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HIT THE DECK RUNNING ON DAY ONE

An easier way to plan ahead.

There's so much to experience on a Royal Caribbean International cruise and we want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. Cruise Planner is available to help you pre-plan your vacation right after you've booked your cruise. Now you can plan ahead and reserve shore excursions, book specialty dining, schedule spa treatments and more on your tablet or computer from the comfort of your home.

Board your cruise relaxed and worry free.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR CALENDAR

Now you and your party can customize your vacation together using the Cruise Planner calendar. Your calendar is automatically populated as you reserve. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guest. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

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Make the most of it by reserving shore excursions at every port in your itinerary. There's an excursion for everyone, from adventure seekers to foodies, history buffs to animal lovers. This is your chance to get to the heart of the most exciting destinations of the world.

Do it with a one-of-a-kind adventure you'll never forget

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Reserve your table at any of our specialty restaurants, from our signature steakhouse Chops Grille to the imaginative curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Enjoy additional savings of up to 40% off when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of selecting a dinner time that fits your schedule with My Time Dining.

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Quench your thirst onboard with a beverage package that gets you the best value on your favorite drinks, from Coca-Cola® to fine wine, premium and frozen cocktails to a full selection of beers, fruit juices to Evian® water.

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Stay connected while onboard with VOOM - the fastest internet at sea. Share your adventure and upload content to Facebook and Instagram, post videos to YouTube, tweet on Twitter, and have face‑to‑face conversations via Google Hangouts and Skype. Plus, you can even stream movies, games and apps via your personal accounts with DIRECTV, Netflix, Hulu and more. VOOM makes staying in the loop easy and affordable.

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Glam up for formal night with a new hairdo and a mani-pedi. With treatments for everyone from couples, teens and men, you're bound to find at least one amazing indulgence at our spa.

The gorgeous view isn't the only thing that will dazzle you onboard our innovative cruise ships. Our complimentary shows are sure to entertain you from beginning to end.

Sit back and enjoy a variety of incredible productions, including award-winning musicals from Broadway and the West End, original Vegas-style productions, live comedy acts, and aquatic and ice shows.

Only one cruise line offers the thrilling opportunity to learn to surf, to feel the rush of skydiving right on the deck of the ship with Ripcord by iFly or to go on a behind-the-scenes ship tour.

Reserve these signature activities and more in Cruise Planner.

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My Tips for Using the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner

Sharing is caring!

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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Finding Jillian Ultimate Cruise & Travel Planner (digital download/printable) Follow me on  Facebook at Finding Jillian Follow me on Pinterest at Finding Jillian Follow me on Instagram and YouTube at Finding Jillian Subscrib e to my blog and newsletter.

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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Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruise Compass 7 Days Western Caribbean + Perfect Day 2023

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: April 22, 2023  - Last updated: May 22, 2023

Are you planning a Western Caribbean + Perfect Day cruise on  Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas  and looking for a complete 2023 Cruise Compass daily paper planner?

Here are the full 7 days of Cruise Compass paper planners from my Western Caribbean + Perfect Day cruise roundtrip from Miami on Harmony of the Seas in April 2023.

Although cruisers can also find the daily activities, venue hours, dress codes, and show times on the Royal app , I find that it’s often more convenient to use the printed daily planner to see everything in one place.

However, to get your hands on a printed Cruise Compass, you’ll now need to wait in line each day at Guest Services to pick up a copy. Stewards no longer automatically deliver the printout to your stateroom or suite each day.

Royal Caribbean says you’re able to have a copy delivered if you request one from your steward, but this hasn’t been a reliable option on my RCI cruises this year so far.

You can download a digital copy of the Cruise Compass each day by scanning the “Gone Green” QR code you’ll find on a card in your stateroom. (Paid Wi-Fi isn’t required to do this.) The digital version is in the same format as the paper planners, and you can zoom in and out on the images.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day: Miami

Related:   How to Have the Best Embarkation Day on a Cruise

Related:   What Should You Wear on Embarkation Day on a Cruise?

