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Royal Caribbean Cruise Junkies
Questions Answered
Planning your first Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Here are some of the questions we're asked most often.
🍷 Can I bring wine or champagne onboard?
Yes! Each guest of legal drinking age may bring one sealed 750 mL bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. Beer, liquor, and boxed wine are not permitted.
🍽️ Is room service free?
Continental breakfast is complimentary, while many other room service items have a service charge. Some menu items may have additional charges depending on what you order.
🥤 Can I bring bottled water or soda onboard?
Yes! Guests may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (such as water, soda, or juice) in cans, bottles, or cartons on embarkation day. These must be carried onboard—not packed in checked luggage.
What’s Complimentary onboard?
Main dining is included, including the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, pizza, cafes, and many quick-service options.
Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee, bottled water, and some fresh juices cost extra.
🍹 Is the Deluxe Beverage Package worth it?
It depends on how much you’ll drink. If you plan to enjoy several cocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, soda, or fresh juices each day, it can offer good value. Buying before your cruise is often the best price.
🍕 Is food available all day?
Yes! Complimentary dining is available throughout the day, and many ships offer late-night options like pizza, cafés, or snacks. Specialty restaurants are available for an additional charge
🚢 What time should I arrive at the cruise terminal?
Arrive during the check-in time you selected. Completing online check-in before embarkation day helps make boarding faster and smoother.
💳 Can I use cash onboard?
Most onboard purchases are made using your SeaPass account. You can link a credit/debit card or establish a cash-backed account during embarkation.
Do I have to use a credit card for onboard expenses?
Yes. You can use either a credit/debit card or a cash-backed SeaPass account. Credit and Debit cards may receive an initial authorization hold, while cash accounts are settled onboard before you leave the ship.
💵 Should I prepay gratuities?
Many guests do because it makes budgeting easier. You can prepay gratuities before your cruise or have them added to your onboard account daily. Beverage purchases, specialty dining, and spa services have separate automatic gratuities.
📱 Do I need the Royal Caribbean app?
Yes—we highly recommend it. The app lets you complete check-in, view your daily schedule, reserve select activities and dining (when available), see deck maps, and communicate onboard with purchased internet or supported messaging features.
🎭 Do I have to dress up on formal night?
No. Formal nights are optional. Most guests wear anything from business casual to formal attire, but you’re welcome to dress comfortably if you prefer. The Royal Caribbean app will list the suggested attire for each evening.
Is the Wi-Fi package worth it?
Yes! When “VOOM Surf + Stream Internet Package” is a great way to stay connected via social media and you can also make phone calls!
Be sure to ALWAYS have your phone on Airplane mode or you’ll regret!
Can I use Wi-Fi at Royal Caribbean’s private Islands?
VOOM works at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and eligible Wi-Fi packages purchased before or onboard your cruise remain active there.
📶 Will my Wi-Fi package work at CocoCay?
Yes! VOOM internet packages purchased through Royal Caribbean also work at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so you can stay connected while enjoying the island.
🏝️ What’s included at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Beaches, pools, loungers, and many dining locations are included in your cruise fare. Premium experiences like the waterpark, cabanas, and some activities cost extra. If you’ve purchased a Royal Caribbean beverage package, it also works at CocoCay.
I noticed my excursion, internet, beverage packages etc., is cheaper, can I get a refund?
If the price drops before your cruise, you can usually cancel eligible Cruise Planner purchases and repurchase them at the lower price. If you booked through a travel agent, they can often help with the process.
🎒 Can I carry my luggage onboard myself?
Yes. Many guests bring a carry-on bag with medications, travel documents, swimsuits, and valuables so they can start enjoying the ship before their checked luggage arrives.