INTRODUCING YOUR BEST VACATION EVER

Planning the perfect trip to please everyone is way easier than you think, especially with our cruising tips for first timers. Going on a cruise vacation means more to do for your entire crew— whether they want epic adventure or complete relaxation, cultural exploration or awe-inspiring views. All with maximum convenience as you’re whisked to unbelievable destinations anywhere in the world.
 

Wander the World Over

Snorkeling in the Caribbean, dog sledding in Alaska, or castle-hopping in Europe. We visit over 270 destinations — take your pick.

Nearly Everything Is Included

Comfy stays, big-time thrills, delicious meals and non-stop entertainment — it’s an unbelievable vacation value all for one price.

Adventure for All Ages

Our ships have plenty for everyone. From play spaces and an award-winning youth program to Vegas-style casinos and nonstop nightlife.

Convenience Mode Set to Max

Sit back and let us do the driving. We’ll take care of everything from table to stateroom with our best-in-class service, so you can focus on memory making.

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revised HP Jumbotron 1920 1080 FAM NF 2x NEW

taKE YOUR FIRST CRUISE WITH THE BEST

There’s a reason Royal Caribbean® is the cruise line voted Best Overall for 23 years running by Travel Weekly readers. Actually, there are several— starting with the biggest fleet of the most innovative, adventure-filled ships at sea. And award-winning private destinations, like Perfect Day at CocoCay, voted Best Private Island for the past five years.

GAMECHANGING FLEET

Set sail on the boldest ships in the world, like The Icon of Vacations, Icon of the Seas® and The World’s Biggest Weekend, Utopia of the Seas®.

AWARD-WINNING PRIVATE DESTINATIONS

Go for endless thrills and more ways to chill at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Or escape to Labadee for adrenaline-amping adventures in paradise.

Places to Go on a Cruise

This is all-in, all-out and everything you could want to do in more than 270 destinations worldwide. From tropical islands in the Caribbean to historic cities in Europe and natural wonders in Alaska, this is not a vacation — this is all the vacations.

What’s Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Unlock adventure with Royal Caribbean® — where everything for the ultimate vacation is included with your cruise fare.

Delicious dining options
Dig into all-you-can-eat food, snacks, and more at our cafes and buffets.

Thrilling onboard activities
Enjoy activities like record-breaking waterslides, hanging ten on the surf simulator, scaling massive rock-climbing walls, and so much more.

Kids & teens programs
Award-winning activities for kids and teens are going on all over the ship throughout the day and night.

Non-stop entertainment
Broadway-style productions, stunt shows, live music, comedy shows, and more.

Top-rated destinations
Stops at the world’s most inspiring destinations – from the Caribbean to Alaska and Europe – on our boldest ships.

Royal Service
Top-notch accommodations, plus your very own stateroom attendant.

Delicious dining options
Dig into all-you-can-eat food, snacks, and more at our cafes and buffets.

Thrilling onboard activities
Enjoy activities like record-breaking waterslides, hanging ten on the surf simulator, scaling massive rock-climbing walls, and so much more.

Kids & teens programs
Award-winning activities for kids and teens are going on all over the ship throughout the day and night.

Non-stop entertainment
Broadway-style productions, stunt shows, live music, comedy shows, and more.

Top-rated destinations
Stops at the world’s most inspiring destinations – from the Caribbean to Alaska and Europe – on our boldest ships.

Royal Service
Top-notch accommodations, plus your very own stateroom attendant.

BEST CRUISE SHIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS

 
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Things to Do on a Cruise
If you’re wondering what to expect on a cruise, have no fear— you’ll never be bored onboard. That’s because no matter which ship you choose, there’s way more to do on Royal Caribbean® than you’ll get to in a week. Like thrills at every turn, from the 10-story Ultimate Abyss℠ to the FlowRider® surf simulator. Bolder ways to bond, including laser tag arenas and Royal Escape Room challenges. Dazzling ice-skating spectaculars and stunt-filled AquaTheater spectacles. And that’s just the beginning.
 
Footsteps in the sand at Santa Maria Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Mexico.
Footsteps in the sand at Santa Maria Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Mexico.

