royal caribbean cruise essentials

Royal Caribbean packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Royal Caribbean style

Whether you're new to cruising or someone who's sailed tons of times but hates the prep, packing for a cruise can be a daunting task. There are standard items — including duct tape — that should be a part of any solid cruise packing list .

But what if you want to drill down even further and pack items specific to your brand of choice? We've created this Royal Caribbean packing list to feature everything you need to sail on the line's midsize ships and megaships in the islands and around the world. Here's what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

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Royal Caribbean cruise packing list at a glance

• Royal Caribbean International app

Activity-appropriate attire

• Branded lanyard or luggage tags
• Drinks and water bottle

Electronics accessories

Comfy clothes, flowrider board, theme party attire, what to pack for a royal caribbean cruise, the royal caribbean international app.

If you want your cruise with Royal Caribbean to be smooth sailing, download the Royal Caribbean International cruise line app on your cellphone. It will allow you to check in for your sailing in advance so you're ready to go on embarkation day. Just provide the required details, upload a photo, link a credit card and choose an embarkation time, and you'll be able to breeze your way on board in a matter of minutes.

After you board and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi , you can use the app to check the daily activity schedule and dining times, message your fellow cruisers, view your onboard bill, and make dining, shore excursion and show reservations.

Even better, since the app is stored on your phone, which we're sure you're planning to pack, it doesn't take up any additional space in your luggage.

A tote bag or small backpack

Whether you plan to be out and about all day in port or roaming the ship in search of your next activity, it helps to have a bag handy to carry things like sunscreen, books and your cellphone.

Given how large Royal Caribbean's ships can be, you'll be glad to have a bag so you don't have to run back and forth to your cabin to grab items you forgot. On the largest Oasis Class vessels and Icon Class ships, it's nearly a quarter-mile walk from bow to stern.

Royal Caribbean is known for innovative attractions you never thought you'd see on a cruise ship. They include carousels, skydiving simulators and bumper cars. If you plan to take part in these activities, make sure you're dressed for success.

For example, onboard zip lines require closed-toe shoes, and you'll need socks for the climbing shoes you'll have to wear to scale your ship's rock climbing wall. Bring long pants and socks if you'd like to lace up your ice skates at Studio B, the ice rink found on many of the line's vessels.

You'll want to pack a one-piece bathing suit or some sort of athletic attire if you're a woman preparing to take on the FlowRider surf simulator . (A crew member told me people in bikinis have about a 50% chance of losing their tops when they fall into the spray.)

A branded lanyard or luggage tags

It's a fact: Many cruisers wear lanyards around their neck to hold their cruise keycards. (It's important not to lose the cards since they double as onboard charge cards and shipboard IDs.) Whether you're going for fashion or function, you can find many styles and colors to meet your needs.

However, perhaps none is as appropriate for a Royal Caribbean voyage as a branded lanyard with the cruise line's logo. Search Etsy for custom Crown & Anchor options to show your shipmates you're loyal to Royal.

Another great way to show off your Royal Caribbean pride is with logo luggage tags for your bags. They're both apropos and functional.

Drinks and a reusable water bottle

If you're looking to save some money on drinks during your next sailing, note that you can bring two bottles of wine or sparkling wine per cabin. There will be a $15 corkage fee per bottle if you choose to enjoy your beverage outside your room, but it's still cheaper than purchasing wine on board — even if you have a drink package.

Royal Caribbean also allows passengers to bring up to 12 cans, plastic bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks onto its ships.

If you buy a drink package, you will receive a special branded travel tumbler for the soda machines on board. If you don't buy a package, you'll want to pack a reusable water bottle or travel mug that you can refill with your favorite beverage.

No one unplugs on cruises anymore; in fact, bringing a variety of tech accessories can actually enhance your cruise.

Start with a non-surge-protected power strip (ones with surge protectors will be confiscated) to increase the number of outlets available to charge your electronic devices in your cabin. These are especially helpful on older ships, which often lack charging outlets and USB ports.

Looking to capture some candids at the beach on Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , or snag the perfect family photo with the pool deck sunset as a backdrop? Toss a waterproof phone case, selfie stick or GoPro with a gimbal into your bag.

