When I board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it seems like I usually make a point to do a few important things as quickly as possible on the first day.
I've got my approach to what to do once I board on embarkation day down to a science, but I often think back to my first cruise when I was unsure of what to do.
I've found taking advantage of the first few hours on a Royal Caribbean ship greatly benefits you later. It can save you time, sanity, or just open up new options.
I wanted to share 8 things I think new cruisers should do as soon as they board the ship.
The first thing I do is finish up the safety drill so I don't have to worry about it
Every passenger has to complete the mandatory safety drill, so I'll head immediately to my muster station to get it complete.
Your muster station is listed in the Royal Caribbean app, and it's the only in-person step required. You should watch the safety video and listen to the emergency signal earlier in the morning from the app.
In the past, I've said that we will do the muster drill later, but it always seems like when I put it off, I regret it because I have to stop what I'm doing and take care of it.
It's much better to just get the muster drill finished when you board and before you start any of the fun activities. I find this is the least disruptive strategy.
I will open the Royal Caribbean app to check for last-minute show reservations
Regardless if you pre-booked shows for your cruise or not, I'll log into the Royal Caribbean app to see if there are any new reservation options.
There are potentially two things to look for in the app that you could book, but you'll need to be onboard first. So be sure to log onto the ship's WiFi and then open the app. Don't worry, you don't need an internet package to use the app.
The first thing to look for are reservations for the premier shows.
If you're sailing on an Icon, Oasis, or Quantum Class ship, you can make reservations for shows before the cruise begins. Reservations aren't offered, nor are necessary, for smaller ships.
Reservations are complimentary, but they usually sell out well before the cruise begins. I've noticed there are usually extra reservations that open up once onboard. So it's worth checking for those.
The other type of entertainment to book once onboard are activities, such as ice skating or laser tag.
Typically, these are not made available pre-cruise but will be bookable once you get onto the ship. These are very popular, so you'll want to book a session too.
Avoid getting "hangry" by eating lunch
If I'm being honest, I'm not pleasant when I'm hungry. So to do a favor to the rest of the world, I'll head to a restaurant to eat something.
My go-to default choice is the Windjammer buffet. I love the variety of food, and there's enough choices everyone is usually happy because they can find something to eat.
If I'm on an Icon Class ship, I'll go to the Aquadome Market instead, because the freshly prepared food is wonderful.
Another alternative is to book a specialty restaurant for lunch. I appreciate the higher food quality, but I am usually too antsy for a sit down meal on embarkation day. I'm too excited to be on a cruise!
I think it's a good idea to eat something to power the rest of your day onboard.
Start walking around the ship to see where everything is located
Exploring your ship on the first day is such a good idea, so you know where everything is located and there are less surprises later.
Many first time cruisers lament they missed out on something simply because they were unaware it existed.
On the big ships, it's also nice to better understand where everything is located. While you can watch a video tour before the cruise, I find actually walking the space makes a big difference.
Certainly some of the steps in this article can be included as part of your exploration.
Get my kids registered for kids club
Royal Caribbean does an amazing job with its kids programming, including Adventure Ocean and the teen club.
My advice is to sign them up at 1pm when the open house opens so they can be ready to go later that night.
The first sessions of kids club don't begin until 7pm, but registering them takes care of the paperwork, as well as offering you and your kids the opportunity to meet the counselors, see the space, and ask questions.
When my kids were younger, acclimating them to the club and the counselors was very important so they could feel more comfortable with the experience later.
Even if you're unsure if your kids will actually go, I'd recommend signing them up early just to make it simpler if they do decide to go later.
Unpack everything instead of living out of a suitcase
I don't know how controversial this is, but I think living out of your suitcase on a cruise is always a mistake.
It seems sensible, especially on a 3-night cruise, but I find I'm constantly digging for one thing out of my suitcase.
Unpacking means less clutter, and I can get the specific shirt, sock, or hat without having to toss my entire bag.
Moreover, I'll unpack as soon as my luggage is delivered to the room. Like the muster drill, I want to get it taken care of and out of the way.
Another advantage is some cruisers will use their empty suitcase as a defacto dirty laundry hamper. Once they're done with the clothing, they fold it and put it in the suitcase so there's less to pack later. It's a pretty smart cruise hack.
Meet my stateroom attendant so I can make important requests
You will have a stateroom attendant that will service and clean your cabin at least once per day (twice if you're in a suite), and they're important to sync up with sooner than later.
I'll try to find them in the early afternoon after boarding the ship so I can convey requests we have for our sailing.
Often the bed configuration in my kids room isn't how we want it, or we need extra towels. I make a point to ask my cabin attendant for these things early.
Celebrate being on a cruise with a "I'm on a cruise ship!" drink
Don't worry, none of these must-do steps as soon as I board the ship are as tiring as it might sound, but it's also important to take a moment and celebrate where you are.
Being on a cruise is exciting, and it signifies a break from your routine. Plus, it's my favorite kind of escape. And no doubt you worked hard to earn the money to pay for this kind of a vacation.
To that point, I think it's very important to take a moment to revel in it by having a celebratory first drink of the cruise beverage.
Whether it's a cocktail, beer, or Starbucks latte, make sure you take time to enjoy where you are, who you're with, and how lucky you are to be away for a short while.
