Our sailing date is less than 3 weeks away! Woo hoo!
Please make sure you read your e-docs and the "Before you sail" section of the Royal Caribbean website http://www.royalcaribbean.com>
The stuff you see below are some reminders and tips we usually post around this time, in hopes of helping the n00b and vet alike.
Before you leave home
* Make sure you have your identity documents packed. Pack your identity documents in a carry-on for safety. Be prepared to explain any name changes.
* Check-in online and print your Set Sail pass. Place it in your carry-on.
The night before we sail
* Put all your documentation (identity docs, Set Sail pass, etc) in a carry-on along with your form of payment for onboard expenses. This can be either credit card, traveler's check(s), or cash.
* Pack any important/needed items in a carry-on. This would include any medications, sunscreen, swimming suit, etc. that you want access to early on the ship. If you want, put some travel-sized toiletries in my carry-on since luggage might not arrive before dinner and it is nice to be able to 'freshen up' before the meal.
At the Port*
* Plan on arriving no earlier than 11am. I'd recommend around noon for minimal waiting.
* Porters will take your checked bags at the port. The usual tip is around $1-2 a bag. You will be allowed to carry-on a small roller bag or duffel bag and a purse but not any larger luggage.
* A RCCL representative will show you to the check-in line. Sometimes they check-in by deck, other times it's just 1 big line. Check-in consists of turning over your Set Sail Pass, identity documents, and making payment arrangements.
* At check-in you will be issued a Sign & Sail card which acts as your room key, onboard charge card and ID for the duration of the cruise. You will not need cash on the ship. Make sure to sign the back of this ASAP!
On the Ship
* On the gangplank to the ship you will be stopped 2 times. Once to get your picture taken for your Sign & Sail Card (required). The second time to get a 'Welcome Aboard' photo taken (optional).
* Depending on when you board, your cabin may or may not be ready. Lunch will be served in the Windjammer cafe (buffet style) and the pools and bars will be open, but not shops or the casino.
Things to do the first day:
* Visit the dining room and check out your table (your dining assignment printed on your Sign & Sail card). If you have specific dinner requests - such as wanting to switch tables, dietary issues, etc - see the Maitre' D who should be in the dining room mid afternoon.
* Make any spa appointments or specialty restaurant reservations.
* Buy a soda card for unlimited sodas onboard. These are only available the day of sail!!
* Get familiar with the layout of the ship.
* Find the "Black Hole." You will usually see a bunch of us congregated in the buffet area. You will recognize us a a bunch of people dressed in black.
* For those in suites or who have achieved Platinum status with RCCL (5 or more cruises) there should be priority check-in available.
