12 Things Royal Caribbean Pros Always Do (and You Should Too)

If you’ve ever watched other people on a Royal Caribbean cruise and thought, how do they already know exactly where to go and what to do?, the answer is simple: practice, planning and a few clever habits.

Frequent Royal Caribbean guests have their routines down to an art – from snagging the earliest boarding time to finding the best quiet spots on board. The good news? You can copy every one of their tricks.

I’ve only cruised with Royal Caribbean four times myself, BUT, I’ve done a whole lot of research and learned from the best when it comes to insider tips.

So, here are 11 things Royal Caribbean pros always do, and how they make every sailing smoother, cheaper and more enjoyable.

1. Book, Cancel and then Rebook The Drink Package

Royal Caribbean’s drinks package prices change a lot, and the prices are always going up and down.

Experienced cruisers book the Deluxe Beverage Package as soon as it becomes available, then keep checking the price right up until the cruise. If it drops, they simply cancel and rebook at the lower rate.

I’ve done this myself and managed to get my drink package for half price.

There’s no penalty for cancelling a drinks package before your sailing, and refunds go straight back to your original payment method. You keep the lower price and lose nothing but a few minutes of effort.

This works best during sales like Black Friday, holiday promos, or those random mid-week discounts Royal Caribbean loves to sneak in. A quick price check every week or two can easily save hundreds, especially for longer cruises.

Suggested read: The Best Time to Buy a Royal Caribbean Drink Package

2. Check In the Moment It Opens

Everyone knows the best time to get on a cruise ship is as early as possible. You’ve paid for the full cruise, so why not enjoy every possible minute of it?

Royal Caribbean opens check-in 45 days before your sailing, and those who’ve done this before will be on the app at midnight (in the port’s time zone) to grab the earliest boarding slot. It’s worth setting an alarm for – these early times go fast.

The reward? You’ll be strolling onto the ship while others are still in line at security, enjoying your first lunch at the buffet, maybe even claiming a sun lounger before the pool gets busy. It’s a few extra hours of holiday for free.

Just remember to bring your passport and have your documents digitally uploaded in advance – that’ll make your check-in at the terminal a breeze.

Suggested read: 9 Costly Mistakes to Avoid on the First Day of a Cruise (& 13 Things You MUST DO)

3. Download the Royal Caribbean App Before You Cruise

The Royal Caribbean app isn’t just a convenience – it’s your pocket-sized cruise planner. But here’s the trick: remember to download it before you travel. If you haven’t yet, you can get it here.

Once you’re onboard, getting online can be patchy until you connect to the ship’s network, and it’s much easier to get set up while you still have solid internet at home. The app lets you complete your check-in, view your itinerary, book dining, spa treatments and shore excursions, and even manage show reservations.

You can also browse the daily activities for your sailing and start planning what you want to do. Want to hit trivia, fit in the comedy show, and still have time for the silent disco? You’ll know exactly when everything’s happening.

And once you’re onboard, the app updates in real time – think of it as your personal cruise concierge that fits in your pocket.

4. Reserve Dining in Advance

Ask any experienced Royal Caribbean cruiser and they’ll tell you: the speciality restaurants are not something you want to leave to chance.

From sushi at Izumi to steak at Chops Grille and seafood at Hooked, these restaurants are hugely popular – and the best time slots vanish quickly. The Cruise Planner website opens for reservations before you board, and that’s your cue to book.

If you’ve bought a dining package, make a rough plan of where you’d like to eat on which night. Once onboard, head to a restaurant or the dining desk to finalise your bookings before everyone else does.

It might feel overly organised, but it’s the difference between a calm dinner with a view and waiting in a queue hoping for a cancellation. Plus, you can plan your special nights – like formal evenings – around your reservations for the best experience.

5. Book Your Cruise Early (Really Early)

Cruising veterans are always looking far ahead – and for good reason. Royal Caribbean’s prices are based on supply and demand, which means fares tend to rise as cabins sell out. Booking early, sometimes a year or two ahead, gives you access to the best deals and the widest range of rooms.

It’s also the best way to get your ideal cabin location. Want a midship balcony? A quiet deck away from the lifts? Those go first.

And here’s a tip within a tip: if you book early and see a price drop later, your travel agent (or you, if booking direct) can sometimes get the lower fare applied to your existing booking. So even if you plan ahead, you’re still protected if deals appear later.

6. Cruise During Off-Peak Times

Royal Caribbean pros know that when you cruise is just as important as where you cruise. Prices drop outside of peak holiday periods, and ships are noticeably quieter too.

