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My Tips for Using the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner

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Do you use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner ? I’m the queen of worrying so when embarkation day finally arrives I want to grab a cocktail and find a great spot for sail-away. I want to start my vacation!  I don’t want to stand in line and read about the various drink packages and dining packages.

Please note that this post has been updated. You can find the new information here .

Welcome to the first post in the Countdown to Cruise series. I’ll share with you my tips to effectively using the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.

I use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner to pre-book and pre-pay for everything I can because I HATE coming back to a large credit card bill.  And, I hate to stress about it when I could be relaxing.  Oh, I also want to save a little money!

Anyone who has been on a cruise knows that as soon as you board there are information tables where you can purchase a drink package, a dining package….a spa package and more!  Well, did you know that you can take care of all of that before you board?  Enter the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.

Here are my tips for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner

Book entertainment and dining as soon as possible.  Entertainment is typically included in your cruise fare but on the largest ships, you are required to make reservations. If you selected my-time dining you will want to select your preferred time as the most popular times book up fast.

Pre-Cruise Sales in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner!

Roughly 4-5 weeks before your cruise, you will get an email from Royal Caribbean urging you to check out the sale prices in your cruise planner. But, you can access the cruise planner well before this time and check for sales.

I personally like to space out my purchases.  For example, we are sailing in March.  That means that our final cruise payment was due in early December.  I get that paid off (and recovered from Christmas) then start looking for deals in January. Our largest expense is usually our drink package.

Now, being honest, I don’t necessarily save money buying the drink package.  But, we usually have a decent amount of onboard credit and, with the sale price, it’s a wash.  And, again, I can pre-pay it, saving me from the sticker shock at the end of the cruise.  I’ll write a full post covering the drink package soon.  So be sure and subscribe if you haven’t already.

update for 2019:   Should you purchase the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage package ?

Do You Have Onboard Credit?

If you receive onboard credit from Royal Caribbean as part of your cruise purchase, it will be in your Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner almost immediately.  However, we also utilize the Royal Caribbean Visa and redeem points before each cruise for the onboard credit. This credit now appears in the cruise planner (YAY!) but only about 14-30 days out from your sail date. As you can see in the image below, your onboard credit shows at the top of the page near the cart. If you have credit, it will ask you if you would like to utilize it towards any item you add to your cart.

Because I’m so eager to plan, by the time this credit hits our planner, I have already booked our entertainment (no additional fee) and purchased our drink packages.  I use this Visa credit to book a specialty dining package and our internet package.  My husband needs to be accessible because he’s a business owner, and I need to keep all of you updated!

You can also pre-book excursions, purchase photo packages, trips to the spa, etc.  You can plan almost anything in Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner…except reserve pool deck chairs.  Darn it!

Heads Up – You will need to “check-out” and pay for these purchases.  Making purchases in the Cruise Planner does not go onto your onboard account for you to pay at the end of your cruise. You will get an email confirmation of your purchase.  You can print that email and take it with you or print out your purchase history and take it with you…just in case.

Have a Question about the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner?

If something is unclear you can always call or email Royal Caribbean to get clarification.  I’m not a phone fan but over the years I’ve submitted several emails looking for clarification. In fact, I just emailed them this week looking for clarification on a particular internet package.

Here is an example question that is a bit of a hot topic.  Recently, Royal Caribbean changed its policy on the alcohol package. They now specify that if one adult in a stateroom purchase the alcohol drink packages all adults over 21 in the same stateroom must also purchase the package.  (Don’t be mad at Royal Caribbean, the other cruise lines already had this rule).

So, if your spouse drinks but you don’t, contact Royal Caribbean and ask them if there are exceptions to this new rule. By the way, yes, there are many.   Don’t be afraid to ask a question.

You can also ask me!  Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram .  

Do You Have a Special Need or Request?

Staying on the topic of contacting Royal Caribbean.  I want to quickly share a tip I learned from listening to Matt on the RoyalCaribbeanblog podcast.  Thanks, Matt!

