it before you sail — it will be your most-used tool from embarkation to debarkation.
Before You Sail
Complete Online Check-In
Upload document photos, enter your travel info, select your arrival window, and download your SetSail boarding pass — all in the app. Do this the moment check-in opens (45 days out). You can also complete the eMuster safety drill here, saving time on embarkation day.
Reserve Shows & Dining
On Icon and Oasis Class ships, reserve show times directly in the app or via the Cruise Planner before you sail. Specialty restaurant reservations and dining package use can be managed here too. Popular times fill fast!
Shop the Cruise Planner for Pre-Cruise Savings
Access the Cruise Planner via the app to pre-purchase shore excursions, beverage packages, dining packages, WiFi, spa treatments, and more — almost always cheaper than buying onboard. Prices fluctuate, so check back and use RoyalPriceTracker.com to monitor for drops.
Onboard — Your Daily Command Center
Daily Planner & Activity Schedule
The app replaces the paper “Cruise Compass” daily newsletter. Browse every activity, show, and event. Add to your personal calendar and get reminders. This is how you stay on top of everything without hunting down paper printouts.
Deck Maps & Ship Navigation
Getting lost on a mega-ship is genuinely easy on day one. The deck maps show your location and everything around you — nearest pool, bar, restaurant, restroom. Essential on embarkation day when the ship feels overwhelming.
Free Ship-Wide Messaging
Chat with your travel party via the app’s messaging feature completely free over the ship’s WiFi. This is how you coordinate when kids split to the teen club and parents head to the Solarium. No cell data required.
Track Onboard Spending
Everything charged to your SeaPass card appears in the app in real time. Helpful for keeping an eye on spending — or studiously not looking until the last night. Your call. You are on vacation, after all.
Track Price Drops on Packages & Excursions
Cruise Planner pricing changes frequently. After booking excursions, drink packages, or WiFi, monitor for drops with RoyalPriceTracker.com. When a price drops, cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
Visit RoyalPriceTracker.com ↗⚠ RoyalPriceTracker.com is an independent third-party site. Not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas — and it’s consistently one of the best port days on any Caribbean sailing. Since Royal owns the island, all food is included, and your drink package works here too!
Included Areas — No Extra Cost
Chill Island 🏖 Included
A beautiful stretch of beach convenient to Chill Grill. Plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. One of the most popular and relaxing spots on the island — great for a laid-back beach day.
South Beach 🌊 Included
The quietest area of the island, farther from the ship. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, less crowded experience, head here. Tends to attract guests seeking genuine relaxation over activities.
Harper Beach 🐌 Included
Livelier and smaller, but conveniently close to the ship, the waterpark entrance, and the bars and food areas. Great if you want easy access to everything without much walking.
Oasis Lagoon Pool 🏈 Included
A large zero-entry pool with a swim-up bar. Because of its size, it rarely feels crowded even when the island is busy. Perfect for families or guests who prefer a pool to the ocean.
Premium Experiences — Additional Cost
Thrill Waterpark 🎢 Additional $
Multi-story waterslides including the iconic Daredevil’s Peak. Book via Cruise Planner — almost universally considered worth it for families and thrill-seekers. Book early as capacity is limited and prices rise closer to your sail date.
Coco Beach Club 🌴 Additional $
Erica’s personal favorite! An upscale, resort-style area with a gorgeous pool and elevated dining. Cabanas available for rent — including over-the-water cabanas with private waterslides directly into the ocean. This is the way to feel truly VIP on CocoCay. Erica says: “The view from Coco Beach Club needs no filter!”
Hideaway Beach 🎉 Additional $ — Adults Only
A newer adults-only area with DJs, pools, beaches, and a high-energy party vibe. Requires a day pass (in your Cruise Planner). Your onboard drink package is accepted here. If you want an all-day adult beach party, Hideaway Beach is worth every penny.
Good to Know
The Balloon 🎈
The Up, Up & Away helium balloon offering aerial island views sounds incredible — and it is when it’s operating. Unfortunately wind conditions mean it only flies about 30% of the time. Keep expectations flexible and treat it as a bonus if it’s up on your day.
Shopping 🛍
Local vendors sell handcrafted items — bring cash, as cards aren’t accepted there. Official Royal Caribbean shops accept your SeaPass card for payment.
Shore Excursions & Port Days
Port days are often the highlight of a cruise. Planning them well — and knowing what to expect — makes all the difference between a great day and a stressful one.
📋 Book Early — But Don’t Wait Around
Popular excursions sell out months in advance. Open your Cruise Planner as soon as it’s available and book anything you’re serious about. You can cancel before sailing for a full refund, so booking early is low-risk.
🚢 Royal Caribbean vs. Independent Operators
Booking through Royal costs more, but comes with one critical guarantee: if your Royal excursion runs late, the ship waits for you. With independent operators, if you miss the ship’s departure time, you are responsible for getting to the next port at your own expense.
Erica recommends being back at the ship a minimum of one hour before departure — and planning for at least two hours early if you are using an independent operator. Traffic, delays, and unexpected situations are real. Give yourself a cushion you’ll be grateful for.
