Royal Caribbean Cruises Information

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:
Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest
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
Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.
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

How do I get to the ship?

For guests who have made their air arrangements through Royal Caribbean Int'l (and are arrivng on the day of boarding), our airport meet & greet staff will meet you in the Baggage Claim Area or outside of Customs (for international flights) to direct you to your transportation between the airport and ship. Please refer to your Transfer Voucher for more specific details on transportation, meeting locations, start times and frequency of transfers.
Guests that are cruise only (i.e., have not made air arrangements through us) may also purchase this transfer service (called Royal connections) separately. Please contact your travel agent or us for details.

How early do I need to leave?

You should plan to arrive at the pier at least two hours before the ship is scheduled to depart. Boarding times vary by itinerary. It is your responsibility to arrive on time. In preparation for prompt departure, cruise check-in will close 60 minutes prior to sailing. Guests arriving after this time will not be permitted to board.

Is my baggage protected?

If your baggage or personal property is lost, CruiseCare. Travel Insurance will cover up to $1,500.

Is there parking available at the pier, and is there a charge?

Yes, we do have parking at most piers for a minimal fee. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of spaces available will vary by pier.

What happens if my itinerary is changed?

In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason, we have the right to cancel, advance, postpone, or deviate from any scheduled sailing or port of call without prior notice. In this situation we may substitute another ship or port of call. However we are not legally liable for any loss to guests by reason of the cancellation, advancement, postponement, deviation, or substitution. In addition, while we attempt to follow our published schedules as closely as possible, we are not responsible if we cannot adhere exactly to the published times at any of our ports of call. However, we will attempt to keep our passengers informed of any changes.

What if my flight is delayed?

If you miss the departure of your trip due to carrier-caused delays or other covered reasons, CruiseCare. Travel Insurance reimburses you for additional accommodations, meals and "catch-up" transportation expenses. Otherwise, you are responsible for any expense incurred to meet the ship at its next port of call. For this reason, many guests find it is easiest to arrive a day prior to sailing and stay in a hotel the night before to avoid any possible delays.

Are hair-dryers provided in the staterooms?

For the benefit of our guests, all our ships provide hair-dryers in the staterooms.

Can I change my stateroom?

Guests desiring to transfer to higher-priced accommodations, which may be available during boarding or after sailing, may do so by paying, in cash, with travelers checks, or by credit card, the difference in the published, full cruise vacation price.

Can I store insulin in my stateroom?

You can store insulin in the mini bar, ice bucket, or kitchen of your stateroom.

Do you offer room service?

Complimentary room service is available onboard any time of the day or night. Simply order from the room-service menu.

Do your staterooms have soap, shampoo, and conditioner?

Like a fine hotel, all of our staterooms provide soap, shampoo and conditioner.

Is the water on the ship safe to drink?

Yes. All drinking water is either distilled from seawater or loaded onboard while the ship is in port. Royal Caribbean adheres to Vessel Sanitation System standards published by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). USPHS conducts inspections of the ship both during its construction and throughout the year to ensure compliance.

What amenities are included in the Concierge Club service?

Diamond-level and above Crown & Anchor Society members and guests booked in the Grand Suites or above can now take advantage of the Concierge Club. Available on the Enchantment of the Seas. and all Voyager and Radiance-class ships, Concierge Club guests will receive this complimentary service that provides assistance with any special requests they may have while sailing. As a Concierge Club guest, you will be offered amenities and services not available to other guests including: A dedicated Concierge who is available to assist with anything you require
Twenty-four-hour a day use of the Concierge Club Lounge**
Continental breakfast every morning and open bar & hors d'oeuvres every evening available in the Concierge Club Lounge
Assistance with reservations for Portofino Italian restaurant & Chops Grille Steakhouse
Assistance with Explorations! Bookings
Assistance booking appointments for Salon or Spa treatments
Priority tickets for the ice skating show
Assistance with the arrangement of private parties
Personalized Discover Shopping advice
DVDs and CDs available to borrow during the Concierges hours
Pre-ordering of your dinner wine
Business services (faxing, copying, etc.)

Are ATM machines available onboard?

All ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet have ATM machines. There is a transaction fee up to $5.50 plus any other fees the guests financial institution would charge.

Can I bring my own liquor onboard?

We apologize for any inconvenience but due to our regulatory and licensing requirements guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind onboard for consumption or any other use.
Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty-free from the Shops On Board or at ports of call will be stored by us and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your voyage. A member of our staff will be at the gangway to assist with the storage of your purchases.
This policy may not apply to every ship or itinerary depending on local laws, customs, or license requirements. Royal Caribbean is not responsible for fines imposed or items confiscated by local authorities.

Can cribs/rollaways be provided in my stateroom?

Royal Caribbean provides Pack and Play's for use onboard. Pack and Play's are similar to a playpen. Cribs are no longer provided.
Pack and Play's specifics:
For use by children unable to climb out, less than 24" tall, and less than 30 lbs. Mesh on four sides Sets up in less than one minute Strong and stable, yet lightweight Approx. dimensions 28"W x 38 7/8"L x 31-1/4"H Mattress/pad is 1" thick Sheets are provided Folds for storage and includes carrying bag with handle
Pack and Play's should be reserved in advance so that we are sure we have enough onboard.

Are physically challenged facilities available onboard?

All ships have physically challenged facilities available onboard.

Can Passage or a Booking Request Be Refused?