In keeping with the changing preferences of its clientele, Royal Caribbean has largely relaxed its dress code . That means beachwear (by the pools) and resort-casual clothing are the norm during the day. At night, you'll see passengers in everything from jeans and T-shirts or sports jerseys to ball gowns and tuxedos — although the latter is becoming increasingly less common.

In fact, on my last weeklong cruise with Royal Caribbean, we had one formal night and one "dress to impress" night, neither of which was mandatory.

In that vein, pack comfy clothes appropriate for the weather in the destinations you're visiting. (Think: wrinkle-resistant pants , as well as dresses and shirts made from cotton-polyester blends, which are difficult to wrinkle and fold up thin.) Quick-drying fabrics are a great option in hot and humid destinations like the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Between the burgers, fries and onion rings from Johnny Rockets; greasy but delicious Sorrento's pizza ; and free Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, you might find yourself experiencing indigestion or heartburn after indulging in comfort food on Royal Caribbean ships.

Toss a small bottle of antacid into your toiletry kit to help ward off any potential discomfort.

One of the most iconic aspects of many Royal Caribbean ships is the FlowRider — a free surf simulator that allows passengers to try their hand at boogie boarding and surfing.

You'll sometimes see the more seasoned surfers bringing their own boards onto the ship when they embark. If you're someone who has tried the FlowRider before and has their own board, why not make it part of your packing list?

Royal Caribbean is well known in the cruise world for its theme parties. You'll find everything from '70s and '80s nights to Caribbean and cowboy themes, as well as a White Night and a club experience called Red, where you might want to dress accordingly.

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean doesn't list its theme nights before sailing, so pack a little something for each if you want to be prepared.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
• The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know
• 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better
• The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler
• Royal Caribbean drink packages: Everything you need to know
• Royal Caribbean food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board
• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card review: Easy-to-redeem rewards for no annual fee

What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

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Are you going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what to pack? You’re in luck! We’ve recently returned from an awesome 7 day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and I have a lot of cruise packing tips to share. In this post I share the most important things to pack for your Royal Caribbean cruise, from must-have travel documents, clothing and cruise essentials . This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Cruise Packing Lists

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• Caribbean Cruise Packing List
• Bahamas Cruise Packing List
• Bermuda Cruise Packing List
• Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

1. Government ID &/or Passports

Passport Holder

2. Travel Documents

3. proof of vaccine & test results, 4. royal caribbean luggage tag holders.

5. Credit Card

6. cash (small bills), 7. cruise outfits.

• Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
• 25 Stylish & Affordable Cruise Outfits for Ladies

8. Formal Wear (optional)

9. Theme Outfits

10. carry-on bag.

11. Packing Cubes

12. Lanyards

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

14. Reusable Water Bottle

15. Toiletries

16. medication.

17. Sunscreen

18. Aloe Vera

19. Lip Balm with SPF

20. Swimsuit

Ladies swimsuit.

Men’s swimsuit

21. Swimsuit Cover Up

22. Flip Flops

23. Closed Toe Shoes or Sneakers

25. Beach Bag for Excursions

26. Water Shoes

27. A Shawl or Pashmina

28. Cruise First Aid Kit

29. Motion Sickness Medication

• Bonine or Dramanine seasickness medication
• Ginger Tummydrops

30. Wrinkle Release Spray

Cruise Essentials

31. Power Strip (non-surge protected)

32. Hanging “over the door” Organizer

33. Magnet Hooks

34. Magnet Clips

35. Hanging Toiletry Bag

36. Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

37. Waterproof Phone Case

38. Towel Clips

39. Tote Bag

40. Waterproof Dry Bag

41. Mesh Laundry Hamper

42. Portable Fan

43. Motion Sensor Nightlight

44. Bug Spray

45. Ziploc bags

Things You Can’t Bring on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

• Candles or any item with an open flame
• Irons and clothes steamers
• Appliances with the exception of curling irons and hair straighteners
• CBD or cannibis
• Baby monitors
• Surge protected power strips (you can bring a non-surge protected power bar like this one )

Video: What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise

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Final Thoughts on What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise

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I've Been Cruising 20+ Years — Here Are 17 Items I'm Shopping for My Next Trip With Royal Caribbean, From $6

They’ll come in handy whether it’s your first cruise or your hundredth.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Growing up in a cruise family, I never thought about catching my next flight. Instead, I looked to the sea, dreaming of destinations I could reach by boat. I went on my first cruise when I was 9 years old and for the last 23 years since then, I’ve set sail countless times, cruising everywhere from the Bahamas to Europe. Sure, my family did take some shorter trips by plane, but my most unique travel experiences growing up all happened because of a cruise. I’ve island-hopped in the Caribbean, marveled at the Hubbard Glacier off the side of a ship in Alaska, and sailed down the Mediterranean from Spain.

