Royal Caribbean is the most popular choice for first-time cruisers, and for good reason: the ships do a lot of the entertaining for you. A few things work differently from a land vacation, though. Here’s what to know before your first sailing.
Before you sail
- Download the Royal Caribbean app. You’ll use it for online check-in, choosing an arrival time, booking shows and dining, chatting with guest services and viewing the daily schedule.
- Complete online check-in as soon as it opens. That includes your security photo and travel documents.
- Documents: on closed-loop cruises (round-trip from a U.S. port), U.S. citizens can sail with a birth certificate and government photo ID. A passport is still strongly recommended in case you need to fly home from a foreign port.
- Book popular shows (ice shows, AquaTheater, Broadway musicals) in the app before boarding, even though they’re free.
Embarkation day
Arrive in your assigned window, not early. Carry-on bags come onboard with you; checked luggage is tagged at the pier and delivered to your cabin by evening. Pack a day bag with swimwear, medications and documents. Cabins usually open early afternoon, so start at the Windjammer buffet or a free venue like Park Café or El Loco Fresh.
Attend the muster drill by checking in at your assigned station (shown in the app) before the ship sails.
What’s included
- Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet and several casual venues
- Broadway-style shows, ice shows, comedy and live music
- Pools, waterslides, FlowRider, rock climbing and mini golf (varies by ship)
- Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs for ages 3–17
- Water, lemonade, iced tea and basic coffee
What costs extra
- Soda, alcohol, specialty coffee (see our packages guide)
- Specialty restaurants
- Wi-Fi, spa, shore excursions and some premium activities
- Gratuities: added daily per person to your onboard account unless prepaid
Dining: My Time vs. traditional
Traditional dining gives you the same table, tablemates and waitstaff at an early or late seating. My Time Dining lets you eat whenever you want, with reservations recommended. Families with young kids usually prefer early traditional seating.
Dress code
Daytime is casual. Evenings are “smart casual,” with one or two optional “Dress Your Best” nights on a 7-night cruise. Suits aren’t required; a collared shirt and slacks or a sundress is plenty. See what to pack for formal night.
Money onboard
The ship is cashless. Your SeaPass card (or app digital key) is your room key and charge card, linked to a credit card at check-in.
Five first-timer mistakes to avoid
- Booking a flight that lands on sail day. Fly in the day before.
- Buying the drink package onboard instead of before you sail.
- Skipping travel insurance.
- Booking a cabin under the pool deck (see our cabin guide).
- Booking direct without an advisor and missing perks and price drops.
FAQ
Which Royal Caribbean ship is best for a first cruise?
A 3–5 night Bahamas sailing that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay is the classic first cruise. See ships ranked.
Do I need a passport?
Not on closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports, but we recommend it for every international itinerary.
Keep planning
- Booking Royal Caribbean through an advisor
- Best cruise lines for first-timers
- Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free rules
First cruise? We’ll walk you through every step. Get a free quote or call 860-951-8312.