Cruise 101
Your first cruise, made easy
What to pack, how boarding day works, what costs extra, and how to choose excursions. Straight answers for first-time cruisers, starting with Royal Caribbean.
The guides
Start here
Read them in order or jump to what you're wondering about.
Packing list
A printable checklist, what goes in your carry-on, what the ship won't allow, and the gear we bring every time.
Read the guide →Boarding day, step by step
Online check-in, arrival times, dropping bags, security, and the first things to do once you're onboard.
Read the guide →What's included and what's extra
Drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, gratuities, and which add-ons are worth the money.
Read the guide →Shore excursions
Booking through the ship versus on your own, how much time you really have in port, and private island days.
Read the guide →Money and phones onboard
How your SeaPass card works, the final bill, airplane mode, and avoiding a surprise roaming charge.
Read the guide →Heading home
Luggage on the last night, walking off on your own, customs, and getting to the airport on time.
Read the guide →Your timeline
From booking to boarding
What to do and when. If you book with us, we'll remind you at each step.
- As soon as you book
Check passports and add travel protection
Make sure every passport is valid at least six months past your return date. Travel protection is best bought early, when it covers the most.
- About 90 days out
Final payment
Royal Caribbean's final payment is usually due about 90 days before sailing. After that, cancellation penalties apply.
- About 60 days out
Plan your days
Download the Royal Caribbean app, book shore excursions, and reserve specialty dining and shows. Popular times sell out.
- 45 days out, at midnight
Online check-in opens
Check-in opens at midnight port time, 45 days before sailing. Log in to the app right then and pick your arrival time; early times go fast. You can finish your photo and documents the next day.
- 1 week out
Print luggage tags and pack
Print your luggage tags from the Royal Caribbean website or the email with your guest booklet. Use our packing list and keep documents and medications in your carry-on.
- The day before
Fly in early
The ship won't wait for a delayed flight. Arriving the day before is the single best way to avoid a missed cruise.
- Sail day
Arrive at your check-in time
Hand your bags to a porter, clear security, and you're onboard. Your cabin is usually ready by early afternoon.
Rather have someone handle all of this?
That's what we do. Tell us where you'd like to sail and we'll pick the ship, the stateroom, and the dates, then guide you right up to the gangway.
Start a Cruise Inquiry →