If you have a special need during your cruise.  If you have a health issue or severe allergy, send a note to Royal Caribbean.  For example, if you utilize a breathing machine and let Royal Caribbean know, they will provide you with an extension cord and distilled water at no charge.

Email   [email protected] – include your reservation number, cabin number, ship name sailing dates and, of course, your need.  You will receive an automated response and then a complete response within 2 days (in my experience). If your special need is in regards to a food allergy be sure and discuss it with the dining staff as well.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner – My Calendar

Once you’ve finished planning you can view My Calendar . This is a great way to double check the plans you made in the Cruise Planner. You can modify your selections in My Calendar. Your port times are also listed here which I think is very handy.

Have a question about the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner?

Comment below or join our community on your favorite social.  I would love to help.  Be sure to check out my other cruise related posts here .

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37 thoughts on “My Tips for Using the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner”

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I just booked a cruise for my son and his family for January 9, 2022. When I went online I cannot find any shows available. Does this mean they are all taking up? I wish I would have know this, because I would have spent all that money on their cruise, not being able to see a show.

Hi Cheryl. I assume you booked one of the Oasis-class ships with the amazing shows? Let me know! Yes, there will be shows. They just aren’t available for reservations pre-cruise right now. I am hoping that it gets closer to the cruise things will start becoming available pre-cruise again. Baby steps to getting back to all of the fun things we love. Keep me posted and I hope you will invite them to join my Facebook group.

I use cruiseplanner a lot. So does the misses ..’. Do you know if I can book something (spa stuff. eg. ) without having it visible in the cruiseplanner afterwards? #surprises

It’s so sweet that you want to surprise your wife! I am unaware of a way that you could hide it in the planner. Typically spa services don’t sell out so you may want to book onboard and give her a special card or something. 🙂 Jill

Where in the cruise planner can you see if you have early, late, or my time dining? As well as the bed preferences (king or 2 twins)? I feel like the cruise planner has changed.. and not for the better 🙁

Hi Brittany, Yes, it has changed a bit. It’s on my to-do list to update this post. Dining preference, if you selected early or late, is set at the time of booking. If you booked through a travel agent, they can change that if you’d like to switch or you can call RC. Only “my-time” dining and specialty dining can be reserved within the planner.

Bedding preference is the same way and is typically set during your time of booking. However, I will say that some times when we get to our room, it’s the opposite. The room steward is always willing to switch this for you. It’s never an issue.

They appear to be making regular changes to not only the cruise planner but the online check-in and Crown & Anchor Society section. I love Royal Caribbean…but their site is known for being a little cranky.

Thanks for reading! Jillian

Hi Jillian, My family and I have booked a cruise for November from Sydney Australia. On the top of our cruise planner it states that we are unable to add anything to our cart due to payment not being paid. We have paid our deposit for the trip. Do you know if you have to have paid in full before these services become available because we were planning on paying the trip off over the course of the next few months Thank you and kind regards Alanna

Hi Alanna, Are you trying to make purchases such as dining or excursions or are you trying to book entertainment? In my experience, within the cruise planner, you can “purchase” items well in advance of your cruise without having made your final cruise payment. However, if you are on an Oasis Class or Quantum Class ship and you are trying to reserve/schedule shows, etc. those usually become available closer to 90-120 days prior to sailing. The message at the top regarding payment is odd to me though. Did you book directly with the cruise line or through a travel agent? Also, do you live in Australia or just sailing from Australia? Sorry for all of the follow-up questions but we will get it figured out! – Jillian

On the cruise planner how do you watch for price changes on cruise and other items like drink package? Thanks Tammy

