11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

[@Tony_Z__]

For me personally, my cruise vacation doesn't really start until my feet hit the decks of the ship so I want to get on ASAP!

[@jackmortimer329]

at that point, the stress ends and the fun begins.

[@kevinsage2980]

When we did our cruise, we checked a later check in time, thinking if we got there a bit later, it would be less traffic. However, our genie suggested we get there early, so we agreed and go there at the earliest time. We were in the first group of star class people getting on the ship, and it is amazing walking around a near empty ship!

[@ModernMyths]

For first time Cruisers. Early check in is great! cause of the traffic inside the ship. There is so much art, statues, and so much more to see. It's great just for traveling the ship to look around and get some fun pictures before everything gets crowded

[@iloveowls90]

Could beneficial for a solo cruiser as well

[@jonc3903]

I'm with you, we try to get on as early as we can. I can't understand those who wait all day to board. it's like missing an entire day of your cruise. We had some friends once almost miss the ship because they showed up so late. And they live 1 hr away from the port.

[@hisloveiseternal1]

😮😮😮 kinda irresponsible😅

[@trbstang]

How did you know, today is 45 days before our Alaska cruise! I checked in at 2:30am this morning for a 10:30 time. Lol! 😂

[@shawandau6020]

Having the Unlimited Dining Package and a large party (typically 4-6 people) is my main reason for securing the earliest checkin possible. I want to get dining reservations for the prime dining time and doing so for 4-6 people can be tough. I also like an early check in time to get my vacation started as early as possible. 🎉

[@phox1515]

12th reason.... You can check in ANY time after check in time (before all aboard of course) but not before. So sail day comes and you feel like sleeping in... No problem but if you decide you want to be 1 of the 1st onboard... No problem.

[@clbert7460]

To each his/her/their own. After 20 cruises in the past year, I’ve decided to take advantage of a late check-in, no lines to get onboard, the stateroom is open and I can drop my carryon, and most people have already eaten so the Windjammer is almost empty, and it’s less stressful. I don’t bother with shows or specialty dining most of the time no need for me to worry about snagging the best times.

[@jonitouschner6040]

We did this Dec 22 and there was zero people in line to board, it was great.

[@rocketman-ns9qq]

Just checked in this morning. Had my alarm and everything set! And got 11am check in time!! So excited and thanks Matt for all the tips! (Going to Alaska ovation of the seas)

[@trbstang]

Us too! Really looking forward to it. Have a great time!

[@G-Murph]

I've got it bad!!! I've watched this four times, secured an early check-in at 11:00 am, we are ready!!! Now I just need to find 45 to 47 Easy tricks to make my cruise so much better! Great info Matt and the Blog team! 😀

[@colormetakenaback]

I'd book a cruise on a specific ship just to try the iFly simulator 😂 That looks like so much fun. I'd probably spend all my extra money on that. Forget the cocktails lol

[@clbert7460]

It is fun! Maybe wear closed toe shoes (that’s what I was told) and I booked directly at the iFly office next to the venue. Enjoy your cruise

[@Flip45]

Best video EVER!!!!! thanks for your help I've watched all your videos since I've booked my first cruise. 13 Days to go. I got an early check in 10:30am. with this video I know my family will enjoy every moment as soon as we step foot on board. Thanks Matt! 😘

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Awesome!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I love early check in time

[@jl0320]

Done! Logged on this morning and was able to snag an 11:00am check-in time for our Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas.

[@octaviag6082]

We got a late check-in for an upcoming cruise because someone in the group decided to take their sweet time giving the needed information! Instead, of 1230 now it's 2 and I'm pissed! But I plan on leaving for the port really early to get a parking spot. We can just go to the restaurants close by until check-in time.

[@jaytpharaoh8411]

I find going in the afternoon is less hassle, not as rushed or busy, and as a okay person everyone else is warmed up

[@robm59]

This is great info!! First time cruiser so all of you info has been so helpful!! Thanks Matt!!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joelmarkfrancisco9723]

We can't wait to go on Wonder of the Seas this December! Thank you for all your videos :D

[@reginarizer5797]

If only everyone would stick to their check-in time. 😊😊

[@aquavoce]

Im an early bird when it comes to flying or any transportation cause i know i want to be calm and be good on time to enjoy and stress less.

