Cruise Packing Essentials: Your Royal Caribbean Guide

Whether you’re a cruising novice or a seasoned sailor who dislikes the hassle of packing, getting ready for a cruise can feel overwhelming. There are some must-have items—like duct tape—that every effective cruise packing list should include.

If you’re looking to get more specific with your packing, we’ve crafted this Royal Caribbean packing list to ensure you have everything necessary for your journey on the line’s midsize and megaships across the islands and beyond. Here’s what you should pack for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Quick Overview of the Royal Caribbean Packing List

• Royal Caribbean International app
• A day bag
• Outfits suitable for activities
• Branded lanyard or luggage tags
• Drinks and a reusable water bottle
• Electronics accessories
• Comfortable clothing
• Antacid
• FlowRider board
• Attire for themed parties

Essential Items for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

The Royal Caribbean International App

To ensure a hassle-free experience on your Royal Caribbean cruise, download the Royal Caribbean International cruise line app on your smartphone. This app lets you check in ahead of time, so you’re all set for embarkation day. Just enter the necessary information, upload a photo, link a credit card, and select your embarkation time, allowing you to board the ship in just a few minutes.

Once aboard and connected to the ship's Wi-Fi, the app enables you to view the daily activity schedule and dining options, message other passengers, check your onboard account, and make reservations for dining, shore excursions, and shows.

What's great is that since the app resides on your phone, which we're sure you're planning to bring, it won't occupy any extra space in your luggage.

A tote or small backpack

Whether you're exploring the port all day or wandering the ship in search of your next activity, having a bag ready to carry essentials like sunscreen, books, and your phone is beneficial.

Considering the vast size of Royal Caribbean's ships, having a bag will save you from making multiple trips back to your cabin for items you might have forgotten. On the largest Oasis Class vessels and Icon Class ships, it can be nearly a quarter-mile from front to back.

Clothing suitable for activities

Royal Caribbean is celebrated for its unique attractions that you might not expect on a cruise ship, such as carousels, skydiving simulators, and bumper cars. If you're planning to enjoy these activities, be sure to dress appropriately.

For instance, if you want to try the onboard zip lines, you'll need to wear closed-toe shoes, and socks are a must for the climbing shoes required to tackle the ship's rock climbing wall. Don't forget to bring long pants and socks if you plan on hitting the ice at Studio B, the ice rink available on many of the line's ships.

If you're a woman looking to take on the FlowRider surf simulator, make sure to pack a one-piece bathing suit or athletic wear. (A crew member mentioned that those in bikinis have about a 50% chance of losing their tops when they hit the spray.)

A branded lanyard or luggage tags

It's true that many cruisers opt for lanyards around their necks to keep their cruise keycards handy. (It's crucial to keep track of these cards as they serve as both onboard charge cards and identification.) Whether you prefer style or practicality, there are plenty of designs and colors available to suit your taste.

However, nothing seems more fitting for a Royal Caribbean trip than a branded lanyard featuring the cruise line's logo. Check out Etsy for custom Crown & Anchor designs to proudly display your loyalty to Royal.

Another fantastic way to flaunt your Royal Caribbean spirit is with logo luggage tags for your bags. They’re both stylish and practical.

Drinks and a reusable water bottle

If you're hoping to cut costs on beverages during your upcoming cruise, remember that you can bring two bottles of wine or sparkling wine per cabin. A $15 corkage fee applies per bottle if you choose to drink outside your stateroom, but this option is still more economical than buying wine onboard — even with a drink package.

Royal Caribbean also permits guests to bring up to 12 cans, plastic bottles, or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages onto their ships.

If you purchase a drink package, you’ll receive a special branded travel tumbler for the soda machines onboard. If you opt out of the package, consider packing a reusable water bottle or travel mug to fill with your favorite drinks.

Electronics accessories

No one disconnects while cruising anymore; in fact, having a range of tech accessories can significantly enhance your cruise experience.

Begin with a non-surge-protected power strip (as those with surge protectors will be taken away) to boost the number of outlets for charging your devices in the cabin. This is particularly useful on older ships, which often have limited charging options and USB ports.

Planning to snap some candid shots at the beach on Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, or capture a perfect family portrait with the sunset over the pool deck? Don’t forget to pack a waterproof phone case, a selfie stick, or a GoPro with a gimbal.

Comfy clothes

Reflecting the evolving tastes of its guests, Royal Caribbean has significantly relaxed its dress code. This means beachwear (by the pools) and resort-casual outfits are the standard during the day. In the evenings, you'll find everything from jeans and T-shirts or sports jerseys to ball gowns and tuxedos — though the latter are becoming less common.

During my recent weeklong cruise with Royal Caribbean, we had one formal evening and another labeled "dress to impress," both of which were optional.

With that in mind, pack comfortable clothing suitable for the climate of your travel destinations. Consider items like wrinkle-resistant pants and cotton-polyester blend dresses and shirts, which are less likely to wrinkle and can be easily packed. Quick-drying fabrics are particularly useful in hot, humid locales like the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Antacid

After enjoying the burgers, fries, and onion rings at Johnny Rockets; the indulgent yet tasty Sorrento's pizza; and complimentary Mexican options at El Loco Fresh, you may experience some indigestion or heartburn from all the comfort food on Royal Caribbean ships.

Be sure to include a small bottle of antacid in your toiletry kit to help alleviate any discomfort that may arise.

FlowRider board

One of the standout features of many Royal Caribbean vessels is the FlowRider — a complimentary surf simulator that lets guests experience boogie boarding and surfing.

You may notice experienced surfers bringing their own boards aboard when they board the ship. If you’re someone who has already tried the FlowRider and owns a board, consider adding it to your packing list.

Attire for theme parties

Royal Caribbean is famous in the cruise industry for its themed parties. You can enjoy everything from '70s and '80s nights to Caribbean and cowboy themes, along with a White Night and a club experience called Red, where dressing appropriately is encouraged.

Sadly, Royal Caribbean doesn't announce its theme nights ahead of time, so it's wise to pack outfits for each theme to stay prepared.