As I’ve gotten older, my family trips have become more rare, and I’ve found different methods to travel across the world. However, my family decided to book a five-night cruise to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean this summer to celebrate my brother finishing his fellowship, the last step in his medical training. I pride myself on my ability to thoroughly prepare for a trip without overpacking, which means I’ve already started on my packing list. After all, in my two decades of cruising, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you’ll need once aboard the ship. From comfortable shoes to a waterproof phone case , here are 17 cruise essentials in my Amazon cart that would come in handy on your next trip, too. 

Travel + Leisure / Rebecca Shinners

Seavilia Luggage Tag Holder

Cruises have a very particular system for boarding luggage, starting with emailing you your luggage tags, which you’re then expected to secure around your bags before boarding the ship. My dad has traditionally been in charge of this process on our family trips, but this time I’m taking over and ordering us these luggage tag holders. We’ve been left rushing to find a stapler or tape at the last minute too many times to not show up prepared. The best-selling luggage tag holders include steel rings that can easily be attached to your suitcase. Plus, they are made with a waterproof material and sealed at the top so you won’t have to worry about your luggage tag getting wet. 

Depending on your cruise line, the brand offers two different size options and packs of four, six, eight, or 20 holders. The narrow option is suitable for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines while the wide option can be used for Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, Holland America, Viking, Azamara, and Costa Cruises. Shoppers say the luggage tag holders, which have over 1,600 five-star ratings, feel sturdy on their bags and save them time at check-in. “The braided steel rings secure the tags to the bags much better than staples,” said one cruiser. 

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch 

Cruises may be known for relaxation, but depending on where you’re sailing to, you’ll likely have the option to go on an adventurous water sports excursion. I have a tendency to sign up for jet skiing whenever it’s offered. In the past, I’ve purchased a waterproof phone pouch like this one while on my trip — but buying one in advance can help you save money and ensure you show up prepared.   

These Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches , which have 71,000 five-star ratings, were designed to protect your phone from the ocean. They’re sold in packs of two or three, and you can choose from 18 different colors. They are compatible with all smartphones up to 8.3 inches, including the most recent iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. You can wear the lanyard around your neck during water sports or toss it in your bag for safekeeping at the beach. You’ll be able to use your phone’s touchscreen and face recognition features through the pouch as well. 

“I bought this for a Caribbean vacation,” said one reviewer who used this pouch on a few different water excursions and while swimming in the ocean. “It kept my phone completely dry,” they said noting that they had space to store a small wallet in the pouch as well.  

Beshon Flat Plug Power Strip

If you haven’t discovered the joy of packing an extension cord yet, trust me it’ll feel like an unexpected luxury on your next trip. Cruise ship staterooms are often smaller than traditional hotel rooms, so you’ll be thankful for extra outlets when it comes time to charge multiple devices or while getting ready at the same time as your cabinmate. My brother and I will be sharing a room on our upcoming trip, so an extension cord is especially vital to lessen sibling bickering (yes, even as grown adults). And of course, my brother would want me to tell you this was his idea originally.

This Beshon power strip features a flat design and wrap-around cord that makes it easy to pack without taking up too much space in your suitcase. It has three AC outlets, two USB-C Ports, and one USB-A, to ensure you won’t find yourself battling for outlet space on your next cruise. Plus, this power strip has 1,800 five-star reviews with multiple shoppers praising it for being “perfect for travel” and “space saving” since you can opt to leave your charging cubes at home. A fellow cruiser who said “outlets were not easily accessible” on a recent trip agreed that this was a great solution “for storage and packing.” It’s safe to say my brother will support my decision to upgrade us to this packable extension cord. 