[@helciobmello]

Great video, Matt! Thanks for sharing those tips. I took my first cruise this year (Grandeur of the Seas, 9 nights) and I found it to be really annoying to be unable to enter my stateroom before 1 pm and having to lug around the drinks I have taken in my hand baggage. Not only that, since I always have a lot of cash with me, where was I supposed to leave my hand baggage and clothes while enjoying the swimming pool? It would have been even worse if that ship had water slides. It would have been impossible to keep an eye on my belongings while enjoying them. In my case the first thing I did was to book my next cruise (3 actually) and the muster drill. Then I had lunch (windjammer) and could finally place my valuables in my stateroom's safe. Best regards!

[@Mayrose587]

Hmm, not sure about the MDR tip. We were on the Jewel of the Seas this past February and made a beeline to the MDR and spoke with the Head Host there (forgot the specific title he gave us) about ensuring we could be seated at a 2 person window table during the week. He essentially told us he makes sure all his people place guests at the best tables there are at the time. He took no reservation nor asked our room number. We essentially got window or window view tables by asking for one when we showed up to the MDR each night and told them we'd wait. By the 4th evening they finally got the hint and pretty much sat us at one of the same 2 tables the rest of the cruise.

[@shaunscully1173]

I will be doing the complete opposite. Having a long lunch and exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona on embarkation day before avoiding queues and literally boarding the ship as late as possible.

[@clbert7460]

I love Barcelona too. I always do late checkin. Have a great cruise.

[@iloveowls90]

s long as you don’t miss the ship 😂

[@Star-Boarder]

Get there early, relax faster and enjoy your cruise longer. 🎉

[@nami141]

My sister and I care going on a curise from Sydney next Wednesday. We're able to drop our bags off early (8am), but we won't be able to board until 11:30. On board the very cheapest you can get a massage is $127 for 50 minutes. Since we go to Sydney all the time, we don't need to do any sightseeing, so instead we're getting a massage about 5 minutes away for a fraction of the cost of an on board massage. Our way of cheating the system :)

[@Sh4dow682]

Ill board at bloody 6am if i could! Let me on!

[@annbenson9257]

I enjoy an early check in time for various reasons that you mentioned, but mostly so we can meet with the dining room manager to check on our dining room table assignment and to ensure that we have our early requested dining time and a “ table for two”. As Diamond Plus cruisers, we usually are able to obtain the table that we request. Thanks for the beneficial information.

[@nancysatori4744]

Once we had a Star Class cruise and we were the first ones on the ship! Except maybe the B2B cruisers.

[@sportsMike87]

I didn't have an early check in time but they still let me in early

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@zekeonstormpeak4186]

If you’re there, they’ll check you in. It’s a cluster to begin with. They’re not going to turn you away, and put more pressure on the employees at the front. If you have status, or in an upgraded room or suite, you won’t be turned away. The ship usually arrives around 6am. Most inbound cruisers are off by 9. We’ve found the best time to arrive is around 11- 12. Usually on board by 1230.

[@charlayned]

I got on the check-in time the day it was available. We signed up for the 11-11:30 time. Earliest possible. And when we got onto our app to check things this week (we sail Sunday), it has been bumped to 1:pm!!!!! I'm really unhappy about this, especially since we did sign up and I am in a wheelchair. We're Key holders and were supposed to be able to set that time. I don't know how they did it, or why, but that has really got us upset--we did what we were supposed to, we had gotten the time, and I have it notated that we did. But, with six days to sail, it's probably just a mute point.

[@pianointhedesert]

Charlayne, The Key guests typically get an email about a week before sailing letting them know that they can board around 11:00-11:30am so as to not miss the embarkation lunch. I believe most ports also have a special check-in spot for The Key guests. I'm pretty certain you can still board in the 11:00-11:30am time slot because of this.

