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COUNTRY INFORMATION
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| Royal Caribbean FAQ |
Cruise FAQ
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Before You Go |
On Board |
Royal Caribbean Cruise FAQ
What destinations does Royal Caribbean travel to? Royal Caribbean cruises visit a variety of exciting ports in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Repositioning, Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, and Transatlantic.
What are the benefits of cruising over other types of travel? Sure, there are pros and cons to all types of travel, but cruising has become a popular option for a number of reasons:
With so much included in the price - like meals, onboard performances and more - cruising offers tons of bang for your buck. A variety of onboard and onshore activities make cruising fun for everyone from spa-lovers to adventure-seekers to sun worshipers. Traveling from port to port is a snap, no need to worry about directions or unpacking. You'll wake up in an amazing new place, refreshed and ready to explore.
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How do I pay for onboard purchases? All of Royal Caribbean International ships operate on a "cashless" system, meaning your boarding card, (also known as your SeaPass card), will be used as a charge card to make all onboard purchases. Normally to activate this SeaPass account, most guests provide a credit card, (American Express, Optima, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and Diner's Club), to have these purchases charged to at the end of their cruise. Additionally, the SeaPass system may be activated with traveler's checks, debit cards or cash.
A running tab of all your purchases will be kept under separate folio numbers for each guest and an itemized statement left in your stateroom the night before disembarkation. If you provided a credit card and there are no discrepancies, the amount will be charged to your account on the morning of disembarkation. If you have used traveler's checks or cash to activate the account, you will need to settle the account at the Guest Relations desk, (to either receive a reimbursement of the unused amount you originally left or to pay the balance of what you have charged over the amount of what you originally left).
Please note: We require guests to place a deposit if they are paying for their SeaPass account with cash. There is a $500 daily limit on cash accounts for 7+ night sailings and $300 for 2/3/4/5 night sailings. Once the daily cash limit is reached, we will call the guest and inform the guest that the limit has been reached.
A running tab of all your purchases will be kept under separate folio numbers for each guest and an itemized statement left in your stateroom the night before disembarkation. If you provided a credit card and there are no discrepancies, the amount will be charged to your account on the morning of disembarkation. If you have used traveler's checks or cash to activate the account, you will need to settle the account at the Guest Relations desk, (to either receive a reimbursement of the unused amount you originally left or to pay the balance of what you have charged over the amount of what you originally left).
Please note: We require guests to place a deposit if they are paying for their SeaPass account with cash. There is a $500 daily limit on cash accounts for 7+ night sailings and $300 for 2/3/4/5 night sailings. Once the daily cash limit is reached, we will call the guest and inform the guest that the limit has been reached.
Where do Royal Caribbean cruises depart from? North America - Baltimore, Maryland
Bayonne (Cape Liberty Cruise Port), New Jersey, Boston, Massachusetts Charleston, South Carolina Fort Lauderdale, Florida Galveston, Texas Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii Los Angeles, California Miami, Florida New Orleans, Louisiana New York City, New York Norfolk, Virginia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Port Canaveral, Florida San Diego, California.
South America - Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, Valparaiso, Chile
Asia - Singapore, Shanghai, China
Australia / New Zealand - Sydney, Australia
Europe -Amsterdam, Holland, Barcelona, Spain, Dover, England, Genoa, Italy, Harwich, England, Istanbul, Turkey, Oslo, Norway, Southampton, England, Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Venice, Italy
South America - Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil, Valparaiso, Chile
Asia - Singapore, Shanghai, China
Australia / New Zealand - Sydney, Australia
Europe -Amsterdam, Holland, Barcelona, Spain, Dover, England, Genoa, Italy, Harwich, England, Istanbul, Turkey, Oslo, Norway, Southampton, England, Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Venice, Italy
Other Questions: Q: Are ATM machines available onboard?
A: 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.
Q: What makes Royal Caribbean different from other cruise lines?
A: At Royal Caribbean we're continually striving to make your cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience. Our guests can sail to over 170 exciting destinations onboard the most innovative and impressive ships in the industry. And we're always looking for new ways to help you explore the world - with exciting excursions, unique onboard amenities, and more - all while offering our exceptional Gold Anchor Service.
Q: How many ships are in Royal Caribbean's fleet?
A: While we're always adding to our fleet, Royal Caribbean currently has five ship families (Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, Vision and Sovereign) plus Empress of the Seas. That's a total of 21 ships, and we're already drafting plans for new ones!
Q: Can I make changes to a guest listed on my reservation?
