We’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for nearly 19 years, and over that time, we’ve enjoyed countless unforgettable family moments. From the boys as toddlers experiencing their very first cruise to teenagers discovering all the sports and activities onboard, cruising has become one of our favourite ways to travel together. If you’re getting ready for a Royal Caribbean cruise, a little preparation can make a huge difference to how relaxed and enjoyable your holiday feels from day one.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a well-travelled family, planning ahead helps you avoid common mistakes and makes your first cruise go much more smoothly. From knowing what to pack and which documents you’ll need, to understanding onboard costs and planning activities for the kids, this guide covers everything you need for a stress-free and enjoyable family cruise.

In this guide, we’ll share everything we’ve learned after almost two decades of sailing with Royal Caribbean, the small details that make a big difference when travelling with children. Whether you’re heading off on your very first cruise or your tenth, these tips will help you start your holiday feeling confident and excited.

How To Prepare for a Royal Caribbean Cruise

1. Download the Royal Caribbean App

When you book, make sure to download the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It’s free and incredibly useful for planning your cruise. This is where you can find activities, book shows and dining. The app helps you too….

• Check in before you arrive. Skip the long queues at the terminal by completing check-in via the app. You can upload your documents, set up your onboard payment method, and get your SetSail Pass ready before you even leave home.
• Make dining, entertainment, and activity reservations. Popular restaurants and shows can fill up fast, so book your spots ahead of time. Whether it’s a dinner at a speciality restaurant, a show, or a spa treatment, the app lets you secure your plans in advance. We also use the app to monitor drink package prices. If you see it cheaper than the price you paid, cancel it and rebook it. I saved £200 by doing this for our next cruise this year.
• View the daily planner. Each day onboard is packed with activities, from poolside games to dance classes and trivia nights. The app keeps you updated with what’s happening, so you never miss out.
• Check and manage your onboard account. No need to visit Guest Services, track your spending, see any charges on your account, and settle your balance right from your phone.
• Track your ship’s itinerary and port information. Know what time you arrive at each destination, get important port details, and check any excursions you’ve booked.

2. Check-In Online For Your Royal Caribbean Cruise As Soon As You Can

One of the most important steps in preparing for your cruise is completing your online check-in. Royal Caribbean’s check-in process is simple, but doing it early can save you time and help your embarkation day run much more smoothly, especially when travelling with children.

When to Check In

Online check-in usually opens around 45 days before your sailing date. It’s worth checking in as soon as it becomes available. The exact date will be displayed in the app because you’ll be able to select an arrival time at the cruise terminal, and the earlier slots tend to fill up quickly. Early arrival times are particularly helpful for families, as it means you can get on board sooner and start enjoying the ship.

You can check in through the Royal Caribbean website or the Royal Caribbean mobile app. The app is especially useful because you can store your boarding passes digitally and use it during the cruise.

What You’ll Need for Check-In

Before you start the cruise check-in process, have these ready:

• Passports for all travellers
• Travel documents (if required)
• Emergency contact details
• A credit or debit card for onboard expenses
• A security photo for each guest (you can upload these during check-in)

Completing these details in advance means you can move quickly through the terminal on embarkation day.

Choosing Your Arrival Time

During check-in, you’ll be asked to choose an arrival window. This is the time you should aim to arrive at the cruise terminal. Arriving at your assigned time helps avoid long queues and overcrowding. If you’re travelling with children, this makes the start of your holiday much calmer and less stressful.

If possible, we recommend choosing a mid-morning or early afternoon arrival. Cabins will not be ready straight away, but come prepared with a cruise carry-on bag, and you can usually:

• Start exploring the ship
• Have lunch
• Visit the pool
• Book activities
• Register children for kids’ clubs

Print Off Your Luggage Tags

Once you have checked, keep an eye out for your luggage tags and set sail pass to be made available. The set sail pass is available in a digital and printable version. Save the digital version to your phone wallet. However, the printable version is useful because it includes the exact port address; you will need it on the morning of the cruise to get a taxi to the port. Cruise ports are huge and have many cruise berths so having the correct address is helpful.

You need to print off your luggage tags to have ready to attach to your luggage and leave with the porters at the port. This will help cabin crew with essential details such as your cabin number. Either print the labels on matte sticker paper (glossy rubs off) or buy luggage tags to pop them in.

3. Packing Tips For A Royal Caribbean Cruise, What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

Carry-On Essentials

Your main luggage will be delivered to your cabin later in the evening, which means you won’t have access to it right away. That’s why it’s crucial to pack a well-prepared carry-on bag with everything you might need on the first day.

Must-Haves:

• Passport, required for check-in
• SetSail Pass, your boarding pass for the cruise (accessible in the app!)
• Medications, any prescription drugs or travel essentials
• Luggage tags ready to pop on your luggage the first morning of your cruise

Recommended Extras:

• Toiletries, great if you want to freshen up before your luggage arrives
• Sunscreen, handy if you’re heading straight for the pool
• Swimwear, if you plan to jump into the pool or hot tub immediately
• Change of clothes, useful if you want to switch into something more comfortable
• Chargers, your phone and other devices will likely need a top-up
• Plug adaptors, North American or European plug sockets are commonly used onboard
• Valuables, anything you don’t want to risk losing in checked luggage

4. What NOT to Pack For A Royal Caribbean Cruise

Cruise lines have strict rules on what you can and can not bring on board. And if these items are detected, they will be confiscated until the end of your cruise. To avoid delays at security, do not bring:

• Kettles, clothes irons, or coffee makers, fire hazards are taken seriously onboard
• Cooking appliances, no need to cook when world-class dining is available, yes, people do actually try to take air fryers on, I kid you not!
• Extension cords or multi-plug adaptors, some are restricted for safety reasons, make sure your adapters are cruise approved
• Sports gear like hoverboards, skateboards, or surfboards, these are not permitted on board
• Alcoholic beverages (beer, seltzers, or spirits), the cruise line has strict alcohol policies; every passenger 18 and above is permitted to take 1 standard-sized bottle of wine or champagne on board.

