First off, congratulations! I hope you are as excited as I am for your upcoming adventure. There is still some work to be done leading up, and I am going to take you step by step to ensure you have the best possible vacation.
Know your final payment date
Talk to your travel advisor or if you don’t have one send me an email asap ([email protected]). Although you have already booked we can transfer your booking over in 30 days and this allows me to look for price decreases and ensure you have the best possible room (It is always FREE!). Knowing your final payment date allows you to be ready and not surprised when it comes around. You can always set up a payment plan instead, ask your travel agent about a payment plan if that interests you.
365 Days Out
I know a lot will not have booked more than a year out, however this applies to everyone within a year. All flights and hotels open up about a year out, as well as Royals website for guests (this allows you to buy drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, photos, and more). If you know you are going to want Wi-Fi or a drink package, buy asap. Royal allows you to reprice any time up to 72 hours before your cruise, so if the price drops you get the new price (ask your Travel Agent!!!!). If you are more than a year out, there is not much to do until this point. You can also check Facebook for a group page for your sailing. A lot of clients love talking and meeting people on the same sailing. Also make sure your required documents (passport) are not expiring. Unless you are driving to port it is recommended you get there a day early to account for any travel delays.
90 Days Out
This is typically when Final payment is (can range from 75 days out depending on sailing). Have your travel agent send you a copy of the confirmation once you have paid! Also finalize any flights or hotels you will need (you can always ask your travel agent for help).
45 Days Out
This is when check in opens. For the best time be ready at midnight (time zone is wherever your ship is located). Your travel agent can’t check you in, however if you have trouble they can assist. (Must be 21 to check in). All you need to get done at midnight is selecting the time you board. This is important as everyone pays the same price regardless of boarding time. People boarding at 11 AM pay the same as those at 3 PM. Once you select your time it is locked in, you can finish the rest of the check in process later, it is super easy to do and recommended to save time at the port.
14 Days out
It is packing time! Ask your travel agent for a list if you need help, but make sure you have everything you want to bring.
3 days out
Finalize any Wi-Fi, photos, drink packages, as well as shore excursions (It is ALWAYS CHEAPER before hand). Make sure you have all travel documents and medications for your trip!
0 Days Out
HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
Drink Packages
Royal offers 4 different packages.
- Water package (water delivered to your room)
- Soda (soda and water)
- Refreshment (mocktails, soda, water, coffee)
- Deluxe (All drinks, all 21+ in cabin must purchase if one purchases)
Look at the price for your sailing to decide if it is right for you. There is a way around buying the deluxe for everyone by calling Royal and getting them to just charge one person for a refreshment.
Wi-Fi
Buy your package as one person multiple devices, you will share the same log in, but it is much cheaper. This also allows families to share, you might not want Wi-Fi for everyone, but still be able to check your email.
Pictures
Purchase these before hand, it is always cheaper and once you see your photos on board you will end up wanting them. Royal has photo people everywhere ready to capture your vacation and do a great job at getting good photos.