Want independent options? Ask Erica for her curated Viator list — she has personally vetted recommendations for many ports that balance great experiences with reliable operators and timing.
📄 Port Day Documents — Ask Your Ship!
Requirements vary by itinerary and can change. Before each port day, check with your ship to confirm which identification documents you are required to carry. Some itineraries require you to have your original passport on your person to re-board — leaving it in your cabin safe is not always permitted. Pay close attention to the daily notices and announcements about this.
🏝 Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s private island is consistently one of the best days on any Caribbean sailing. Most food is included. The Thrill Waterpark and Hideaway Beach are upcharges. Cabanas book out fast. See the dedicated CocoCay page for Erica’s full breakdown.
🌅 Royal Beach Club Nassau
If your itinerary stops in Nassau, Royal Caribbean operates the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island — an upscale beach club experience available for a day pass. A great way to maximize a Nassau port day with resort-style amenities. Full details at RoyalCaribbean.com ↗
🧖 What to Bring on Port Days
Small daypack, reef-safe sunscreen, SeaPass card (required for re-boarding), required ID documents (confirm with ship!), cash in local currency, water bottle, fully charged phone, and comfortable walking shoes — port towns involve far more walking than most people expect.
Track Excursion Price Drops
Cruise Planner excursion prices change regularly. Book what you want, then monitor with RoyalPriceTracker.com — an unofficial tracker that alerts you to price drops so you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
Visit RoyalPriceTracker.com ↗⚠ RoyalPriceTracker.com is an independent third-party site. Not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.
Shows, Performances & Nightlife
One of the things Royal Caribbean does exceptionally well is entertainment. Evenings are legitimately spectacular — here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Broadway-Style Productions
Many Royal Caribbean ships feature full-scale theatrical productions with professional performers, elaborate costumes, and impressive stage effects. Depending on your ship: full Broadway musicals (select ships), original productions, high-energy musical revues, and guest entertainers. These are among the most popular onboard experiences — reserve early.
Ice Skating Shows
Ships with an ice rink host spectacular performances featuring professional skaters with jumps, spins, and full choreography. Extremely popular and usually require reservations. Standby lines exist but fill quickly — arrive 20+ minutes early even with a reservation.
AquaTheater Shows
On Oasis and Icon Class ships, the outdoor AquaTheater at the ship’s stern hosts jaw-dropping performances featuring high diving, aerial acrobatics, and synchronized water choreography. Unique to Royal Caribbean and truly unforgettable. One of the best live performance venues at sea.
Comedy & Live Entertainment
Comedy shows (adult and family-friendly), live music throughout the ship, game shows, audience participation events, themed parties, and parades. Something is happening day and night. The Daily Planner in your app is your guide to not missing anything.
How to Reserve Shows
Before Your Cruise
Log into the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner, navigate to Entertainment, and reserve showtimes if they’re available for your sailing. Larger ships (Icon, Oasis Class) almost always require advance reservations. Reservations are free — seats are just limited.
Once Onboard
Use the Royal Caribbean app to browse the entertainment schedule and reserve remaining shows. Visit the Entertainment Desk near Guest Services if you need in-person help or have questions about standby availability.
Your Room Steward
Your room steward is one of the most influential people in your vacation — and most guests don’t know everything they can do for you beyond tidying the cabin.
Towel animals are one of the most beloved cabin surprises on Royal Caribbean!
Too-hard mattress? Ask your room steward to add a mattress topper. They have them available and are always happy to put one on for you.
Room too warm? First check that your balcony door is fully closed and locked — if it’s not, the AC won’t run properly. If that’s not the issue, ask your steward for a fan.
Love towel animals? Tell your room steward on day one! They don’t leave them every night by default, but will happily create them regularly if they know you enjoy them. Leave a thank-you note on embarkation day — it goes a long way.
Don’t care for towel animals? Completely fine — just tell them so they don’t spend time creating something you’d rather skip!
Need anything? More hangers, extra towels, additional pillows — just ask. Room stewards are there to make your cabin feel like home. They appreciate knowing what would make your stay better.
Tipping your steward: Your steward receives a portion of the automatic gratuities. If you can, tip them on the first day when you meet them — cash in an envelope with a kind note. They take exceptional care of you either way, but it’s a gesture they genuinely appreciate.
The Rubber Duck Hunt 🎪
Hiding rubber ducks is one of the most popular and delightful traditions in cruising — and one of Erica’s favorites to introduce to her clients. Here’s everything you need to know to play.
A haul of ducks discovered on Icon of the Seas — complete with “Conquackulations!” cards
What Is Duck Hiding?
Guests bring small rubber ducks, hide them in creative spots around the ship, and leave a card with their info. Other guests who find them get to keep them as souvenirs! It’s a ship-wide treasure hunt that creates spontaneous joy — especially for kids. Don’t be surprised if finding a duck becomes the highlight of someone’s day.
