Royal Caribbean is one of the largest and most recognized cruise lines in the world, featuring ships with restaurants, shows, pools, slides, and attractions for the whole family. Before booking, it is important to understand what is included in the price, which room to choose, what additional expenses to expect, and what needs to be checked as passengers from Israel.
Royal Caribbean: What is Important to Know?
Royal Caribbean operates a fleet of ships of various sizes and offers cruises in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and other regions. The vacation experience varies according to the ship, launch year, port, and itinerary.
Do not choose based solely on the company name. Check the specific ship, as the facilities, restaurants, room types, and activities are not identical across the company’s fleet.
What is Included in the Price of a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
In most cruises, the base price includes accommodation in a room, meals at selected venues, a large portion of the shows and activities, and use of public facilities.
Other services may incur additional charges:
- Specialty restaurants.
- Beverage packages.
- Wireless internet.
- Organized shore excursions.
- Spa treatments.
- Certain onboard activities.
- Daily gratuities and service fees.
- Transfers, flights, and hotel stays before or after the cruise.
Before making a payment, request to see the final price, including taxes, port fees, gratuities, and any extras you plan to purchase.
Types of Rooms on Royal Caribbean
The choice of room significantly affects the price and cruise experience. The main categories are:
- Interior Room: Usually the most affordable option, without an exterior window.
- Ocean View Room: Allows light and a sea view, but the window does not open.
- Balcony Room: Includes a private balcony, suitable for those who want more space and fresh air.
- Suite: A larger room that may include additional perks depending on the category and ship.
Also consider the room’s location. A room near elevators is more convenient but may be noisy. A room on lower decks and in the center of the ship may be better for those sensitive to movement.
How to Choose a Ship and Itinerary?
The ship is a destination in itself, but the itinerary is also important. Families might prefer a large ship with numerous facilities, while travelers focusing on port cities might favor an itinerary with longer docking hours.
- Check how many sea days are in the itinerary.
- Check how long the ship stays in each port.
- Find out if a shuttle is needed from the port to the city.
- Check if the attractions important to you are available on the ship.
- Compare the ship’s age and the date of its last renovation.
- Ensure the itinerary fits your travel documents and visas.
Royal Caribbean Cruises from Haifa
The Royal Caribbean website has a dedicated page for cruises from Haifa, but sailing schedules vary by season and operational status. Do not rely on old advertisements, and check if a cruise is available on your desired date.
When the cruise departs from Haifa, the advantage for the Israeli traveler is that there is no need for a flight and transfer to a foreign port. The Haifa Center HaShmona train station is close to the passenger terminal, but it is advisable to check entry instructions, parking, and check-in times in advance.
Also read our guide on Cruises from Haifa, if the page is available on the site.
Cruises Departing from a Foreign Port
For a cruise from Barcelona, Rome, Athens, or another foreign port, it is advisable to arrive in the city at least a day before departure. A flight delay or cancellation on the day of the cruise could result in missing the ship.
It is recommended to search and book the cheapest flights to the departure port on Flight Hunter. Ensure there is no departure or return on Saturday if it is important to you, and leave a safety margin between the flight and the cruise.
Check-In and Cruise Documents
Before the cruise, check-in is conducted according to the instructions in the booking and the app. Typically, you will be asked to enter passenger details, travel documents, payment methods, and arrival details.
- A valid passport for each passenger.
- Entry visas for the countries on the itinerary, if required.
- Booking confirmation and cruise number.
- Boarding pass for the ship.
- Luggage tags.
- Appropriate travel insurance for the cruise.
Requirements are determined by citizenship, itinerary, and the countries where the ship docks. A passenger without the required document may be denied boarding, even if they do not plan to disembark at that port.
Luggage on Royal Caribbean
The cruise line allows a reasonable amount of luggage, but it is advisable not to overload. On boarding day, you can hand over suitcases to be sent to your room and carry a hand luggage yourself.