Hi Tammy! That is a great question. If you are signed up for their email notifications you will likely get an email whenever they have a “sale”. However, most of the time it’s a lot of marketing speak. The drink package can be especially confusing. I have seen it listed at $47 per day, then the next day a banner will appear that it’s 25% off…yet, still somehow $47 per day. They also like to say, buy one get one-half off…which really equates to 25% off each. I typically buy the drink package whenever I feel like I’m getting a decent price and I make a note of the cost per day. Not the sale percentage. Then, I check back regularly to see the posted price. Again, ignore the percentage, just focus on the day rate. If you notice it at a lower price, buy it again and then cancel your previous purchase. Excursions aren’t usually as confusing but I have the same process. I make note of the actual price, ignoring the sale percentage. I hope that helps. Please reach out if you have any other questions and thank you so much for reading my blog. – Jill

I am so glad to have stumbled on your page! Already found great info for my friend who is traveling with a breathing device. Had no idea they would provide the distilled water for her. How do you sign up for their email alerts?

Hi Susan, I’m so glad that you stumbled upon my site as well. I hope you will consider subscribing.

If your friend would like to email [email protected] that will do the trick. She will need to tell them her need, her sailing dates, ship, and cabin number. When she arrives in her cabin/stateroom, she should mention to her room steward that she put in the request. They will get it all set up likely while she is at dinner.

Hi! We are sailing next Jan 6th (84 days away!!) and we still can’t book any entertainment or activities!! We will be on the Oasis of the Seas. Do you know when we will able to do so? Thanks and greetings from Chile!

Hi Claudio! Typically activities hit the cruise planner around 90 days out. RC is a little known for not being 100% reliable to those timelines though. Try logging out and logging in using a different web browser if possible. Sometimes that works! If not give it a week or so then feel free to email RC direct using the link at the bottom of their web page. Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for reading. – Jill

Oh no! I hope you weren’t one of the ones who got sick! A girlfriend and I sailed at that same time, but we were on Enchantment. Heard the passengers got a pretty “good deal” for being inconvenienced, so hope that was really the case for you. And greetings from Merritt Island…15 minutes from Port Canaveral! 🙂

We are going on the Allure in July 2019, how do I book the DreamWorks character breakfast

Hi Melissa, The character breakfast will be available in the Entertainment & Activities tab of the cruise planner. That will be available closer to your sailing. I usually book our dining about 90 days out. However, I find that RC doesn’t follow a strict schedule regarding their cruise planner. You may want to start looking about 120 days out. Thank you for reading my post! I hope you and your family have a great time! I just posted about the Allure this week if you’d like to check it out.

My cruise is 7 months away, I can book all my shore excursions and drink packages, but none of the Entertainment & Activities are available to reserve this far in advance. When do those usually become available ?

Hi Jeff, I am in the same situation. I will be on the Allure in March 2019 and Entertainment is not available to reserve yet. Which ship are you sailing? (Not all ships offer entertainment pre-booking.) The cruise planner has a bit of a mind of its own regarding timing. Keep in mind that they are a business so it’s in their best interest to sell you things as early as possible. The entertainment is typically included so there isn’t as much pressure on them to release it as early. At 7 months out, I would just check back every few weeks and it will magically become available. 😉 Don’t worry! You are ahead of the game and will be in great shape. I usually check for reservation opportunities about 90 days out. Thank you for reading my post. If you go to the printable section, you can create a cruise schedule to use on board.

My cruise planner and calendar show just fine on my computer but I am unable to print it. What can I do? I also thought of using my tablet to show it but that won’t work. As I have already said, what can I do?

Hi Jeff, thanks for reaching out. I am a Royal Caribbean fan but I admit that their site is far from perfect. I was able to print our calendar but it didn’t print out as I saw it on the screen. It printed oddly with an ad in the middle. This is one of the reasons I created my own customizable schedule. It requires that you enter the information again but it prints well! It’s available in the Travel Printable section of this site.

Alternatively, you can try a screenshot of the calendar and then print or you can use the RC mobile app. When we sailed on the Allure in March the app worked fairly well. The entire cruise planner should be accessible on your tablet when you are logged in and have internet. Good luck. I understand that it can be frustrating.

Where do I find the entertainment programs and reservation page?

