Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips I Give Every First-Time Cruiser

By Keith Wallace · Royal Caribbean Master

“What should I figure out before I book my first Royal Caribbean cruise?” A great sailing comes down to a handful of decisions made before you board: the right ship, the right cabin, your dining plans, and what’s worth reserving ahead. Get those choices right and the trip feels easier from embarkation day to the last port.

1. BOOK EARLY FOR THE CABIN YOU WANT

Booking early usually gives you more cabin choices, especially if you want a particular location, connecting rooms, or several cabins near each other. Cruise fares can change, and they generally have less cabin inventory to choose from as sailing dates approach. Don’t assume waiting will bring a better deal.

Start with the itinerary and ship, then choose a cabin that suits how you’ll use it. A lower-deck, midship cabin can feel steadier for guests concerned about motion. An aft balcony may offer a memorable view of the ship’s wake, though some travelers prefer a location farther from the engine and activity areas.

Ocean View rooms and, on ships that offer them, Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins can be good options if you want natural light or a balcony-style feel without choosing a standard balcony. Suites may be worth considering for a multi-generational group that values extra room and suite-specific benefits, but compare what’s included on that ship before deciding.

2. CHOOSE THE SHIP FOR YOUR KIND OF TRIP

The “best Royal Caribbean ship” depends on who’s traveling and what you want to do onboard. A ship built around headline attractions may be perfect for one family and more ship than another traveler needs. I help clients start with their group, preferred pace, and ports, then narrow down the ship.

• Choose Icon Class if your family wants a large variety of attractions, pools, and activities in one place. Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are designed to make the ship itself a major part of the vacation.
• Choose Oasis Class if your group likes choice and distinct onboard neighborhoods. The scale gives travelers plenty to explore, while allowing different ages and interests to follow different plans.
• Choose Quantum Class if you’re drawn to innovative ship features and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Check the specific ship, itinerary, and available attractions before booking; features vary.
• Choose a smaller ship if ports and itinerary matter more than having the biggest onboard lineup. Radiance and Vision Class ships may suit travelers who prefer a more manageable feel or routes larger ships can’t visit.

Royal Caribbean’s ship listings are a useful starting point, but compare the exact ship, not just the class name. The details and attractions can vary from vessel to vessel.

3. THINK ABOUT CABIN LOCATION, NOT JUST CABIN CATEGORY

A balcony can sound ideal, but it isn’t automatically the right use of your budget. If you expect to spend most of the day on deck or ashore, an Ocean View or Interior room might leave more room in the trip budget for excursions or a special dinner.

When I help clients choose, I look at deck plans, nearby venues, and how the group will use the room. A cabin under a busy pool deck or near an elevator may be less appealing to a light sleeper. For families or friends booking several rooms, cabin proximity is worth discussing early because the location choices shrink as inventory changes.

Be cautious with a “guarantee” cabin if location matters to you. It can mean giving up the ability to select the exact room, and the final assignment may not be the view or location you pictured.

4. FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE

If you’re flying to the port, arrive the day before embarkation. This is the single biggest trip-saver I recommend for first-time cruisers. A delayed or canceled flight on sailing day can put the whole cruise at risk, and the ship can’t wait for late arrivals.

Build your plan around reaching the port rested, not racing from the airport to the terminal. I can also help coordinate airport transportation, including premium transfers through ACE Shuttle, LLC, so the trip starts with fewer moving parts.

5. USE THE APP AND CHECK IN EARLY

Download the Royal Caribbean app once your reservation is available and complete check-in as soon as your sailing allows. The app is useful for travel documents, arrival details, ship information, schedules, and reservations. Keep your required travel documents accessible, too; don’t rely on your phone alone.

Check the app before departure for what’s available to reserve on your specific sailing. Specialty dining, shows, and popular activities can have limited availability, so book the experiences you care about early. You can review current options and policies through Royal Caribbean’s first-time cruiser guide.

