Royal Caribbean sends luggage tags before your cruise departure
Royal Caribbean mails your luggage tags to you about two to three weeks before your sailing date. The tags arrive in a cruise documents packet along with your boarding pass, cabin assignment, and other paperwork. You do not need to request them separately — they come automatically once your booking is confirmed and paid in full.
The tags are color-coded by deck and cabin location to help crew members sort your bags quickly when you board. Each tag has a barcode, your name, cabin number, and sailing date printed on it. You will attach one tag to each piece of checked luggage before you arrive at the port.
If your cruise documents have not arrived within two weeks of your sailing date, or if you lost the tags that came with your packet, you can request replacements by contacting Royal Caribbean directly.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean mails luggage tags automatically two to three weeks before your cruise as part of your cruise documents packet.
- Tags are color-coded by deck and include your cabin number and sailing date so crew can deliver bags to the right location.
- You attach the tags to your checked luggage before arriving at the port terminal.
- If tags do not arrive or you lose them, contact Royal Caribbean's guest services to request replacements before your sailing date.
- Do not use luggage tags from previous cruises — each sailing requires new tags with the current date and cabin assignment.
What to do when your cruise documents arrive
When your packet arrives in the mail, open it and locate the luggage tags. They are usually printed on cardstock and come as a set — typically one tag per person in your cabin, though you may have extras. Check that the cabin number, deck color, and sailing date are correct before you pack.
Keep the tags in a safe place until you are ready to pack your suitcases. Some cruisers tape them to the inside of their luggage the night before departure so they do not get lost. Others wait until they arrive at the port and attach them there. Either approach works, but attaching them before you leave home means you will not forget them.
If you are traveling with more luggage than you have tags, you can use the extras from your packet or contact Royal Caribbean to request additional tags. Most cabins receive enough tags for standard luggage, but if you are bringing more than four or five bags, let the cruise line know in advance.
How to attach tags to your luggage correctly
Each tag has a plastic loop or adhesive backing. If your tags have a loop, thread it through the handle of your suitcase so the barcode faces outward and is clearly visible. If they have adhesive backing, peel and stick them to a flat surface on your luggage — usually the top or side of the suitcase works best.
Make sure the barcode is not covered by tape, stickers, or other luggage. The barcode scanner at the port needs to read it without obstruction. If the tag becomes damaged or unreadable during travel, you can ask a crew member at the port to replace it before you board.
Do not remove or alter the tag once it is attached. The barcode tells the ship's system which cabin your luggage belongs to, and removing it can cause your bags to be delayed or sent to the wrong location.
What happens if your tags do not arrive in time
If your cruise documents packet does not arrive by one week before your sailing date, contact Royal Caribbean's guest services when ready. You can reach them by phone using the number on your booking confirmation, or through the Royal Caribbean website using your reservation number.
When you call, have your booking confirmation number and sailing date ready. Guest services can print and mail replacement tags to you, or in some cases they can arrange for you to pick up tags at the port on the day you board. If you are sailing within a few days, ask about the port pickup option — it is usually faster than waiting for mail.
If you arrive at the port without tags, you can obtain them at the check-in desk. Crew members will print new tags for your luggage on the spot, though this may slow down your boarding process. It is better to have tags in advance, but the port staff can handle it if needed.
Luggage tag requirements for different cabin types
All Royal Caribbean cabins receive luggage tags, regardless of cabin category. Inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, and suites all get the same color-coded tags. The difference is the deck color printed on the tag — this tells crew which deck your cabin is on so they can deliver your bags to the right location.
If you have booked a suite, you may receive additional perks like priority luggage delivery, but your tags work the same way as standard cabin tags. Attach them to your luggage and the crew will handle the rest.
Some cruisers book multiple cabins or travel in a group. If that applies to you, you will receive a separate set of tags for each cabin. Keep them organized so you attach the correct tags to the correct cabin's luggage.
Common mistakes to avoid with luggage tags
The most common mistake is using old luggage tags from a previous cruise. Each sailing requires new tags with the current sailing date and cabin number. Using an old tag can send your luggage to the wrong ship or the wrong cabin.
Another mistake is attaching tags to the wrong side of your luggage. If you put the tag on the bottom of your suitcase or on a side that faces inward, the barcode scanner may not read it. Always place tags on the top or an outward-facing side where they are clearly visible.
Do not laminate or cover your tags with plastic wrap. The barcode needs to be scannable, and covering it can prevent the scanner from reading it. If your tag gets wet or damaged, request a replacement at the port rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Finally, do not pack your luggage tags inside your suitcase. They need to be attached to the outside so crew can identify your bags during loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print my own luggage tags if mine do not arrive?
No. Royal Caribbean's luggage tags contain specific barcodes linked to your booking and cabin assignment. You cannot print your own tags or use tags from another cruise line. Contact Royal Caribbean to request official replacement tags, or pick them up at the port on your boarding day.
What if I have more luggage than tags?
Most cabin packets include enough tags for standard luggage. If you are bringing extra bags, contact Royal Caribbean before your cruise to request additional tags. You can also ask for extras when you arrive at the port, though having them in advance is easier.
Do I need a separate tag for my carry-on bag?
No. Luggage tags are only for checked bags that you hand over to crew during boarding. Carry-on bags that you bring to your cabin do not need tags. Only attach tags to suitcases you are checking.
What if my luggage tag barcode gets damaged?
If your tag is torn, wet, or the barcode is unreadable, ask a crew member at the port to replace it before you board. Do not try to repair it with tape or cover it with plastic. The barcode must be scannable for the system to work.
Can I reuse luggage tags from a previous Royal Caribbean cruise?
No. Each cruise requires new tags with the current sailing date and your cabin assignment for that specific voyage. Using old tags will cause your luggage to be routed incorrectly. Always use the tags that came with your current cruise documents.