GENERAL CRUISING TERMS:
Embarkation: means getting on the ship
Disembarkation or Debarkation: means getting off the ship at the end of your cruise
Port: left side of the ship as you face forward
Starboard: right side of the ship as you face forward
Forward: front of ship
Aft: rear of ship
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
A mandatory muster drill is held in the afternoon of embarkation, usually around 4pm. This drill is mandatory and you may be asked to go to your stateroom to get your lifejackets. If you are asked to get your lifejackets, please make sure and put your lifejackets on before leaving your room to avoid tripping over the lifejacket ties.
There are not many clocks onboard. Bring a watch with you as most cell phones will not work at sea. There are many scheduled fun activities on board and you will want to know what time it is so bringing a watch is a good thing.
“Cay” as in Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean’s private island) is pronounced “Key”.
EMBARKATION:
The more time you can spend on the ship, the more value you get for your dollar. Royal Caribbean will tell you the ship leaves around 4 to 5:00 pm, but, typically check-in begins at 11:00 am and embarkation actually begins around noon. Personally, I like to be among the first people on the ship, so I can enjoy it longer. Royal Caribbean will notify you of your Port Arrival Time when you complete your online check-in. I will remind you to complete your online check-in as your cruise approaches.
When you arrive at your cruise terminal, you will give your luggage to a porter. It is customary to tip anyone that handles your luggage. Tip at least $1 per bag as a general rule of thumb. Once checked in and your boarding time is announced, you will present your stateroom key as you board, have a family photo taken, and then board the ship. After that, the ship is yours! Once onboard you can enjoy lunch at the buffet or usually one of the sit down restaurants will be open. Ask a crew member or check your Cruise Compass to determine which restaurants will be open.
Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on bag if you plan to swim first thing. Remember, your stateroom may not be ready when you first board, so pack accordingly. If you’ve brought your swimsuits in your day bag, this is a perfect time to enjoy the pool. Pack any valuables, medication etc in your carry-on bags. You may not see your checked luggage until 6pm on day of embarkation.
If you still need to make spa appointments, change your dinner rotation, sign up for shore excursions, or book a specialty dining experience, now is the time to do that. If it’s your first time on the ship, this is a good time to get a map and wander around familiarizing yourself with everything. Many locations such as the spa and kids club also have open house hours and embarkation day special offers.
At about 1:00 or 1:30 pm, your stateroom should be ready. Your bags will be delivered at some point in the afternoon (up until about 6:00 pm).
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line guests are NOT permitted to bring beer, hard liquor or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use. Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. This is limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom.
STATEROOM INFORMATION:
The TV in your stateroom will offer limited programming but you won’t be in the room much!
The staterooms all have a small, shallow beverage cooler. It is not a refrigerator; it keeps things cool, but not cold. You can use it to cool drinks, but it won’t keep perishable items (milk, leftovers) at a cold enough temperature to prevent them from going bad fairly quickly.
It is important to be familiar with other items that are prohibited. This does include extension cords and power strips. Do not bring irons on board. They will be confiscated and are a fire hazard. Irons are not available onboard, however Royal Caribbean does offer garment pressing for a fee. For a full list, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy
For guests staying in an inside stateroom, you will want to set your alarm or request a wake-up call since no sunlight will enter your room. Rooms are furnished with hairdryers however if you have a favorite hair dryer, I highly recommend bringing your own.
PLANNING YOUR DAY AT SEA:
A daily newsletter called a Cruise Compass will be left in your stateroom when your stateroom attendant provides turndown service (usually while you are at dinner). This Cruise Compass will list the hours of operations for all activities, dining, shore excursions, etc. Bring a highlighter with you to mark the items you would like to participate in. Bring your Cruise Compass with you wherever you go but if you forget, you can pick up an extra Cruise Compass at Guest Services.
You may also opt to download the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line App, available for Apple or Android devices. Be sure to do this before you leave home! Once onboard, you will connect to the ship’s wifi network (leave your phone in airplane mode!). The ship’s wifi is complimentary for the Royal Caribbean App use only. This app will also allow you to text message with friends and family on the ship with you.
As with any technology, there may be issues that arise with the app. I recommend utilizing both the app and the hardcopy Navigator left in your stateroom throughout your cruise.
DINING ONBOARD:
Breakfast and lunch are usually served in two or three breakfast and lunch locations with different hours (check your Cruise Compass for hours). You can choose from one or more full-service restaurants with open seating (just show up when you want during opening hours, and they’ll seat you), or eat at the buffet or fast-food dining locations.
Your dinner arrangements will be pre-assigned to you. If you are on Traditional Dining, you will be assigned a specific table and server for every night of your stay at either the early or late seating. For My Time Dining, you will visit the dining room when you are ready to eat. There may be a slight wait for a table. You may also reserve a specific dining time in your Cruise Planner, app or while onboard. Simply arrive at your reserved time and the dining staff will seat you as close to your reserved time as possible. The buffet and other dining options are also available if you choose to skip the dining room.