[@charlayned]

@@pianointhedesert Thank you for that! I'll go read through the email box for it. I will plan on doing that, then.:)

[@charlayned]

@@pianointhedesert We did get in as Key at 11 a.m. and it was a great trip. Thanks for that advice.

[@jimsimpson2253]

Have the escape rooms reopened yet? We were on the harmony in February and the staff didn't even know that they had an escape room before.

[@Simeonital]

I would add, even if you’ve booked entertainment, get there damn early because it seems at the larger venues like tha AquaTheatre, Royal Theatre or Studio B, no one checks you on entry. Which means people that haven’t booked walk in freely and the venue quickly gets packed. I find that very annoying and pointless in booking. I’m currently on Wonder in the second week of a back to back and have witnessed this several times in these venues. The smaller venues however they do check you at the door. Although some of the shows are fantastic, it is sad that Royal no longer has the big Broadway shows.

[@mscolli3]

Yes venues are restricted to reservations early, and then open to everyone around showtime. Aim to be 30 mins early.

[@Simeonital]

@@mscolli3 I generally get there around 20 minutes early and nobody checks my reservation and people are just flooding in.

[@sheilameyer9196]

Always have made reservations first day of cruise. This will be the first that you could make reservations before. No luck getting reservations, they were sold out months before. Will try the 30min before 🤞we will be able to see it 😊

[@ramondelacruz525]

Hello my friend. My cruise will leave Port Canaveral at 430pm " Mariner of the Sea". The transportation shuttle will pick my family up around 1030-1100 from Orlando. Do you think a 1:00PM check in time is appropiated? Thanks

[@chelseaheston8857]

I was able to book a reservation at el sabor for first night of cruise already. My cruise isn’t until august

[@mpb3481]

Did you get a dining package? He was referring to the inability to make online pre-cruise reservations with the dining packages.

[@alexsuniverse384]

So here's something weird that happened. Me and my dad has setup the check in time for 12pm for Oasis of the Seas. But my mom has a check in time for 12:30. Hopefully we can all be checked in all at the same time.

[@alexsuniverse384]

And also is 12pm an early time to embark on Oasis at the Cape Liberty port?

[@FelixTorres-wl5vt]

Don't think there will be a problem with you all walking in at 12. 12 is early still...

[@boganpainter1638]

I disagree with this advice completely. Of course, I generally sail other cruise lines where there is no need to beat people on board to sign up for things. I find the lines in the terminal to be shorter later in the day. Plus, often if you check in early you have to wait in the terminal before the ship is cleared to board while later in the day you can walk straight on once checked in. Finally, and the best reason of all to check in late is your cabin will be ready when you board and you can go straight to your cabin, drop your things, change, freshen up, etc.

[@mscolli3]

If you aren't in a suite (no priority line), then showing up in the afternoon after most of the crowd has checked in lets you avoid standing in a long line for a long time.

[@ChangingAperture]

I’ll stand in line for 20 minutes if it means I’m on the ship 3 hours earlier

[@peggysmith678]

I agree in Sept, we had a 10am check in 1 hour standing outside in the hot sun. In March we did 12 noon, we walked right onto the 🚢 INMHO later is better

[@remyd8767]

Any tips on elevator traffic? I assume it will be very challenging to get on elevators with thousands of other people trying to do the same. Specifically about freedom of the seas

[@hannahramsey-ed6ge]

Take the stairs lol when I cruise I always take stairs to work off some of the calories I’m consuming 😂

[@mscolli3]

Unfortunately I usually just take the stairs. Most people will take the elevator in both directions so it is almost always full. Freedom does short itineraries so I usually just bring 1 Carry-on sized suitcase + backpack.

[@charlayned]

Try the fore and aft elevators, they're less busy that the ones in the center. I am someone who has to take the elevator, my wheelchair is allergic to the stairs. I always pull in as far as possible and we always invite everyone who can fit to come on with us. If people would follow a few rules, it would cut down on the problems. 1) wait in line, don't cut, 2) let people off before getting on, 3) disability passengers get priority because they can't take the stairs (older people as well), and get cozy with your fellow passengers, the more the less time to get around.