Anrabess Crochet Swim Cover-Up 

I’m usually not an outfit repeater when I travel, but you will see me wear this cover-up all over the ship. The dress style offers both enough breathability to wear it outside and enough coverage to walk around inside as well. Just throw it over your swimsuit and you won’t have to worry about changing outfits before heading to the all-inclusive buffet. Cruises usually have air conditioning inside, and this long-sleeved dress will keep you comfortable as you go about different activities. 

This Amazon best-seller comes in 22 different colors and the brand also sells a short sleeve and tank top version of the dress if you prefer. I’m currently eying the black-white colorway which features a black scalloped trim. 

Dolce Vita Women's Starla Sandal

My goal when packing shoes for a cruise is to limit myself to just a few comfortable pairs, which means versatility is key. While these sandals are a newer style, Dolce Vita is one of my go-to brands for cute but comfortable footwear, so I feel confident ordering them for my trip. Plus, these sandals feature a cushioned platform bottom for added support and a strap on the back, meaning my feet won’t slide around while walking around the ship. 

The Dolce Vita Starla Sandals come in 7 different colors, but I think the tan woven style will be a perfect match for all of my daytime outfits — and yes, my accessories really will have an island theme on this trip. Since the buckles have gold hardware, they can easily be dressed up as well. I plan on wearing them with everything from shorts and a tee shirt to flowy maxi dresses. Want to keep things waterproof? Try the uber-popular Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Low Wedges .

BTFBM Summer Bohemian Floral Casual Wrap Dress

If there’s one thing I’m going to do on a tropical vacation, it’s use it as a reason to wear a flirty dress. Cruisewear has gotten more casual over the years, but I prefer to dress up for dinners  — especially when I opt to go to the ship’s specialty restaurants — and most cruises have one or two formal nights included in their itineraries. This ASTR the Label midi dress features a corset-style bust, a flowy skirt with a leg slit, and a pretty floral pattern — what more could I ask for? But, if you’re looking for a similar style for less, you can’t go wrong with this flattering wrap dress that could just as easily pair with white sneakers as gold wedges for just $38.

Voilipex Packable Floppy Straw Sun Hat

A cruise isn’t just about your destination — it’s about the amenities you’ll experience once aboard. Traveling by plane means sitting in a cramped row, but on a cruise you’ll be sailing to different stops while sitting poolside. A hat is essential to protect your scalp from strong UV rays and shield your eyes from the sun. I prefer to pack a straw hat that feels stylish in addition to functional like this one from Volilipex.

The Floppy Straw Sun Hat is a lightweight material that makes it breathable on hot days. It comes in one size but features an interior drawstring that can easily be adjusted for a snug fit. Most importantly, it’s unstructured so you can fold it to pack without worrying about losing its shape. I know I’ll be wearing this straw bucket hat on both the boat and around Bermuda since I can easily throw it into my day bag. The hat comes in 12 different solid colors, including match-everything neutrals like beige and khaki. However, there are also seven crochet-style patterns available, which I’m tempted to grab as well. A tropical vacation is the perfect time to experiment with bright colors and fun accessories, after all.

Skays Reversible Floral One Piece Bathing Suit 

I’ll be driving to the cruise port for my trip this summer, which means I don’t have to worry about suitcase restrictions or weight limits. Yet, I’m still a sucker for a space-saving solution. This reversible swimsuit is the perfect multitasking piece for your next vacation. Once you wear it to the pool or beach, you can hand wash it in your shower and turn it around the other way — no one will suspect you’re actually re-wearing the same suit. 

Another perk of this swimsuit is that it provides good coverage on the stomach and back, making it a great option for a family trip. While it’s a more conservative style in my opinion, the tie sleeves and square neckline are on-trend, and it comes in eight pretty floral prints (yes, all of which are reversible as well.) Reviewers found this swimsuit to be good-quality and say you won’t have to worry about see-through fabric. One traveler who wore the suit while hiking to a swimming spot in Croatia said it was “ very comfortable .”

Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses 

Okay, these best-selling sunglasses aren’t technically in my shopping cart — they’re in my purse because I couldn’t wait any longer to buy them. I started ordering sunglasses from Amazon years ago after losing one too many pairs of more expensive shades, and I haven’t looked back since. Amazon sunglasses feel just as high-quality as any other brands I’ve tried, and this pair, which has over 23,900 five-star ratings, is no exception. The polarized lenses will protect your eyes from UV rays — plus, the hexagonal design is unexpectedly flattering.

