Royal Caribbean Check in Process Guide
The Royal Caribbean check in process can be a breeze for some, while not for many. Before your ultimate cruise vacation can begin, we’ve got a step-by-step walkthrough of what you need to do to make it easier.
Although the multi-step process of check-in for your Royal Caribbean cruise might seem a little daunting, the good news is it’s actually really easy, and it will save you a ton of time if you do it at home instead of waiting to do it when you get to the cruise terminal. There are two parts to the Royal Caribbean check-in process: the online check-in and then, of course, checking in at the cruise terminal.
Online check-in is the first step, and it’s where you’re going to input all your documentation and credit card information and then select an all-important arrival time at the terminal. The second part happens on embarkation day. Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, your documentation will be checked, and you’ll pass through a brief security screening.
Before you know it, you’re going to be on board and ready for an awesome vacation. Since we’ve received a lot of questions about this process, we wanted to provide you with a guide on how to easily complete the Royal Caribbean check-in process.
Online Check-In The online check-in process opens 45 days before your cruise begins. It’s a really good idea to put a notification in your calendar on the exact date check-in opens so you can complete the process as soon as possible. More on why this is important later.
Both the Royal Caribbean website and the Royal Caribbean app will list the exact date the online check-in opens for your cruise. To check, simply sign into your Royal Caribbean account and view your upcoming cruises. If your cruise does not show up on the website or app, you can link the sailing to your account by adding your reservation number and surname. Once linked, it will appear in your account.
Before starting the check-in process, have the following information handy:
- Personal information for everyone checking in
- Identification documentation for each guest
- A security photo of each guest
- Crown & Anchor Society membership number (if applicable)
- Onboard expense account information (credit/debit card details)
You’ll need to input the legal name, birthdate, and address of each person checking in. Be sure to double-check that the information is correct before hitting submit. The last step is inputting your debit or credit card details. While onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you use your SeaPass card for all payments instead of carrying cash or credit cards.
Your SeaPass will be linked to the card you input during online check-in. At the end of the cruise, your personal card will be charged for all onboard purchases. If you need to change the credit card later, you can do so once you are on board.
Selecting a Check-In Time Another important step of completing Royal Caribbean’s online check-in is selecting a check-in time. All guests must select a check-in time, which indicates the time they will arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. The earliest check-in times are usually around 10:30 AM, and the latest around 2:30 PM. Slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to check in as early as possible to get your preferred time.
Royal Caribbean Website vs. App You can complete Royal Caribbean’s online check-in process on either the website or the app. However, using the app has several advantages:
- You can scan your passport instead of manually entering information, which saves time.
- Uploading a security photo is easier because you can take and upload a selfie directly from your phone.
- The app allows you to select a check-in time before completing the entire check-in process, whereas the website requires full completion first.
Mistakes to avoid during check in:
If You Forget to Check-In Online The online check-in process closes 48 hours before your sailing. If you forget to check in, you can still complete the process at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. However, this will take more time and is not recommended.
Preparing for Embarkation Between completing the online check-in and embarkation day, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Reserve travel and hotel arrangements
- Research your ship and ports of call (in Puerto Plata, Taino Bay port).
- Fill out the health questionnaire
Health Questionnaire Right before the cruise begins, you’ll need to complete a health questionnaire. This asks if you’ve had any symptoms of illness within the past 10 days, such as nausea, sore throat, cough, or muscle aches. Answering “yes” to any of these could result in denial of boarding. If you need to answer “yes,” wait until you arrive at the cruise terminal and speak to a representative for further instructions.
Embarkation Day On embarkation day, arrive at the terminal at your scheduled check-in time. Many cruise terminals adhere strictly to scheduled times, though some may allow early entry. Transportation options to the terminal include driving, Uber/Lyft, or shuttle services. Be sure to confirm the correct terminal address beforehand.
Luggage Drop-Off Before entering the terminal, drop off large luggage with porters, who will deliver it to your cabin. Each suitcase must have a luggage tag indicating where it should be delivered. While porter services are free, it is customary to tip $1–$2 per bag.
Security and Documentation Before boarding, you’ll go through security screening and multiple ID checks. Have your identification and Set Sail Pass ready for quick access. Security at cruise terminals is typically faster and less strict than airport TSA procedures.
Final Steps After security, you may have a brief wait before boarding, especially if you have an early check-in time. Once cleared, you’ll be ready to embark and start your Caribbean vacation and make a stop in the beautiful Dominican Republic.
By completing online check-in and following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your Royal Caribbean cruise. You can always look up a reservation online too and verify all details are in order, anytime.
