Are you getting ready for your long-awaited cruise vacation? Well, getting onboard early is absolutely crucial! By selecting an early check-in time, you can start your vacation as quickly as possible. And the best part is, you can check-in online through the Royal Caribbean website or app, 45 days prior to your cruise. During the online check-in process, you’ll upload your identification documents and provide credit card information, but the most important step is selecting your check-in time.
Why is it so important to get an early check-in time, you ask? Well, there are 11 reasons mentioned in the video, and spoiler alert, there isn’t a 12th reason! Getting onboard early allows you to avoid the crowds at the cruise terminal, ensuring a smoother embarkation process. You also have a better chance of getting a good parking spot and avoiding any delays in the parking garage. Plus, with an early check-in time, you can start enjoying your vacation sooner, explore the ship, and take advantage of all the onboard activities before they get crowded. And let’s not forget, it increases your chances of getting the best dining times and restaurant reservations. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of your cruise vacation by getting onboard early!
Reason 1: Avoid Crowds at the Cruise Terminal
Better boarding experience
One of the main advantages of checking in early for your cruise is the opportunity to avoid the crowds at the cruise terminal. The embarkation process involves going through several lines before you can board the ship. By selecting an early check-in time, you have the advantage of being among the first to enter the terminal. This means fewer people in the line outside the terminal and shorter wait times. Starting your vacation on a positive note by avoiding long queues can greatly enhance your overall experience.
Less waiting time
In addition to a better boarding experience, early check-in allows you to spend less time waiting at the cruise terminal. Waiting in line is not necessarily enjoyable, especially when you are excited to start your vacation. By getting an early check-in time, you can minimize the amount of time spent waiting in line and maximize the time you have to enjoy the various amenities and activities on board the ship. Instead of waiting around, you can begin exploring and immersing yourself in the vacation experience right away.
Reason 2: Secure a Good Parking Spot
Limited parking availability
If you plan on driving to the cruise terminal, securing a good parking spot is a priority. However, parking availability can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons. By selecting an early check-in time, you increase your chances of getting a desirable parking spot. The earlier you arrive at the terminal, the more options you have when it comes to selecting a spot. This means you can potentially park closer to the entrance of the terminal or choose a parking garage that is more convenient for you.
Convenient parking options
Another benefit of getting an early check-in time is avoiding the hassle of parking garage delays. When thousands of people are boarding the ship on the same day, it can lead to congestion both in the cruise terminal and the parking garage. By arriving early, you can bypass the potential delays that can occur in the parking garage. Getting an early check-in time ensures a smoother parking process and allows you to avoid any unnecessary stress or frustration.
Reason 3: Avoid Parking Garage Delays
Efficient parking process
One of the advantages of checking in early for your cruise is avoiding parking garage delays. When thousands of people are trying to park their cars at the same time, it can lead to long lines and slow-moving traffic. By selecting an early check-in time, you have a better chance of being among the first to park your car. This not only saves you time but also ensures a more efficient parking process. You will be able to quickly find a spot and embark on your cruise without any unnecessary delays.
No need to rush
By getting an early check-in time, you eliminate the need to rush when it comes to parking. If your check-in time is later in the day, you may find yourself stuck in a long line of traffic, anxiously waiting to park your car. This can be stressful and may take away from the excitement of starting your vacation. But by arriving early and securing a good parking spot, you can leisurely make your way to the cruise terminal without feeling rushed or anxious. This allows you to start your vacation on a relaxed and positive note.
Reason 4: Start Your Vacation Sooner
Maximize your vacation time
One of the biggest advantages of checking in early for your cruise is the ability to start your vacation sooner. The earlier you check in and subsequently board the ship, the more time you have to enjoy all the amenities and activities on board. By having an early check-in time, you can potentially be on board by around 11:30 a.m., allowing you to make the most of your first day. This means more time to explore, relax, and savor the excitement of being on a cruise.
Enjoy onboard amenities earlier
With an early check-in time, you can take full advantage of the onboard amenities and activities before the ship becomes crowded. Imagine having the pool deck virtually to yourself, being able to try out the flowrider or rock climbing wall with little to no wait, or simply enjoying a quiet moment on deck. By getting on board early, you can enjoy these experiences before they get busy and truly make the most of your vacation time.
Reason 5: Get the Best Dining and Restaurant Reservations
More availability
If you have dining packages or are interested in making reservations at specialty restaurants, an early check-in time is essential. Dining reservations for specialty restaurants cannot be made until you board the ship, and popular dining times tend to fill up quickly. By getting on board early, you increase your chances of getting the dining times and restaurant availability that you prefer. This means you have a wider selection of dining options and can secure reservations at the most popular venues.
Higher chances of preferred dining times
When it comes to dining on a cruise, timing is everything. The most sought-after dining times are usually between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and they can book up quickly. By getting an early check-in time, you can be among the first to head to the main dining room to confirm or request reservations. This gives you an advantage over other passengers who arrived later and allows you to secure the dining times that suit your preferences. Starting your vacation with the convenience and flexibility of preferred dining times sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience.