Day 2 – Sea Day

Our first sea day was also our first formal night of the cruise (we had two on the seven-day sailing).

Related: What to Wear on Formal Night on a Cruise

On this first sea day we had dinner at the specialty restaurant Wonderland , and you can read my full review here: Wonderland Restaurant on Royal Caribbean – Full Review With Menus and Photos

Day 3 – Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Related: 33 Fun Things to Do on Cruise Sea Days

Day 4 – Roatán, Honduras

Day 5 – Cozumel, Mexico

Day 6 – Sea Day

Day 7 – Perfect Day at CocoCay

More resources for your Royal Caribbean cruise

• Royal Caribbean Casino Free Cruises – How to Get a Comped Cruise Plus Free Perks!
• Where to Get Coffee on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
• How to Get Free Drinks in the Casino on Royal Caribbean – And More!
• Ultimate Guide To The Key on Royal Caribbean

I hope these Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass images help you plan your Western Caribbean + Perfect Day cruise on  Harmony of the Seas.  Do you prefer using the Royal app or the Cruise Compass daily paper planner? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below!

Liked this post? Pin it for later!

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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:

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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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• Royal Caribbean International

Daily Planner

By Friendofbillbob , November 12, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

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Friendofbillbob

how far ahead of sailing are the opening up the cruise planner to book onboard show's and activities? We are on Allure December 11th. Thanks

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They’re not.

You can only book via the app once you’re on the ship’s wifi, or in person/by phone once you’re on board.

OK Thanks....so the key is as soon as we get onboard, connect to wifi and book all the shows for the week??

Correct.   

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to connect in the terminal while waiting to board. Works in some ports but not others.

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The Best Free Things To Do Onboard Rhapsody Of The Seas

You can look forward to lots of included onboard activities when you choose to sail onboard rhapsody of the seas®️..

By Amanda Mesa | Published on April 1, 2024

Feeling in need of a vacation but trying to operate within a tight budget? You can plan an unforgettable getaway without taking a big financial hit. I’ve found that cruising is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy all the perks of an all-inclusive escape without having to shell out big bucks for flights or a stay at an expensive resort. And if the thought of a larger-than-life cruise ship with a head-spinning list of features seems overwhelming to you, you’ll be pleased to know there are other smaller options out there that offer a simpler, more intimate vibe.

One of my favorites is Rhapsody of the Seas , a mid-sized ship that accommodates just 2,000 guests. Now, I’ve gone on my fair share of cruises, and I’ve found that this is the perfect number of people if you’re looking for a low-key, laid-back escape. Over the course of a few days, you’ll likely make some new friends — yet there’s still plenty of room to unwind on your own if and when you feel like it.

Rhapsody of the Seas is also one of the most budget-friendly ships I’ve ever sailed on. Most of the activities and experiences onboard this Vision Class ship by Royal Caribbean are included in your cruise fare — including access to the main pool and whirlpools, deck-side dance parties, the Rock Climbing Wall, late-night game shows and movie nights under the stars. The ship is also home to some of the cruise line’s top-rated culinary concepts — three of which are totally complimentary to cruise guests. Here are just some of top free things to do onboard Rhapsody of the Seas .

1. Delicious Dining During Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner

Let’s start with one of my top priorities — food. While every bite onboard Rhapsody of the Seas is delicious, those looking to stick to complimentary dining options will not be disappointed. The ship is home to Windjammer , a buffet-style favorite that serves crave-worthy flavors from around the globe all day long at no additional cost to you. Pop by in the morning to start your day with flaky European pastries, fluffy eggs Bhurji, made-to-order omelets and crispy-fried chicken and waffles. Drop in during lunchtime for freshly pressed paninis, tender carved meats, crisp salads, juicy burgers and a rotating selection of international fare. And at dinnertime, the lunch spread expands to encompass heartier entrees and even more international stations that change throughout your cruise. Another great perk? You don’t need a reservation to dine here.

