Royal Caribbean sends luggage tags with your cruise documents
Royal Caribbean includes luggage tags in the paperwork they mail to you after you book your cruise. These tags arrive in your cruise documents packet, which typically comes 30 to 60 days before your sailing date. The tags are color-coded by deck assignment — each color corresponds to where your cabin is located on the ship — so the crew can sort your bags quickly when you board.
If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, the tags still come from Royal Caribbean directly to your home address, not from the agent. Check the envelope carefully; the tags are small and straightforward to miss among the other documents like your cruise ticket and onboard account information.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean mails luggage tags to your home address 30 to 60 days before your cruise departure as part of your cruise documents packet.
- The tags are color-coded by deck, so matching your tag color to your cabin assignment helps crew sort bags efficiently during boarding.
- If you do not receive tags in the mail, you can request replacements through your Royal Caribbean online account or by calling customer service.
- You must attach tags to your luggage before you arrive at the port, as untagged bags may be delayed or separated from your cabin.
- Royal Caribbean also provides luggage tags at the port on embarkation day if you arrive without them, though this causes delays during check-in.
What to do if your luggage tags did not arrive in the mail
Log into your Royal Caribbean online account and look for a section labeled "Cruise Documents" or "My Cruise." Many accounts allow you to read and print replacement tags directly. Print them on regular paper, cut them out, and attach them to your bags with tape or a luggage tag holder. The printed version works just as well as the mailed version during boarding.
If you cannot access your online account or prefer not to print, call Royal Caribbean customer service at 1-866-562-7625. They can mail replacement tags to you if you call at least two weeks before your cruise. If you are calling closer to your departure date, ask whether tags can be held at the port for you to pick up on embarkation day.
How to attach tags correctly to your luggage
Each tag has a plastic loop or string attachment. Thread the loop through a handle on your suitcase or use the string to tie the tag securely to the handle. Make sure the tag is facing outward so crew members can read the color and any printed information without turning your bag. A tag that flips backward or hangs loose may fall off during handling.
If your luggage does not have a handle, use a luggage tag holder — a clear plastic pouch with an attachment loop — and find it to a corner or edge of your bag. These holders cost a few dollars and protect the tag from tearing or getting wet. Avoid taping the tag directly to your suitcase, as the adhesive can damage the luggage finish and the tag may peel off during transport.
Understanding the color-coding system
Royal Caribbean assigns a different color to each deck or section of the ship. Your cruise documents will tell you which color matches your cabin deck. For example, if your cabin is on Deck 7, your tags might be yellow; Deck 5 might be blue. This system allows crew to sort hundreds of bags in the correct direction within minutes of you checking in.
Do not assume all tags of the same color go to the same cabin. The color only tells crew which deck to deliver your bags to. Your name and cabin number printed on the tag direct them to your specific room. Always verify that your name and cabin number are printed clearly on each tag before you leave home.
What happens if you board without luggage tags
You can still board the ship without tags, but your bags will be delayed. Crew members will not know which deck your cabin is on, so they will have to manually match your bags to your name and cabin number — a process that can take several hours or even until the next day. Your luggage may not reach your cabin until evening or later, cutting into your first day onboard.
If you arrive at the port without tags, Royal Caribbean can print them for you at the terminal, but this adds time to your check-in process. You will stand in a separate line while crew print new tags, attach them to your bags, and send them through the system. Plan to arrive at the port extra early if you know you do not have tags.
Luggage tags for connecting flights and transfers
The Royal Caribbean luggage tags are only for the ship itself. If you are flying to the port, your airline will give you separate baggage tags at check-in for your flight. Do not confuse the two. Attach your airline tags to your bags for the flight, and your Royal Caribbean tags for the cruise. When you arrive at the port, your bags will already have the airline tags; you can leave those on or remove them before attaching the Royal Caribbean tags.
If you are using Royal Caribbean's ground transfer service (a bus from the airport to the port), ask the transfer company whether they want you to tag your bags. Some transfer services have their own tagging system. Check your transfer confirmation email or call the transfer company before you leave home to avoid confusion at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same luggage tags for the return cruise if I book back-to-back cruises?
No. Each cruise gets its own set of tags with different color codes and cabin assignments. Royal Caribbean will mail new tags for your second cruise separately. Do not reuse tags from your first cruise, as they will direct your bags to the wrong deck.
What if I lose a luggage tag after I receive it but before I cruise?
Contact Royal Caribbean customer service or read a replacement from your online account. You can print it at home or request that a new one be mailed. If your cruise is within two weeks, ask whether you can pick up a replacement at the port on embarkation day.
Do I need separate tags for carry-on bags?
No. Luggage tags are only for checked bags that you want delivered to your cabin. Carry-on bags stay with you during boarding and do not need Royal Caribbean tags. You can bring carry-ons directly to your cabin without checking them.
What if my cabin assignment changes after I receive my luggage tags?
Contact Royal Caribbean when ready. Your tags are color-coded to your original cabin deck. If your cabin moves to a different deck, you need new tags with the correct color. Call customer service or update your account online to request replacement tags with the new deck assignment.
Can I buy luggage tags if I did not receive them?
You do not need to buy them. Royal Caribbean provides them at no cost. If you did not receive them in the mail, request replacements through your online account or by phone. The ship will also have tags available at the port if absolutely necessary, though this causes delays during check-in.