Some of the best-value months include January (after New Year), February, May, September, October, and early November or December. Depending on the destinations, of course. These shoulder-season sailings are a sweet spot – good weather, fewer crowds, and often better service because the crew aren’t rushed off their feet.

Sailing when schools are in session also means fewer families onboard, which can make for a more relaxed vibe if you’re after a peaceful pool deck. If your schedule allows it, off-peak cruising is one of the smartest ways to experience Royal Caribbean.

7. Check Out Past Cruise Compasses

If you love to plan, this one’s a gem. Every Royal Caribbean ship publishes a daily newsletter called the Cruise Compass, which lists all the events, activities, and entertainment for the day.

While you won’t get yours until you’re onboard, many past versions are shared online by other cruisers. Looking at them gives you a preview of what to expect – from pool parties and dance classes to quiz nights, live shows and themed events.

You can see a list of past cruise compasses here.

You’ll get a feel for how busy sea days are, what activities tend to repeat, and which events you’ll want to prioritise. It’s a simple way to get ahead – especially if you like to plan your evenings or avoid double-booking a show and a dinner.

8. Familiarise Yourself with the Deck Plans

Royal Caribbean’s larger ships are mind-bogglingly big – some hold over 6,000 guests and have neighbourhoods, zip lines and carousels. It’s part of the fun, but if you don’t know your way around, it can take a couple of days before you stop getting lost between decks.

Before you sail, take a few minutes to study the deck plans on Royal Caribbean’s website or app. Find where your cabin is, note the locations of the dining rooms, theatres, pools, and key lounges.

You don’t need to memorise every detail, but knowing roughly which end of the ship your favourite spots are on will make embarkation day much smoother. You’ll move around confidently while others are still peering at the deck signs.

9. Don’t Overlook the Smaller Ships

Big ships get all the attention – the water slides, robot bartenders and surfing simulators are impressive. But Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships have a charm that veterans never forget.

Radiance, Vision and Voyager Class ships, for example, carry fewer passengers and visit ports that mega-ships simply can’t reach. The atmosphere onboard feels more personal; you’ll see familiar faces at dinner, and crew will remember your name by day two.

Smaller ships are also easier to navigate, often come with lower fares, and can feel like a hidden gem compared to the hype of the biggest vessels. In short: don’t underestimate them – they might just surprise you.

Suggested read: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

10. Join the Crown & Anchor Society

Loyalty has its perks – literally. Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society is the cruise line’s loyalty programme, and it’s completely free to join.

Every cruise you take earns points, unlocking new benefits along the way. You’ll start with discounts on future bookings and onboard deals, and higher tiers come with priority check-in, special events, and even free laundry or internet minutes.

If you’re planning to sail again (and let’s be honest, you probably will), it’s a no-brainer to sign up. The sooner you join, the sooner your perks start to add up.

Suggested read: Royal Caribbean Group To Allow Loyalty Points To Be Shared Across Cruise Brands

11. Use a Good Travel Agent

There’s a reason even experienced cruisers still use travel agents – they make your life easier.

A good agent will handle all the admin, spot price drops, apply promotions, and deal with any changes or questions with Royal Caribbean directly. You’ll save hours of hold music and potential stress. And since they’re paid by the cruise line, not you, there’s no downside.

Look for an agent who specialises in cruises (ideally Royal Caribbean specifically) and who’s responsive and knowledgeable. They’ll often have access to extra perks or insights you won’t find online, and when plans change – as they sometimes do – they’re the ones who sort it out while you enjoy your holiday countdown.

These are the travel agents I use myself and can recommend.

12. Learn From Other Cruisers

Royal Caribbean fans are a passionate bunch, and they love to share their knowledge. Joining cruise Facebook groups, forums or following dedicated blogs can give you insider information that you’d never find in official materials.

You’ll find recommendations for the best cabins, the most peaceful bars, and even secret menu items at popular restaurants. You can also get honest advice about excursions, entertainment and what’s worth the extra cost.

Think of it as tapping into a global network of cruise-savvy friends – and once you’ve sailed a few times, you’ll be ready to share your own wisdom too.

Final Word

Cruising like a pro isn’t about being fancy – it’s about being smart. From downloading the app before you sail to picking the right time of year, these small steps make a world of difference once you’re onboard.

Follow these 11 habits and you’ll glide through your next Royal Caribbean holiday like someone who’s been doing it for years. More fun, fewer queues and maximum sea-day bliss – that’s the pro way to cruise.

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