5. What to Do When You Arrive at the Port For Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

Excitement levels are high when you arrive at the port, but there are a few important steps to complete before you board. Arrive at your selected arrival time. This is the time you confirmed during online check-in. Arriving too early won’t get you onboard faster, so stick to your allocated slot.

Have your passport and SetSail Pass ready. You’ll need these as soon as you enter the terminal. If you’ve downloaded the Royal Caribbean App, your SetSail Pass will be available there.

Once you’re through check-in, you’re officially on your way to an unforgettable cruise. This is the stage I start to get butterflies, it’s so exciting when you see the ship for the first time.

6. You’re Onboard, What’s Next?

Now that you’ve stepped onto the ship, it’s time to settle in and start enjoying your holiday.

This is really important. Turn on Aeroplane Mode to avoid international roaming charges while the ship is at sea. Connect to ‘SHIP-WIFI’ if needed. I always buy a package so I have access at sea, but some like to completely unwind.

Complete your Muster Drill. This is an important safety requirement. Open the Royal Caribbean App and go to the Safety section, watch the safety video, listen to the emergency horn (we often do this in the taxi on the way to the port) and check in at your assigned muster station once onboard. Everybody has a muster station location; you must visit and scan your card or app to register, and the ship will not set sail until this is done. We always visit the muster as soon as we board,

Find your room. Staterooms aren’t ready immediately. There will be an announcement when you can head to your cabin. Your room key will be in the mail slot next to your door. If you need help finding your room, digital signage near the lifts can direct you. But it’s handy to know the difference between port and starboard at this stage.

If you have a balcony cabin, set balcony rules with the kids. We always told the boys when they were younger not to go on the balcony or outdoor decks without us. We also set a meeting point inside the ship in the unlikely event we get split up.

7. Things to Do First

Once you’ve handled the essentials, it’s time to explore.

• Grab a bite of lunch at Windjammer Marketplace, Cafe Promenade, The Dog House, Café@Two70, or Sorrento’s Pizza.
• Plus, if you haven’t done so already, make your dining reservations in the app or at one of the My Time Dining stations.
• Head to the pool deck for a swim.
• Register the kids at Adventure Ocean so they can start enjoying the fun activities.
• Check out the Cruise Planner in the app and book shows or activities like RipCord by iFLY if the ship has these onboard.

8. Managing Money Onboard Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

All purchases onboard are charged in US dollars, so plan accordingly. Its important to tell your bank before you travel to prevent any unexpected card declines. The ship automatically checks onboard accounts daily, which informs your bank. When this happens, banks in multiple countries sometimes freeze your account. A quick message beforehand will stop this.

A credit card hold will be placed on your nominated card when you board and released after the cruise. This ensures you can charge items to your account without needing cash. If you prefer to use cash, be sure to settle your balance at Guest Services by 8 PM on the last day.

9. Theme Nights, Join the Fun!

Royal Caribbean offers fun theme nights, from ‘70s disco parties to formal ‘Dress Your Best’ evenings. While optional, they’re a fantastic way to get into the cruise spirit. We sailed at Halloween last year and loved the themed Halloween party.

Check the Daily Planner in the Royal Caribbean app for details about ‘Tonight’s Attire’, so you can dress accordingly. If you enjoy theme nights, pack a few extra outfits.

10. Travel Insurance, A Must-Have

While it’s easy to focus on the fun, it’s also essential to have proper travel insurance before setting sail on your Royal Caribbean Cruise. Most cruise lines make travel insurance compulsory for all passengers.

Your policy must include repatriation cover, ensuring you can be transported home in case of a medical emergency. Without it, you could face significant costs if you need emergency treatment at sea or in a foreign country. Check your regular medications with your doctor before departure to make sure you have enough for the entire cruise.

If you have an ongoing medical condition, carry your doctor’s contact details and inform the cruise line in advance if you need any special arrangements. For passengers with additional needs, a Special Needs Request Form is available to ensure all requirements are met.

Ready to Set Sail On Your Royal Caribbean Cruise?

With these essential tips, you’ll be fully prepared to embark on an unforgettable family cruise adventure. A first cruise can be daunting and planning can make all the difference, ensuring that every aspect of your journey, from embarkation to excursions, runs smoothly. By taking the time to get organised before you set sail, you’ll be free to fully immerse yourself in the experience, indulging in world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and ultimate relaxation.

Now, all that’s left to do is step aboard, soak up the sea breeze, and embrace the excitement of life on the water. Whether you’re chasing sun-drenched horizons, exploring new destinations, or simply unwinding on deck, your perfect getaway awaits.

To Book Your Next Cruise, Chat to Kieran and Phill and Magical Traveller. And if you love all things cruising, check out our cruise podcast.