Check in online before you arrive at the port
Royal Caribbean lets you check in from home through their website or mobile app before you get to the port. This step is not required, but it saves time at the terminal because you skip the front-desk line. You can start the online check-in process up to 24 hours before your sailing time.
Go to the Royal Caribbean website, sign into your account with your booking confirmation number and last name, and select your sailing. You will answer health questions, confirm your emergency contact, and upload a photo of your passport or government ID. The system will ask for your mobile phone number so the cruise line can send you updates and your cabin assignment.
If you have a passport card instead of a full passport, Royal Caribbean accepts it for Caribbean sailings. For international voyages that leave the United States, bring your actual passport — a passport card is not enough for all destinations. Take a clear photo of the ID page and upload it through the app or website.
Key Takeaways
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before your sailing and takes about 10 minutes; you answer health questions, confirm your emergency contact, and upload an ID photo.
- You can check in online, at the port terminal, or both — online check-in does not replace arriving at the port on time.
- Bring your actual passport or government ID to the port even if you checked in online, because the crew will scan it at the gangway.
- If you are traveling with children, each person needs their own ID photo uploaded during check-in.
- The Royal Caribbean app shows your cabin assignment, dining times, and port information once you check in.
What to bring to the port on sailing day
Bring your government-issued ID or passport in hand when you arrive at the terminal. Royal Caribbean staff will scan it at the gangway, even if you completed online check-in. Do not pack your ID in checked luggage — you need it accessible when you board.
If you are traveling with children, each child needs their own valid ID. For U.S. citizens under 16, a birth certificate works for Caribbean cruises, but a passport is required for international sailings. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.
Arrive at the port at least two hours before your sailing time. The exact time appears in your Royal Caribbean account and in the confirmation email. Port terminals can be crowded, and security screening takes time even with online check-in completed.
Health screening at the terminal
When you reach the gangway, crew members will ask about your health. They may take your temperature and ask whether you have had any symptoms in the past few days. These questions match what you answered during online check-in, so your answers should be consistent.
If you are traveling with medication, keep it in its original labeled bottle and bring it with you. Crew members may ask what it is for, but they will not confiscate it. Prescription medications in original containers are permitted onboard.
Getting your cabin key and onboard account
After you pass health screening, you will reach the check-in desk. Staff will scan your ID, confirm your cabin assignment, and issue your key card. This card opens your cabin, charges purchases to your account, and serves as your ID while onboard.
At the same desk, you can set up your onboard account payment method. Royal Caribbean charges all meals, drinks, and purchases to this account. You can link a credit card, debit card, or prepaid account. If you do not set up a payment method, you will be asked to do so before you leave the ship.
Ask the desk agent about your dining time and restaurant location. If you booked a specialty restaurant or have dietary restrictions, confirm that information is in the system. The crew can adjust your dining time if it does not work for your group.
Using the Royal Caribbean app after you check in
Once you check in, the Royal Caribbean app becomes your onboard guide. It shows your cabin number, dining reservations, the daily schedule of activities, port information, and ship maps. read the app before you sail so you can access it even if the ship's Wi-Fi is slow.
The app lets you make dining reservations, book shore excursions, and message the crew. You can also use it to check your onboard account balance and see what you have charged. Some ships let you order room service through the app.
If you did not check in online
If you skip online check-in, you can still check in at the port terminal. Arrive at least two hours before sailing. The process is the same — you will answer health questions, provide your ID, and receive your key card — but it takes longer because you are doing it in line at the desk instead of at home.
Bring all the same documents: your passport or government ID, and IDs for any children traveling with you. Have your booking confirmation number ready. The crew will still need to scan your ID and confirm your emergency contact before you board.
What happens if you arrive late
If you arrive after your check-in window closes, you may miss the ship. Royal Caribbean closes the gangway 30 minutes before sailing time, and they do not wait for late passengers. Check your confirmation email for your exact check-in important date.
If you are running late, call the port terminal directly. The number is in your Royal Caribbean account. The crew can tell you whether the gangway is still open and how much time you have left. Do not rely on GPS or traffic apps — port traffic can be unpredictable, especially on busy sailing days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check in if I do not have a passport yet?
For Caribbean cruises that stay in U.S. waters, a government-issued ID like a driver's license works. For international sailings, you must have a valid passport. If your passport is expired or you do not have one, contact Royal Caribbean before your sailing date — they can tell you whether your cruise qualifies as international.
What if my child's passport expires during the cruise?
Your child cannot board if their passport is expired on the sailing date. Passports must be valid for the entire duration of the cruise. Renew it before you sail, even if it expires only a few days after you return.
Do I need to print anything for check-in?
No. Royal Caribbean has your information in their system once you check in online. Bring your ID and your booking confirmation number (which is in your email). You do not need to print boarding passes or health forms.
Can someone else check in for me?
No. The person whose name is on the booking must check in in person and present their ID. If you are traveling with family or friends, each adult must check in separately at the desk.
What if I lose my key card onboard?
Go to the guest services desk and report it lost. They will issue a replacement card when ready. There is usually a small fee, but you can charge it to your onboard account.