Hi Debra! Along the top of the web page for the cruise planner, you should see a link that has Entertainment & Activities.

Hi, can I chek out cart for many times? I want to reserve entertainment now, but I don’t want tu pay for the drink yet. Thank you!!

Absolutely! Go ahead and reserve the entertainment. You can go back and make purchases.

How do I obtain a non-alcoholic drink menu before the cruise? I was never offered one during my last cruise. Thanks

Cynthia, thank you for reading my post. Here is a link to the beverage packages offered on Royal Caribbean cruises – https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/beverage-packages However, I understand that this doesn’t answer your specific question regarding a menu. In my experience, Royal Caribbean is pretty general about their brand offerings, especially in the liquor category. They instead note “top shelf” or items up to a $13 value, etc. You will find that different venues on board specialize in different drinks as well so they each have a slightly varied menu. Regarding non-alcoholic beverages, I know that they carry the Coca-Cola brand soft drink line. If you would like specialty coffees, non-alcoholic cocktails, etc. you would need to purchase the Refreshment Package or pay a la carte.

I think there website is HORRIBLE!!! I’ve wasted more time and energy and it has even soured me on wanting to go on the cruise. I’m going to call that web assist tomorrow. I am soooo burnt out on this.

Janet, I certainly understand your opinion. I have had my share of frustration at times as well. Oddly enough, for me, it seems to be during the cruise search. I know that they are in the process of “updates” so we will see what happens. In general, I believe the online check-in and cruise planner areas have gotten better. If you are looking to research or book a cruise, I highly recommend going through a travel agent. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll try and help!

Thank you so much for answering my question. They were very helpful.

My husband and are are taking our very first cruise. We are going on an Alaskan cruise on June 22,2018. I have a few questions. 1. How do I know what shows will be on this. Cruise and who do I contact for reservations? 2. We will need transportation from our hotel in Seward to the pier. Do I need to arrange this myself? If I am at the airport and need transportation does Royal Caribbean provide this and what is the cost? 3. What restaurants are included in the price of the cruise? 4. We are scheduled for the late dining. Is this at a specific restaurant or all of them? What would I need to do if I wanted to change to an earlier time? 5. What would I need to do if I wanted to upgrade to a balcony and what would the cost be? We are on an outside with a window.

Thank you very much. I am sure I will have more questions closer to departure.

Hi Debra, thanks so much for reading my blog post. You have a lot of great questions. I will try and help you out here with a few of them. I’m not sure what boat you are sailing on so shows will be specific to your boat. Typically the Oasis and Quantum class ships are the only ones you need to reserve shows for with the exception of the ice skating show on some boats. If reservations are required, you will be able to reserve those in the cruise planner located on the Royal Caribbean website. 2. Transportation – yes, you will need to set up your transportation from the airport and hotel. Are you flying in the day before your departure? Royal Caribbean, will likely have a transportation/shuttle option but you will need to reserve. Your hotel will likely offer a shuttle service as well, just ask. There will likely be a fee. 3. Dining – Main Dining and the Wind Jammer buffet are included in the price of your cruise. And, yes, you will be assigned to a specific dining room. If you would like to switch to the earlier dining, go see the head waiter who will have open hours the first day of your cruise. If you would like to upgrade to a balcony room, you should contact your travel agency or Royal Caribbean right away. Balcony rooms go fast. I hope this helps. Most of this information will be in your cruise planner on their website. If you aren’t comfortable with the website, just give them a call. They will be happy to help you. (866) 562-7625 just let them know that you already have a cruise booked and have your reservation handy. But, if you used a travel agency, start with them first. I hope this helps! – Jillian

And Debra you will LOVE Alaska! I’m excited for you!

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RCCL – Managing Your Cruise with your Cruise Planner Account

• RCCL – Managing Your Cruise…

Congratulations on booking your Royal Caribbean Cruise vacation!  Planning a cruise can be just as fun as setting sail, and the best place to start your cruise planning process is on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner website.

