How early should you check-in for a cruise?

Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. If you choose to fly ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean automatically displays only the airline schedules that will enable you to meet your cruise.



People Also Ask

On cruise day, be sure you're at the terminal no later than an hour before the sail time. At this time, you should have your passport or other identification, your printed boarding passes and your bags (with your cruise tags). The first step is to drop your bags with the baggage handlers at the port.

MORE DETAILS

The Verdict: Plan to Board Your Cruise Ship Early Remember that it's always better to be a little early and wait a little longer before embarking rather than show up late and miss your trip entirely! Check out this article with other tips for embarking on a cruise ship.

MORE DETAILS

Here's our list of 15 ways you can board your cruise ship faster.
  1. Book a suite. ...
  2. Earn loyalty status. ...
  3. Pay for exclusive access. ...
  4. Fly in the day before. ...
  5. Stay close to the port. ...
  6. Leave luggage with porters. ...
  7. Have luggage tags ready to go. ...
  8. Book a private transfer.


MORE DETAILS

Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

MORE DETAILS

Cruise line staff will be on hand to direct you to the correct line; suite passengers and high-status past-passengers will typically go into a shorter line or separate waiting area, while regular passengers join a main line. At check-in, you will present your ID and documents for the representative to check you in.

MORE DETAILS

Your must bring your SetSail pass to the port to enter to cruise terminal. Please make sure you print your SetSail pass after you check-in. You must print your SetSail pass 3 days prior to the sail date. We recommend to download the Royal Caribbean App to display your SetSail Pass on your phone (no need to print).

MORE DETAILS

While boarding times and procedures can vary significantly depending on cruise ship, your stateroom category, or your status with that cruise line, but boarding typically begins in the late morning and continues until about an hour or so before departure.

MORE DETAILS

It's important to note that if you board very early, your cabin may not be ready yet as they're probably still cleaning from the last cruise. Once settled in, or if your cabin isn't ready, it's time to explore the ship and check out everything there will be to do throughout your trip.

MORE DETAILS

It all depends on which cruise line you are sailing with and how busy the terminal is. Boarding will continue up until one to two hours before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before the ship's departure, you will not be allowed on.

MORE DETAILS

You can check-in for your cruise anytime between 45 days and 48 hours prior to your sailing. If you happen to forget to do so, you will be able to complete everything at the terminal; however, as mentioned earlier, this will delay your boarding.

MORE DETAILS

Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

MORE DETAILS

Even though twice-daily stateroom cleaning has long been the standard in the cruise industry, how often you like your cruise ship stateroom cleaned by your cabin steward is a matter of personal preference. Some cruisers love the pampered feeling of a stateroom that is always clean -- when done by someone else.

MORE DETAILS

What do you wear on embarkation day? Comfort is key on embarkation day, and it's okay to keep it casual on the first day of your cruise. Many people wear bathing suits underneath their clothes or pack their suit in their carry-on so they can head to the pool right away.

MORE DETAILS

Rooms on cruise ships -- called cabins or staterooms -- are like hotel rooms in that each features a bed, desk or vanity, closet, drawer space, and en suite bathroom. You access your room with a keycard, put up do not disturb signs and order room service.

MORE DETAILS

Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.

MORE DETAILS

ago. You can get the following packages mentionned on your SetSail or SeaPass. CK= short for Coke/Coca-Cola, fountain soda package (SeaPass has actual Coca-Cola logo) RR= short for Royal Replenish, former name of the refreshment package (non-alcoholic drink package)

MORE DETAILS

What are the unacceptable forms of documentation for cruises from the U.S.? Unacceptable Forms of Documentation (US only) Copies or digital images of any WHTI-Compliant document (passport, ARC card) Driver's License as the only proof (including REAL I.D.)

MORE DETAILS

Generally, cruise lines recommend you bring two pieces of luggage per person at a maximum weight of 50 pounds as well as a small carry-on bag, with dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9.

MORE DETAILS

You only have to go through customs when the cruise is over. Customs is located right inside the cruise terminal. Once past that, you can exit, go to the airport, get in your car, or any other method to begin your journey home.

MORE DETAILS