I purchased the Sojos glasses in the black colorway but they also come in five different stylish options. My Amazon sunnies collection also includes the brand’s Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses and my brother is a fan of their Retro Aviator Sunglasses.

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle

Cruises are known for their all-inclusive atmosphere, and they really do a good job of providing anything you could need aboard the ship in my experience. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave your reusable water bottle behind. You’ll still need it when you deport the ship for an excursion, and trust me you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing it with you to the cruise ship’s pool. Water may be readily available on the boat, but an insulated tumbler will do a better job at keeping your drink cold than a glass, and you’ll be refilling it less often. I’ve been loyal to my Hydro Flask water bottle for about five years now and can attest to its ability to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours. 

The Hydro Flask water bottle comes in 14 colors, each available in either 18 ounces, 21 ounces, or 24 ounces.  I find the 21-ounce size to be the most versatile — it’s large enough that I don’t have to refill it too often without being too heavy to carry around with me. Plus, I love that the cover has a handle to make it easily transportable. It’s even dishwasher safe (which will be important once you return home from your trip). It should come as no surprise that this water bottle has over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.   

Kindle Paperwhite

Planning to relax and unwind aboard your cruise ship? A good book can help you leave behind the pressures of work and everyday responsibilities. While scrolling social media recently, I ended up on #BookTok and heard multiple readers call Magnolia Parks the “London version of Gossip Girl,” since it follows the love life of a socialite. The Magnolia Parks Universe is a series, meaning you can bring multiple books with you depending on the length of your trip. You can grab the paperback books or download them all on your Kindle before you set sail on your voyage. 

Velvet Caviar iPhone Case & Battery Pack

Despite working in social media for my entire 10-year career, I have a tendency to let my phone battery run out. This isn’t the best habit to have while traveling, especially if you are going on a European cruise with 10-plus hour excursions. However, ever since I received this Velvet Caviar iPhone Case and Battery Pack, my phone hasn’t died once. This charger is lightweight and thin, making it easy to take on the go. It uses MagSafe technology to attach to the case and charge your phone. 

The case and matching charger come in an assortment of different patterns ranging from checkered print to marble. There’s just something so satisfying to me about how they were designed to match each other. However, I will note that the charger can generally only be used to charge your phone once before needing to be recharged. (Of course, if you’ve already ordered an extension cord for your stateroom, you’ll have the space to do so.)

Vooray 22L Zoey Tote Bag

I gifted this tote bag to my mom a few months ago, and I’ve rarely spotted her without it ever since. I was tempted to buy one for myself the last time she packed in it to visit me, and I think my upcoming trip is the perfect excuse to finally add it to my cart. This might not seem like your typical beach bag, but I prefer to pack a tote that can have multiple functions for a cruise: I’ll be able to use it to carry my pool essentials on the ship and as a day bag on excursions. It would even make the perfect gym bag if you plan to work out on your trip. 

As someone who has tried a ton of tote bags, I have very specific criteria of what I look for: Interior pockets and a comfortable strap that can easily rest on your shoulder are at the top of my list. The Zoey Tote bag has an interior water bottle sleeve and an enclosed pocket for zipping up anything you want to keep out of the sun. The magnetic snap closure makes it easy to open and close and the inner liner is water resistant. It features both top handles and a removable longer strap, so you can carry it however is most comfortable for you. 

You might be thinking this tote could make a good personal item or carry-on as well, and you’d be correct. Personally, I prefer to bring a larger duffle and tuck a tote like this inside it for even more space. This bag is easy to compress because it’s made of a soft cotton material. But my favorite packing hack is to stuff a tote with clothes before putting it into your suitcase to really save space.

Havaianas Women's Slide Classic Metallic Sandal

Another important shoe to have on a cruise is a pool slide that will take you from the outer deck to the buffet. Have I mentioned yet that cruises have all-you-can-eat buffets? And that you’re always a few steps away from your next snack while aboard the ship? You just need a shoe that will take you there. 