The first step in planning your cruise is to set up a new account or sign into your existing Royal Caribbean account:

• Visit www.royalcaribbean.com/booked .  If you have an existing account simply sign in and link your cruise.
• If you are new to sailing with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines you will be prompted to set up an account.
• Once your account is set up you can link your cruise.

3. Once your account is set up you can link your cruise.

4.  This will be the dashboard for your cruise. From here you will be able to print your cruise documents when they are available.  Page 19 of your cruise documents will have your luggage tags for printing and stapling to your checked bags. 

*REMEMBER – You will need to link your cruise to the Royal Caribbean web site AND the Royal Caribbean app.  This must be done separately. 

5.  Once your cruise is linked it will appear on your cruising power dashboard. To begin planning simply click “Plan my cruise.”  This is where you can see all the add-on offerings for your sail date.  You’ll be able to book shore excursions, food and beverage packages, spa treatments, internet packages, onboard activities, CocoCay activities, and so much more.  Click on any item to learn more about a selection. 

6. If you wish to place an add-on item into your cart, click “Reserve.” You’ll be able to select the members of your party that wish to participate, and you’ll add it to your cart. 

7.  When you’re ready to check out click on the cart icon.   If the items in the cart are correct, you’re ready to click “Proceed to checkout” where you will complete your purchases. 

• Add-ons must be purchased on the Cruise Planner web site. These items can not be purchased or reserved with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines app.  
• Book add-ons early. Everything on the Cruise Planner can be canceled up to 48 hours before your cruise begins. Therefore, if you purchase a shore excursion and later see the price has dropped, you can cancel and rebook the excursion with no penalty.
• “The Key” must be purchased before you cruise. It can not be added on once you board.  If you think you’d like to add The Key to your cruise experience do so early as the number of passes is limited for all sailings. 
• If one adult in a stateroom purchases a Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults in the room must also purchase the package. In the case where an adult in your stateroom does not consume alcohol, Royal Caribbean may make an exception and allow them to purchase a Refreshment Package in lieu of a Deluxe Beverage Package.
• There is no set date when excursions can be booked. Keep checking your Cruise Planner for availability. 

For those planning a Disney cruise, My Mickey Vacation offers Disney cruise onboard credit to enhance your experience. With this onboard credit, you can enjoy added perks during your voyage such as dining, spa treatments, and more.

My Ultimate Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner (travel guide, photos, & video)

Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner will help you removes any guesswork when planning a cruise vacation.

No more disorganization & overwhelmed!

My Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner  is the perfect planner printable to organize your next cruise vacation with ease!  Not only is it a great fun-filled vacation at sea, but it is also relaxing to just get on the ship and have everything taken care of ahead of time —– so travel like a VIP!

Planning a cruise vacation  takes a good amount of time to research –  this cruise planner is your RESCUE!

In this post, we’ll talk about:

• Reasons why a Royal Caribbean Cruise will always be my favorite vacation
• What Royal Caribbean Cruise differs from other cruise lines?
• My best 10 tips on how to plan a perfect cruise
• The benefits of a cruise planner

Reasons Why a Royal Caribbean Cruise Will Always be my Favorite Vacation

Before my first-time experience cruising, I’d like to say I was a complete cruise novice. The Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas was the first cruise line to captivate my aspiration for cruising because when it comes to onboard activities the Royal Caribbean Line offers a wide range of activities, especially for my daughter. 

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to offer a 30-foot  rock climbing wall , ice skating rink, flow rider surf simulator , and a lot more.

I normally do a lot of research before a trip, and this is our third time to go cruising. Our second time was with Norwegian Cruise Line, and our third time was again with the Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas.

Also, one of the things that I love about the Royal Caribbean Cruise is the majority of the cruise ship staff are Filipinos. They are so warm,  friendly, hard-working, and so nice to even accommodate to cook us our Filipino traditional breakfast “tap-si-log” (beef tapa and egg) with garlic rice.

So What Royal Caribbean Cruise differs from other cruise lines?

