Royal Caribbean packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Royal Caribbean style
Whether you’re new to cruising or someone who’s sailed tons of times but hates the prep, packing for a cruise can be a daunting task. There are standard items — including duct tape — that should be a part of any solid cruise packing list.
But what if you want to drill down even further and pack items specific to your brand of choice? We’ve created this Royal Caribbean packing list to feature everything you need to sail on the line’s midsize ships and megaships in the islands and around the world. Here’s what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Royal Caribbean cruise packing list at a glance
- Royal Caribbean International app
- A day bag
- Activity-appropriate attire
- Branded lanyard or luggage tags
- Drinks and water bottle
- Electronics accessories
- Comfy clothes
- Antacid
- FlowRider board
- Theme party attire
What to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise
The Royal Caribbean International app
If you want your cruise with Royal Caribbean to be smooth sailing, download the Royal Caribbean International cruise line app on your cellphone. It will allow you to check in for your sailing in advance so you’re ready to go on embarkation day. Just provide the required details, upload a photo, link a credit card and choose an embarkation time, and you’ll be able to breeze your way on board in a matter of minutes.
After you board and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi, you can use the app to check the daily activity schedule and dining times, message your fellow cruisers, view your onboard bill, and make dining, shore excursion and show reservations.
Even better, since the app is stored on your phone, which we’re sure you’re planning to pack, it doesn’t take up any additional space in your luggage.
A tote bag or small backpack
Whether you plan to be out and about all day in port or roaming the ship in search of your next activity, it helps to have a bag handy to carry things like sunscreen, books and your cellphone.
Given how large Royal Caribbean’s ships can be, you’ll be glad to have a bag so you don’t have to run back and forth to your cabin to grab items you forgot. On the largest Oasis Class vessels and Icon Class ships, it’s nearly a quarter-mile walk from bow to stern.
Activity-appropriate attire
Royal Caribbean is known for innovative attractions you never thought you’d see on a cruise ship. They include carousels, skydiving simulators and bumper cars. If you plan to take part in these activities, make sure you’re dressed for success.
For example, onboard zip lines require closed-toe shoes, and you’ll need socks for the climbing shoes you’ll have to wear to scale your ship’s rock climbing wall. Bring long pants and socks if you’d like to lace up your ice skates at Studio B, the ice rink found on many of the line’s vessels.
You’ll want to pack a one-piece bathing suit or some sort of athletic attire if you’re a woman preparing to take on the FlowRider surf simulator. (A crew member told me people in bikinis have about a 50% chance of losing their tops when they fall into the spray.)
A branded lanyard or luggage tags
It’s a fact: Many cruisers wear lanyards around their neck to hold their cruise keycards. (It’s important not to lose the cards since they double as onboard charge cards and shipboard IDs.) Whether you’re going for fashion or function, you can find many styles and colors to meet your needs.
However, perhaps none is as appropriate for a Royal Caribbean voyage as a branded lanyard with the cruise line’s logo. Search Etsy for custom Crown & Anchor options to show your shipmates you’re loyal to Royal.
Another great way to show off your Royal Caribbean pride is with logo luggage tags for your bags. They’re both apropos and functional.
Drinks and a reusable water bottle
If you’re looking to save some money on drinks during your next sailing, note that you can bring two bottles of wine or sparkling wine per cabin. There will be a $15 corkage fee per bottle if you choose to enjoy your beverage outside your room, but it’s still cheaper than purchasing wine on board — even if you have a drink package.
Royal Caribbean also allows passengers to bring up to 12 cans, plastic bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks onto its ships.
If you buy a drink package, you will receive a special branded travel tumbler for the soda machines on board. If you don’t buy a package, you’ll want to pack a reusable water bottle or travel mug that you can refill with your favorite beverage.
Electronics accessories
No one unplugs on cruises anymore; in fact, bringing a variety of tech accessories can actually enhance your cruise.
Start with a non-surge-protected power strip (ones with surge protectors will be confiscated) to increase the number of outlets available to charge your electronic devices in your cabin. These are especially helpful on older ships, which often lack charging outlets and USB ports.
Looking to capture some candids at the beach on Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, or snag the perfect family photo with the pool deck sunset as a backdrop? Toss a waterproof phone case, selfie stick or GoPro with a gimbal into your bag.
Comfy clothes
In keeping with the changing preferences of its clientele, Royal Caribbean has largely relaxed its dress code. That means beachwear (by the pools) and resort-casual clothing are the norm during the day. At night, you’ll see passengers in everything from jeans and T-shirts or sports jerseys to ball gowns and tuxedos — although the latter is becoming increasingly less common.
In fact, on my last weeklong cruise with Royal Caribbean, we had one formal night and one “dress to impress” night, neither of which was mandatory.
In that vein, pack comfy clothes appropriate for the weather in the destinations you’re visiting. (Think: wrinkle-resistant pants, as well as dresses and shirts made from cotton-polyester blends, which are difficult to wrinkle and fold up thin.) Quick-drying fabrics are a great option in hot and humid destinations like the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Antacid
Between the burgers, fries and onion rings from Johnny Rockets; greasy but delicious Sorrento’s pizza; and free Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, you might find yourself experiencing indigestion or heartburn after indulging in comfort food on Royal Caribbean ships.
Toss a small bottle of antacid into your toiletry kit to help ward off any potential discomfort.
FlowRider board
One of the most iconic aspects of many Royal Caribbean ships is the FlowRider — a free surf simulator that allows passengers to try their hand at boogie boarding and surfing.
You’ll sometimes see the more seasoned surfers bringing their own boards onto the ship when they embark. If you’re someone who has tried the FlowRider before and has their own board, why not make it part of your packing list?
Theme party attire
Royal Caribbean is well known in the cruise world for its theme parties. You’ll find everything from ’70s and ’80s nights to Caribbean and cowboy themes, as well as a White Night and a club experience called Red, where you might want to dress accordingly.
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean doesn’t list its theme nights before sailing, so pack a little something for each if you want to be prepared.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
- The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship
- Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know
- 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better
- The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler
- Royal Caribbean drink packages: Everything you need to know
- Royal Caribbean food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board
- Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card review: Easy-to-redeem rewards for no annual fee
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.