Reason 6: Shorter Lines at the Buffet
Less waiting time
On the first day of a cruise, the buffet can be a popular spot for passengers looking to grab a bite to eat and start their vacation. However, this often leads to long lines and crowded conditions. By getting on board early, you have the advantage of being among the first to access the buffet. This means shorter lines and faster service, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of waiting in line. Avoiding the initial rush at the buffet ensures a more relaxed and stress-free dining experience.
Faster service
When the buffet is less crowded, the service tends to be faster and more efficient. With fewer people in line, you can quickly navigate through the food stations and choose your desired dishes at your own pace. The buffet staff can also focus on providing prompt service, ensuring that you have a pleasant dining experience. By getting an early check-in time and beating the crowds, you can enjoy your meal without any unnecessary delays or frustration.
Reason 7: Quick Registration for Kids at Adventure Ocean
Smooth check-in process
If you are traveling with children and plan on enrolling them in Adventure Ocean, an early check-in time is highly beneficial. Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s children’s programming, and all children must be registered beforehand. By getting on board early, you can take advantage of the embarkation day registration, which usually opens in the afternoon. Registering your kids earlier in the day allows you to avoid the lines that can form later and ensures a smooth check-in process for them, allowing them to start enjoying the various activities and programs sooner.
Less time spent in line
Waiting in line to register your kids for Adventure Ocean can be time-consuming, especially when many other passengers are also trying to do the same. By arriving early and getting an early check-in time, you can decrease the amount of time spent in line. This means less waiting for you and your children and more time for them to explore the ship and engage in the exciting activities offered by Adventure Ocean. Getting a head start on registration ensures that your kids can make the most of their time on board the ship.
Reason 8: Enjoy Onboard Activities and Attractions Earlier
Less crowded experiences
By checking in early and getting on board the ship sooner, you can enjoy the various onboard activities and attractions before they become crowded. Whether it’s trying out the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, or zip line, getting an early start allows you to have a more personalized and enjoyable experience. With fewer people competing for these activities, you can avoid long lines and have more time to fully immerse yourself in the excitement and thrill of each attraction. Starting your vacation with these exhilarating experiences sets a positive tone for the rest of your cruise.
More time to explore
An early check-in time grants you the luxury of having more time to explore the ship and familiarize yourself with its layout and amenities. Instead of rushing to find your cabin and settle in, you can take leisurely strolls around the ship, discovering new areas and hidden gems. This extra time allows you to fully appreciate the ship’s grandeur and take in all the unique features it has to offer. By starting your vacation with a relaxed and unhurried mindset, you can make the most of your time on board and create lasting memories.
Reason 9: Reserve Entertainment Activities and Shows in Advance
Priority access
Certain entertainment activities and shows on board the ship require reservations in advance. This includes popular productions, such as comedy shows, the escape room, and the North Star observation pod. By checking in early, you have the advantage of reserving these activities before other passengers. This ensures that you can secure a spot and have priority access to the entertainment options you desire. Having these reservations in place allows you to plan your schedule accordingly and ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the exciting entertainment offerings during your cruise.
Higher chance of getting desired shows
Entertainment activities and shows often have limited capacity, and seats can fill up quickly, especially for popular performances. Being among the first to check in and reserve these shows increases your chances of securing the desired ones. Whether you’re interested in a comedy show, a Broadway-style production, or a themed performance, an early check-in time gives you a better opportunity to attend the shows that pique your interest. This allows you to experience the best of the ship’s entertainment offerings and ensures that you don’t miss out on any must-see performances.
Reason 11: Avoid Gaps in Time between Hotel and Cruise Check-in
Smooth transition
If you are transitioning from a hotel to the cruise terminal on the day of your departure, an early check-in time helps you avoid any gaps in time. With an early check-in, you have the advantage of being able to board the ship and start your vacation sooner. This eliminates the need to wait around between hotel check-out and cruise check-in, ensuring a smooth transition from one part of your journey to the next. By avoiding any downtime, you can make the most of your day and fully immerse yourself in the vacation experience.
No need to wait around
Waiting around between hotel check-out and cruise check-in can be inconvenient and may lead to boredom or frustration. By selecting an early check-in time, you eliminate the need to wait and can proceed straight to the cruise terminal. This allows you to utilize your time more efficiently and ensures that you can get on board the ship and begin enjoying your vacation as soon as possible. The seamless transition from hotel to cruise allows you to maintain the excitement and momentum of your journey, setting the stage for a memorable and hassle-free vacation.
In conclusion, getting an early check-in time for your cruise offers a multitude of benefits. From avoiding crowds at the cruise terminal and securing a good parking spot to starting your vacation sooner and enjoying the various onboard activities and attractions earlier, an early check-in time enhances your overall cruising experience. Additionally, it increases your chances of getting the best dining times and restaurant reservations, shorter lines at the buffet, and quick registration for kids at Adventure Ocean. It also allows you to reserve entertainment activities and shows in advance, ensuring priority access and maximizing your enjoyment. Finally, an early check-in time helps you avoid any gaps in time between hotel and cruise check-in, ensuring a smooth transition and eliminating the need to wait around. By considering these reasons and selecting an early check-in time, you can make the most of your cruise vacation and create unforgettable memories.