A: Names may be changed up to 24 hours prior to sailing provided one of the original names remains on the reservations. Name changes will be subject to a $35 per guest fee if one of the following conditions exist: Request is made less than 35 days prior to commencement of cruise vacation (inclusive of tours) Cruise Only documents have been issued Air Arrangements have been assigned and documents have been issued. Travel agents or guests should contact the Custom Air Desk for resolution of any incremental air charges encountered as a result of the change Pre/Post Hotel arrangements have been assigned to the reservation **Change fees are subject to change without notice.
Q: How will I get to the departure port?
A: Air arrangements can be made through Royal Caribbean or you can handle your own air travel. For guests who have made their air arrangements through Royal Caribbean (and are arriving 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. Guests that are cruise-only (i.e., have not made air arrangements through us) may also purchase this transfer service (called Royal connections) separately. If you are close enough (or you like road trips) you can also drive to the departure port. Parking is typically available on a first-come first-served basis at most piers for a minimal fee. But every pier does vary.
Q: What are the differences between the ships?
A: Each ship offers a unique variety of activities, amenities and dining options. We've grouped ships with similar offerings into five "classes" or "families": Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, Vision and Sovereign. Empress of the Seas, our smallest ship, defies classification and offers the whole cruise experience in a more intimate setting.
Q: What are the different types of staterooms/suites?
A: We group our onboard accommodations into four categories: Interior Oceanview Balcony Suite/Deluxe All of our accommodations are designed to be comfortable places you can kick back and relax in after a day of adventure. Our staterooms and suites vary by ship, but every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer. And depending on your stateroom/suite category, you're accommodations many include other amenities such as bathrobes, sitting areas, even a whirlpool tub!
Q: What amenities are offered in the staterooms?
A: Our staterooms and suites vary by ship, but every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer. And, like a fine hotel, all of our staterooms provide soap, shampoo and conditioner. Depending on your stateroom/suite category, you're accommodations many include other amenities such as bathrobes, mini bars and more. Please check with your travel agent or our Customer Service Department to find out what specific amenities are included in your stateroom/suite.
Q: Will the price of my cruise change?
A: Once a reservation has been deposited or paid full, (whichever is applicable at the time the reservation is made), the price of the cruise will not change. The total price may change if government taxes and fees change. Royal Caribbean has no control over these fees.
Q: Why should I use Online Check-In?
A: Completing the Online Check-In process for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier, which means your cruise vacation adventure can start immediately. Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.
Q: What should I do at the pier if I have already checked in online?
A: Guests who have completed Online Check-In will have an area designated for their documentation validation. By checking in online, you will expedite your boarding process and will be able to start enjoying your cruise vacation much faster. Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.
Q: What do I do if I lost/forgot something onboard?
A: For information on lost luggage or items, please call (800) 256-6649
Q: Can passage or a booking request be refused?
A: 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 reservation 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 reservation 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 Conduct 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.
Q: What is Royal Caribbean's smoking policy?
A: 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.
Q: What is Gifts & Gear?
A: The Gifts & Gear section of our website offers exclusive Royal Caribbean merchandise, gift certificates and onboard amenities - many of which can be delivered to your home, your stateroom, or even as a gift to a friend. So, whether you want to have flowers waiting in your stateroom, or your looking for a souvenir to remind you of the adventure you just had, head to Gifts & Gear and check out the selection.
Q: What travel documents and identification will I need for international sailings?
A: Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
A: 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.
Q: What makes Royal Caribbean different from other cruise lines?
A: At Royal Caribbean we're continually striving to make your cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience. Our guests can sail to over 170 exciting destinations onboard the most innovative and impressive ships in the industry. And we're always looking for new ways to help you explore the world - with exciting excursions, unique onboard amenities, and more - all while offering our exceptional Gold Anchor Service.
Q: How many ships are in Royal Caribbean's fleet?
A: While we're always adding to our fleet, Royal Caribbean currently has five ship families (Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, Vision and Sovereign) plus Empress of the Seas. That's a total of 21 ships, and we're already drafting plans for new ones!
Q: Can I make changes to a guest listed on my reservation?
A: Names may be changed up to 24 hours prior to sailing provided one of the original names remains on the reservations. Name changes will be subject to a $35 per guest fee if one of the following conditions exist: Request is made less than 35 days prior to commencement of cruise vacation (inclusive of tours) Cruise Only documents have been issued Air Arrangements have been assigned and documents have been issued. Travel agents or guests should contact the Custom Air Desk for resolution of any incremental air charges encountered as a result of the change Pre/Post Hotel arrangements have been assigned to the reservation **Change fees are subject to change without notice.