I’ve never been a big fan of flip-flops and other popular slide styles I’ve tried are so chunky that they feel heavy. Enter, Havaianas Slide Sandals . This style is waterproof and offers a platform that’s thick but not too bulky so that you feel comfortable walking around in them beyond the pool deck. The footbed is textured so that your foot stays in place. Plus, the metallic design is fun while still being neutral enough to go with all of your swimsuits. I may have to pick them up in both the rose gold and the silver colorways. 

Too often I hear people say that they don’t go on cruises because they’re prone to motion sickness. And I have to be honest, even aboard a larger ship, you’ll likely be able to feel the boat rocking at times. However, as someone who is sensitive to sea sickness myself, I can assure you this shouldn’t deter you from setting sail and there’s a solution that will keep you feeling your best.

Dramamine is the first thing I buy for all of my trips and the only reason I’m able to keep up with my cruising habit. I even once found myself buying a German version of this pill when I didn’t bring enough on a Europe trip (though it did make for one of my all-time most interesting souvenirs). While I’ve tried nonoral remedies for motion sickness, such as patches and wristbands , I find that these pills are the only thing that ward off my nausea completely. If you’re prone to motion sickness too, I suggest taking the pills preemptively, at a specified time each day. They last for 24 hours and the less drowsy formula doesn’t cause any tiredness for me. 

Kopari SPF 50 Sun Shield Body Glow

A sunburn can quickly turn a relaxing vacation into a painful experience. During my decade of working at beauty publications, I’ve heard multiple dermatologists say that the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually use. For me, that generally means avoiding anything too sticky or with a strong synthetic smell. I’ve been wanting to try this Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow since seeing it on social media because it goes beyond just your typical SPF formula. 

The lightweight gel formula glides on easily and offers SPF 50 protection. It’s infused with macadamia and hibiscus oils to ward off UV ray damage and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental stressors. But what really caught my attention about this product is that it leaves a shimmery shine on your skin that will make you look sunkissed — even if you spent all day lounging in the shade. You can choose between three colors, each leaving a different metallic shimmer on the skin. I will definitely be covering myself in this sunscreen before heading to the pool.

Kerastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Hair Serum 

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to packing beauty products for a cruise, but this Kerastase serum is the one product I won’t set sail without. The ship deck can get windy, which causes my hair to frizz, while going in the pool and the ocean makes it even drier than usual. However, this serum truly does work magic on my strands, just like its name implies. 

While this serum can be used as a leave-in-treatment, I find that it instantly smoothes any frizz as well. I simply put one drop of the product into my hand, then run it down my hair, massaging it into any unruly curls. Within minutes, my hair looks shinier with no signs of frizz. It’s a major time-saver when I’m going straight from dinner to a show and don’t want to worry about redoing my hair. I like to take advantage of packing full-size products when I’m not flying to my cruise, but if you do need a TSA-approved product, this spray bottle would work well to dispense the serum — and you’ll be able to relax on deck frizz-free.

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YOUR ROYAL CARIBBEAN SET SAIL GUIDE

Find out everything you need to know for your upcoming royal caribbean vacation..

Published on November 8, 2022

One of the great things about cruise vacations is that many of the details are already taken care of for you. That said, a little preparation goes a long way, especially for international travel. Here you’ll find all the essential  pre-cruise planning  info — including documents you’ll need and tips about checking in, shore excursions and more.

ITINERARY UPDATES

• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & MORE
• CRUISE PLANNER

SHORE EXCURSIONS

What to pack.

• LUGGAGE & BAGGAGE TAGS
• PORT SHOPPING
• FOREIGN CURRENCY

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL APP

Documents & more.

While you’re packing your bags for your cruise adventure, it’s important to ensure you bring all the necessary  travel documents . Requirements may vary depending on your nationality, age (whether you’re a minor or adult) and the country you’re visiting. Here, we make it easy for you with a clear, seamless and — most importantly — accurate guide for each port of call and country of origin. This way, you can clear up any questions you have about valid travel and health documents including passports, visas and vaccination certificates that you’ll need while abroad. We answer the most detailed  frequently asked questions  and include links that take you straight to the original source — like The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization — so that you’re fully prepared for the best vacation ever. LEARN ABOUT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

What kind of documentation is required for cruising?