[@remyd8767]

@@charlayned thank you. I assume I will have to walk to find the more obscure ones to get on. We will be pushing two strollers. I can theoretically carry the strollers up One to two flights of stairs, but I rather not do that.

[@clbert7460]

I usually take the stairs too, but with a stroller or wheel chair, I would suggest that you try to get on regardless if the elevator is going down or up. That way you can reach your destination eventually. Most people are polite enough to allow a stroller or wheelchair to get on first if asked.

[@ellieingorleston]

What happens with the key? We get priority boarding before anyone else but do we have to book a check in time? Unsure how it all works

[@aquavoce]

How early can you check in ?

[@anadominguez4422]

Matt, I just found your channel 2 days ago and I love it! The first time I went on a cruise was last year when I won a trip on a radio show, it was incredible! They were celebrating allure of the seas sailing out of Galveston and was a big celebration, my husband I didn’t know many things were absolutely free and missed out on many. I love the videos explaining what’s free and so on. We loved that cruise so much we booked another one but this time taking our boys. We will be going on harmony in November and love all the tips you are giving out. I was just wondering if it would be possible to get there sooner as when we went we were some of the last ones and it seemed everyone had been enjoying themselves for a while.

[@mikenkcity267]

We are going on our first cruise on the Harmony of The Seas. I checked in the very first day I could and got the 1pm slot. 11 am was not an option.

[@iloveowls90]

Probably because it was taken already,

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

What ship is this? It has all the activities that I want. Pls tell me which one this is.

[@TheDeltaCrafterYT]

I’m taking a Mediterranean cruise that leaves out of Rome. Would we still be able to board at 11 am or would our first boarding time be later? Trying to inform the group of what time to pick.

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks Matt. Also if you check in early you have time to put some of your belongings on a pool deck chair and "save" it for the rest of the cruise!

[@SinisterMD]

When you say you can check in 45 days prior to sailing, are you talking about 12:01am on that day or later in the morning? What time does the window for that 45-day check-in window actually start? I can't seem to find that anywhere.

[@christashort5428]

12:01am

[@jeffr7044]

What time zone? Ship time?

[@kimmy722]

@@jeffr7044 yes. Where the ship is docked

[@spiffokeen]

@@jeffr7044I believe that is correct. I live in the central time zone and when I sailed out of Washington, it wasn’t available at 12:01 CST. I’m about to sail out of Galveston next month and I was able to check in at 12:09 CST.

[@janebeville7446]

I live in Mountain time, the ship is leaving out of Canaveral. So check in at 10:01 pm?

[@maytemcconnell8957]

We always get the very first check in time available. I'm in early bird every morning, so on the day we can officially get our check in time, I'm on the app by 6 AM. That gives us a check in time of 10 to 11 am. It has never failed us. Can't wait till our Harmony of the Seas cruise in September. 🛳️🍹❤️

[@samanthabarberlette-edward8546]

We are going on a cruise the granduer of seas in sept.

[@deanyanakis548]

I was told my time was 130 and thats the time I went. A friend had 230pm and I said I would meet you upstairs. When I get there at 130pm and tell him that he tells me he checked in at 11 am and up at the buffet and beverage at that time. How is that possible that he has a 230pm but they allow him to go on at 11am.? Dean

[@clbert7460]

I would think that if the line was pretty short when he arrived they would allow him to board early. In my home port of Tampa, I have seen early arrivers rejected and made to wait. Different ports do things differently

[@sheilameyer9196]

I tried to reserve a seat for the 270 show, numerous times! Should wait til you are on board like the other Royal cruise ships 😒

[@lynneshapiro3248]