We are delighted to have provided a safe and enjoyable cruise to millions of guests over the years. To facilitate our ability to continue to provide safe and enjoyable cruises to our guests, we reserve the right to refuse to accept a booking request from an individual or group and reserve the right to cancel an existing reservation. For more details, see our Refusal to Transport Policy. That policy provides, among other things, that a booking request may be denied, for example, where the guest's conduct on a prior cruise has resulted in disciplinary measures by Royal Caribbean.
In addition, a guest may be removed from the vessel where, in the opinion of the ship's captain, a guest is unfit for travel or a risk or danger to himself or herself or a disturbance or danger to others. Such guest may be left at any port or place at which the ship calls without liability to Royal Caribbean. For additional details see the Refusal to Transport Policy and the Guest Vacation Policy.
Royal Caribbean is not liable for its refusal to transport any passenger or for its removal of any guest in accordance with these policies. In addition, Royal Caribbean shall not be required to refund any amount paid by any guest who must leave the cruise vacation prematurely pursuant to the either policy, nor shall Royal Caribbean be responsible for lodging, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by the guest or for any consequential or punitive damages.

Do you offer Special Occasion Cakes?

Royal Caribbean offers Birthday, Anniversary and Special Occasion Cakes fleet wide for a nominal fee of $7.95 USD.
There are two types of cakes available: Chocolate sponge cake with chocolate butter cream or Vanilla sponge cake with vanilla butter cream, both are decorated with flowers on the left side of the cake. These cakes are 6" round and serve 2-10 people. The name (or names) will be written on the cake with a candle placed on top. A minimum of 6 hours advance notice is required. All cakes that are ordered by 12 noon will be served that evening in the main dining room.
The cake will be charged to your Seapass card or credit card upon request at time of ordering the cake onboard the ship.
If you do not wish to purchase a cake, inform your waiter of the special occasion and a "slice of cake" will be provided for the birthday, anniversary or special event. This slice of cake, provided in our main dining room, will be based on the daily cake offerings for that evening. This will serve one person and there is no additional charge. There will be a "happy birthday" or "happy anniversary" placquered on top of the slice of cake.

I am booked on two consecutive sailings. Will the menus and entertainment be different from one week to the next?

Our menus and entertainment do not usually change from cruise to cruise. However, most guests find that the wide range of options we offer provide more than enough variety for two weeks.

Is Internet access available from the ship?

Yes, royalcaribbean online allows guests to access e-mail and the Internet for a small fee. The following ships offer internet access in your stateroom using a Cyber Stateroom hookup that is available for rental while onboard: Adventue of the Seas., Brilliance of the Seas., Explorer of the Seas., Jewel of the Seas., Mariner of the Seas., Navigator of the SeasSM, Radiance of the Seas., Serenade of the Seas., and Voyager of the Seas..

Is there a licensed medical staff onboard?

We have two fully licensed doctors, and three nurses onboard every ship.

What are the dress codes onboard?

There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these nights are:
Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women
Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women
Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women
3 to 4 - night cruises include one formal night and the remainder nights are casual.
5 - night cruises include one formal and the remainder nights casual.
6 - night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual and the remainder nights casual. 7 to 9 - night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and the remainder nights casual.
10 to 13-night cruises include two formal nights, two smart casual nights, and the remainder nights casual.
14+ - night cruises include three formal nights, four smart casual nights and the remainder nights casual.
We appreciate your usual parental guidance and cooperation in observing these easy guidelines with your children.

What does a Purser do?

The main objective of the Purser's division is to provide guests with a positive cruise experience. Guest satisfaction is their goal in everything they do, especially: Greeting and assisting guests with their individual needs
Responding to guest questions, requests, comments, or complaints
Taking responsibility for all money, transactions, lost or found articles, mail, and onboard printing
Obtaining proper clearance for the ship with Port Authorities

What electrical voltage is offered onboard?

North American standard, 110 volts AC is used on all of our ships. Outlet adapter is required for European standard. European standard (220 volts AC, round prongs).
Stateroom outlets can accommodate appliances up to 1500 watts.

What is security like onboard?

Our ships meet and exceed all International and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations, including smoke detectors and sprinkler systems throughout the ships.

What is your smoking policy?

For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, smoking is prohibited onboard most areas of our ships. However, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have special designated smoking areas in many of our lounges and on all open-air decks. On Alaska Cruisetours, smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches or inside traincars. On Canadian Rockies Cruisetours, smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches or anywhere on the traincars.

What type of special meals does Royal Caribbean offer?

Royal Caribbean International makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible. We can accommodate special needs such as, Food Allergies, Gluten-free, Vegetarian (except for vegan/macrobiotic) Low-fat, Low-Sodium, Lactaid/Soy Milk, Ensure, and Kosher meals at no extra charge. All guests must do is notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing. Here's how it works:
Send an email that includes the guests' names, reservation ID number, ship's name and voyage date to one of the addresses listed below.
Food allergies - foodallergies@rccl.com
Kosher meals - kosher@rccl.com
Indian-style vegetarian meals - Indianvegetarian@rccl.com
Gluten-free/celiac meals - glutenfree@rccl.com
Fax requests may be sent to 305-539-6018 Attn: Special Meals Request
E-mails will receive an automated response. Faxed requests will also receive a response provided the guest provides an email address. We kindly ask that guests do not call Royal Caribbean International suppliers with specific questions.
Special meal requests that are faxed or e-mailed less 45 days of sailing are dependent on the ship's product availability. We will try to accommodate to the best of our ability.
Please note that baby food and infant formula are not provided on board.

Who do I contact if my onboard purchase is lost or damaged?

If you made a duty-free purchase in the gift shop, you can call Starboard Cruises at (305) 592-6460.

What safety features do you have onboard?

Each ship has enough lifeboats to accommodate 100 % of the maximum number of guests allowed to be carried onboard. Additionally, each ship has inflatable life rafts that provide extra capacity.
Our ships have modern, up-to-date navigation equipment that enable us to detect potential dangers and our Navigation Officers receive specialized additional training on navigation safety.