If you are looking for onboard activity, Royal Caribbean Cruise offers is perfect for you.  The  FlowRider  surf simulator, bumper cars, rock climbing, broadway shows,  and the promenade onboard shopping are all Royal Caribbean signature offerings.

Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships are among the largest in the world.  The Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas holds the title as the world’s largest cruise ship and it is about five times the size of the Titanic.  SOURCE: Royal Caribbean  

They built their ships bigger and bigger to offer a fascinating cruise experience to their guests. And what I love most about Royal Caribbean cruises,  they are designed to be family-oriented experiences where your kids, parents, and friends can share great unforgettable cruising experiences that are competitive and affordable. 

This is why Royal Caribbean Cruise will always be my favorite cruising vacation.

My Best 10 Tips How to Plan a Perfect Cruise

1. choose the right destination.

Not all ships are created equal! And it’s important that you choose the destination you want.  If your purpose is to explore new places, then select your destination first followed by the cruise ship of your choice.

Go to the cruise  website . You can sort by destination, departure ports, special interests, travel dates, and more. 

But if your purpose is to relax and enjoy onboard activities, each ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet offers different adventures so check the onboard activities that suit you and your kid’s adrenaline. 

2. Pick a cabin

Once you decide on the destination and ship that’s right for you, look into room options that best accommodate your family and your guest(s) to make yourself at home on the sea.

Cabin options are either inside cabin (no windows), outside cabin (with windows) to the outside, cabin with balcony, and suite (a larger cabin).

3. Compare prices

To get the best deal on cruises you may want to call your cruise line directly, a cruise planner, or go to different travel sites like Priceline , Expedia , or Kayak allows you to compare prices within one particular cruise line or multiple lines.

It is always better to know and have an idea of your travel cost. 

4. Don't overpack

Pack as lightly as possible. On most major cruise lines, the size of a standard inside cabin about 150 to 185 square feet, about half the size of the average hotel room, a standard outside 160 to 200 square feet, and a standard balcony 175 to 220 square feet.

5. Anticipate the extra cost

Cruising is still an excellent value, but most cruises are not all-inclusive, so you need to factor in additional costs —such as the shore excursion, beverages (alcoholic or not), specialty restaurants, spa treatments,  laundry, dry cleaning, Internet use, and tips—can add up. 

6. Amazing deals on last-minute booking

If you are flexible to book a last-minute cruise vacation, then you may want to check some better last-minute deals.  Cruise lines will often try to sell their available space by reducing their cruise rates. If your cruise is already booked, this is also a good time to call your cruise planner to check for cabin upgrades.

7. Consider the ship's dress code

Normally on a big cruise ship, there will be a formal night dinner and formal photo shoots.  The dress code was not strict nor strictly enforced, as long as men are wearing a smart polo shirt and women are wearing a decent dress or trousers then you will be fine. 

I saw some people who had really made an effort which was nice to see. 

8. Explore your ship

Enjoy and make the most of it! You are on VACATION! There are tons of onboard amenities you can take advantage of when you are out at sea.  Walk around and familiarize yourself with the ship and its amenities. You will receive in your room the daily activities newsletter so join and participate. 

9. Choose excursion wisely

Normally excursions from the cruise liners are more costly than if you booked off the ship. Use due diligence to compare prices and see the pros and cons. Make sure when you decide to do an independent excursion know the time required and when you will be back on the ship. 

This is important because you will be responsible for arranging transportation and paying all related expenses to catch up with the ship at its next port if you miss a sailing. 

10. Research ports of call ahead of time

Take the time to find out a little about the port of call you will be visiting to find out what you might like to do or see while you are there. 

When my family joined the 7 Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise  from Royal Caribbean, we flew to Venice (our departing port) 3 days earlier and we visited the neighboring towns such as  Florence ,  Pisa , and the colorful and charming villages of Cinque Terre.  

The ports of call are those countries that your cruise ship halts to embark or disembark passengers. 