There’s also the Main Dining Room . This is your go-to for formal dining onboard Rhapsody of the Seas . While the dress code isn’t super strict (this is a vacation, after all), people still enjoy showing up in their best resort wear — think summer dresses and wedges or linen slacks and button-downs — so the vibe always feels elevated. Like Windjammer, the menu here also features global fare with rotating dishes, so you can try something new each night of your cruise. The food at the Main Dining Room is also included in your cruise fare, though you will have to select a preferred seating time before you set sail.

Finally, there’s Park Café . This casual, always-bustling bistro offers deli classics like made-to-order salads, sandwiches stuffed with all your favorite meats, cheeses and toppings, steaming soups that always hit the spot and, of course, the Royal Kümmelweck — a roast beef sandwich that’s become a rite of passage among cruisers. Park Café is open for breakfast and lunch each day of your sailing. It’s definitely one of the best free places to eat on the ship if you want something fast and fresh in between pool sessions or other onboard activities.

Beyond the three complimentary dining options mentioned above, Rhapsody of the Seas  is also home to some amazing specialty restaurants — including the contemporary steakhouse, Chops Grille SM , the guest-favorite sushi spot, Izumi , the trattoria- style Giovanni's℠ Table and the ultra-VIP Chef’s Table experience. Dining at these specialty restaurants will cost you extra, but you can enjoy big savings by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package before or during your cruise.

2. A First-Rate Pool Scene With Plenty Of Surprise Happenings

If you’re traveling in tropical or Mediterranean climates — two regions Rhapsody of the Seas has sailed through — one of the best ways to spend a sea day is by the pool. The scene onboard this ship always exceeds expectations. During the morning, the vibe around the main pool and its surrounding whirlpools is chill and laid back, but as the day progresses, the ship’s cruise director ensures plenty of fun to keep guests engaged and entertained. Think dance competitions, live performers, bellyflop contests, prize-worthy challenges and more. And with so many chaise loungers available on the deck, you never have to worry about waking up early to claim a spot.

If you’re still craving zen vibes when the party starts up around the main pool, all you have to do is migrate to the Solarium. This adults-only hideaway onboard the ship has its own lagoon-like pool and whirlpools, and the atmosphere is always tranquil. Like the main pool, access is completely covered by your cruise fare. The Solarium also has a beautiful retractable crystal roof that allows you to swim, lounge and relax in any climate or weather. If you’ve opted to make your getaway an all-inclusive cruise vacation by purchasing a Specialty Beverage Package, you can enjoy free-flowing wine, ice-cold brews and your favorite cocktails from the nearby Solarium Bar at no additional charge.

3. Plenty Of Ways To Stay Active Onboard

4. An Award-Winning Youth Program That’s Complimentary

5. Exceptional Entertainment Included In Your Escape

6. More Ways To Make The Most Of Every Night Onboard

Dazzling theatrical shows aren’t the only way to spend an evening onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. If you’re in the mood for a more low-key night out, cozy up at one of the ship’s outdoor movie nights. They’re hosted on the pool deck beneath the stars, where a giant projector screen towers above the pool. The lineup usually ranges from old-school classics to current blockbusters — your Cruise Compass should show what’s playing on any given night. Or, if you want to laugh, head to a game show. Typically hosted by the cruise director, they pit contestants against each other in challenges like Love & Marriage, Battle of the Sexes and the adults-only Quest. Sign up to participate yourself or cheer on the brave contenders from the audience. Either way, you’re in for a hilarious night.

As you can see, Rhapsody of the Seas makes it easy to enjoy a budget-friendly vacation that feels like a million bucks. Whether you’re after chill vibes only, looking to get some thrills on or prefer a healthy balance of both, you’ll find that most of the best activities, experiences and even dining onboard the ship are free. See what else this cruise ship offers  or start browsing itineraries for your next getaway .

Rhapsody OF THE SEAS

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CRUISE TO SAN JUAN

CRUISE FROM Panama

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