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR CRUISE

Great news! Paying for a cruise vacation has never been easier, with a variety of convenient options available. Here are some travel tips, so you can pick the payment method that works best for you and start your destressing before you’ve finished checking out.

 

AFFIRM

Select Affirm during checkout for instant financing options to cruise now and pay later— even after your vacation has ended.

 

scheduled payments

Pay little by little, or submit a lump sum for the balance by the final payment date. The choice is yours.

 

total balance

Pay the full balance at the time of booking and start packing. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy your upcoming adventure.

 

COURTESY HOLD

Need time to think it over? We’ll hold your reservation— including any promotions— for up to five days*.

*The 5-day hold expires at 11 p.m. EST/EDT on the fifth day after booking.

 

AFFIRM

Select Affirm during checkout for instant financing options to cruise now and pay later— even after your vacation has ended.

 

scheduled payments

Pay little by little, or submit a lump sum for the balance by the final payment date. The choice is yours.

 

total balance

Pay the full balance at the time of booking and start packing. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy your upcoming adventure.

 

COURTESY HOLD

Need time to think it over? We’ll hold your reservation— including any promotions— for up to two days*.

*The 2-day hold expires at 11 p.m. EST/EDT on the second day after booking.

Happy family - girl in snorkeling mask dive underwater with tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel lifestyle, water sport outdoor adventure, swimming lessons on summer beach holiday
Happy family - girl in snorkeling mask dive underwater with tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel lifestyle, water sport outdoor adventure, swimming lessons on summer beach holiday
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WHAT COMES AFTER YOU BOOK
Another great cruise tip is that you can customize your vacation as much— or as little— as you want. So if you booked your first cruise and you can’t wait to start planning, we have plenty of tips for first time cruisers and tools you can use to make your adventure even more memorable. And if you just want to relax until it’s time for your best vacation ever, that’s cool too.

WHAT COMES AFTER YOU BOOK
Another great thing about cruising is you can customize your vacation as much— or as little— as you want. So if you booked your first cruise and you can’t wait to start planning, we have plenty of tips for first time cruisers and tools you can use to make your adventure even more memorable. And if you just want to relax until it’s time for your best vacation ever, that’s cool too.

FIRST TIME CRUISER FAQs

Planning your first cruise? Here are answers to some of the most common questions first time cruisers ask — from saving money to smart planning tips that make your vacation effortless.

For first time cruisers, a few simple cruise hacks can make everything smoother:

  • Download the Royal Caribbean app before sailing to manage daily plans, dining and entertainment reservations, shore excursions, and more. You can also complete your check-in on the Royal app to make embarkation day a breeze.
  • Prepare your group's travel documents. Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship based on their nationality/country of citizenship. Guests who arrive without appropriate travel documents may be denied boarding.
  • Explore the ship on day one to discover all the exciting onboard experiences waiting for you.

Still have questions? Check out our guide with first time cruise tips for even more cruise hacks.

Royal Caribbean cruises are designed to be cashless. Once onboard, your SeaPass® card (linked to your preferred payment method) is used for everything from specialty dining and drinks to spa treatments and shore excursions. Plus, your SeaPass® also functions as your room key and ID.

That said, it’s still a good idea to bring a small amount of cash for local shopping in ports, transportation, tips and other extracurriculars in ports.

Wondering how much cash to bring on a cruise? Most find that $200–$300 per person in small bills is more than enough for a typical cruise.

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to take advantage of everything that’s already included in your cruise fare (at literally no extra cost):

  • All-you-can-eat dining, from expansive buffets and elegant main dining rooms to quick grab-and-go spots
  • Thrilling onboard activities, like waterslides, the FlowRider® surf simulator, rock climbing, and more
  • Broadway-style entertainment, live shows, and nonstop performances
  • Award-winning kids and teens programs designed for every age

With the core of your vacation already included, here are some top cruise hacks to save money on shore excursions, staterooms, Wi-Fi, drinks, and more:

  • Choose the stateroom that best fits your adventure, with options available for every budget.
  • Reserve beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions before your sailing, when pre-cruise discounts are often available. Check out the Royal App to see what is available on your sailing.

Find discounts and deals for Royal Caribbean cruises here.

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