The Benefits of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner

Vacation should be stress-free. The Royal Caribbean Cruise planner will make the task of planning your cruising vacation so much easier!

This will help you plan ahead and keep all of your vacation details together in one place.

I know that every mom wants to have the best vacation experience for their families.

So sail with comfort using the Royal Caribbean Cruise planner and plan the vacation of your dreams that covers you from A-Z!

A cruise planner can save you money in many ways! If you have a specific destination in mind for your next vacation, then it may be in your best interest to use our cruise planner printable’s to compare prices, pack, and capture all your vacation memories all together in your easy-to-use beautiful design printable cruise planner.

Finding a Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner is totally dependent on your travel criteria and needs.

You can skip the headache with our  Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner Printable.

What is Included in Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner?

Section Includes:

• Cruise Planning Timeline
• Planning Details (includes flights/hotel)
• Packing List (with suggested items)
• Blank Packing List
• On-Ship Dining
• Cruise Bucket List
• Ports of Call Excursions
• Cruise Budget Planner
• Overall Experience
• Cruise Notepad

I am sure you’ll definitely love simplifying things jotting down & crossing things off your Cruise Vacation Planner whenever something is DONE!

Get the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner Here!

Roughly 4-5 weeks before your cruise, you will get an email from your cruise agent. 

You will receive your onboard credit from Royal Caribbean immediately. 

This is what my daughter loves about cruising when she can use her onboard credits on the Royal Caribbean video arcade center. 

If you’re an organized mom like me who just loves having everything neat and kept all your vacation planning in one place…

You can spend less time planning. Easy to follow organizers and goodbye feeling frustrated, frazzled, and weary.

Here are some fantastic & suitable ones from Amazon.

1-inch  Binder  

1.5-inch  Binder

3-inch  Binder

Expanding  Binder

4-pocket  Binder

A-Z with Flap  Binder

Get Your Royal Caribbean Planner Printable's Today!

Sail with the comfort, royal caribbean cruise planner, cruising planner, caribbean cruise planner, royal caribbean planner, my cruise planner, cruise ship planner.

You’ll probably get just as much peace of mind using a  Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner   for great cruise vacation experiences!

It’s very exciting to start planning your cruise!

Final Thoughts:

The more I traveled, I learned that my time spent with my loved ones is the most precious jewels on earth!

So having a well-planned & fun vacation with families is the B-E-S-T thing ever! — so treasure it!

To recap, here’s what we have covered in this post:

Enjoy this article? Pin It!

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About Jeng Cua

After borrowing her lifestyle living paycheck to paycheck,  this work from anywhere mom wouldn’t let anything stop her from chasing her dreams.  Now, Jeng has achieved more than she ever imagined, while crafting her life of freedom and purpose by doing what she LOVE.  Her passion to travel and work at her own pace is  contagious inspiring others to follow their travel dreams!

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6 Best Cruises Out Of Port Canaveral

By Zachary Laks | Published on April 9, 2024

It's time to start planning your next big vacation. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or an extended voyage, you'll find cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida that tick all your boxes.

When considering one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, plan extra time before and after your sailing to soak up all the fun that the area has to offer. There's so much to do in Orlando that you could stay for several days and never get bored — music to your ears if you're traveling with children. One of the best things about Orlando cruises is that you have your choice of theme parks to round out your vacation. They're expansive and immersive escapes into playful worlds, not unlike a great cruise. I love tacking on an extra day or two at an Orlando theme park, usually before my cruise departs. I always appreciate the days of racking up thousands of steps traversing a theme park before boarding a cruise, where I know I'll be able to lounge on a deck or relax in a hot tub.

Not far from Port Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great place to spend a day admiring the vast scope of NASA. The center offers one-of-a-kind immersion into space exploration, including the chance to strap into a rocket launch simulator for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

For those seeking a more peaceful retreat before boarding their cruises out of Orlando, Port Canaveral is near the white sands of Cocoa Beach. Spend the day enjoying calm, low waves — great for year-round swimming, learning to surf and kayaking alongside manatees and dolphins. Or take a seat on an airboat ride through the wetlands for encounters with alligators and, depending on the season, bald eagles, herons and osprey.