6. MAKE DINING PLANS BEFORE THE MOST POPULAR TIMES FILL

Royal Caribbean offers complimentary dining as well as specialty restaurants that cost extra. If there’s a particular specialty restaurant you’re excited to try, reserve it in advance when it becomes available for your cruise. The same goes for shows or activities that require a reservation on your ship.

Think about your dinner routine, too. If your group wants to eat at a set time, choose a dining option that supports that plan. If you prefer flexibility, check how My Time Dining works for the sailing and reserve a time if the app allows it. Onboard plans vary by ship and itinerary, so verify the details for your reservation rather than assuming every ship works the same way.

7. DO THE DRINK-PACKAGE MATH FOR YOURSELF

A drink package isn’t automatically a bargain. Compare its cost with what you honestly expect to drink on sea days and port days, and check which beverages are included in your fare. If you’re a light drinker, mostly drink complimentary options, or spend much of the trip ashore, paying as you go may suit you better.

Also read the package terms and account for any applicable gratuities. Royal Caribbean’s beverage package information can help you understand what’s included; offers and rules can differ by sailing.

8. PLAN YOUR COCOCAY DAY AROUND WHAT YOU VALUE

Perfect Day at CocoCay can be a highlight, but you don’t have to buy an extra-cost experience to enjoy the island. Decide whether your group mainly wants a beach day, time at the pool, a waterpark visit, or a reserved private space, then compare those options before sailing.

Cabanas and other popular extras can book out early, so reserve ahead if having one is important to your plans. If you’re happy with a relaxed beach day, you may prefer to skip the add-on and enjoy the included areas instead.

9. KNOW HOW GRATUITIES WORK

Gratuities may be prepaid or charged to your onboard account, depending on your choices and the current policy for your sailing. Some purchases, such as drinks or specialty dining, may also have gratuities or service charges applied. Check the amount and terms for your specific cruise before you travel, and include them in your trip budget.

Your SeaPass account is used for onboard purchases, so it’s helpful to understand how charges will be handled before the first day at sea. Royal Caribbean’s gratuity policy explains its current approach.

10. GET PERSONAL HELP WITH THE DETAILS THAT MATTER

A travel advisor can help you compare ships and itineraries, find a cabin location that fits your needs, and coordinate rooms for a group. If something changes or goes wrong, you also have someone to contact for help navigating the next steps.

As a Royal Caribbean Master and CLIA-accredited advisor, I help travelers make cruise decisions based on how they want the trip to feel, not just what’s on a ship list. My cruise vacation planning starts with your priorities and includes support before, during, and after the trip.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE FAQ

What are the best Royal Caribbean ships for families?

The right fit depends on your children’s ages, your itinerary, and how much you want to do onboard. Icon Class ships offer a broad mix of family attractions, while Oasis Class ships offer plenty of variety across neighborhoods. Compare the exact ship and sailing before choosing.

Is a drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean?

It depends on your usual drinking habits, sailing length, port schedule, and the package terms. Compare the total package cost with what you expect to order, including applicable gratuities. It isn’t the right choice for every traveler.

What should I book before my Royal Caribbean cruise?

Complete check-in early, then reserve must-do specialty dining, shows, excursions, or CocoCay extras when they’re available for your sailing. Popular options may fill up, but you don’t need to book every extra to have a good trip.

How do I pick a cruise cabin?

Choose the ship and itinerary first, then weigh cabin type against location. Consider motion, nearby venues, room layout, view, and how much time you expect to spend inside. For a group, look into nearby or connecting cabins before your preferred options are gone.

What is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas. It offers beaches and other included areas, plus optional paid experiences such as waterpark access and cabanas. Check what’s included and available for your sailing before you make plans.

If you’re weighing ships, cabins, or itineraries, I’ll help match the choices to the way you want to travel. Reach out to have me build your Royal Caribbean cruise plan.