Dining:
- If you want to change your seating location, dining time or assigned dining option (my time or traditional), do so first thing when you get on the ship (embark). Please note, Royal Caribbean will make every effort to honor your request but changes are not guaranteed.
- The Cruise Compass will list where to make such changes or ask any crew member onboard the ship where to go to change your dining time/assignment.
- Arriving a bit later for dinner (just 5 minutes) will reduce your wait in line to get into each restaurant.
- Room service is included in your cruise price however a service fee and 18% gratuity applies. A room service menu is located in your stateroom.
- Milk, juice, coffee, lemonade are all included and available with all meals onboard
- Sodas, specialty coffees, specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for a fee. Royal Caribbean offers soda and beverage packages that can be prepaid. (these are often available for a discount if reserved before you set sail)
- Consider bringing your own bottled water with you. Royal Caribbean does allow this.
Specialty Dining:
If you enjoy fine dining or specialty dining experiences, then you may want to consider specialty dining option onboard your cruise. There is an upcharge for dining at these locations but well worth it.
You can pre-arrange dining at these locations through your Cruise Planner online before your cruise. You can also check availability at the specialty dining locations while onboard.
Youth Programming:
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Program offers adventure (and education) for kids ages 3-17 with different activities and programs for different age groups.
· Aquanauts (ages 3-5)
· Explorers (ages 6-8)
· Voyagers (ages 9-11
Royal Caribbean also offers the Royal Babies Program for babies ages 6-18 months and the Royal Tots Program for children ages 18-36 months. A parent must be present with the child at all activity sessions. Some ships do offer a nursery drop off program.
Teens & Tweens will also have a great time on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. The Teen Program allows teens and tweens to come and go as they please.
Royal Caribbean also offers babysitting and some late-night children’s activities for an additional fee.
CHARACTER MEET AND GREETS:
Royal Caribbean will offer many opportunities to meet the Dreamworks Characters. Check with your Cruise Compass for times and locations. Arrive about 10 minutes prior to character arrival so you won’t have as long of a wait in line.
On many cruises, Royal Caribbean will also offer character dining opportunities. Check your Cruise Planner or Cruise Compass for available options.
ITEMS TO BRING ONBOARD THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED:
· Pre-addressed address labels for luggage tags, postcards etc
· Candy….for the movie theater or evening shows….there is a charge for candy onboard
· Corkscrew, if you plan to bring your own wine
· Dry Erase Board: to communicate with your family
· Spare Duffle Bag: for your souvenirs
· Flashlight
· Folder or Large Envelope: to store your daily newsletters/paperwork
· Night Light
· Snorkeling Gear: if you plan to snorkel
· Ziploc bags, for wet swimsuits etc.
· Own beverage mugs/containers.
· Soft-sided, collapsible cooler to store snacks in while in port
I will also be emailing a recommended packing list as we get closer to your cruise.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Royal Caribbean has 3-types of suggested attire:
- Casual: You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.
- Smart Casual: Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.
- Formal: Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion.
During the day and most evenings on the Royal Caribbean cruise, you can wear casual clothing. At dinner, smart casual is requested in the dining rooms. Royal Caribbean requests that no swimwear, tank tops or shorts be worn at dinner time in the dining rooms.
The only times that casual wear is not appropriate on a Royal Caribbean cruise is if you are dining at one of the Smart Casual specialty dining restaurants or on one of the “formal” nights. If you have any questions on this, please let me know.
PORT DAYS:
Port days offer great opportunities to explore new destinations or take an excursion. You do not have to get off the ship at the ports. This is an excellent time to take advantage of the ship’s amenities (pools, spa, etc) with less crowds.
Excursions can be booked through your Cruise Planner as soon as you are booked. Some excursions are very popular and fill up quickly so book as early as you can.
If you have not decided on an excursion or are unable to get the excursion you are wanting before you get onboard, then go to the Excursions Desk as soon as you get on the ship. Sometimes, they will have availability or may be able to put you on a wait list for the activity you are interested in.
SAFETY TIPS (when getting off the ship in any port):
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Carry limited cash
- If you have 2 adults with you, have each carry a different credit card in case one gets lost
- Do not take your passports with you when you are in port unless the ship has indicated you must bring them with you (very few ports require this).
- Make a photocopy of your passports and bring those with you instead. Store your passports in your in-room safe. Also, make sure and do bring a photo id for all adults with you at all ports of call.
DISEMBARKATION:
Gratuities: Royal Caribbean will provide you with a suggested tip amount at the end of your cruise. You can either pre-pay these gratuities before your cruise or they will automatically be added to your stateroom bill. You are also able to provide additional gratuities if ou prefer.
Breakfast is served on your disembarkation day in both the dining room and the buffet. You will receive information about available dining options when you are onboard. Room Service is generally not available on disembarkation day.
BOOKING YOUR NEXT ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE:
While onboard, you can book your next Royal Caribbean cruise and receive a special rate and onboard credit. This is the best way to ensure you are receiving the lowest possible rate. You can then get Whitney World Travel added to your new booking and receive our amazing complimentary services!