Ready to book a cruise to Port Canaveral? Here are the six best cruises from Port Canaveral.

1. Best For A Long Weekend

Set to launch in the summer of 2024, Utopia of the Seas ℠ will be the sixth Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean's class of ships packed with adventure and entertainment. The new ship will focus on three- and four-night cruises from its year-round home port in Port Canaveral, with onboard upgrades that include reimagined pool decks, a Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen that spans two decks (try the osso buco!) and the new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, serving fruity cocktails on the Royal Promenade. This itinerary  to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas ℠ is the best for a long weekend exploring the highlights of The Bahamas, with a day in Nassau followed by a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island destination.

2. Best For Beach Lovers

This exquisite itinerary to the Southern Caribbean on Adventure of the Seas ® routes you to the farthest corner of the Caribbean for some of its best beaches. Sailing on the Adventure of the Seas ® for eight nights from Port Canaveral, you'll stop in ports such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Each port will welcome you with easily accessible, powdery sand beaches primed for world-class swimming, snorkeling and diving. You'll have your pick of 86 dive sites at Bonaire National Marine Park with more than 350 recorded fish species known to frequent the waters.

3. Best For A European Adventure

Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas ® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing. You'll cruise the Atlantic for the first nine days, living it up on a ship that is packed with ways to play and relax. You'll arrive in idyllic Tenerife in the Canary Islands on the tenth day. Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture by spending part of your day exploring the Museum of Nature and Archaeology or the Basilica de Candelaria shrine. The cruise continues to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, where picture-perfect colonial mansions line cobblestone streets, then on to the adventurous mountain island of Madeira, Portugal before completing your journey in the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

4. Best For Private Island Getaways

This unique Port Canaveral cruise itinerary  to Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Adventure of the Seas ® visits both of Royal Caribbean's private destinations, where paradise is just steps away from the ship. On an eight-night journey, this ship will first cruise to Labadee, the cruise line's private peninsula adventure park and beach. Soak up this private spot by relaxing on the beach, enjoy the destination's signature cocktail specialty, the Labadoozie (a fruity rum cocktail) or opt for a zip line ride that will send you soaring over the ocean. The next private island destination is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's oasis in The Bahamas. Here you'll port within short distance of pristine beaches, a thrilling water park and countless ways to unwind beneath the palm trees. There's also a stop in Bermuda, home to pink-sand beaches and rum swizzles.

5. Best For Foodies

Foodies will delight in fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes on this itinerary to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wonder of the Seas ® . In Cozumel, Mexico you'll find lunch specialties featuring locally caught seafood, often grouper and red snapper fried on a plate with rice and a vibrant salad. In Roatán, Honduras, ceviche is the local favorite, along with fried plantains and baleadas — tacos made with soft flour tortillas. The ship's final port is Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, a charming fishing village where the salbutes  (fried corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken) make a great appetizer to the catch of the day, served hot off the grill.

6. Best For Variety

This seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary  on Wonder of the Seas ® is a top choice if you want to change things up and go on a unique adventure in each port. Your first destination is Philipsburg, St. Maarten, where you can tour the island on an ATV, sample rum from a local distillery or end the day with a sunset horseback ride on the beach. When the ship arrives in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, head straight to Magens Bay, often short-listed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Or dive into a snorkeling tour to get face time with some sea turtles and coral reefs. On your final stop, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, everyone in your group can enjoy a seemingly endless array of activities. If the beach is calling, grab a spot on one of the many cushy beach loungers close to a bar serving up island cocktails that go great with the ocean view. For the adventurous ones, Daredevil's Peak® waterslide is North America's tallest and promises an adrenaline rush.

Encompassing ports of paradise and incredible culture, Orlando cruises are the ideal vacation getaway. Start planning your island escape from Port Canaveral now .

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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