While you can just book your cruise and then show up on embarkation day, that's probably not the best decision you can make.
Cruises generally require planning — more than most traditional vacations — because ships have limited resources.
Exactly which decisions need to be made before you sail vary by ship, even within the same cruise line. On Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class ships, for example, you need to make theater, comedy and Aquatheater reservations before you sail or risk not getting to see those shows.
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On smaller ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, that isn't necessary. Most preboarding choices can be made in the cruise line's Cruise Planner, essentially a section of its website. Check-in should be done via the Royal Caribbean app (although technically it can be done from a computer).
Unless you do precruise planning, the first day of your cruise will be less fun as you spend time waiting in line. You want to maximize your time having fun, and putting in a little advance work makes that happen and gives you a better chance of getting everything you want out of your cruise vacation.
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1. Download the app and check in
While some seasoned cruisers like to put their phone away in their cabin's safe once they board the ship, it's a lot easier before your sailing if you download the Royal Caribbean app. The single most important thing you can do before your cruise is to check in through the app as soon as you can.
Once you log into the app, from the home screen you should click on the person icon toward the upper right corner of the screen. Once you do that, the app will show you your sailing, unless you have multiple cruises booked, and then you will have the option of clicking into each sailing.
When you arrive at the page for your sailing, scroll down, and you will see either the option to check in or the date check-in opens. Put that date into your calendar, as you want to check in as soon as possible.
On that day you will have to enter your passport info (or scan it), take a picture of yourself, and pick a boarding time. Early boarding times tend to fill up fast, but if you check in on the first day that you can, you will have your pick. That can be the difference between an 11 a.m. boarding and a 2:30 p.m. boarding time.
2. Book dining, drink, internet and excursions
Royal Caribbean has some fairly confusing policies when it comes to what you can book before your cruise. If you buy an Unlimited Dining Package, for example, you cannot book your meals before you board. If, however, you buy individual meals at specific restaurants, those can be booked before your sailing.
Internet and beverage packages almost always cost less if you book them before your cruise. You don't need to book either one, but if you want to stay connected, or have drinks beyond the very basic included beverages, it's best to book those in advance.
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When you buy internet, it's generally cheaper to buy a multidevice plan that can be shared if you need multiple connections. Let's say one couple is in a cabin while their adult children are in another: A two or three-device plan can be bought and shared. That's not breaking rules as each connection paid for can be moved between devices.
When it comes to alcoholic-drink packages, however, every adult over 21 sailing in the same cabin must buy the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person buys it. Usually, if you have a nondrinker in the room, Royal Caribbean will allow you to purchase a Refreshment package, but sharing of the Deluxe Beverage Package is strictly prohibited.
When it comes to excursions, prices may be lower when you book before your cruise, but that's not the only reason to do it. Some popular activities and trips do sell out, so waiting until you are on board could be disappointing.
3. Study the ship and plan must-sees
When people visit Disney World or a city they've never been to, they'll often buy a guidebook or study up on their destination. That makes sense because they're there for a limited time and they want to make the most of it.
Think of a cruise ship as a theme park or a strange city. You would be amazed at how many people get on a larger ship and learn about a favorite activity only late in their cruise. Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, for example, has a sports bar overlooking a sports court that offers everything from basketball to bumper cars, but it's not in a location you're likely to walk by.
Cruise ships have a lot of hidden areas you may not know about. You can find out a lot simply by reading about your ship on Royal Caribbean's website.
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And just like at Disney World, it makes sense to identify things you really want to do so you can prioritize them.
It's also a good idea, especially if you are traveling with children, to set a meeting point in case you get separated as communication on a cruise ship can be challenging.