Q: How will I get to the departure port?
A: Air arrangements can be made through Royal Caribbean or you can handle your own air travel. For guests who have made their air arrangements through Royal Caribbean (and are arriving 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. Guests that are cruise-only (i.e., have not made air arrangements through us) may also purchase this transfer service (called Royal connections) separately. If you are close enough (or you like road trips) you can also drive to the departure port. Parking is typically available on a first-come first-served basis at most piers for a minimal fee. But every pier does vary.
Q: What are the differences between the ships?
A: Each ship offers a unique variety of activities, amenities and dining options. We've grouped ships with similar offerings into five "classes" or "families": Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, Vision and Sovereign. Empress of the Seas, our smallest ship, defies classification and offers the whole cruise experience in a more intimate setting.
Q: What are the different types of staterooms/suites?
A: We group our onboard accommodations into four categories: Interior Oceanview Balcony Suite/Deluxe All of our accommodations are designed to be comfortable places you can kick back and relax in after a day of adventure. Our staterooms and suites vary by ship, but every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer. And depending on your stateroom/suite category, you're accommodations many include other amenities such as bathrobes, sitting areas, even a whirlpool tub!
Q: What amenities are offered in the staterooms?
A: Our staterooms and suites vary by ship, but every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer. And, like a fine hotel, all of our staterooms provide soap, shampoo and conditioner. Depending on your stateroom/suite category, you're accommodations many include other amenities such as bathrobes, mini bars and more. Please check with your travel agent or our Customer Service Department to find out what specific amenities are included in your stateroom/suite.
Q: Will the price of my cruise change?
A: Once a reservation has been deposited or paid full, (whichever is applicable at the time the reservation is made), the price of the cruise will not change. The total price may change if government taxes and fees change. Royal Caribbean has no control over these fees.
Q: Why should I use Online Check-In?
A: Completing the Online Check-In process for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier, which means your cruise vacation adventure can start immediately. Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.
Q: What should I do at the pier if I have already checked in online?
A: Guests who have completed Online Check-In will have an area designated for their documentation validation. By checking in online, you will expedite your boarding process and will be able to start enjoying your cruise vacation much faster. Once you have completed the Online Check-In process, you will receive a SetSail Pass. It indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for you and those guests listed on your SetSail Pass.
Q: What do I do if I lost/forgot something onboard?
A: For information on lost luggage or items, please call (800) 256-6649
Q: Can passage or a booking request be refused?
A: 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 reservation 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 reservation 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 Conduct 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.
Q: What is Royal Caribbean's smoking policy?
A: 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.
Q: What is Gifts & Gear?
A: The Gifts & Gear section of our website offers exclusive Royal Caribbean merchandise, gift certificates and onboard amenities - many of which can be delivered to your home, your stateroom, or even as a gift to a friend. So, whether you want to have flowers waiting in your stateroom, or your looking for a souvenir to remind you of the adventure you just had, head to Gifts & Gear and check out the selection.
Q: What travel documents and identification will I need for international sailings?
A: Please note: Royal Caribbean domestic sailings are all sailings originating and ending in ports located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico including Panama Canal sailings. All other sailings are considered to be international sailings. These include itineraries in Europe, South America and Australia/New Zealand including re-positioning sailings originating or ending in their ports. U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports.
Before Leaving Home Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Caution: The requirements described below are subject to change by governmental bodies without notice.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as a passport, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for ship boarding and country entry and/or re-entry.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring the proper documentation. Consecutive Sailings Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. These appropriate valid travel documents such as a passport, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for ship boarding and country entry and/or re-entry.
Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring the proper documentation. Consecutive Sailings Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation.
Passport A valid passport is required for travel.
For your protection, we recommend that your passport expiration date not occur within six(6) months of the sailing termination date.
U.S. citizens carrying an Official (maroon cover) passport must also be in possession of a valid Diplomatic or personal (blue or green cover) passport to allow ship embarkation.
Visas It is the guests' responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before commencing their cruise.
Based on nationality, many countries still require an entry visa.
Inoculation / Health As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Traveler's Health website. or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website.
Family Legal Documents Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child's valid passport and visa (or certified copy of the child's birth certificate) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents. The notarized letter from the child's parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child. If a non-parent adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.
*Taxes Not Included
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