That depends on where you’re going, what your nationality is, and whether you’re a minor or an adult. Check with your travel advisor or government authority to determine what travel documents you’ll need for each port of call. Then make sure you bring those documents and have them ready with you when you board the ship. If you don’t have the proper documents, you won’t be allowed to board the vessel and you won’t be eligible for a refund of your cruise fare.

We highly recommend that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your travel. This will help ensure a smooth debarkation experience. It’ll also enable you to fly from the United States to meet your ship in a foreign port if you happen to miss your scheduled port of embarkation for whatever reason.

Here’s a quick checklist for travel documentation:

• You’ll need to present a valid passport or other acceptable proof of citizenship at check-in.
• You’ll need a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air.
• Many countries require an entry visa based on your nationality. Check with your travel advisor or government agency for details.
• If you’re a minor (age 17 or under) traveling without a parent or legal guardian, an accompanying adult will need to present an Authorization For Minor to Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian Form , completed by your parent or legal guardian.
• You’ll need proper documentation to board the ship.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your travel. Plan ahead to make sure you can renew it in time for your sailing, if necessary.
• Please keep all travel documents in your hand carry luggage/personal bags as they will need to be presented at check-in at the terminal.

What are the benefits of acquiring and carrying a U.S. passport?

Not all itineraries require that you travel with a U.S. passport. However, for added security we recommend that you carry a valid passport with you. 

In addition to providing you and your family with approved identification for boarding the ship, having a passport prepares you to travel to any destination, should the need arise. Some examples include:

• If you miss the ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet the ship.
• If you unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing.
• If an international port of call changes its travel requirements and unexpectedly requires all guests to have a valid passport to go ashore.

The Passport Card

The passport card cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States. It can only be used for land and sea travel beyond the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

Unacceptable Forms of Documentation

• Copies of any WHTI-compliant document  
• Driver's license
• A temporary driver's license (paperwork without a photo I.D.)
• Expired documents
• Voter's registration card 
• Trusted Traveler Program membership card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) -   may be used for photo identification use only
• Baptismal papers 
• U.S. Military I.D
• A Dependent Military I.D. is issued to the spouse and children of military personnel
• U.S. Military discharge papers Driver's license
• Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, Certificate of Live Birth, live record of birth or announcement of birth

REVIEW TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Getting ready for your cruise adventure?  Check-in  speeds up the process at the port so you can get to the thrills onboard faster. It’s easy to do and you’ll get to skip filling out forms at the pier. You can check in online or with the  Royal Caribbean International app*  up to 72-hours before your sail date. The system will time out after 30 minutes, so double check that you have each of the six items listed below for each guest in your group before starting. On your actual day of sailing, you and everyone in your group will only need your signed SetSail pass, identification documents and the credit card that you registered with to board — it’s that easy.

Remember that you’ll need to present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship at during check-in at the pier terminal. *Check-in via app is available for select ships.

CHECK-IN CHECKLIST

• Ship name, sailing date and Royal Caribbean reservation number.
• Passport or proof of citizenship and identification
• Home address
• Emergency contact name with phone number
• Travel plans before and after your cruise
• Credit card to use for your onboard expense account

Don't have the App? Learn more  here .

LOG INTO CHECK-IN

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Now that you’re all packed, you probably have some questions about what to do with your luggage. Not to worry — we’ve got you covered here, too.

To ensure a smooth boarding day, we issue  baggage tags  and instructions electronically ahead of your sailing through The Royal Guest eDocs. They are ship- specific and include your sailing date, stateroom and deck number. To expedite your check-in at the port, we recommend securing your luggage tags before you leave your house. If you have misplaced your tags, Royal Caribbean Porters at the pier have additional generic tags available for your convenience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LUGGAGE TAGS

You have the option to carry your bags onboard or check them in before you sail. For an additional fee, we offer a  Luggage Valet Program  that let's you skip traditional airport check-in. Your bags will be seamlessly transported directly from your stateroom to the airport and onto your flight — meaning you barely have to lift a finger. You’ll also be able to check in for your flight onboard and receive your airline boarding passes, luggage tags and baggage claim checks in your stateroom. This option is available for international and domestic flights, with the exception of Delta Airlines international flights. DISCOVER THE LUGGAGE VALET PROGRAM

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