Royal Caribbean International
Here are some handy tips we've learned from sailing with Royal Caribbean International:
As soon as you have your confirmation number, log into RoyalCaribbean.com to start planning your cruise activities! You can pre-book shore excursions, drink packages, spa treatments, dinner reservations at specialty restaurants, and much more!
If you have cruised with Royal Caribbean in the past, make sure you are signed up for RCCL's Crown and Anchor Society rewards program. It's a great way to earn points toward special amenities and even future cruises!
Royal Caribbean now has its own app. Depending on your sailing, you may be able to use it for online check-in, to view daily activities, make reservations for onboard activities, view deck plans, and access your onboard account. The app works onboard with the Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi, even if you do not buy a Wi-Fi package.
It sounds like a lot of money, but if you drink more than 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day on a cruise (It's easy to do, think: mimosa at brunch, a beer by the pool, a cocktail before dinner, wine with dinner, a cocktail at the show....), then the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package is a really good deal. Not to mention you get free soft drinks, specialty coffees, energy drinks, Johnny Rockets Shakes, bottled water, and up to 40% off bottles of wine, champagne, and large bottled water sold at the gangway. The rate is $63-$89 per person per day plus a service charge (gratuities).
Remember that you can also bring onboard one 12-pack of sodas and two bottles of wine per stateroom. You may not bring on bottles of water, however, you may pre-purchase bottles of water to be delivered to your room. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.
On Royal Caribbean, almost all of your dining options are included in your cruise. This includes: the main dining room, the Windjammer buffet, pop-up buffets near the pool and elsewhere, the deli, Sorrento's Pizza, Coastal Kitchen, Park Café, Jade Sushi, Dog House, Boardwalk Donuts, Café Promenade, and 24-hour room service (a $7.95 delivery charge plus 18% gratuity will be added to your onboard account for room service). Johnny Rockets, Ben & Jerry's, Chops Grill, Cupcake Cupboard, Giovanni's Table, Izumi, Portofino, Sabor, Starbucks, and other specialty options have either menu pricing or a service fee. Not all dining venues are available on all ships.