Video Summary
Skip slow group shore excursions when ports are close — consider third-party or self-guided tours.
Complete pre-cruise check-in and the 24‑hour health form in the app to get express boarding.
Rooms are usually ready ~1:00 PM — use early ship time to explore and hit attractions with short lines.
Reserve dining and show seats in advance to avoid long standby waits.
Beat elevator queues by walking a couple decks then using elevators or switching banks during peak times.
They often involve long waits in the theater, slow boarding/headcounts, and fixed itineraries that spend time at stops you may not want. For nearby ports, third-party or self-guided tours are usually faster and more flexible.
Use the Royal Caribbean app to scan your passport, upload a selfie, enter personal and payment info, and complete the health questionnaire 24 hours before sailing — then your boarding pass will show express access.
Explore the ship, learn the layout, and use early-morning short lines for pools, slides, and other attractions; keep your swimsuit handy to jump straight in.
My Time is flexible, but arriving without a reservation can mean long standby waits. Either reserve ahead or choose traditional dining for quicker seating.
Walk up a couple of decks then take an elevator (many people ride for short distances), or switch to a less crowded elevator bank and avoid peak times right after shows or excursions.
Use the app chat for simple requests, visit concierge if eligible, eat early or late at Windjammer, or choose other venues like Park Cafe or Cafe Promenade; StarClass guests get dedicated service to bypass lines.
“There’s a big difference between waiting your turn and wasting your time.”
Many aspects of a Royal Caribbean cruise can lead to time wastage, particularly when it comes to group shore excursions. Although these tours offer access to wonderful locations, they often require significant waiting time. Passengers frequently find themselves sitting for extended periods, such as half an hour, at the theater awaiting departure.
It's crucial to evaluate your options. If you're visiting destinations closer to the port, consider booking private excursions or sightseeing independently. Using third-party excursions can often reduce wait times and provide a more tailored experience.
“You can do your pre-cruise check-in before the sailing begins.”
One way cruisers waste time is by neglecting the pre-cruise check-in process. This can be completed weeks in advance through the Royal Caribbean app, allowing you to upload necessary documents and information. Failing to do this means having to check in while at the terminal, which can lead to delays and frustration.
By partaking in express boarding, guests can diminish time spent in lines at the terminal. Complete the health questionnaire and other pre-boarding tasks 24 hours before your cruise to experience smoother entry onto the ship.
“Most cabins aren't ready till about 1:00 PM, but you should be maximizing this time.”
Upon boarding, rooms may not be available until 1:00 PM, typically. Instead of waiting idly, guests should utilize this time to explore the ship. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the ship can enhance your overall experience.
Take advantage of the shorter lines for attractions, particularly water slides and pool areas, which tend to get busier as the day progresses. By having your swimsuit handy, you can directly access these amenities and avoid long waits at later times.
“What I think is a mistake is booking My Time dining and not having a reservation.”
My Time dining offers flexibility with dinner times, allowing guests to arrive at their leisure. However, arriving without a reservation can lead to long wait times. Guests with reservations are seated quicker than those in the standby line.
To optimize your dining experience, either make a reservation in advance or consider traditional dining with a set schedule each night. Traditional dining ensures a quicker seating process but might feel restrictive.
"At the end of the day, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting in a long line to eat dinner."
Making reservations for dining on Royal Caribbean cruises is essential, even for flexible dining schedules. Doing so helps avoid long waits at mealtime.
In addition to dinner reservations, booking a spot for shows is crucial, especially on newer ships like the Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class. Without a reservation, there's a strong chance the show will be sold out by the time you board.
Reservations for entertainment typically open on the first of the month before your sailing, and they are free to make. Securing these reservations enables you to walk directly into the theater without waiting in line, enhancing your cruise experience.
"You'd be amazed how many people take the elevator just two or three decks."
Waiting for elevators can be a significant time-waster on cruise ships, particularly during busy times like when shows let out or after excursions.
To minimize wait times, one effective strategy is to walk up a couple of decks and then catch the elevator, as many choose to use the elevator for just a short distance.
Another option is to switch to a different elevator bank if your current one is crowded. This can significantly reduce your waiting time and frustration.
"If you can wait it out, great. If you can't, there are alternatives."
Long lines at guest services can be a hassle, especially on embarkation day or the last day of the cruise. If you encounter a long line, consider waiting until it dies down since the first day often sees a surge of guests asking various questions.
For suite guests or Diamond members, using concierge services can help avoid the busy guest services line. Additionally, utilizing the Royal Caribbean app's chat feature may streamline certain inquiries.
The Windjammer buffet can also be a source of long waits. To dodge crowds, try eating early or late, or consider other dining venues like Park Cafe or Cafe Promenade for a lighter meal without the crowd. Special dining options can also alleviate long buffet lines.
"StarClass is Royal Caribbean's ultimate suite amenity, providing a Royal Genie dedicated to your needs."
For those looking to bypass lines entirely, Royal Caribbean offers the StarClass option, which includes a Royal Genie to handle all your requirements during the cruise.
This luxury service is not inexpensive, with costs that can reach up to $30,000 for a week-long cruise for a family of four in one of the top suites, making it more of an option for those willing to spend for convenience.
StarClass provides an all-inclusive experience that allows guests to enjoy the cruise without the logistics of waiting in lines and managing everyday tasks.