👍Matt is right regarding parking and getting there early. I'll tell you why, with my experiences at the Los Angeles/San Pedro Port : SHORT VERSION: Think of the mall at Christmastime 🎄, or Disneyland during Spring Break: the parking, the traffic, people leaving or waiting for parking places, schlepping packages 🎁...now you know what it's like in the cruise port parking area. The earlier you get there, the less hassle there'll be (parking, anyway). If it's raining, it's worse. ☔The Port of Los Angeles parking area is all outside. Make sure you have enough gas ⛽to wait in lines. LONG VERSION: PARKING AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES: $20/day. If you get there early on embarkation day and, for example, your parking ticket says 10 am, you'll need to leave and pay from the parking area by 10 am on disembarkation day to avoid any extra charges. That can be hairy because everybody disembarks in a smaller window of time vs. the day of boarding, so there'll be lines to get out of the parking area. It IS only $2/hour after 24 hours, so it's not too bad. We learned that one year at the Port of Los Angeles where Royal Caribbean docks. There were 6 of us in an 8 passenger SUV. Of COURSE everybody wanted to wait as long as possible to have breakfast onboard, and by the time we disembarked, went through Customs, everyone got their luggage , and everything and everyone situated in the SUV, it was 'way past 10 am, so not only was everybody cranky, they were PO'd about paying for that extra time (even though it was that small amount extra per hour). One year, we did the 'driver drop everybody off at the front then park' thing. By the time we got everybody together, situated in the SUV, then drove to the Port terminal, it was late morning. This meant we had to play tag in the parking lot pickup/drop off areas with all the people who were embarking on THEIR cruise on the same ship that day! 🛳 🛳 🛳 And an you imagine the crush of cars if it was raining?! ☔ The LA Port parking lot is all outdoors, BTW. Was it worth it? The extra parking charge leaving was ok but the leaving with all the other cars was a bit of a hassle. If you're used to traffic 🚗🚗🚗🚗around Southern California, it's doable. I haven't decided what to do for our upcoming cruise, whether to drive ourselves, or have our son or a friend take us. Either way, we'll get there early and leave early! 🕙 IMO, it's too much, that many people and their carryons & purses, trying to all sit together. and plan what to do next. Of COURSE it's the youngest and fastest of the group (aka ME) who is told to go ahead to find & save seats for everybody at the Windjammer! The next time I go on a cruise with more than 4 people in my group, I'm gonna drive mySELF and tell them I'll meet them on board 🍹.

[@bnzimusa]

Can you check in earlier than wellness check in time given?

[@TheHeltonFam]

We just booked our first Royal caribbean cruise! We sailed Disney before and always checked in at midnight on a certain day. Is it the same on Royal? Also we are staying in a grand suite so are early check in times held for suite guests or do I have to check in and snag a check in at the same time as everyone else? Help! Lol

[@tamarajoneshill4037]

4:46. I made reservations for a specialty restaurant for my cruise in August on The Independence of the Seas. Does it depend on the ship you’re on? I’ve heard others say that you can’t make reservations until you’re on board. Thanks!!

[@jackiebyers3424]

I believe the restriction is if you’re buying a dining package. They won’t allow you to reserve a bunch of meals in advance. When you buy just one (or one at a time, without the bundled discount), you can reserve in advance. That’s how it’s worked for me on ~12 RCL cruises.

[@tamarajoneshill4037]

@@jackiebyers3424 thank you so much for that information. Makes sense!!!

[@trbstang]

I believe they have a certain number of reservations available before time and they fill in the rest once you board. We had reservations weeks before our last cruise and added a couple more after we got there because the online ones were sold out. We also made several reservations yesterday for our June 9th cruise coming up. Have a great time!

[@tkpadang5638]

Does Uber drop off ppl at port? We are family of 6 and thinking about taking Uber there. Is it possible?

[@jeansmiley6912]

Hi, we are taking the Radiance of the Seas Alaska cruise in September. It is a land/sea cruise with land portion first. Will we still have the same check in process when it's time to board the ship in Seward?

[@travelingon7458]

You paid for every minute that you can be on the ship!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Heck yea

[@xitsreaxxx4323]

I wanted to get an early check in time but my parents made me choose the 1Pm Check in time 💀

[@alanbrunobsj]

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand what he says.

[@suave-rider]

I wish he spoke Australian

[@bethhood5444]

I would like to watch your videos but you speak to fast for me….slow down please!

[@buttsamillion]

We choose my time dinning, can we request a window seat? And can we choose anythime in evening?