The first day of your cruise is the start of a vacation, and also when you should knock out a few important things to make your cruise better.
In my years of cruising, embarkation day has changed a lot. On the one hand, it's gotten so much smoother thanks to smarter procedures and leveraging technology. But, there are still things cruisers should always try to do before the ship sets sail.
I'm a proponent of planning ahead, and with the right approach, you can set yourself up for an even better Royal Caribbean cruise by doing a few key things on that first day. That isn't to say you'll have a bad cruise if you do not follow anything here. Rather, I think it all enhances your sailing.
Here's my list of the things to do and not to do on your first day aboard a ship.
Do the muster drill and get it out of the way
Every cruise ship passenger has to complete their safety drill before the ship sets sail, and I recommend doing it immediately.
By the time guests are able to board, the muster stations will be open and there will be a crew member waiting.
The smart play is to go there immediately and knock it out because the muster stations are usually near the embarkation point.
Because Royal Caribbean uses an e-muster, you can do this at any time rather than the old days of everyone going at once.
You can ask a crew member as you board to help you locate your station by referencing its location from the Royal Caribbean app.
Make specialty dining reservations
If you need to make specialty dining reservations, go and do that next.
This step is likely less likely to be necessary because Royal Caribbean now allows guests book specific days and times for restaurants when they purchase a dining package pre-cruise, but sometimes it's still necessary.
Examples of why you'd still need to wait to make a reservation are people with a Diamond Plus BOGO offer, or someone looking to get a first day discount.
There's usually a crew member on the Royal Promenade at a station for "specialty dining reservations", but you can also go to any restaurant and the crew member there can book reservations for any other restaurant too.
Reservations will fill up quickly, so I'd recommend making them as soon as possible.
Eat lunch sooner than later
One of the first stops on any cruise is to eat lunch, and there are a few options.
Most passengers will head to the Windjammer buffet to grab a plate and load up. I love the Windjammer because there's so much variety, with lots for everyone. Even picky eaters will probably find something here.
The downside to the Windjammer is it can get very crowded, especially at noon.
Depending on which ship you're on, there are alternatives that might be less crowded:
- Sorrento's
- Park Cafe
- Cafe Promenade/Pearl Cafe
You could opt for a specialty restaurant for a more relaxing first day.
That gets you no rushing around, a sit down meal, and higher quality food.
Walk around the ship
Another must-do on embarkation day is to walk around the ship to explore.
While I think the layout of a Royal Caribbean ship is pretty easy to navigate, it's a good idea to explore and see everything so you have a good frame of reference for what's onboard and where everything is.
It's really common to walk around the ship and then realize there's a certain activity or venue that you forgot about.
Plus, it makes getting around easier later when you're in a rush to get somewhere.
Stop for a "first drink of the cruise"
Most cruisers will tell you a time honored tradition of cruising is to grab a cocktail, beer, mocktail, or glass of wine to toast the start of the vacation.
My preferred spot is at the upper pool deck bar, where I can enjoy a drink, the breeze, and a view of the ship as I take in the start of my vacation.
Don't be temped to live out of your suitcase
While no one day dreams about the start of their cruise involving unpacking, it really makes a difference.
Once you get to your stateroom, unpack your bags and put everything away so there's less clutter. Be sure to stash your suitcases underneath your bed after you're done.
I've cruises many times unpacked and also living out of a suitcase, and living out of a suitcase always ends up frustrating me when I'm trying to find another pair of socks or where I put that one thing.
Talk to your stateroom attendant
The crew member you're likely to talk to the most is the cruise ship cabin attendant, and I recommend tracking them down on day one.
Usually they'll come by and knock on your door to introduce themselves, but don't be shy to approach them in the hallway if you see them.
Your steward can be really helpful in not only keeping your cabin tidy, but assisting in ensuring you have everything you need. I always ask my room attendant for certain amenities that makes my cruise more enjoyable.
Plus, you can specify when you want your room cleaned, and ensure the bed configuration is correct well before it's bed time.
Don't buy a drink package
I think a Royal Caribbean drink package is a great value, but do not wait to buy it onboard the ship.
You will spend hundreds of dollars more if you buy it onboard because it's always cheaper if you buy it before the cruise begins.
Royal Caribbean has sales on drink packages practically every week, so there's no excuse to buy it on the ship and pay up to 40% more than if you did it online.
Considering how much cheaper a beverage package is online, go ahead and book that now rather than waiting for the first day.
Do the spa tour for fun
I actually like taking the Vitality Spa tour, if only to see what this private area of the ship looks like.
On embarkation day there are crew members eager and waiting to show you around the spa at no cost or obligation.
The spa and fitness center are well-appointed areas, plus you might be surprised by the offerings.
Take the kids to the water slides
If you or your kids want to try the waterslides, I recommend doing this on the first day of the cruise.
Embarkation day is a genius hack for avoiding the longer lines for the slides later in the cruise. Most passengers don't have their bathing suits and they're busy doing everything else on this list on day one, so that leaves the slides with less waits.
Most Royal Caribbean ships have water slides now (especially the big ships), and it's usually the must-do thing for most kids once they see it. Ideally, pack their swim suit in a carry-on bag so they can change in one of the public restrooms on the pool deck and start riding.
Avoid high fees later and disable your phone
You can use your phone on embarkation day, but be sure to put it into airplane mode before it's time for sailaway.
Once your ship leaves port, it will quickly leave your cell phone service area and then your phone will be roaming. Roaming coverage could cost you hundreds of dollars without you even knowing about it.
By putting your phone into airplane mode (instead of turning it off), you can still use the Royal Caribbean app or access the ship's Wi-Fi.
Don't assume your cabin is working perfectly
It's a good idea when you get into your stateroom to double check everything is working the way you expect it.
Set the thermostat to what you want, verify the toilet and sink work, make sure there's hot water, and see if the television works.
Most of the time, there won't be issues, but it's better to call maintenance to fix them now, rather than later in the evening.
Don't wait to sign the kids for kids club
You'll want to register your children for Adventure Ocean or the teen club on the first day by going to the venue and filling out a quick form.
During the afternoon of the first day, both venues are in open house mode. Parents can come in and meet the counselors and ask questions. Plus, the kids can see what it's like too.
There's no cost to leave your kids at Adventure Ocean (unless they stay late or are under 3), and this is when you can indicate who has permission to pick up and drop them off, as well as if the kids can sign themselves out.
Teens have less rules, but you need to get them registered too.
All of the kids programming begins after dinner (usually at 7pm), but do it in the daytime to avoid waits later.
Don't go to your stateroom until they're ready
Royal Caribbean doesn't open its staterooms until usually 1pm (sometimes later), so don't waste your time trying to go earlier.
Unlike other cruise lines, such as Celebrity, you cannot drop your bags off in the room before the staterooms officially open.
