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  • Top 10 Cruising Tips
    Home > Cruises > Cruiseline Profiles > Royal Caribbean Cruises > New to Cruising > Top 10 Cruising Tips


    Top 10 Insider Cruising Tips
     
     
     
    We've talked to our guests and they've helped us compile an invaluable list of helpful tips for first-time cruisers. Who knows? After your cruise you may have something to add.   
     


    1. Guest Information Forms - Speed up the boarding process by filling out these forms online after
        you book your cruise, instead of at the port prior to departure.

    2. Our shore excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so they book up fast. You
        have 3 options: book them online (up to 10 days before departure), book them onboard the first
        day at the Explorations Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Book
        early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.

    3. For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a
        change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need.
        This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to
        wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom.

    4. If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular
        treatments and times fill up fast.

    5. If you want to grab a bite to eat when you first get onboard, head up to the Windjammer Café;
        they'll be serving.

    6. Every ship has two seatings for dinner in the main dining room - 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. When     you book your cruise you can select what time works best for you and we'll assign you a table.
        Also, some of our ships have specialty restaurants (i.e., Italian, steak, etc.) we highly
        recommend you try. (A nominal fee applies.) For more info check out
    Dining.

    7. To make your cruise even more enjoyable, we offer drink packages that entitle you to unlimited
        beverages at our bars and lounges. It's a great idea for families!

    8. What's the SeaPass
    SM? For your convenience, our ships use the SeaPass signing system.
        This system allows you to charge all onboard purchases by presenting the Cruise Card that is
        issued to you upon boarding. On the last morning of your cruise vacation, an itemized
        statement will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. Your SeaPass charges will be
        billed automatically to the credit card you selected upon check-in.

    9. Getting on and off the ship - Depending on the port, there are two ways to get on and off the
        ship. In some ports, we dock right in the port so you can get on and off whenever you want via
        the gangplank. And in other ports, we use tenders (small ferry-like boats) that will take you to
        the port; tenders run frequently between the ship and the port. But remember to ALWAYS
        bring
    your SeaPass with you, as you will need it to get off and get back on the ship.

    10.Tipping - So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you
         could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines:
     

    Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest
    Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest
    Assistant Waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest
    Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest
    Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion.  A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.


    Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:
     

    Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
    Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
    Paid in cash at the end of the cruise
     

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