When should I arrive at the port terminal to board my cruise ship?

Guests should arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot selected during Royal App check-in. Your selected boarding time is listed on your mobile boarding pass—please plan to arrive at that time. Guests who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late may need to wait until we are able to accommodate them in a later group.

Guests are encouraged to complete check-in in the Royal App at least 3 days prior to their cruise. If check-in is not completed in advance, it must be finalized at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time.

Please note: Plan your arrival and boarding around your selected time in the app. All guests must be fully checked in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to port operations closing, or you will not be permitted to sail.

Be sure to review your specific port’s operating hours in advance, as closure times may vary. For example, the Port of Vancouver closes at 5:00 PM for boarding operations. 

If you choose to fly ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean automatically displays only the airline schedules that will enable you to meet your cruise. For your return home, you have the ability to select the flight that best suits your schedule. Depending on your disembarkation time and port, the time needed to arrive at the airport will vary.