WHY CRUISING IS THE BEST VACATION

FIRST TIME CRUISE TIPS

INTRODUCING YOUR BEST VACATION EVER

Planning the perfect trip to please everyone is way easier than you think, especially with our cruising tips for first timers. Going on a cruise vacation means more to do for your entire crew— whether they want epic adventure or complete relaxation, cultural exploration or awe-inspiring views. All with maximum convenience as you’re whisked to unbelievable destinations anywhere in the world.

Wander the World Over

Snorkeling in the Caribbean, dog sledding in Alaska, or castle-hopping in Europe. We visit over 270 destinations — take your pick.

Adventure for All Ages

Our ships have plenty for everyone. From play spaces and an award-winning youth program to Vegas-style casinos and nonstop nightlife.

Nearly Everything Is Included

Comfy stays, big-time thrills, delicious meals and non-stop entertainment — it’s an unbelievable vacation value all for one price.

Convenience Mode Set to Max

Sit back and let us do the driving. We’ll take care of everything from table to stateroom with our best-in-class service, so you can focus on memory making.

TAKE YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH THE BEST

There’s a reason Royal Caribbean® is the cruise line voted Best Overall for 23 years running by Travel Weekly readers. Actually, there are several— starting with the biggest fleet of the most innovative, adventure-filled ships at sea. And award-winning private destinations, like Perfect Day at CocoCay, voted Best Private Island for the past five years.

GAMECHANGING FLEET

Set sail on the boldest ships in the world, like The Icon of Vacations, Icon of the Seas® and The World’s Biggest Weekend, Utopia of the Seas®.

FIRST TIME CRUISING

FIRST TIME CRUISERS FAQS

Planning your first cruise? Here are answers to some of the most common questions first time cruisers ask — from saving money to smart planning tips that make your vacation effortless.

What are some essential cruise hacks for first-time travelers?

For first time cruisers, a few simple cruise hacks can make everything smoother:

Prepare your group's travel documents. Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship based on their nationality/country of citizenship. Guests who arrive without appropriate travel documents may be denied boarding.
Explore the ship on day one to discover all the exciting onboard experiences waiting for you.

Should I rely on cash or a card during my cruise?

Royal Caribbean cruises are designed to be cashless. Once onboard, your SeaPass® card (linked to your preferred payment method) is used for everything from specialty dining and drinks to spa treatments and shore excursions. Plus, your SeaPass® also functions as your room key and ID.

That said, it’s still a good idea to bring a small amount of cash for local shopping in ports, transportation, tips and other extracurriculars in ports.

Wondering how much cash to bring on a cruise? Most find that $200–$300 per person in small bills is more than enough for a typical cruise.

What are the best ways to save money on a cruise?

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to take advantage of everything that’s already included in your cruise fare (at literally no extra cost):

All-you-can-eat dining, from expansive buffets and elegant main dining rooms to quick grab-and-go spots
Thrilling onboard activities, like waterslides, the FlowRider® surf simulator, rock climbing, and more
Broadway-style entertainment, live shows, and nonstop performances
Award-winning kids and teens programs designed for every age

With the core of your vacation already included, here are some top cruise hacks to save money on shore excursions, staterooms, Wi-Fi, drinks, and more:

Choose the stateroom that best fits your adventure, with options available for every budget.
Reserve beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions before your sailing, when pre-cruise discounts are often available. Check out the Royal App to see what is available on your sailing.