How to Participate
Purchase small rubber ducks before you sail — craft stores, dollar stores, and Amazon all have fun character options. Bring a stack and a marker. Write your name, ship, date, and a note on the bottom. Hide them creatively in planters, near the pool, elevator corners, bar shelves, or anywhere a duck might surprise and delight someone.
Finding Ducks
When you find a duck someone else hid, it’s yours to keep! Many guests collect them throughout the cruise as a unique souvenir. Kids especially love the thrill of the hunt — it adds a fun layer of adventure to every walk around the ship. Check corners, shelves, planters, and tucked-away spots.
The Cards
The best duck-hiders include a small tag or card — like the “Conquackulations! You Found Me!” cards shown above — with their name, ship, and date. You can find templates online or on Amazon. Kids love designing and filling out their own cards before the trip!
Debarkation Day
Nobody wants to think about leaving — but knowing what to expect on debarkation day makes the whole process much smoother and a lot less stressful.
Option 1: Self-Assist
You keep all your luggage with you overnight and carry it off the ship yourself. The major advantage: you can leave at almost any point during debarkation — no assigned group, no waiting for your color. The downside: navigating a busy ship with all your bags and competing for elevator space on the most crowded morning of the trip.
Elevator trick: Get on any elevator that has room — even if it’s going the wrong direction. If there’s space, take it. Eventually it will get you where you need to go. This is the #1 self-assist tip!
Option 2: Luggage Tags (Royal Handles It)
The night before debarkation, you receive color-coded luggage tags. Put your bags outside your cabin by the set time that evening — they’re taken off the ship overnight. The next morning you’re called by group color, exit the ship, then find your bags in the terminal holding area.
Important: You’ll need an overnight bag with everything you need from the night before until you retrieve your bags — medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, valuables, and anything you’ll need immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Cruise
These are the things experienced cruisers know that first-timers often learn the hard way. Consider this your cheat sheet.
Gratuities — Plan for Them
Royal Caribbean automatically applies daily service gratuities to your SeaPass account: $18.50/person/day for standard staterooms, and $21.00/person/day for Grand Suites and above. An additional 18% is added automatically to each beverage, and 20% to spa services.
You can prepay gratuities via the Cruise Planner before you sail to spread the cost. You can also remove the automatic gratuities entirely by visiting Guest Services onboard, and choose to tip all crew members directly in cash — ensuring 100% goes directly to the staff without impacting their base wages. Either approach is perfectly acceptable. Full gratuity policy ↗
Beverage Packages & Price Tracking
Do the math before buying. If you’ll have 5+ drinks/day, the Deluxe Package typically pays off — especially with the 18% per-drink gratuity factored in. Purchase via Cruise Planner before sailing for the best price, then monitor for drops with RoyalPriceTracker.com. When a price drops, cancel and rebook at the lower rate. See the Dining & Drinks page for full pricing details.
Crown & Anchor Loyalty
Sign up for Crown & Anchor Society before your first sailing — it’s free and every night sailed earns points. Benefits grow from Gold to Diamond Plus to Pinnacle Club. Even at entry level you get a welcome back party, discounts, and priority perks. Start earning from day one.
Embarkation Day Strategy
Cabins are typically ready by 1–2pm. Head to the Windjammer for lunch when you board. Explore the ship, verify your muster station, confirm dining reservations, and find the pool before sail-away.
Kids tip: Have little ones board already dressed in their swimsuits (with a cover-up for check-in). That way they can head straight to the pools the moment you board — no waiting for the cabin to open!
Sea Days Are Golden
Some guests wish they had more sea days. Full days at sea are your chance to experience everything the ship offers that port days crowd out — specialty dining, shows, the spa, every activity. Don’t over-schedule port days and miss the ship experience.
Photo Packages
Royal Caribbean photographers are everywhere — embarkation, formal nights, dinners, port days. Individual prints are expensive, but the digital package includes ALL your cruise photos for a flat fee. For families especially, it’s a priceless keepsake. Purchase early in the cruise for the best onboard rate.
The NextCruise Desk
Booking your next Royal Caribbean cruise while still onboard gets you reduced deposits and often onboard credit. You can transfer the booking to me after you get home! Look for the NextCruise desk near Guest Services — one of the best-kept secrets for repeat cruisers.
Arrive the Night Before
Flight delays, traffic, and unexpected hiccups happen — and missing your ship’s departure is an expensive, heartbreaking way to start a vacation. Erica strongly recommends arriving at your departure city the night before your sailing. Enjoy a local dinner, decompress, and start embarkation day relaxed rather than panicked.
Ask Erica for hotel and activity recommendations near your departure port! She can help get your pre-cruise stay booked and your vacation started off on the perfect foot.
I’m Here to Make Sure You’re Ready
Hi, I’m Erica with Polka Dots N Wishes Travel! As a Royal Caribbean-certified Master of Adventure and Pinnacle Partner, I’ve invested deeply in knowing everything about your cruise experience. No question is too small. My job is to make sure you step off that ship with nothing but incredible memories — and want to do it all over again.
Erica@PolkadotsNWishesTravel • Proud Loyal to You Always Partner