A Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is an experience you'll never forget. And.jpg) we want to help you get the very most out of every moment. So we've put together a few basic tips and guidelines to make sure you've got everything you need for your upcoming adventure.
What to Pack? Of course you won't forget the camera, but here's a list of other important items you'll need to squeeze into that suitcase.
Camera. Sunscreen. Swimsuit. Okay, now that we've got the basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that'll help make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.
On the first day...For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.
Onboard attire...
Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
For lounging by the pool, pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You'll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.
If you're planning to visit our onboard fitness center, be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in - plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.
Dinner attire...
Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:
3-, 4- and 5-night cruises: one formal night; the remainder of nights are casual
6-, 7- and 9-night cruises: two formal nights, one smart casual and the remainder of nights casual
10- to 13-night cruises: two formal nights, two smart casual and the remainder of nights casual
14+-night cruises: three formal nights, four smart casual and the remainder of nights casual
For formal nights you'll need cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties - or tuxedos - for men. And for the smart casual nights bring dresses or pantsuit for women, jackets for men.
Remember, shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits are not considered appropriate attire in the dining rooms at dinner. Casual dress dining is available nightly in the Windjammer Cafe. And be aware you'll also need smart casual attire for some of our specialty restaurants.
We also offer tuxedo rentals for formal dinners and special occasions.
Onshore attire...You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
If you are cruising to Northern Europe or Alaska, remember that nights on deck can be cool. Bring sweaters, jackets and long pants. And if you'll be touring any museums, cathedrals or churches, it's always wise to dress conservatively. You may also want to bring a raincoat, hiking shoes and a travel umbrella. And don't forget your swimsuit - it may be cool outside but it's always warm in our Solarium.
For fun... There are four very important types of books you'll want to consider packing:
Travel guides - to help you explore new destinations
Poolside pleasures - nothing beats a great read in the sun
Journal - keep an account of your adventure for sharing and reminiscing
Address book - send your friends a postcard to make them jealous
Binoculars are another often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a pair for magnified excitement onboard and onshore.
Save space...Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos. Some space-saving ideas include:
Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or six.
Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.
Pack small items inside larger ones (like jewelry inside shoes) for efficiency and safe-keeping.
Bring an additional empty bag for those acquired extras.
Prepare your home, Here are some helpful tips to keep your home safe and sound while you're out having the time of your life.
Give it a chew toy and tell it you'll be home real soon. Just kidding. But there are some helpful - and important - things you can do in and around your home to make sure it stays happy while you're away.
- Make sure someone is taking care of the pets. Get a friend or neighbor to feed the fish, walk the dog and water your plants. Then they'll be tip-top when you return.
- Put your lights and/or radio on a timer. People shouldn't be able to tell you're away just by looking at your house. A simple timer can turn the lights and a radio or TV on after dark.
- Make sure someone gets your mail/newspapers. Same reason as #2. Plus, there's only so much mail the carrier will jam into your mailbox. You could also have the post office hold your mail from 3 to 30 days.
- Check your thermostat settings. If there's no one home to enjoy the heat or a/c, turn it off before you go or set your thermostat to its recommended temperatures.
- Change the settings on your answering machine. A constantly ringing phone could annoy your neighbors and let strangers know you're away.
- Make sure everything that needs to be off is off. Your vacation should be worry-free, and that includes thoughts like "did I leave the stove on?" Double-check before you go. You can even unplug non-essential appliances like your computer, TV and other electronics.
- Get rid of perishable items and leftovers. No one wants to come home to fuzzy things in the fridge. If it's uneaten the night before you go, just toss it.
- Turn the water off. Close the water valves for your sinks, dishwasher and clothes washer. That way nothing can leak and make a mess while you're not home.
- Keep track of your house keys. When you don't use them for a week or more, it's easy to forget where you stuck them. Find a spot in your carry-on luggage where they'll be safe for the duration of your trip.
What to do at the pierWhether you're cruising for the first time or the millionth, you'll find a nugget of wisdom or two in this section. Check out the top ten things you need to know about those moments just before and after you hop onboard.
- For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.
- If you've never been to the departure port before, you can find and print directions here.
- You'll need to give yourself at least 60 minutes to check in and go through security at the pier. If you have not checked in 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, you will be considered a no-show, and your reservation will be cancelled and cancellation penalties applied.
- Friends and relatives are welcome to come to the pier to see you off. However, for security reasons, they will not be allowed to board the ship at any port.
- We now use single-color luggage tags for all ships in the fleet to help your bags get where they need to go. Luggage tags are now personalized with name and stateroom number. Tags for different ships are identified by bolded ship name for ease of identification.
- If you're a Platinum, Diamond or Diamond Plus member of our Crown & Anchor Society, be sure to take advantage of priority check-in and the private departure lounge.
- When you first come aboard, be sure to check out your stateroom. There you'll find our Cruise Compass with schedules for all the onboard activities. Crown & Anchor Society members will also find the Ultimate Value Booklet in their stateroom.
- If you're traveling with family, be sure to check the Cruise Compass for the "Family Welcome Aboard Show" times. This entertaining performance will tell you all about the activities available for families and includes registration for our Adventure Ocean Youth Program.
- If the spa or fitness classes are your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast.
- Hungry? Head up to the Windjammer Café - they'll be offering snacks, sandwiches, salads, and more throughout embarkation.
Information provided by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
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