Embarkation day on a Royal Caribbean Cruise is a day filled with excitement, but maybe also a few nerves and occasionally a headache. But there are some tips and tricks to improve your experience of Embarkation on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
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Pre-Cruise Tips
A few short steps pre-cruise will make your embarkation a smoother process.
1. Complete your pre-boarding check in
It can feel like a hassle to complete the pre-cruise check – in but it really does make the process of getting on board a cruise so much faster. Gone are the days where you have to stand in line forever because everyone has to have their passport picture scanned, their photo taken and their credit card put on file, room cards printed and directions given. Now everything is done before you board on the app. This makes the process of getting from curb to ship so much faster!
2. Check in Early
The earlier you complete your pre-boarding check in the more choices you have on the time you will be able to board the ship when your embarkation day finally arrives. Generally we recommend an early embarkation time slot, but if you have other things to do that day or are traveling a longer distance, you might want to choose a later time.
3. Luggage tags
Make sure you print and attach your luggage tags in advance. If you are flying and checking your bags you might want to wait to attach them until you get to the port, but make sure you have a plan for attached them. I recommend these tag holders because they can be re-used for every cruise and are much easier than bringing tape or a stapler.
Embarkation Day Tips for Royal Caribbean
4. Arrive BEFORE your check in time
Your check in time is when they let you through the line. That means you should plan to actually arrive at the port before this time to allow yourself enough time to drop off your luggage, park the car, go to the bathroom and find the line.
5. Book shows and dining IMMEDIATELY upon boarding
When you get on board your ship, especially on an Oasis Class ship, find a comfortable spot to sit. Put your phone on airplane mode (yes, this is a required step) and connect to the ship’s free Wi-Fi. Once you are on airplane mode and connected to the Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi, you can book your shows and dining. These will disappear quickly, so I recommend doing this before you get distracted by lunch or trying to find your room.
6. Listen for announcements about staterooms
Unlike other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean does not have a set time for guests to go to their staterooms. Cruisers should listen to the announcements made by the cruise director for information about when they can enter their staterooms.
7. Think before you eat
There are many different dining options open on embarkation day for Royal Caribbean. I want to tell you to go to those different venues, but the truth is we always go to the buffet for lunch on embarkation day. I know other venues are open, but we always go to the buffet anyway. Which is clearly why its so crowded. It’s that excitement of being where all the other people are, the excitement of the many different types of food and the feeling of tradition. The buffet on embarkation day is just what makes me have that first feeling of “I’m finally here. I can relax now.”
So don’t be like me. Park café, mini bites, specialty dining, solarium, or other venues depending on your ship will be open for embarkation day. Try them out. Let me know how it goes!
Looking for more information about where to eat on a Royal Caribbean ship? Check out this article about Free Places to Eat on Harmony of the Seas (and other Oasis class Royal Caribbean ships).
8. Complete your Muster Drill
Complete your muster drill early in the day. It is so easy these days. You just watch a video on the app and then head to your muster station where the crew members check you off. The whole process is so much easier than it used to be, so get it done and over with so you don’t have to worry about it!
9. Introduce yourself to your room steward
A good room steward is important in your cruise. Introduce yourself to your room steward on the first day. Let them know if there is anything that you are going to need during your cruise – wine glasses, extra towels, etc. They are usually very accommodating and helpful!
10. Tour the ship
Spend some time on embarkation day walking your Royal Caribbean ship. Check out the open decks, the atriums, the interior spaces. Find the places you want to come back to and check out.
11. Try out the activities
Many of the on-board activities are open on embarkation day. You can participate in or just watch rock climbing, flow riding, slides, ziplines, and more depending on your ship. Royal Caribbean wants to showcase its ship the best it can on the first day of the cruise! Take advantage when lines might be shorter because your fellow guests have not figured out what is where – or haven’t even finished lunch yet!
Check out some other activities to do on your next Royal Caribbean Cruise!
12. Watch the sail away
There are many different ways to do the sail away. You can find a quiet section of deck, you can watch from your balcony, you can join the deck party or watch from the back of the ship. Check your ship’s deck plans because some ships allow you to watch from the helipad in the front. There is also a deck party that happens for sail away so that is a fun way to get introduced to the entertainment team on board and enjoy the views from the open decks.
13. Go to the main dining room for dinner
It can be tempting when you are tired to just head up to the buffet for dinner, but go to the main dining room. This allows you to meet your wait staff and get a feel for the dining room. (You don’t have to change for dinner on the first night – they are usually pretty lax with the dress code for the main dining room on embarkation day.)
14. Pack your patience in your carry-on
Embarkation Day on Royal Caribbean can get a little hectic. Things do not always go as planned. But remember you are here to have a good time and you will have a good time in the many days you are on board your cruise. So enjoy the things you can.
And most importantly know that the first day is always the most crowded. Where the rest of the people go by day two, I don’t know, but they seem to dissipate as the cruise goes on.
What to read next:
Going on an Oasis Class Royal Caribbean Ship? Check out our top tips for the Harmony of the Seas
Trying to decide what to pack? Check out our controversial guide on Why you SHOULD overpack for a cruise!
Planning your outfit for Embarkation Day? Check out these ideas on What to Wear on Embarkation Day!