The suitcases may arrive at the room later in the day, so in your hand luggage, it is advisable to pack:
- Passports and travel documents.
- Regular medications.
- Phone and charger.
- Swimsuit and change of clothes.
- Valuables.
- Anything you might need in the first few hours.
Do not pack your passport or medications in the suitcase handed over to porters.
What is Prohibited on the Ship?
Royal Caribbean publishes a list of prohibited items for safety reasons. Irons and garment steamers, weapons, flammable materials, and dangerous items may be confiscated during inspection.
The policy is updated, so it is important to check the official list before packing. If an item is confiscated, it may only be returned at the end of the cruise.
Kosher Food on Royal Caribbean
According to the company, kosher meals can be requested at no extra charge on suitable cruises, but they must be ordered in advance. The company notes that an early request must be submitted, and on European and South American itineraries, a longer notice period may be required.
Kosher packaged meals are not the same as a full kosher kitchen. Check:
- Which supervision is indicated on the meals.
- Whether the meal is sealed and heated in the package.
- Where and when it is received.
- If there is kosher provision on shore excursions and private islands.
- What is required during Passover and holidays.
The company’s website states that requests for Passover kosher meals must be sent well in advance. In any case, a written confirmation that the request has been added to the booking is necessary.
Sabbath on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Sabbath-observant passengers should check the cruise schedule and ship arrangements before booking. A cruise may include boarding, disembarkation, or docking on the Sabbath.
- Check if the room opens with an electronic card only.
- Inquire about automatic doors and elevators.
- Check if there is a Jewish group or minyan on the cruise.
- Order kosher meals in advance.
- Ensure when the ship docks and sails on the Sabbath.
- Receive guidance from a rabbi familiar with the cruise details.
The cruise line does not guarantee full Sabbath arrangements on every ship and route, so one should not assume that a service available on one cruise will be available on another.
Beverage and Internet Packages
Royal Caribbean offers beverage and internet packages for a fee. Prices vary by ship, itinerary, and purchase timing. Sometimes, purchasing in advance is cheaper than buying on the ship.
Before purchasing a beverage package, check which passengers in the room must purchase a package, which drinks are included, and what gratuity is added. For the internet package, check how many devices can connect simultaneously.
Gratuities and Additional Expenses
Daily gratuities may be added to the account based on the number of passengers, room type, and company policy. Certain purchases on the ship include additional service fees.
It is possible to track charges via the app or room account. Check them during the cruise and not just on the morning of disembarkation, when the customer service line is long.
Shore Excursions: Through the Company or Independently?
A cruise line-organized tour is more convenient in terms of coordination with the ship but may be expensive. An independent tour offers flexibility and sometimes savings, but the responsibility to return on time lies with the passenger.
Check docking time, distance from the port, transportation, and required return time. A ship is not obligated to wait for a passenger who is late from an independent tour.
How to Find an Affordable Royal Caribbean Cruise?
- Compare several departure dates and ships.
- Check the final price, not just the price per person.
- Compare room categories and location on the ship.
- Consider flights, hotel, and transfers to the port.
- Add gratuities, internet, beverages, and tours.
- Review change and cancellation policies before payment.
- Compare prices with and without additional packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean
Is food included in the cruise price?
Meals at selected venues are generally included. Specialty restaurants, beverages, and certain services incur additional charges.
Is kosher food available?
Kosher meals can be requested in advance on suitable cruises. Check the booking time, supervision, and serving method, and obtain written confirmation.
How many suitcases can I bring?
The company allows a reasonable amount of luggage but recommends limiting the number of items. Also, check airline restrictions if flying to the port.
Can you sail with Royal Caribbean from Haifa?
There is a page on the company’s website for cruises from Haifa, but availability varies. Search for an active cruise on the exact date before planning your vacation.
When should you arrive at the port city?
If a flight is required, it is recommended to arrive at least a day earlier to reduce the risk of missing the cruise.
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